What do you think?
Rate this book
Shifter Town #4
Bear Essentials
She wasn't aware of her wet, clinging clothes. Her long hair, sticking to her skin. The melting hail or the dark night. She was only aware of one thing, and he was consuming her.
CONNOR REID is complex. An alpha, taller and stronger than anyone else, who has never lost a fight. But the truth is, this grizzly bear shifter is as sweet as a summer breeze and shy as a prairie dog. He never planned to stay in Shifter Town. Then something happened that rocked his world. Her name is LILY AMARETTO.
Lily hasn't known much kindness in her life, and never from a man. When she accepts a job working for the scariest male she's ever seen, it's about survival and redemption. She doesn't want to spend her life afraid of shadows, but did she really have to start with the most lethal man in existence? That's exactly what Connor Reid seems like to her. But there are other new and indefinable feelings that he stirs. And the things he does to her in her dreams.
What do two shy souls do when they want each other badly, but aren't quite sure how to make it happen?
Shifter Town is about to find out...
Bear Essentials is the fourth book in bestselling author Novalee Swan's Shifter Town series. It features her trademark heat and emotional intensity and is perfect for readers who love sexy shifter alphas and small-town charm.
CONNOR REID is complex. An alpha, taller and stronger than anyone else, who has never lost a fight. But the truth is, this grizzly bear shifter is as sweet as a summer breeze and shy as a prairie dog. He never planned to stay in Shifter Town. Then something happened that rocked his world. Her name is LILY AMARETTO.
Lily hasn't known much kindness in her life, and never from a man. When she accepts a job working for the scariest male she's ever seen, it's about survival and redemption. She doesn't want to spend her life afraid of shadows, but did she really have to start with the most lethal man in existence? That's exactly what Connor Reid seems like to her. But there are other new and indefinable feelings that he stirs. And the things he does to her in her dreams.
What do two shy souls do when they want each other badly, but aren't quite sure how to make it happen?
Shifter Town is about to find out...
Bear Essentials is the fourth book in bestselling author Novalee Swan's Shifter Town series. It features her trademark heat and emotional intensity and is perfect for readers who love sexy shifter alphas and small-town charm.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2018
175 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Novalee Swan
14 books78 followersI'm just a girl from down under who writes paranormal and contemporary romance. I love travel, my dog Emma, and creating sexy alpha heroes who know how to scorch the sheets — with the right woman.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 9, 2021
I got the majority of the books in this series on sale last year because they looked interesting and looking back at it, it was a very good decision ;) for the last few months I’ve been determined to make a solid dent in my Kindle tbr so when I found this series there I figured out I would give it a try, cause it would be a win either way :) either I will love it and can read it with pleasure or I won’t like it and it still will take off four books of my tbr :) and I ended up absolutely loving them :) since I read them one after another, including getting the fifth, and currently last one available, so I can binge all of them, I will write one review with a few words about each book, because I would have to repeat a lot of the things about the series in general so why not make it easier for me ;)
this is an urban fantasy / paranormal series set in an alternate version of our world where paranormal creatures are living out in the open and people know about them :) it takes place in this small-ish town where a lot of them live, hence the name of the series Shifter Town (it’s a nickname of the town) each story technically can be read as a standalone, but I would very highly recommend you to read them in order, cause the main characters are always a strong presence in other books and it will be definitely easier to follow all the connections if you read them that way :) the first three are novellas and the other two full length novels :) I absolutely adore the writing style of Novalee Swan :) she creates great characters and then gives them amazing romances :) there is always a ton of chemistry and banter, phenomenal friendships and all around great fun :) I adore that she doesn’t take these stories too seriously so even though some of them might feel a bit rushed they are always an awesome source of entertainment :)
book #1 Bear temptation 4 stars
first novella that surprised me in the best possible way :) and even though there is a bit of weird pacing (as in a time jump that fits a bit awkwardly in the story) the romance between Kelly and Reid was good enough for me to fall in love with this series :)
book #2 Caging Ash 4 stars
usually I am not a fan of those stories where a couple dances around each other for a long time without doing anything about it, but somehow this one worked… maybe cause it focused on the actual action part ;) I liked it a bit less than the first one, but it was still a good entertainment
book #3 Wolf down 3,5 stars
the last novella and my least favourite in the series, mainly because it really should have been longer, especially if you take into account the issues Lucas has… he struggles with some serious shit and we don’t really have the time in this story to really deal with it… nonetheless, it was a solid addition to the series
book #4 Bear essentials 5 stars
my favourite so far :) what the previous stories lacked (mostly because they were too short) this one delivers plenty :) we have a slower build of the relationship, with all that delicious tension and great chemistry :) there are friendships forming, with a lot of appearances from all the previous couples as well as introducing some new characters, most of which will for sure get stories in the future (or so I hope) also, it includes some of my favourite tropes in books :) we have a big, mostly silent guy who looks terrifying, but is just the sweetest teddy bear in the world :) and we have Lily, who has a hard past behind her and now she’s working to rebuild her life… add to it a slow building romance and it was a done deal for me :) also, the writing style gets even better when you have a full length novel to build the story
book #5 Ever unbroken 5 stars
this one surprised me :) I’m not gonna lie, I was more curious about other characters getting their own story first, but I was hopeful I would still love this one and damn… it was soooo good :) I loved Renkin Jones and his twin brother before but Sabine was a bit of a mystery for me… mainly because she kept her distance from everyone… but the more I read and learned about her, the more I understood her attitude… because once we learn more about her past and why she acts this way… once we get under that attitude and shell she puts up before the world… *sighs* watching these two fall for each other was wonderful… we also get a few more potential couples for future books and I need them all in my hands ASAP
honestly, I can’t believe more people haven’t heard about this series :) I highly recommend you to check it out :) it’s fun and super entertaining, perfect if you want to escape reality for a while :)
XOXO
A
this is an urban fantasy / paranormal series set in an alternate version of our world where paranormal creatures are living out in the open and people know about them :) it takes place in this small-ish town where a lot of them live, hence the name of the series Shifter Town (it’s a nickname of the town) each story technically can be read as a standalone, but I would very highly recommend you to read them in order, cause the main characters are always a strong presence in other books and it will be definitely easier to follow all the connections if you read them that way :) the first three are novellas and the other two full length novels :) I absolutely adore the writing style of Novalee Swan :) she creates great characters and then gives them amazing romances :) there is always a ton of chemistry and banter, phenomenal friendships and all around great fun :) I adore that she doesn’t take these stories too seriously so even though some of them might feel a bit rushed they are always an awesome source of entertainment :)
book #1 Bear temptation 4 stars
first novella that surprised me in the best possible way :) and even though there is a bit of weird pacing (as in a time jump that fits a bit awkwardly in the story) the romance between Kelly and Reid was good enough for me to fall in love with this series :)
book #2 Caging Ash 4 stars
usually I am not a fan of those stories where a couple dances around each other for a long time without doing anything about it, but somehow this one worked… maybe cause it focused on the actual action part ;) I liked it a bit less than the first one, but it was still a good entertainment
book #3 Wolf down 3,5 stars
the last novella and my least favourite in the series, mainly because it really should have been longer, especially if you take into account the issues Lucas has… he struggles with some serious shit and we don’t really have the time in this story to really deal with it… nonetheless, it was a solid addition to the series
book #4 Bear essentials 5 stars
my favourite so far :) what the previous stories lacked (mostly because they were too short) this one delivers plenty :) we have a slower build of the relationship, with all that delicious tension and great chemistry :) there are friendships forming, with a lot of appearances from all the previous couples as well as introducing some new characters, most of which will for sure get stories in the future (or so I hope) also, it includes some of my favourite tropes in books :) we have a big, mostly silent guy who looks terrifying, but is just the sweetest teddy bear in the world :) and we have Lily, who has a hard past behind her and now she’s working to rebuild her life… add to it a slow building romance and it was a done deal for me :) also, the writing style gets even better when you have a full length novel to build the story
book #5 Ever unbroken 5 stars
this one surprised me :) I’m not gonna lie, I was more curious about other characters getting their own story first, but I was hopeful I would still love this one and damn… it was soooo good :) I loved Renkin Jones and his twin brother before but Sabine was a bit of a mystery for me… mainly because she kept her distance from everyone… but the more I read and learned about her, the more I understood her attitude… because once we learn more about her past and why she acts this way… once we get under that attitude and shell she puts up before the world… *sighs* watching these two fall for each other was wonderful… we also get a few more potential couples for future books and I need them all in my hands ASAP
honestly, I can’t believe more people haven’t heard about this series :) I highly recommend you to check it out :) it’s fun and super entertaining, perfect if you want to escape reality for a while :)
XOXO
A
October 24, 2020
This was the best one of the series. What a sexy, though lethal, teddy bear Conner was. Lily was so sweet, and strong enough to take her life back and overcome her past abuse. I just loved them. Even though they got cockblocked through half the book lol. I really liked the full novel length, it allowed the story more depth. I hope the rest of the series will be full length as well. So much better!! I really like all the characters in this series and this great group of friends who have each others backs.
January 31, 2019
5 Stars
Holy moly... this book! It was the best of the series thus far and one of my favorite shifter books to date.
I literally waited a long time for this book. After reading the other books in the series, I was excited for this one the most. Unfortunately, it took a while to cross my path and even then, it was by coincidence. Doesn't matter though because I thought it was worth the wait. I love all the characters in this series but Conner and Lily are my favorites so far. I can't give one specific reason as to why that is, only that I loved them so much.
The writing is done well. The pace is good and the sexy scenes are hot! Yep, I wanted to be Lily in those moments. Lily was very shy. Truth is, I would say more wary than shy. And she had good reasons. There are definitely some dark elements in this book and some might feel triggered by them.
Connor was so good for Lily, a great match of "opposites attract." Although I will say that while Connor was quiet and maybe shy when it came to Lily, when it was necessary, his beast came forward to love and protect her.
If you haven't read the previous books in this series, I do recommend that. Yes, this book can be read as a standalone, however, I think you will enjoy the story more, especially having already met the several characters from past books that are present in this one.
We were given a bit of a teaser as to what's to come in the next book. I really hope that will come out sooner rather than later.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Holy moly... this book! It was the best of the series thus far and one of my favorite shifter books to date.
I literally waited a long time for this book. After reading the other books in the series, I was excited for this one the most. Unfortunately, it took a while to cross my path and even then, it was by coincidence. Doesn't matter though because I thought it was worth the wait. I love all the characters in this series but Conner and Lily are my favorites so far. I can't give one specific reason as to why that is, only that I loved them so much.
The writing is done well. The pace is good and the sexy scenes are hot! Yep, I wanted to be Lily in those moments. Lily was very shy. Truth is, I would say more wary than shy. And she had good reasons. There are definitely some dark elements in this book and some might feel triggered by them.
Connor was so good for Lily, a great match of "opposites attract." Although I will say that while Connor was quiet and maybe shy when it came to Lily, when it was necessary, his beast came forward to love and protect her.
If you haven't read the previous books in this series, I do recommend that. Yes, this book can be read as a standalone, however, I think you will enjoy the story more, especially having already met the several characters from past books that are present in this one.
We were given a bit of a teaser as to what's to come in the next book. I really hope that will come out sooner rather than later.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
March 5, 2020
4 Stars
February 21, 2020
This whole series is one I've enjoyed (I've read 4 of the 5 titles out now), and they all fall between 3-4 stars to different degrees. This one wasn't my favorite, though, so couldn't quite round it up to "really liked it"
Lily is completely shy and terrified of men, but after moving to town, ends up working for Connor, a bear shifter and one of the biggest, scariest men she's ever met. Yet the two shy people are drawn together, and their interactions grow into something more. Can the two help each other heal? And what about the threat to the shifter population in Rosewood?
In general, I liked the leads, but they acted inconsistently. Like, Connor was very patient and supportive with Lily's fear, but all that patience fell by the wayside when they actually hooked up. The language was rawer, and the sex was more aggressive, which seemed out of character for someone who'd be almost overly conscious of how easily Lily spooked. And Lily just had some moments where she was skirting the edges of TSTL. Just not my favorite of the Shifter Town heroines.
I still enjoyed the side characters, and am glad that we've got some new faces for future stories.
This was the first full novel in the series, and it kinda showed. It's a steamy read, like the rest of the series, but felt drawn out in a lot of ways, especially compared to the first three books. There was more internal monologuing (which could also be a side effect of two introverted characters) and at times the pacing felt off. Some parts dragged a bit more, I guess. The sort of issues that hopefully will settle a bit as the author gets used to the longer format.
I did have a question about the cover for the longest time! I like the covers on this series overall, the faces and gorgeous shiny hair of the heroines a change from the usual shirtless men on the covers of my romances. But the whole first half of the book, they talked about Lily's mousy brown hair - and the cover is definitely not a brunette! Took a while for the plot to catch up with the cover.
Alternating 3rd person POV. Nothing really new in the world of shifter romances, but still entertaining. No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle nonsense. Lots of baggage on Lily's part, making it a little bit more angsty compared to the earlier books in the series. Overall, still a good addition to the Shifter Town series, just not my favorite. HEA with no cliffhanger, though we do get some threads hinting at book 5, Sabine's story Unbroken (which isn't out yet, unfortunately!) Personally, I'm waiting for Jackson's story - librarian and a feline shifter!
Would I read more in the series? Yup. It's a series I've read more than once now. Light, steamy escapism, quick reads, with characters I enjoy.
Lily is completely shy and terrified of men, but after moving to town, ends up working for Connor, a bear shifter and one of the biggest, scariest men she's ever met. Yet the two shy people are drawn together, and their interactions grow into something more. Can the two help each other heal? And what about the threat to the shifter population in Rosewood?
In general, I liked the leads, but they acted inconsistently. Like, Connor was very patient and supportive with Lily's fear, but all that patience fell by the wayside when they actually hooked up. The language was rawer, and the sex was more aggressive, which seemed out of character for someone who'd be almost overly conscious of how easily Lily spooked. And Lily just had some moments where she was skirting the edges of TSTL. Just not my favorite of the Shifter Town heroines.
I still enjoyed the side characters, and am glad that we've got some new faces for future stories.
This was the first full novel in the series, and it kinda showed. It's a steamy read, like the rest of the series, but felt drawn out in a lot of ways, especially compared to the first three books. There was more internal monologuing (which could also be a side effect of two introverted characters) and at times the pacing felt off. Some parts dragged a bit more, I guess. The sort of issues that hopefully will settle a bit as the author gets used to the longer format.
I did have a question about the cover for the longest time! I like the covers on this series overall, the faces and gorgeous shiny hair of the heroines a change from the usual shirtless men on the covers of my romances. But the whole first half of the book, they talked about Lily's mousy brown hair - and the cover is definitely not a brunette! Took a while for the plot to catch up with the cover.
Alternating 3rd person POV. Nothing really new in the world of shifter romances, but still entertaining. No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle nonsense. Lots of baggage on Lily's part, making it a little bit more angsty compared to the earlier books in the series. Overall, still a good addition to the Shifter Town series, just not my favorite. HEA with no cliffhanger, though we do get some threads hinting at book 5, Sabine's story Unbroken (which isn't out yet, unfortunately!) Personally, I'm waiting for Jackson's story - librarian and a feline shifter!
Would I read more in the series? Yup. It's a series I've read more than once now. Light, steamy escapism, quick reads, with characters I enjoy.
January 18, 2019
Meh
I wanted to love this book, a shy heroine, a sexy bear shifter hero to break her out of her shell plus a work place romance... But she was sometimes too stupid to live, and once he started talking it turned out Conner spoke exactly like Ranger in the Stephanie Plum stories, or the Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley. And the sex ended up being exactly like it was in Wolf Down;
she was impossibly tight and tiny, and he was huge, but nonetheless it end up being rough kissing and him slamming into her. Yeah, not so great...
I wanted to love this book, a shy heroine, a sexy bear shifter hero to break her out of her shell plus a work place romance... But she was sometimes too stupid to live, and once he started talking it turned out Conner spoke exactly like Ranger in the Stephanie Plum stories, or the Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley. And the sex ended up being exactly like it was in Wolf Down;
she was impossibly tight and tiny, and he was huge, but nonetheless it end up being rough kissing and him slamming into her. Yeah, not so great...
January 17, 2019
Good mostly, but.....
Ok, let’s get right to the pros of this story. Note, if someone has suffered violence or trauma from assault there are potential triggers in this book that may be hard for you.
The characters are likable, for the most part. Lily was a great character and well written. She was strong in a lot ways but knew she was a little broken in others. Some of her reactions though seemed inconsistent to me. Liked Connor too but some of his characteristics didn’t jive for me. Loved Seren and hope to learn more about her in the future.
The writing is good and flows well, for the most part. It kept me pretty engaged and really liked how she built up the story and the overall pace of it.
The basic premises of the story are good, mostly.
Now the negative aspects of the story
Some aspects of the characters didn’t work for me, like Connor being super focused on helping her heal and being patient and then during their initial moments of intimacy being way not and over the top crass, which given her history didn’t work for and given his prior understanding and patience didn’t work.
The amount of inner dialogue seemed excessive to me and somewhat repetitive. There were some minor editing issues too.
Some parts seemed overly drawn out, for example their first night together went on and on.
I’m no prude but the crass language seemed also overdone to me. A small amount in the right spots is great, it seemed to be everywhere here.
Ok, let’s get right to the pros of this story. Note, if someone has suffered violence or trauma from assault there are potential triggers in this book that may be hard for you.
The characters are likable, for the most part. Lily was a great character and well written. She was strong in a lot ways but knew she was a little broken in others. Some of her reactions though seemed inconsistent to me. Liked Connor too but some of his characteristics didn’t jive for me. Loved Seren and hope to learn more about her in the future.
The writing is good and flows well, for the most part. It kept me pretty engaged and really liked how she built up the story and the overall pace of it.
The basic premises of the story are good, mostly.
Now the negative aspects of the story
Some aspects of the characters didn’t work for me, like Connor being super focused on helping her heal and being patient and then during their initial moments of intimacy being way not and over the top crass, which given her history didn’t work for and given his prior understanding and patience didn’t work.
The amount of inner dialogue seemed excessive to me and somewhat repetitive. There were some minor editing issues too.
Some parts seemed overly drawn out, for example their first night together went on and on.
I’m no prude but the crass language seemed also overdone to me. A small amount in the right spots is great, it seemed to be everywhere here.
October 13, 2020
Mercifully, book four has an actual storyline, painfully predictable and drawn out. The story starts slow but eventually gains some speed toward the end. Connor Reid is the strong, silent type and Lily Amaretto is nothing like the drink but rather a broken shell of a woman who's afraid of her own shadow. Suffice to say that if you're a grown woman and your "friends" call you pet as a nickname, you've got issues. Lily's not even a shifter!
The story continues with its steady pace to Connor and Lily's mating goal with a splash of intrigue when poachers breach Shifter Town. Seren is Lily's sister/friend/protector, all-around bad a$$, and more interesting characters in this series. I believe there will be sparks with Seren and a certain jaguar shifter, a librarian, no doubt, named Jackson. I can't wait to see what type of shifter Seren will turn out to be. With her surly attitude, I have a few ideas!
Bear Essential is a much-improved read over the previous two, but it still has quite a way to make this series memorable. For those who like a drawn-out romance with a happy ending for awkward people, Bear Essentials is a must. The characters' similarities are almost carbon copy, although there are a few differences between Lily and Connor's characters, but not many.
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 3 stars.
The story continues with its steady pace to Connor and Lily's mating goal with a splash of intrigue when poachers breach Shifter Town. Seren is Lily's sister/friend/protector, all-around bad a$$, and more interesting characters in this series. I believe there will be sparks with Seren and a certain jaguar shifter, a librarian, no doubt, named Jackson. I can't wait to see what type of shifter Seren will turn out to be. With her surly attitude, I have a few ideas!
Bear Essential is a much-improved read over the previous two, but it still has quite a way to make this series memorable. For those who like a drawn-out romance with a happy ending for awkward people, Bear Essentials is a must. The characters' similarities are almost carbon copy, although there are a few differences between Lily and Connor's characters, but not many.
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 3 stars.
January 31, 2024
This novel had great aspects and less-than-appreciative characteristics. When it goes slow, it goes SLOW, just how Lily, the heroine, wants it. But then it can go FAST, making it aggravating at times.
I really liked Connor's character, but it takes forever to get a better idea of why he does what he does, like the last twenty pages. There a blips of disbelief I see because no guy or shifter can be that good. As for Lily, she isn't written quite like a victim. Considering the abuse in her background, she would be reacting differently. I won't go into details because I too weary of being a spoiler. Talk about major cockblockers, this was one of them.
Would I reread this book? Probably but only the good parts.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣
Dark: 💀
Triggers: Mention of a history of sexual abuse, PTSD. Murderous shifters. Mauled animals.
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: Not rushed. Epilogue almost satisfactory.
Length: Approximately 332 pages
Recommend: If you are a completist, then get it. Otherwise, read first via KU and make up your own mind.
I really liked Connor's character, but it takes forever to get a better idea of why he does what he does, like the last twenty pages. There a blips of disbelief I see because no guy or shifter can be that good. As for Lily, she isn't written quite like a victim. Considering the abuse in her background, she would be reacting differently. I won't go into details because I too weary of being a spoiler. Talk about major cockblockers, this was one of them.
Would I reread this book? Probably but only the good parts.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣
Dark: 💀
Triggers: Mention of a history of sexual abuse, PTSD. Murderous shifters. Mauled animals.
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: Not rushed. Epilogue almost satisfactory.
Length: Approximately 332 pages
Recommend: If you are a completist, then get it. Otherwise, read first via KU and make up your own mind.
September 8, 2023
»What? Your girl is even shyer than you. You want her, you’re the one who needs to do the chasing this time.«
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑳𝒊𝒍𝒚
She was so cute and really relatable, liked her as a main character.
❥ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓
What a man! He‘s protective and super cute to Lily, just the way she deserves.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
An enjoyable story with likeable characters and a good plot.
Lily and Connor are both shy persons so it was kinda difficult for them to express their feelings for each other. It takes some time but it shows off that they are perfect for each other.
The story was cute and thrilling at the same time. I liked the writing style too so it was an easy read.
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: possessive and protective hero, touch her and you‘ll die, bear shifter, bad past, fantasy, shy characters, mates
#1 Bear Temptation ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Caging Ash ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Wolf Down ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Bear Essentials ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑳𝒊𝒍𝒚
She was so cute and really relatable, liked her as a main character.
❥ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓
What a man! He‘s protective and super cute to Lily, just the way she deserves.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
An enjoyable story with likeable characters and a good plot.
Lily and Connor are both shy persons so it was kinda difficult for them to express their feelings for each other. It takes some time but it shows off that they are perfect for each other.
The story was cute and thrilling at the same time. I liked the writing style too so it was an easy read.
plot: 4/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: possessive and protective hero, touch her and you‘ll die, bear shifter, bad past, fantasy, shy characters, mates
#1 Bear Temptation ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Caging Ash ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Wolf Down ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Bear Essentials ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 10, 2020
I can BEAR-ly contain myself!
Okay so honestly, i did not expect to love this book! I love getting my daily BookBub email and seeing the outlandish romance titles and getting them if they are fun enough. Uh, so OF COURSE i get the book that has a babe in short shorts and large ass bear on the cover titled "Bear Essentials".
Going in to this, i knew i would be lost not having read any other of the previous books. Even so, reading and keeping up with characters wasn't a chore. Everything was easy to follow and it didnt feel alienating not reading the previous ones.
The story is so precious and the maim characters are super relatable (to me at least, being shy and withdrawn most of the time)
I can't wait to tell my friends about the latest fun titled romance novel i found!!
Okay so honestly, i did not expect to love this book! I love getting my daily BookBub email and seeing the outlandish romance titles and getting them if they are fun enough. Uh, so OF COURSE i get the book that has a babe in short shorts and large ass bear on the cover titled "Bear Essentials".
Going in to this, i knew i would be lost not having read any other of the previous books. Even so, reading and keeping up with characters wasn't a chore. Everything was easy to follow and it didnt feel alienating not reading the previous ones.
The story is so precious and the maim characters are super relatable (to me at least, being shy and withdrawn most of the time)
I can't wait to tell my friends about the latest fun titled romance novel i found!!
November 20, 2020
Bear Essentials – Novalee Swan—Bear’s brother Connor takes one look at Lily after a bar fight and upends his entire world. He moves to a new town, opens a new branch office for his construction business, and hires Lily to be his office manager. When a pack of sick weirdos who hunt shifters for sport get a look at Lily, Connor puts himself on guard duty. Lily’s friend Seren has been her watchwere up to this point, but giving Lily the chance to fall in love even under extreme circumstances sends her out into the woods hunting monsters. As Lily finds her place in the world, who is gonna fall in love next? Happy Reading!
January 18, 2021
Baby it’s a Bear outside.
Shy is not a strong enough word to describe Lily. You combine shy, and terrified together and you have Lilies emotional side. But most of all she is a beauty with a heart of gold but it’s hidden away to protect herself.
Conner is a BIG man that is also one of the biggest bear Shifter around. But being big does not mean you are rough. Nope, gentle is what he is with Lily. Will it be enough to help take a chance on him? Find out in this very exciting book that will hold your attention and give you a full on HEAT attack! Enjoy
Shy is not a strong enough word to describe Lily. You combine shy, and terrified together and you have Lilies emotional side. But most of all she is a beauty with a heart of gold but it’s hidden away to protect herself.
Conner is a BIG man that is also one of the biggest bear Shifter around. But being big does not mean you are rough. Nope, gentle is what he is with Lily. Will it be enough to help take a chance on him? Find out in this very exciting book that will hold your attention and give you a full on HEAT attack! Enjoy
November 5, 2020
Shifter Town Oh My
I could've finished this book days ago, but I didn't want to leave Shifter Town. Great series and each story is getting better and better. Ms. Swan makes this place seem so real. It's amazing how the ladies opened their hearts to Lily and she is experiencing true girlfriends for the first time. Please start the series with any story and you will read them all. Excited to read the next couple's love story.
I could've finished this book days ago, but I didn't want to leave Shifter Town. Great series and each story is getting better and better. Ms. Swan makes this place seem so real. It's amazing how the ladies opened their hearts to Lily and she is experiencing true girlfriends for the first time. Please start the series with any story and you will read them all. Excited to read the next couple's love story.
November 24, 2020
delicate and hardy
Life started beautifully and turned on a dime breaking things withing her. He had never seen anything like Lilly.
This short tale has a few triggers (nothing to in depth) but is ultimately sweet. This story blooms like a flower in the night and has a slow burn.
I would've liked a bit more detail or background on Conner, otherwise this was very well rounded.
Life started beautifully and turned on a dime breaking things withing her. He had never seen anything like Lilly.
This short tale has a few triggers (nothing to in depth) but is ultimately sweet. This story blooms like a flower in the night and has a slow burn.
I would've liked a bit more detail or background on Conner, otherwise this was very well rounded.
December 16, 2019
Connor and Lily
Redemption! A great novel of how two shy people learn to cope and eventually learn to enjoy life. The cabin in the woods make a perfect home for the couple 💑. Introducing new characters, catching up with others in Shifter Town, and learning facts about previous characters is wonderful. A great 👍 edition to this delightful series.
Redemption! A great novel of how two shy people learn to cope and eventually learn to enjoy life. The cabin in the woods make a perfect home for the couple 💑. Introducing new characters, catching up with others in Shifter Town, and learning facts about previous characters is wonderful. A great 👍 edition to this delightful series.
October 6, 2020
V v good
The story line is excellent, however the first two sex scenes go on and on and onnnnnn,, they are far far too long, the first is over 20 kindle pages long!! I lost interest by page 6. Needs to be shorter sex scenes. The the c word shouldnt be used as it spoils the effect. Makes everything cheap.
The story line is excellent, however the first two sex scenes go on and on and onnnnnn,, they are far far too long, the first is over 20 kindle pages long!! I lost interest by page 6. Needs to be shorter sex scenes. The the c word shouldnt be used as it spoils the effect. Makes everything cheap.
October 12, 2020
A nice length of a story, with meat on it's bones.
A young woman with a troubled past that leaves her in fear learns to love an enormous bear shifter who wants to quell her fears and earn her love. There are side issues and characters from the series make lots of entrances tying this story to the series.
A young woman with a troubled past that leaves her in fear learns to love an enormous bear shifter who wants to quell her fears and earn her love. There are side issues and characters from the series make lots of entrances tying this story to the series.
October 12, 2020
Fantastic book!
Wow so glad I found this author, absolutely loved this book and bought the rest of this hot sweet shifter series. This book had everything you could want in a shifter book heartwarming, drama and intrigue, smoking hot true deep love! These two were made for each other.
Wow so glad I found this author, absolutely loved this book and bought the rest of this hot sweet shifter series. This book had everything you could want in a shifter book heartwarming, drama and intrigue, smoking hot true deep love! These two were made for each other.
January 8, 2021
Ooh la la. These are so good.
Now this is an awesome book. Little bitty woman, quiet, shy and maybe slightly intimidated. Big, bad, huge bear, mouthy, bad*ss, who is not afraid of anybody. You would think, na not them. But, on yes, them! Way worth reading.
I purchased this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Now this is an awesome book. Little bitty woman, quiet, shy and maybe slightly intimidated. Big, bad, huge bear, mouthy, bad*ss, who is not afraid of anybody. You would think, na not them. But, on yes, them! Way worth reading.
I purchased this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 15, 2021
Loved this Story!🥰 Starting the Next One in a minute!😁 Hope there will come more soon!!❤ Can't wait to read more about new couples to be and how the other couples grow😊
The first 3 of the series were very fun to read, and so I read them 1 a day 3 days in a row (fast for me😋)
But there is so much more story and back ground in this one! Love that you are extending your stories!😁🥰
The first 3 of the series were very fun to read, and so I read them 1 a day 3 days in a row (fast for me😋)
But there is so much more story and back ground in this one! Love that you are extending your stories!😁🥰
October 1, 2020
This series is fantastic and I loved this book! Incredibly well written, full of action and romance, and wonderful characters who enthrall you from page one! Novalee has created an inspiring world in the Shifter Town series! I highly recommend checking it out!
October 29, 2020
Loved this book! I actually know someone very much like Connor (protective, even the speech patterns) so despite the “shifter” aspect this story felt very real to me. I also very much enjoyed Lily working on what she felt were things about herself she wanted to change. The “heat” level was great
November 14, 2023
oh so good
This series is stupendous the characters so well planned and thought out and developed. I have no words for how heartfelt the Conner Lily couple is. They are stoutly wonderful and I def can’t wait for seren’s story.
This series is stupendous the characters so well planned and thought out and developed. I have no words for how heartfelt the Conner Lily couple is. They are stoutly wonderful and I def can’t wait for seren’s story.
September 24, 2024
Aw!
Wasn't sure I would like this one, but surprise, surprise it was way better than expected. Introduction of new characters, but still want to see Seren and Jackson's story. This addresses SA so heads up.
Wasn't sure I would like this one, but surprise, surprise it was way better than expected. Introduction of new characters, but still want to see Seren and Jackson's story. This addresses SA so heads up.
February 20, 2019
Bear essentials
Bear essentials oh wow what a read just like the other books in this series it's a on the edge of you seat can't put it down kind of read
Bear essentials oh wow what a read just like the other books in this series it's a on the edge of you seat can't put it down kind of read
December 16, 2019
I loved this book about sweet Conner and shy Lily. What a perfect pair they make. I am hoping that Serene’s book is next.
February 28, 2020
So good!
Loved this whole series but this was my favorite!Strong and silent but oh so sexy Conner and his sweet Lily such a survivor. Such a wonderful story of redemption.
Loved this whole series but this was my favorite!Strong and silent but oh so sexy Conner and his sweet Lily such a survivor. Such a wonderful story of redemption.
October 12, 2020
Lovely
Another wonderfully interesting visit to the shifter town of Rosewood and our motley crew. Lily had a hard life can Conner make it better?
Another wonderfully interesting visit to the shifter town of Rosewood and our motley crew. Lily had a hard life can Conner make it better?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews