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Bear shifter Margaret Einarsson Swanson never thought that love would find her again after her mate Ryan was killed. The curvy widow has spent years raising her children and running the Grizzly Creek Ranch's bed-and-breakfast operation.

Then professional chef Daniel Langlais shows up seeking sanctuary at the ranch. He's wounded, on the run with his young nephew, and big trouble is hot on his heels. Margaret knows that falling for this devastatingly attractive silver-haired sabertooth shifter will make all hell break loose within the Swanson family.

But even knowing all that, her bear can't resist his scent, the mouthwatering meals he dishes up for her, or his smooth Louisiana drawl.

Sometimes, grabbing the chance for happiness means taking big risks. Is Margaret willing to defy her clan for a second chance at love with a mate who seems so wrong but feels so right?

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2019

247 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Ophelia Sexton

90 books149 followers
Ophelia 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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5 stars
247 (57%)
4 stars
129 (30%)
3 stars
45 (10%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews543 followers
February 25, 2019
There was a lot going on in this one. At the beginning we have home invasion that put 2 new characters on the run and where do you run if you are a shifter and need a safe place...well Bearpaw Ridge of course. I liked that Daniel ran to Bearpaw, despite his worry that he would be thrown out due to his name and how his brother hurt others there. By laying out what happened to him and why he choose Bearpaw he won over Margret and found sanctuary.

From here things got interesting. I liked the attraction Daniel and Margaret had, liked that they fanned the attraction despite how all the family chimed in with their thoughts. It was fun seeing Daniel win all of them over by being himself.

The drama at the end was in parts contrived, because Daniel and Margaret created part of it themselves, the other part was bad following Daniel. About the only good thing that came out of his was both Daniel and Margaret realized what was important and worked things out, which made for a sweet ending for them.
1,603 reviews12 followers
November 17, 2019
This is an OK shifter romance, with decent editing, but I did have some issues with it. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded down to 3 stars.

My main issue with this book (and the entire series, so far) is how prejudiced the shifters are. Many of them consider humans and different kinds of shifters from themselves to be inferior, and don't think shifters should mate with anyone but their kind of shifter. It seems a lot like the much too common prejudice toward interracial marriages. I detest prejudice in any form, so this really bothered me.

I liked Daniel a lot, but Margaret was harder to like. Daniel was a great guy, and so good with his nephew. Margaret was better in this book than she has been in the earlier books -- but it still bothered me that she had been so terribly prejudiced (for many years) against humans and shifters that were not bears. She seems to have finally gotten past that prejudice in this book, though, so that is a good thing. Since Margaret had changed, she and Daniel were good for each other -- and I liked that she even accepted Daniel's nephew as family, to the point of saving his life.

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.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,809 reviews55 followers
January 4, 2021
Listened to this story on Audible. Narrator did a good job. She fit the tone of the story well, and did a good job voicing both main characters. A good listen.

Sweet and steamy connection between Margaret and Daniel! Liked the bits of suspense too! Daniel is a saber tooth shifter, and he’s guardian to his young nephew, Chris; Chris’ dad is in jail. When some other saber tooth shifters set out to kill Chris because Chris’ dad was Alpha, Daniel goes to Bear Paw Ridge to ask for sanctuary. Unfortunately, Chris’ dad is in jail because of something bad he did to some of the members of the Bear Paw Ridge bear pack, so Daniel has some strides to make in getting them to trust him. Luckily, he finds an ally and an attraction with bear shifter, Margaret. Margaret feels the connection between Daniel and herself too, but there’s some complications standing in their way; the trust issues between Daniel and Margaret’s bear pack, how long Daniel will be staying in Bear Paw Ridge, and Margaret being afraid to love again after losing her previous mate.

Margaret and Daniel are both easy to like characters; mostly acting as mature individuals, and I liked their connection. Sweet and passionate! Margaret does let her bear pack and her adult children color her opinions a bit too much, but I did enjoy all the bear shifters interacting and coming together for pack dinners; fun scenes! Plus, Margaret is a tough lady! Loved her fierce side! Daniel is such a sweet guy, and a good match for Margaret. A little more action and less normal day things would’ve been good; things like a job interview and details of a restaurant for example, but overall, the story was entertaining. I’ve enjoyed most books and characters in this series so far, and am excited to read the rest of the series!
351 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2019
Ophelia Sexton brings us an powerful story, of Daniel and Margret, with relationships that will be strained and tested. She puts us through the paces of anger, joy, love, fear, and hatred. A book you should absolutely read if you love reading about loyalty, love, bravery, humility, and acceptance!

Daniel Langlais is a sabertooth shifter who happens to be the brother of Pete Langlais. Pete is currently in jail for having tried to attack and kill Mark Swanson mate, Caitlyn! When out of town sabertooth shifters show up where Daniel is living to try to kill him and his nephew, Chris, he does everything he can to protect his nephew. At the first opportunity he gets he drives to the one place he can think of where he thinks no one would think a Langlais would go! Grizzly Creek in Bearpaw Ridge, home of the Swanson Clan!

When Daniel and Chris show up on Margret Swanson's doorstep she can't turn them away! What she doesn't expect is to be attracted to the handsome silver-grayed devil that is Daniel Langlais. Will him being the brother of an enemy cause too much conflict? Will Daniel be able to protect Chris?

I have been waiting for this book!!! And it does not disappoint. Ophelia puts us through a range of emotions with these characters! She continues to emphasize the importance of acceptance and family! I love that this story is about an older couple! They can find love (again) late in life! I love that Daniel calls Margret , Darlin'! At this point I want to be adopted into the Swanson Clan myself! If you like a well written story line with a good dose of steamy scenes then this is a book you should definitely give a chance!
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
October 4, 2020
How Romance should be done!

Ember: Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters Book 9
By Ophelia Sexton
Kindle unlimited purchase
Daniel, a saber-toothed cat shifter, has never met his mate. He's been busy raising his nephew after his ordinary mother dropped him off at his doorstep. When he gets a call in the middle of the night, it sets off a chain of events leading him on the doorstep of his brother's enemies looking for help to save his nephew.
Margaret is in charge while her sister Ellie is away. She thought it was going to be smooth sailing but that was until she opened her door. She knew something was up with the handsome gentleman and his nephew Chris. Margaret's mate died in Afghanistan when her children were young. Now she is over 40 and gets a second chance with Daniel. But will her family understand or will they keep them apart?
As over 40/Second chance Romance this is a great example of how it should be done! Every book takes you right into the next the first six books or about the Swanson brothers and their mother getting their mates. The next four or about Margaret and her three children finding their mates. No Cliffhangers and each book has a happy ever after. But because this is about a family of shifters finding their true mates, I recommend reading these books in order
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2019
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Daniel is the executive chef of desert bayou, he is also unranked in his sabertooth cat pride because he just didn't want to deal with all the politic he went away to the military. The the price leader including is younger brother committed a crime. Their dead or in jail like his brother Pete. Since Pete's wife didn't want there kid. Daniel stepped up to raise him.
Things were going good until new sabertooths came to town.

Grizzly creek ranch in Bearpaw Ridge, Idaho
Margaret is the younger sister of Elle the head of the Swanson bear clan. She owns a little B&B on the ranch. When Daniel and Chris show up at her door asking for a room then sanctuary she knows she can't send them away.
Great story, love the amazing characters. It has action, drama, mystery, suspense, and so much more. I love how Ophelia Sexton description in her story you really feel like your there. This series is fantastic. Don't miss it.
Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly love it.
Profile Image for Christie.
104 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2019
Boy meets girl. Girl's children interfere, boy cooks amazing meal...

I love Orphelia's descriptions! This book took the cake with delicious meals and menus prepared by Chef Daniel. Margaret gets her story and her man. But there is danger and grudges and fights to the death that carry the plot along. Meet the Swansons for the first time or come back to Bearpaw Ridge again. Either way it's a heart-warming (panty-warming) ride. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. Plus there are more children on the ranch and Margaret's grown and married kids keep getting in her business. How would you feel about that?
501 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2021
Finding a Love to Keep

Daniel Langlais, saber tooth tiger shifter, US Marine veteran, and top flight chef, finds himself running to protect his nephew, Chris. His escape takes him to Bearpaw Ridge, Idaho for sancuary. He meets Margaret Swanson, Grizzly Bear shifter, widow, and proprietress of the Grizzly Creek Ranch B&B enterprise. Sparks fly between these two mature characters while thrills, chills and action swirl around them. Conflicts between Dan's old pride, the Swanson clan and the couple themselves create consternation and concern. Their ability to literally fight their way out of trouble brings everyone where they need to be. And creates the perfect conclusion.
613 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2019
Great read

Awesome addition to this series. Daniel is a real down to earth hero even though he doesn't think of himself as a hero. He is a man that looks after those he loves with all his strength. When he and Chris need sanctuary and Margaret gives it to them it is the start of a wonderful relationship and an awesome story. I can't wait for the next book to be released. I would recommend this book and the entire series to any adult reader that enjoys very sexy shifter romances.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2019
Another amazing addition to the ‘Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters’ series. This book is an exciting action packed paranormal romance. It is suspenseful, emotional, full of drama, twists and turns, and drama. It is guaranteed to pull you in from the first page. The characters are likeable, strong, deep, and sweet. It is a series worth reading and comes highly recommended. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,644 reviews25 followers
March 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I had read the other books in the series and was very familiar with the history of the characters. I think you could enjoy it too if you are new to the series as the author explains the history for those not familiar with it.

I really liked them as a couple right away. She deserved someone after being alone so long and taking care of everyone else. He is a good guy who really loves his nephew and wants to keep him safe. They have great chemistry.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
211 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2024
This one was another surprise in this series. A but similarly to Elle's book, I wasn't convinced that I really wanted to know more about Margaret: she may not have been as bad as Elle but she wasn't someone I necessarily wanted to know. She is also significantly older than the typical main female character I would usually read about. This is very much a "later in life" story - despite ages being conspicuously absent.
In the end, I did really enjoy this story which, just like Elle's, acts as a real bridge from and into other parts of the overarching families and lineages.
Profile Image for Sarah Bennett.
4 reviews
February 25, 2019
Once again Olphelia Sexton does it again with the amazing Bearpaw Ridge Crew and bringing Margaret Swanson, Daniel, and little Chris’s story to us. Full of family, romance, and action. Once you pick up this book you won’t be able to put it down. Can’t wait to see what comes next in the Bearpaw Ridge Series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,603 reviews22 followers
February 25, 2019
Love this author and this series. This is suspenseful, dramatic, surprising, exciting, emotional and so much more. You want a book that grabs your attention and pulls you right in. A strong, sexy alpha male and a sweet, sexy alpha female. What a combination. Then add in the rest of the story. Awesome. I was given a review copy by booksprout and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for AudreymlHawkins.
484 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2019
Finding Love

OMGee!!! Swoon!!! Love love love this story. Daniel and Margaret melted my heart. A second chance at love for a women who gives so much to others and a true shot at love for a man who doesn’t believe himself worthy of being called a hero. Read and see how they heal each other and find their HEA.
100 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2019
I love HEA'S

This was a lovely story about an older couple who have been through some tough times, yet fell in love. When Margaret met Daniel, he was injured and running with his nephew from some evil saber tooth tigers who had shot Daniel. I really enjoyed this story in the series and am looking forward to reading the next one.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,397 reviews181 followers
November 15, 2019
Margaret Swanson gets a second chance at love with sabertooth, Daniel Langlais. But will the hostility against sabertooth shifters, especially a Langlais, come between them.

I enjoyed this one. It was nice seeing the other Swanson matriarch find love again. I really liked Daniel. He was a great uncle and a great partner for Margaret.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,404 reviews33 followers
December 1, 2019
A great addition to this terrific series!

I have really enjoyed this series, and this story was another terrific addition to it! With great characters, heartbreaking situations, angst, suspense, a bit of violence, and a past that many would like to forget, this is not a story to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
106 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2019
So far i have read this whole series love these stories . They keep you interested in the story form start to finish can't wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 reviews
February 25, 2019
Ophelia never disappoints with her books. I sat down and read it all in one day. Always action and lots of love in her stories and the Bearpaw Ridge adventures are the best. Can't wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
March 4, 2019
Ember

I knew the men would find Daniel and Chris before all was said and done. They were probably tracking the calls and movements of the other pride members. Margaret and Daniel should have known it was inevitable once their animals had chosen them to be mates.
86 reviews
March 18, 2019
Good read

Really enjoyed seeing Maggie get her happily ever after. The story was well put together and I really liked seeing a lot of the prior characters.
Would really like to see Thor and Cassie again.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,144 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2019
Well this book sure keep me reading, yes I'm going to find the next book. This book is about fate and foster kids. A crystal neckless and find out who they really are... But the question is what are they?
Profile Image for Melvena Asa.
1,754 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2019
Ember

Excellent addition to this series and it is definitely a great exciting book. It definitely deserves more than five stars. Every twist will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Celeste.
122 reviews2 followers
Read
January 29, 2020
Bear shifter and saber tooth shifter

Loved this book it was great to finally see that Margaret finally gets love as well as her sister did. It is strangely ironic that both sisters are with saber tooth shifters as well. Great book and series can't wait for the next book.
2,789 reviews16 followers
July 18, 2020
Intriguing series

Margret & Daniel story was intriguing and intense from the very beginning to the end. I am so glad that margret got a chance to have a second chance at finding love.
343 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2020
Saberthooth and Bear on my

Oh my the sister always seem to be on the same page. First husbands were brothers, and we're lost tragically. Now both sisters are up to it again with Saberthooth care.
307 reviews
January 18, 2021
A change in the romance of a paranormal

Daniel Langlais meets Margaret Swanson after he has been caught in the midst of a pride war. He goes to Beatles where he meets Mararet after surviving a hit by a man intent on taking over the Sandia Peak Pride.
720 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
Great series!

I recommend that you read this book📚 series in order so that you know each character. I've enjoyed reading each book📚 and each story has it's own intriguing, interesting stories.
Profile Image for Robin.
2,545 reviews20 followers
December 9, 2025
Daniel & Margaret

Another great Swanson happily ever after. It just took a bit to get there. It feels like Daniel and Margaret are actually fated mates and they would have hopefully found each other eventually anyway. Love the Swansons and Bearpaw Ridge!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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