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"If we’d given you a nickname like skunk, you’d have just dyed your hair black and white and never showered.”
Hex by name and hexed by nature. Cursed to dream of his mate dying night after night. To feel the cold water fill his lungs and force the last breath from his body. Just as one day his mate would die in the ice-cold water of the creek.
Perhaps it was a good thing that Hex had never met her. If his mate never entered his life, she wouldn’t suffer the cruel fate he’d relived over and over again.
Then he meets Martha, a cougar from Cougar Ridge and he knows he must see his dream as a blessing, not a curse. What if the dream was given to him as a gift so that he can save her?
Martha has returned to Cougar Ridge to care for her mom who is sick. As a forty-something cougar shifter who longed for a mate and children, she’d put all her energy into forging out a successful career in the city. She had almost given up on finding her mate and then fate brings him into her life and into her heart.
But Hex seems standoffish, as if he isn’t ready to commit, even though he is a bear shifter who should share the same need to find his mate and raise a family.
Martha soon finds out Hex has a secret. A secret that has haunted him his whole life.
Is it possible he has foreseen her death? Can they work together to make sure she stays alive so they can live together forever?
Or has Hex got it wrong? Is it really Martha’s death he dreams of, or his own?

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2020

1068 people are currently reading
133 people want to read

About the author

Harmony Raines

297 books703 followers
Harmony Raines loves to write romance filled with magic and love. Her men are usually not so alpha, but they know how to treat their fated mates, or alien lovers well.

Email: harmony@harmonyraines.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyraine...

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From the author:
If you love shifter romances, sign up to my newsletter at http://www.harmonyraines.com/newslett... and you'll receive an exclusive subscriber only book - Fated & Mated: Love at First Site - absolutely free!

Just my way of saying thank you for giving my books a try.

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5 stars
595 (61%)
4 stars
253 (26%)
3 stars
88 (9%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Ela.
2,115 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2022
This book was fine, but I didn’t like how Hex and Martha never really get to know each other. I understand that they are mates but that doesn’t mean that they know each other or have their relationship figured out.

Hex was fine, but Martha annoyed me. I didn’t like how she was being argumentative just for the sake of it. She talked about how independent she was and how she didn’t need a man’s help, and it was just annoying. I would have understood her if Hex was trying to take over her life, but he didn’t even do anything and when he asked if Martha needed help, it was just a normal thing to ask.

There was a plot about Hex’s dream, but I didn’t like Martha’s reaction to it. Other than nothing else happens as the book is too short to show much.

I might still continue with this series to see what the situation with Beck is, and I kind of liked Shawn so I wouldn’t mind reading a book about him and Jane.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,576 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2020
Lovely

Martha has come home to Cougar Ridge to check on her sick mother. She finds her mate Hex Winter but will they find happiness?
1,603 reviews12 followers
June 30, 2021
This is an OK shifter romance, with a likable couple, but it suffered from a lack of character development. I wanted more background on both Hex and Martha. It gets 3 stars from me.

I liked both Hex and Martha, and thought they were good together. I liked how they both automatically accepted each other's family as their own, and that Hex wanted to help Martha with her mom's illness.

The part about Hex's dream of his mate's death was interesting. I liked how Martha didn't think he was crazy, and accepted that it could truly be a premonition that they should be prepared for.

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 Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
April 21, 2020
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

I’ve enjoyed the glimpses of the men who work around and the man who owns the sawmill near Bear Creek, so I was delighted to discover their own spin-off series of which Hex is the first story. This bear shifter has been carrying around an emotional and mental burden for so many years. His recurring dream, that feels more like a premonition, has kept him from truly searching for his mate. In some ways, Hex feels it might be for the best if he never, ever finds her… but fate has different ideas about that.

I fell in love with Hex. He’s strong yet tender, committed yet cautious, devoted yet afraid for his mate’s life. It doesn’t help his concerns that Martha really doesn’t seem to believe his concerns. No, she’s not calling him crazy or brushing it off – but it’s obvious that she does not feel the strength of the dreams or really puts much faith in them becoming a reality in any way at all. She will do all she can to calm Hex, but really believe him seems unlikely – until it’s almost too late.

I’m enjoying getting a closer look at Cougar Ridge. The mothers are awesome, the brothers tight-knit, even the brother that is away right now is fondly mentioned. Hex is very much a character-driven story. Yes, there is a major event but no bad guys, just fate to deal with this time around. We’ll run into other known characters, discover a few interesting twists along the away, and have an excellent beginning to another series to enjoy. I had a blast, and already have Beck downloaded and ready to dive into. If you love a good Shifter Romance, especially if you enjoy the Bear Bluff/Bear Creek world, then you’ll feel right at home with the Winter – Shifter Seasons series.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
1,203 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2020
Brilliant

Hex has had this reoccurring dream of his mate drowning but he doesn’t have a mate yet until he finds her at the shop at cougars ridge. Martha has come back home to look after her sick mum not expecting to find her mate but one look and she knows as does Hex. As they get to know each other and Hex helps Martha with her mum he has to tell her about his reoccurring dream when he saves her from the carbon monoxide poisoning from her mums house when they fell asleep in front of the fire Martha thinks that is the dream but she knows Hex doesn’t. On their way back to bears creek they have to by the creek as they need to get back to Hex’s house to give Martha’s mum her medication and with the poisoning and the snow being so bad they have had to take the long route which goes by the creek. As they are going past the creek they hear a scream Martha goes running towards the sound same as Hex even though he doesn’t want to just keep Martha safe but he knows he can’t he needs to help the two boys who have got themselves into trouble when they get there the younger brother is on the ice spread out as the ice has cracked and is scared of falling in. Hex keeps an eye on Martha making sure she keeps away from the edge of the creek but when the brother on the bank lunges forward to go on the ice Martha stops him but slips into the creek just like Hex’s dream. This is exactly where his nightmare happens and it is coming true Hex has to save her he gets the young boy to safety and then goes for Martha the young boy helps keep her head out of the water when Hex pulls her out as far as she can go because her foot is trapped but Hex knows how and where because of the dream. Hex manages to free Marthas foot and get her breathing again now just to get them all of the mountain with a little help from a dragon.
1,311 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2020
Good start to a new series set in the Bear Creek world

Hex has dreamed of his mate for awhile. Unfortunately, in his dreams she is drowning in an icy Bear Creek. So when he meets Martha, he is both excited and worried. They are a cute couple and I enjoyed seeing a little more of Cougar Ridge. There are some interesting side characters along with Hex and Martha. Both of their moms are great. There is a little action here, but the storyline is primarily character oriented. The pace is fast, the tone is hopeful and there are a few steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and appealing. I can't wait to see what happens next! Read this book on its own since it is book one. If you want to read more about Bear Creek, Read the Bear Creek and Bear Bluff box set, then the Return to Bear Bluff box set and the many Return to Bear Creek box sets. There are also many side series set in this locale. 2 of my favorites are the Three Silverbacks and a Baby series and the Silverback Redemption series.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
February 25, 2020
This splendid shifter romance is a fantastic start to a new series & I enjoyed reading it. The plot is interesting with a strong undertone of good chemistry & love. There are some good scene descriptions & world building. The characters are likable with realistic flaws & there is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: a male bear shifter (Hex) keeps on having reoccurring dreams about his mate drowning then he meets his mate (a female cougar shifter, Martha) who has returned home to see her sick mother, various kinds of shifters, attractions, mates, a supportive family, drama, intrigue, twists & turns, mystery, secrets, premonitions/dreams, threats, danger, desperation, unexpected help, contentment, love & a wonderful conclusion. I also discovered that this talented author has a good sense of humor as nowhere in the book does the reader discover Hex’s real name maybe we will hopefully find this out in the next book.

2,233 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2020
Umm..

Interesting read. I usually love shifter books but I had to force myself to finish this book. The main problem I have with this book is when they shift, they don't get naked, they are fully clothed. Really??

He's is a bear shifter who's had a dream that he's going to meet his mate only to lose her to a growing accident. So he'd rather never meet her. His mom had a dream about his father's death and it came true, so he knows first hand that his dream is a Hex, which is how he earned his nickname.

Martha is a cougar shifter who lives in the city. She's home visiting her mom only to find out she's very sick. While shopping at the grocery store, she meets her mate. She gave up on finding him, so this is unexpected.

Profile Image for Susan Otto.
832 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2020
Terrible dream leads bear shifter to find his mate

Hex has these terrible dreams about his mate drowning and he couldn't save her. He works in his family enterprises, he fears to meet his mate. In the grocery store of all places he meets Martha. Her mom is sick with a mysterious disease! Will they solved the mystery and fall in love?

The characters are unique, feisty, and relatable. This fast paced winter drama has several twist. Is Hex psychic? Then how come his dreams seems to change. I love a mystery and romance combined with factual information. I will always remember this story.

I recommended this story because the author gives the reader entertainment as well as creativity.

bookwormsuzy
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,378 reviews46 followers
February 21, 2020
Short fun read with an entertaining plot and likeable characters. All the additional family and other characters helped make this an enjoyable read.
Loved how things played out with Hex’s dream vision.
Will be looking forward to the next brothers’ book as I think it will flow on from this one.
I also would like to know Shawn and Jane’s story.
Really clever tease by Ms Raines in not disclosing Hex’s real name.
There are great box sets available by this author that will take you to both Bear Creek and Bear Bluff if you are interested in reading about this great place.
Kindly offered this book but I had already grabbed it through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2020
Lots of new characters to get to know!

Hex and his family own the Winter's Sawmill. He and his brother go into Cougar Ridge to cut down a few weak trees before a big storm.
Martha lives in the city but has come home to check on her mother. As she enters the grocery store she feels odd. Then she and Hex meet and know they are mates.
The problem is that Hex keeps having a recurring dream that he feels is a premonition to his mates death because his mother had a dream just like that about her mate.
Can he let her go to save her life or can they figure out a way to prevent it from happening?
Profile Image for Katrina.
121 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2020
I actually love the way harmony has created hex! Thinking he already knows what happened to his fated mate as he thinks he has the same talent as him mom.

Hex dreams have actually made him think he was glad he never met his mate.. the heartbreak he goes throw every night living throw watching his mate die and being unable to do anything about it.... into hex meets Martha his MATE! His world comes crashing down.. experiencing the rush of feeling of finding his mate then the panic set In about the dreams. Is the curse going to come true or are hex and Martha going to find away to stop the fate hex dreams have over Martha?
Profile Image for Schellie.
887 reviews
June 5, 2020
Finally, I Found Her!

Imagine having a reoccurring nightmare about the death of your mate! Hex believes it’s a premonition and can’t let it go, he actually hopes he never meets his mate, so she will never be put in danger. Martha has spent her adult life fighting for equality in a men’s world, finally she has gotten her promotion, but will going back to Cougar Ridge change everything? Going to visit her sick mother, she never expects to meet her mate, but there he is, a big sexy sawmill worker! Can Hex keep her safe from the impending death he has foreseen? This was a first in the new series from Bear Creek, I truly enjoy these stories as they are a fun, quick read!
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews99 followers
February 21, 2020
Another great romantic read from Harmony with a guaranteed Happy Ever After while having a real plot and engaging characters. A Bear Creek shifter who has given up on finding his fated mate meets her in the local grocery store. But she's not a bear shifter like he is, she is a cougar shifter who normally lives in the city and is only here to see to her sick mother. Of course there are ups and downs, supportive family and individuals whose actions are driven by jealousy, but that just makes the story even better!
1,569 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2020
Hex's dream becomes reality

Such a good read. I like that Hex and Martha are a bit older when they find each other. The relationship that they have with their mothers is pretty special. It's nice to see how they help their mothers. There are a few mysteries to figure out in this story. Some stolen romantic moments. A few close calls with people almost dying of becoming very sick. I like Hex's brother Mac. I look forward to seeing his book in the future because he sure deserves his happily ever after.
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,060 reviews1,160 followers
February 20, 2020
I was right initially when I thought this book was more of a contemporary small-town romance rather than a shapeshifter romance. I thought the story would be more high stakes but it was really just this sweet instalove romance.

So, if you're looking for something angst-free and instalove-y between two shapeshifters (a bear and a cougar)? Yeah, try it out. I might come back to this series later when I want something safe but I need something more with a high stake right now.
1,033 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2020
Hex and Martha

Martha has returned from city to find her mother ill. She meets Hex at the grocery store while shopping to refill her mother's shelves and refrigerator. Both know instantly they are mates. He's has had a recurring dream of losing his mate in the winter creek, so he now lives in fear. It is a well-written story with empathetic characters. I've always enjoyed her last books and this is the beginning of another delightful series.
329 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2020
Loved it!!!

The first book of this series was awesome, loved how things worked out and although the dream came through they came out ok. Now that all that is over and done with Hex and Martha is now ready to go forward to begin their new life together. Now what's this about their brother Beck, there's some conflict there can't wait to see what that's all about, and get to know what Hex real name is...big fan as always Winzie19☺💞.
1,397 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2020
Hex: Winter (Shifter Seasons Book 1)

I am really enjoying this series it's a great book Hex Winter Shifter Seasons Book One By Harmony Raines. Hex and Martha are mates love how they met at the grocery store . Hex was talking to a man about cutting down a tree before snow storm comes in in a couple of days when Martha walks up to go inside to buy groceries for her an her mother they both no immediately they are mates . I recommend 18 and up .
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
December 3, 2020
I love Silverbacks Second Chance Romance

Hex Winter-Shifter Seasons Book One A silverback seasoned shifters romance
By Harmony Raines
Kindle Unlimited Romance
Hex wants to meet his mate like ANY shifter but he knows that she will die a watery death.
Martha is a cougar shifter from Cougar Ridge.
This book was a great start to this series and this world. I recommend reading this "world" in order as some characters overlap and it will help you understand the world better.
183 reviews
April 28, 2020
Enjoyable Story

The first book in Shifter Seasons-Winter series, Hex, was an enjoyable story . Hex finds his mate, Martha. He is overjoyed to find his mate But he is also very worried about a reoccurring dream that may effect their lives! A few surprise visits in this story by previous shifters added to the enjoyment of this book. Recommend for readers of shifter stories!
2,715 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2020
It sucks 2 have a bad premonition and can't really stop it but I did get 2 change it from bad 2 good. He did everything he could 2 keep from looking his mate that he just met. But he got a bonus out of it by meeting her. I wondered what happened 2 her dad that caused him 2 due since she knows about what happened with his dad.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2020
A really great bear shifter romance. 💞💓🐻💞

Martha came home to help her mother get well and met her mate, Hex. They had both sort of given up on meeting each other but fate hadn't forgotten them. 💕💗🔥💕 But I'm dying of curiosity about what Hexs' real name is!
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2020
KU Edition reader

Thos is an amazing way to start a new spin-off series, but with Harmony Raines as the author, I am not surprised! Intrigue, danger, and hope, along with charismatic characters make this another wonderful story!
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2020
Hex

Another fantastic series from Harmony Raines. A few previous characters along with a few new ones. Hex was afraid to meet his mate because of a recurring dream. But when he does meet Martha the connection is instant and he will just have to keep her safe.
Profile Image for Lynnette.
972 reviews
February 21, 2020
Hex

The first book in Harmony Raines' new series, follows Hex. He's had dreamed that his mate will drown, so he has been glad he hasn't met her, yet. But then Martha walks into his life. Will he give love a chance?
1,838 reviews19 followers
February 22, 2020
Hex 1

A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
Profile Image for Angie7.
979 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2020
Dream or Nightmare?

Wow! Just wow! Drama, action, thrills, chills. Whay a story! Romantic yes, but what a plot, I didn't see it till it happens. Warning cliffhanger! So when does the next book come out?!
183 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2020
Loved

I wasn’t ready for a new series, so I was reluctant to read this, but happy I did. I thought it take me away from Bear Creek, but instead it gave me more people to love. I enjoyed every word and I can’t wait for Beck’s book, there’s something secretive going on.
667 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2020
Good read

A little slow in parts but all in all a good storyline with characters that you really like. Or some editing issues that were a bit distracting but it was one that I would enjoy reading again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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