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Alaskan Pebble Gifters #6
A Nest for Eli
Eli loves his job as a hired fist. He gets to help pregnant omegas through a very intimate and personal moment in their lives—giving birth.
When Maxim, an alpha polar bear shifter, asks for Eli’s help making an app to pair hired fists with pregnant omegas in need, Eli immediately agrees. He doesn’t expect to be so captivated by Maxim’s kind blue eyes and quiet intelligence. After all, Eli’s never felt attracted to another alpha before.
But Maxim makes him question everything.
When their friendship turns into a passion more life-changing than Eli has ever known, the biggest question he has is this: how will Maxim feel about being in a relationship with a hired fist? Is Eli willing to quit his job to be with him? And if he does, what will happen to the pregnant penguin shifters who need his help?
A Nest for Eli is book 6 of The Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, and will not make sense unless you have read the entire series. While Eli’s and Max’s story is more focused on MPreg than any other book in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, neither of the main characters become pregnant. You can still expect penguin chicks at the end, nesting, and lots of penguin shifter nonsense.
When Maxim, an alpha polar bear shifter, asks for Eli’s help making an app to pair hired fists with pregnant omegas in need, Eli immediately agrees. He doesn’t expect to be so captivated by Maxim’s kind blue eyes and quiet intelligence. After all, Eli’s never felt attracted to another alpha before.
But Maxim makes him question everything.
When their friendship turns into a passion more life-changing than Eli has ever known, the biggest question he has is this: how will Maxim feel about being in a relationship with a hired fist? Is Eli willing to quit his job to be with him? And if he does, what will happen to the pregnant penguin shifters who need his help?
A Nest for Eli is book 6 of The Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, and will not make sense unless you have read the entire series. While Eli’s and Max’s story is more focused on MPreg than any other book in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, neither of the main characters become pregnant. You can still expect penguin chicks at the end, nesting, and lots of penguin shifter nonsense.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
92 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 25, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this.
One of the things that I didn’t like was that they already kissed and had sex by 20% but not until later, they realised they were fated mates. But I didn’t buy it. I kinda wish the realization of them being fated is explained more in depth. It was still entertaining afterwards. However, I wasn’t a fan of the plotline, too complicated and political for me.
This had elements of a forbidden relationship but it didn’t feel forbidden. This book didn’t focus on their dynamic as a relationship and lovers as much as I wanted to. Which was just sad. Overall, this book isn’t bad, I still like Bellows’ writing. The atmosphere and the concept of this series was still so eye opening and cool. Also some parts of this book was cute, but most of it didn’t work for me.
One of the things that I didn’t like was that they already kissed and had sex by 20% but not until later, they realised they were fated mates. But I didn’t buy it. I kinda wish the realization of them being fated is explained more in depth. It was still entertaining afterwards. However, I wasn’t a fan of the plotline, too complicated and political for me.
This had elements of a forbidden relationship but it didn’t feel forbidden. This book didn’t focus on their dynamic as a relationship and lovers as much as I wanted to. Which was just sad. Overall, this book isn’t bad, I still like Bellows’ writing. The atmosphere and the concept of this series was still so eye opening and cool. Also some parts of this book was cute, but most of it didn’t work for me.
November 2, 2022
3 stars
compared to the last book i read with Kade and Otis this one didn't do it for me as much.
i think it was a cute read but i didn't love these characters as much as the previous ones. also the fact that we didn't really know these characters before hand it made it feel like a standalone.. kinda haha
overall glad i read it but not the best one of the series.
compared to the last book i read with Kade and Otis this one didn't do it for me as much.
i think it was a cute read but i didn't love these characters as much as the previous ones. also the fact that we didn't really know these characters before hand it made it feel like a standalone.. kinda haha
overall glad i read it but not the best one of the series.
April 25, 2021
IMHO this is Amy's best book so far!!! All her books are incredible, but this one is insanely good. A definite can't put down till you finish gem of a story! It is beyond enthralling, with world-building that is top notch! By the end I felt like I had lived every moment with all the penguins and polar bears in Alaska!
April 23, 2021
A long talk in a coffee shop is enough to get the app up and running. The guys conversations are fun and enlightening.
Eli, 27, a Alpha Penguin shifter,
brown hair and a super caring man.
Max is a Polar Bear Alpha, white haired,
a computer tech, is helping Eli get his work app situated. We get more information on the customs, history and functions of the species connections as we move along.
On a tequila night, Eli takes drunk Max home, and the next day it's a first for Eli to receive a blow job.
He's usually taking care of others as a "hired fist" helping Penguin s give birth.
The two Alphas are deeply attracted. We see them react, confide in friends, and talk and negotiate. This story is fun, different and sexy. We also see their uninhibited sex that's wild, raw and satisfying. These two were meant for each other, with bliss as fated mates, and pure joy.
We get Gentoo and Emperor penguins, polar bears, the Slope, wild nestings, serious rules, old beliefs sorted, plus modern thoughts.
A certain client of Eli's changes things for Max and Eli. I always love the nesting craziness, the caring work Eli performs, and Max's attitude is priceless.
Highly recommended for fans of this lovely Pebble Gifters series of tales.
Yes, there are editing mistakes, that should have been caught, names change, etc.
But, still, the story is exciting. HEA.
ENJOY !
=====
Eli, 27, a Alpha Penguin shifter,
brown hair and a super caring man.
Max is a Polar Bear Alpha, white haired,
a computer tech, is helping Eli get his work app situated. We get more information on the customs, history and functions of the species connections as we move along.
On a tequila night, Eli takes drunk Max home, and the next day it's a first for Eli to receive a blow job.
He's usually taking care of others as a "hired fist" helping Penguin s give birth.
The two Alphas are deeply attracted. We see them react, confide in friends, and talk and negotiate. This story is fun, different and sexy. We also see their uninhibited sex that's wild, raw and satisfying. These two were meant for each other, with bliss as fated mates, and pure joy.
We get Gentoo and Emperor penguins, polar bears, the Slope, wild nestings, serious rules, old beliefs sorted, plus modern thoughts.
A certain client of Eli's changes things for Max and Eli. I always love the nesting craziness, the caring work Eli performs, and Max's attitude is priceless.
Highly recommended for fans of this lovely Pebble Gifters series of tales.
Yes, there are editing mistakes, that should have been caught, names change, etc.
But, still, the story is exciting. HEA.
ENJOY !
=====
November 19, 2023
4.2/5⭐ˢᵗᵃʳˢ ┇ 2/5🌶ˢᵖᶦᶜᵉ ┇ 6/10💦ʷᵉᵗᵒᵐᵉᵗᵉʳ
i loved this. more than i thought i would for some reason, even tho i love this series, this universe. the endearing nesting craziness in this series is the best & it was immaculate here too👏🤭
﹉﹉﹉ ᵗʳᵒᵖᵉˢ ﹉﹉﹉
🏳🌈 MM
💬 first-person, dual POV
🪹 urban fantasy - omegaverse
🪹 polar bear shifter × penguin shifter
🪹 alpha × alpha
🪹 both big muscular MCs
🪹 forbidden relationship
🪹 nerd × hired fist
🪹 exhibitionism (n̶o̶ s̶h̶a̶r̶i̶n̶g̶)
🪹 knotting, nesting
🪹 interconnected series, best read in order
⚠️ CW: grief, mention of mutilation (SC), mention of grooming & child assault (SC), mention of murder (off-page) & blood, MCs can't get pregnant but there's mention of mpreg in this universe
i loved this. more than i thought i would for some reason, even tho i love this series, this universe. the endearing nesting craziness in this series is the best & it was immaculate here too👏🤭
﹉﹉﹉ ᵗʳᵒᵖᵉˢ ﹉﹉﹉
🏳🌈 MM
💬 first-person, dual POV
🪹 urban fantasy - omegaverse
🪹 polar bear shifter × penguin shifter
🪹 alpha × alpha
🪹 both big muscular MCs
🪹 forbidden relationship
🪹 nerd × hired fist
🪹 exhibitionism (n̶o̶ s̶h̶a̶r̶i̶n̶g̶)
🪹 knotting, nesting
🪹 interconnected series, best read in order
⚠️ CW: grief, mention of mutilation (SC), mention of grooming & child assault (SC), mention of murder (off-page) & blood, MCs can't get pregnant but there's mention of mpreg in this universe
September 2, 2024
I am rereading this series and I enjoyed this more the second time. I still think some things were smashed in here to further along the political story.
I still love Heller though.
Loved the story but...
This one didn't read as smooth as the others. Everything was going ok, then boom - an egg appears. That part did not make sense at all, though the found family was lovely.
I still love Heller though.
Loved the story but...
This one didn't read as smooth as the others. Everything was going ok, then boom - an egg appears. That part did not make sense at all, though the found family was lovely.
Read
February 27, 2022The ending left me wanting- I really wanted to see nesting and the BABY but it ended so abruptly I was shocked- I literally thought the site glitched and a couple chapters were missing. But VERY excited to see the relationships of Ethan and the man who helped build his nest, Heller and the police officer, Dominic and the fairy penguin alpha he meets, and potentially the two alphas who shared Heller?
April 26, 2021
Low Angst. Hot AF. Funny.
In a Nest for Eli, Amy Bellows delivered a gorgeous , emotional, layered , hilarious , loving and very steamy romance shifter MM story. A very strong and enjoyable addition to her wonderful Alaskan Pebble Gifters series.
I loved reading A Nest for Eli .
In a Nest for Eli, Amy Bellows delivered a gorgeous , emotional, layered , hilarious , loving and very steamy romance shifter MM story. A very strong and enjoyable addition to her wonderful Alaskan Pebble Gifters series.
I loved reading A Nest for Eli .
December 17, 2024
Cute, very insta alpha x alpha where Eli is a sex worker who not only continues his work the whole book but Max is both turned on by watching and by reclaiming/marking Eli afterwards to remind him who he belongs to 🥵 I loved all the nesting and how cute all the alphas thought it was 🥰
November 27, 2024
It was sweet. Not as high stakes as the last book but I liked it very much
December 27, 2024
3.75 ⭐
April 23, 2021
i freakin adored this.. i couldnt stop reading it it was amazing.. i loved the conflict and issues.. i loved the love and respect.. i loved seeing others from other stories and how things are starting to go... i cant wait to see how much they can destroy the world they live in.. i hope they do!
April 24, 2021
Alpha/Alpha Shifter MPREG
3 stars!
I like this series and the main overarching storyline is very interesting. I like that each book pulls back a little more of the curtain but we still don't have all the information.
This book was interesting because it features an alpha\alpha pairing. I liked learning about this aspect of these people's culture.
I found many many editing errors in this book. I was sad that it wasn't as polished as I thought it should be. One if the most confusing moments was when the character's name switches to another name.
Overall, it was a good story that could use another good edit.
3 stars!
I like this series and the main overarching storyline is very interesting. I like that each book pulls back a little more of the curtain but we still don't have all the information.
This book was interesting because it features an alpha\alpha pairing. I liked learning about this aspect of these people's culture.
I found many many editing errors in this book. I was sad that it wasn't as polished as I thought it should be. One if the most confusing moments was when the character's name switches to another name.
Overall, it was a good story that could use another good edit.
Read
May 7, 2025We read all books in the series and reviewed them together. Find more at A Pebble for Lewis, An Egg for Ansel, A Home for Ben, A Mate for Lu, A Handkerchief for Kade, Practice for Toby, A Bond for Dominic, and Love for Heller, and our full review can be read at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: Messy, sweaty, and routinely filthy
Character Chemistry: Heart eyes is pretty much the only goal here
Plot: These societies are stuck with some pretty hurtful cultural norms, and our MCs start to change all that.
Overall: It starts out all, “Awwww” with heart eyes, and then you’re already sucked in and, like, these societies are very oppressive. Good for our MCs for living their best lives anyway.
(alpha polar bear shifter and alpha gentoo penguin shifter)
(sex work, taboo relationship)
Two more brand new characters. Eli is a sex worker who helps penguin shifters lay their eggs safely (nesting is kinda kinky). Max is a polar bear shifter who can’t weld because The Guild discovered he’s attracted to other alphas. There’s actually a lot of other plot in this one because Eli’s job is partially about helping oppressed omegas and Max is being blackmailed by I guess the mafia boss equivalent? So. Lots of sex and also lots of world building threads unraveling with some depth that was only superficially begun in earlier books.
Blog | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Pinterest
Heat Factor: Messy, sweaty, and routinely filthy
Character Chemistry: Heart eyes is pretty much the only goal here
Plot: These societies are stuck with some pretty hurtful cultural norms, and our MCs start to change all that.
Overall: It starts out all, “Awwww” with heart eyes, and then you’re already sucked in and, like, these societies are very oppressive. Good for our MCs for living their best lives anyway.
(alpha polar bear shifter and alpha gentoo penguin shifter)
(sex work, taboo relationship)
Two more brand new characters. Eli is a sex worker who helps penguin shifters lay their eggs safely (nesting is kinda kinky). Max is a polar bear shifter who can’t weld because The Guild discovered he’s attracted to other alphas. There’s actually a lot of other plot in this one because Eli’s job is partially about helping oppressed omegas and Max is being blackmailed by I guess the mafia boss equivalent? So. Lots of sex and also lots of world building threads unraveling with some depth that was only superficially begun in earlier books.
Blog | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Pinterest
January 25, 2023
This was an amazing conclusion to an amazing and adorable series. I'm a bit sad that it's over, but Amy Bellows is perfect at building a world where so many more stories can be written and so many more people's lives can be explored. If I could I would go back and read these books for the first time again. I'll miss each of these wonderfully thought out characters and their stories.
February 11, 2022
Great addition to the series! I really enjoyed it and I love that with each book we learn more about the magic and things change for the better.
The narrator was fantastic as always.
The narrator was fantastic as always.
April 22, 2021
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
April 15, 2025
Plot Intensity: 4/5
Character Likability: 5/5
Swoon Level: 4/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Angst Level: 3/5
One Thing I Can’t Stop Thinking About: All the different beautiful found families. And the stolen jewelry.
Character Likability: 5/5
Swoon Level: 4/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Angst Level: 3/5
One Thing I Can’t Stop Thinking About: All the different beautiful found families. And the stolen jewelry.
October 10, 2025
Okay, this book had quite a lot going on and I loved every second of it. Following the trend of the other Alaskan Pebble Gifters books, this follows the romantic relationship between a penguin shifter and polar bear shifter and includes amazing worldbuilding and so many emotions. Max, a polar bear shifter, and Eli, a penguin shifter, are both alphas who have had a difficult go in life. Max because of his attraction to other alphas (which is a no-no in polar bear shifter culture, briefly covered in the third book of the series, A Home for Ben), and Eli because of his job as a hired fist (someone that helps omega penguin shifters give birth, which is a sexual experience more often than not involving fisting) and also something that happened to him when he was a teenager growing up on the Slope. They’re honestly both expecting to spend their lives more or less alone, since they aren’t allowed to mate, but then it turns out that they are both head over heels for each other and also fated mates, which opens up so many doors for them, while also complicating some things. The two of them initially meet while working together on an app that connects pregnant penguin shifter omegas with hired fists, though that starts taking a backseat plot wise when Max and Eli admit their feelings for each other and embark on a somewhat illegal relationship. Max and Eli are wonderful together and they really only bring out the best in each other. And the world around them is just as much as a draw as we learn more about this universe. There’s more fuckery with the polar bear shifter guild and the politics of the Slope (which we saw a lot of in the fifth book, A Handkerchief for Kade, and is still pretty dark), and we learn more about the Gentoo penguin shifters and how they’re truly awful (we already knew they were awful, of course, but now they’re awful in new and exciting ways), along with some sex worker politics and what’s basically an underground railroad-type system for omegas in trouble. And as a bonus I definitely didn’t see coming, we get to find out more about Lewis’ (from the first book, A Pebble for Lewis) alpha father and how he was an even bigger asshole than we first thought. Things like this are why it’s a much richer experience to read all these books in order, you get a fuller picture that way. Another thing this book has is two alpha leads. A major theme in this series is families and children, mostly involving mpreg, and I was curious as to how this was going to play out here with two alphas. I can say that the solution to that was maybe convenient, but a lot of fun and very fitting with the tone of the series, which can be fairly lighthearted and humorous when it isn’t trying to break your heart. An absolutely solid read and I truly hope there’s another book in the works. (Trigger warnings for mentions of rape/sexual assault, mentions of child abuse, homophobia)
April 23, 2021
Heart, humor, and heat
Listen, I am complete and utter trash for this series but I am going to do my best to give this a proper review. If I turn into a raging fangirl, you know why.
If you've been reading the series from the beginning (which you do have to, this is not a series you can read out of order) you may have noticed a bit of shift in the tone the last few installments. This book is no exception. Now it's still full of a lot of fluff, humor, and laughs, but like... don't let the page numbers full you. This book is not a snack but the whole godd@mn meal.
Eli and Max's story is dense and has a lot of heavy moments. It's slightly to be expected considering how the more we learn about this world (ie the more it mirrors our own) the less ideal it becomes. Our characters are going through a lot. They have to fight hard for each other and arguably harder for themselves. It's a journey that had me dying of laughter on multiple occasions, falling in love with side characters, screaming in rage, and tearing up once or twice. If you thought you hated gentoo penguins before, buckle up sis cause you will not be ready.
Max and Eli are adorable together. Their banter and love for each other is everything. However, as sweet as they are this is still an alpha/ alpha romance so the smut is... possessive shall we say. It's really hot. Don't @ me. This is an Amy Bellows book, y'all should know by now what you gettin' into when it comes to the smut.
Speaking of possessive, there is a sharing element in this book. It's at the end, really cute, and pretty vital to Eli and Max's story. I was low-key ready and down for more as far as sharing goes but I get why it didn't happen and what we did get in really cute. So if you're not into sharing, don't worry. It's not as in your face/ intensely on page as you might be thinking.
I loved so much about this book. The world is so vast and unexpected, Nadia is as perfect(bad@ss) as her son, Todd came back so I knew everything was going to be okay, and ohmigod there was a Land Before Time reference that had a 90s kid in me screaming. 10 stars for that alone but 5 will have to do. Still seems entirely too low because Max has essentially changed the world.
Listen, I am complete and utter trash for this series but I am going to do my best to give this a proper review. If I turn into a raging fangirl, you know why.
If you've been reading the series from the beginning (which you do have to, this is not a series you can read out of order) you may have noticed a bit of shift in the tone the last few installments. This book is no exception. Now it's still full of a lot of fluff, humor, and laughs, but like... don't let the page numbers full you. This book is not a snack but the whole godd@mn meal.
Eli and Max's story is dense and has a lot of heavy moments. It's slightly to be expected considering how the more we learn about this world (ie the more it mirrors our own) the less ideal it becomes. Our characters are going through a lot. They have to fight hard for each other and arguably harder for themselves. It's a journey that had me dying of laughter on multiple occasions, falling in love with side characters, screaming in rage, and tearing up once or twice. If you thought you hated gentoo penguins before, buckle up sis cause you will not be ready.
Max and Eli are adorable together. Their banter and love for each other is everything. However, as sweet as they are this is still an alpha/ alpha romance so the smut is... possessive shall we say. It's really hot. Don't @ me. This is an Amy Bellows book, y'all should know by now what you gettin' into when it comes to the smut.
Speaking of possessive, there is a sharing element in this book. It's at the end, really cute, and pretty vital to Eli and Max's story. I was low-key ready and down for more as far as sharing goes but I get why it didn't happen and what we did get in really cute. So if you're not into sharing, don't worry. It's not as in your face/ intensely on page as you might be thinking.
I loved so much about this book. The world is so vast and unexpected, Nadia is as perfect(bad@ss) as her son, Todd came back so I knew everything was going to be okay, and ohmigod there was a Land Before Time reference that had a 90s kid in me screaming. 10 stars for that alone but 5 will have to do. Still seems entirely too low because Max has essentially changed the world.
May 11, 2021
3.25
It's been a while since I've read anything in this series so it took me some time to remember all the characters and over-arching plot points, but it was pretty good. I like how this series builds its world and its laws and I like the inclusion of different cultures and magic (even if the magic gets a little ridiculous at times). I found the relationship to be a little insta-lovey and there were times things were just too convenient but it didn't detract much from the story.
It's been a while since I've read anything in this series so it took me some time to remember all the characters and over-arching plot points, but it was pretty good. I like how this series builds its world and its laws and I like the inclusion of different cultures and magic (even if the magic gets a little ridiculous at times). I found the relationship to be a little insta-lovey and there were times things were just too convenient but it didn't detract much from the story.
January 20, 2022
Max & Eli were so very sweet together - RTC
April 27, 2021
I'll start by saying this book is part of a series, and you really dont want to miss out on the books before it!
It can probably be read seperately but if you do it will spoil some great plot turning points in previous books and you'll get so much more by getting to know the world and its great characters in advance as many are revisited upon in this book.
That being said, this book is amazing.
It has a forbidden love story, a lot of hurt/comfort moments that Bellows excells at writing, magic, drama, returning characters from past books which are amaaazing and a HEA.
It has so many great moments full of emotion and others that are funny and endearing.
Max is an adorable geek and Eli is a kind and funny caretaker and together they are ridiculously sweet and scorching hot.
From the funny textings to the heartfelt conversations those two have, and support of their friends and their dedication to their careers, you cant help loving them.
As in any other previous books in the series this book has nesting scenes!!
Best of all?? More than one!! Its amazing and delightful.
It even has conversations about past nestings and a very unique twist to a nesting created by magic and medical aids. You dont want to miss out on this, I promise!
(If you are familiar with the series then you'll know why I rave about the nesting scenes!!
If not... you are in for a treat!)
The sex is HOT. It bears repeating myself. Eli and Max are both scorching hot and sweet alphas. This is an omegaverse so knots are involved of all kinds and it is all very very sexy.
Gender roles and identities are explored by both Max and Eli and there is also a lot of sweet exploration going on in their relationship concerning their past and the experiences that shaped them into becoming the way they are. This relationship is one that defies the rules made by others and is woven intricately into the arc storyline of the series. The journey those two go through to find their happiness together is a delight to read and explore along with them and there is a very dramatic turning point dealing with the magic of this world that any fan of the series and advocate for omega rights would be delighted to read.
There is a lot to be said about the intricate social norms Bellows created in this series, which are the main points of tension for the characters as they defy the societal norms of each of their societies.
I will elaborate on one that I felt was unique and I also felt was beautifully portrayed, but in very general terms as to avoid spoilers.
In this book, Eli, being a hired fist, assists the penguin shifters who are omegas to give birth to their eggs when they dont have a mate to aid them. In this complex world, Eli is considered a sex worker by penguin shifter society, as the nature of aiding the process of birthing the eggs is very intimate and sexual in nature.
Being a sex worker makes him and his friends from the same line of work outcasts in the penguin shifter society and there is a lot of interesting conversation over this that reflects upon the adult entertainment workers in the real world.
I felt that this subject is dealt with in great consideration and inetellect. Its not sugar-coated or romanticized as in a 'Pretty Woman' manner, rather presented very somberly and even touches upon the adult entertainers way of sometimes having a role that is not only a physical one but also one that is sometimes supportive emotionally and mentally. (under certain circumstances, and specifically the ones in this book.)
Max, the bear shifter, comes from a the bear shifter society where there is a social construct that supports certain kinds of sex workers. As their relationship progresses there is a conversation between Eli and Max about the subject of Eli's line of work as it is a point of tension from Eli's side but eventually this book has it's HEA and this matter is resolved through communication in an adult and empathetic manner.
This book has many other detailed complexities, some touching upon matters that'll relate to future books that Bellows hinted on writing in the future.
I'm sure I will return to this book for a reread to revisit Max and Eli and catch details I might have missed out on the first read.
Overall I enjoyed myself greatly. this book was a spectacular read and I cant wait to read more to come in the series!
It can probably be read seperately but if you do it will spoil some great plot turning points in previous books and you'll get so much more by getting to know the world and its great characters in advance as many are revisited upon in this book.
That being said, this book is amazing.
It has a forbidden love story, a lot of hurt/comfort moments that Bellows excells at writing, magic, drama, returning characters from past books which are amaaazing and a HEA.
It has so many great moments full of emotion and others that are funny and endearing.
Max is an adorable geek and Eli is a kind and funny caretaker and together they are ridiculously sweet and scorching hot.
From the funny textings to the heartfelt conversations those two have, and support of their friends and their dedication to their careers, you cant help loving them.
As in any other previous books in the series this book has nesting scenes!!
Best of all?? More than one!! Its amazing and delightful.
It even has conversations about past nestings and a very unique twist to a nesting created by magic and medical aids. You dont want to miss out on this, I promise!
(If you are familiar with the series then you'll know why I rave about the nesting scenes!!
If not... you are in for a treat!)
The sex is HOT. It bears repeating myself. Eli and Max are both scorching hot and sweet alphas. This is an omegaverse so knots are involved of all kinds and it is all very very sexy.
Gender roles and identities are explored by both Max and Eli and there is also a lot of sweet exploration going on in their relationship concerning their past and the experiences that shaped them into becoming the way they are. This relationship is one that defies the rules made by others and is woven intricately into the arc storyline of the series. The journey those two go through to find their happiness together is a delight to read and explore along with them and there is a very dramatic turning point dealing with the magic of this world that any fan of the series and advocate for omega rights would be delighted to read.
There is a lot to be said about the intricate social norms Bellows created in this series, which are the main points of tension for the characters as they defy the societal norms of each of their societies.
I will elaborate on one that I felt was unique and I also felt was beautifully portrayed, but in very general terms as to avoid spoilers.
In this book, Eli, being a hired fist, assists the penguin shifters who are omegas to give birth to their eggs when they dont have a mate to aid them. In this complex world, Eli is considered a sex worker by penguin shifter society, as the nature of aiding the process of birthing the eggs is very intimate and sexual in nature.
Being a sex worker makes him and his friends from the same line of work outcasts in the penguin shifter society and there is a lot of interesting conversation over this that reflects upon the adult entertainment workers in the real world.
I felt that this subject is dealt with in great consideration and inetellect. Its not sugar-coated or romanticized as in a 'Pretty Woman' manner, rather presented very somberly and even touches upon the adult entertainers way of sometimes having a role that is not only a physical one but also one that is sometimes supportive emotionally and mentally. (under certain circumstances, and specifically the ones in this book.)
Max, the bear shifter, comes from a the bear shifter society where there is a social construct that supports certain kinds of sex workers. As their relationship progresses there is a conversation between Eli and Max about the subject of Eli's line of work as it is a point of tension from Eli's side but eventually this book has it's HEA and this matter is resolved through communication in an adult and empathetic manner.
This book has many other detailed complexities, some touching upon matters that'll relate to future books that Bellows hinted on writing in the future.
I'm sure I will return to this book for a reread to revisit Max and Eli and catch details I might have missed out on the first read.
Overall I enjoyed myself greatly. this book was a spectacular read and I cant wait to read more to come in the series!
May 9, 2021
4.5 von 5 *
Schwangere Pinguine ohne Partner stehen vor und bei der Geburt vor einem Problem. Sie brauchen die Hilfe einer weiteren Person. Doch woher nehmen? Dafür gibt es Eli! Eli liebt seinen Job als 'Hired Fist', auch wenn er sich dadurch eine Zukunft mit einem Partner und Familie verbaut. Denn Pinguine teilen nicht und bleiben eigentlich für ein Leben lang zusammen. Doch Eli will denen helfen, die eben keinen Partner haben. Egal ob sie verlassen worden sind oder ihr Partner verstorben ist.
Maxim hingegen ist aus anderen Gründen Single. Er will das, was in seiner Kultur eigentlich verboten ist. Als Polarbärshifter unterliegt er genauso Gesetzen und diese verbieten es einem Alpha sich mit einem anderen Alpha zusammenzutun. Zu groß ist die Gefahr, dass daraus unsägliche Gewalt entsteht. So begnügt sich Maxim eben mit gelegentlichen One-Night-Stands. Maxim trifft Eli um mit ihm über ein neues Projekt zu sprechen. Maxim ist nämlich Software-Entwickler und will Eli und seinen Kollegen, aber auch den schwangeren Pinguinen in Not helfen.
Aus einer geschäftlichen Verbindung erwächst eine unerwartete Freundschaft. Und sie fühlen sich zueinander auch hingezogen. Doch zwischen ihnen stehen Berge von Probleme und auch Vorurteilen. Es mangelt nicht an Missverständnissen und auch Zweifeln. Ein Happy End scheint kaum möglich, zudem Maxim sich dann auch noch einer Erpressung gegenübersieht, die ihn am Ende auf die Ölfelder verbannen könnte.
Auf dieses Buch habe ich lange und sehnsüchtig gewartet. Und ich bin auch nicht enttäuscht worden. Beide Helden sind nicht perfekt, aber sehr liebenswürdig. Sie tragen eine Packen an Probleme mit sich herum, verlieren aber trotzdem nicht die Zuversicht und den Mut - egal wie kompliziert und gefährlich werden könnte.
Wie in den anderen Büchern der Reihe gibt es auch hier viele Cameo-Auftritte von Helden der vorigen Geschichten. Wie immer hat die Autorin mit Witz, Warmherzigkeit und Spannung der Geschichte Leben eingehaucht. Ihre Helden sind einfach liebenswert und die ganze Reihe macht Lust auf mehr.
Schwangere Pinguine ohne Partner stehen vor und bei der Geburt vor einem Problem. Sie brauchen die Hilfe einer weiteren Person. Doch woher nehmen? Dafür gibt es Eli! Eli liebt seinen Job als 'Hired Fist', auch wenn er sich dadurch eine Zukunft mit einem Partner und Familie verbaut. Denn Pinguine teilen nicht und bleiben eigentlich für ein Leben lang zusammen. Doch Eli will denen helfen, die eben keinen Partner haben. Egal ob sie verlassen worden sind oder ihr Partner verstorben ist.
Maxim hingegen ist aus anderen Gründen Single. Er will das, was in seiner Kultur eigentlich verboten ist. Als Polarbärshifter unterliegt er genauso Gesetzen und diese verbieten es einem Alpha sich mit einem anderen Alpha zusammenzutun. Zu groß ist die Gefahr, dass daraus unsägliche Gewalt entsteht. So begnügt sich Maxim eben mit gelegentlichen One-Night-Stands. Maxim trifft Eli um mit ihm über ein neues Projekt zu sprechen. Maxim ist nämlich Software-Entwickler und will Eli und seinen Kollegen, aber auch den schwangeren Pinguinen in Not helfen.
Aus einer geschäftlichen Verbindung erwächst eine unerwartete Freundschaft. Und sie fühlen sich zueinander auch hingezogen. Doch zwischen ihnen stehen Berge von Probleme und auch Vorurteilen. Es mangelt nicht an Missverständnissen und auch Zweifeln. Ein Happy End scheint kaum möglich, zudem Maxim sich dann auch noch einer Erpressung gegenübersieht, die ihn am Ende auf die Ölfelder verbannen könnte.
Auf dieses Buch habe ich lange und sehnsüchtig gewartet. Und ich bin auch nicht enttäuscht worden. Beide Helden sind nicht perfekt, aber sehr liebenswürdig. Sie tragen eine Packen an Probleme mit sich herum, verlieren aber trotzdem nicht die Zuversicht und den Mut - egal wie kompliziert und gefährlich werden könnte.
Wie in den anderen Büchern der Reihe gibt es auch hier viele Cameo-Auftritte von Helden der vorigen Geschichten. Wie immer hat die Autorin mit Witz, Warmherzigkeit und Spannung der Geschichte Leben eingehaucht. Ihre Helden sind einfach liebenswert und die ganze Reihe macht Lust auf mehr.
April 28, 2021
This is the 6th book in The Alaskan Pebble Gifters series. While it can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading the series from the beginning. Some things will make more sense, and well, it's a great series. While the series does deal with Mpreg, this book does not have that between our MC's, but it is talked about in the book. So, if that's not your thing, and also if you aren't into Shifters, this isn't the book for you.
Every time there is a new book in the series, I think it's the best one, and this installment didn't let me down. Ms. Bellows books just continue to get better and better, each time. Eli and Max are so great together, I rooted for them right from the beginning. They are both Alpha's, and I'm not usually a big fan of two Alpha's together. However, I am a huge fan of Ms. Bellows, so I was all in. Once again, I was not disappointed. Max and Eli are absolutely perfect together, and their story is told so wonderfully, I stayed up too late reading this, and finished it in a day.
Max develops computer apps, and Eli is in a field he is wanting to develop an app for, and is giving him info, tips, ect. This leads to many text messages between the two, which turn from friendly to flirty, to hot gym selfies. Max has always known he was attracted to other Alpha's, which is not allowed in their Universe. But, what fun is following the rules? Eli just knows he's attracted to Max. And, Eli is technically a sex worker, which comes with it's own set of complications.
This story touches on several sensitive topics - sex work, unplanned pregnancies, adoption, unlawful attraction, and how a partner may deal with it all. But, Ms. Bellows writes these topics so beautifully, and from different perspectives of the characters, that it's just touching to read. I don't know if her plan is to make people think about these things in a different light, but she manages to do just that effortlessly.
Every time there is a new book in the series, I think it's the best one, and this installment didn't let me down. Ms. Bellows books just continue to get better and better, each time. Eli and Max are so great together, I rooted for them right from the beginning. They are both Alpha's, and I'm not usually a big fan of two Alpha's together. However, I am a huge fan of Ms. Bellows, so I was all in. Once again, I was not disappointed. Max and Eli are absolutely perfect together, and their story is told so wonderfully, I stayed up too late reading this, and finished it in a day.
Max develops computer apps, and Eli is in a field he is wanting to develop an app for, and is giving him info, tips, ect. This leads to many text messages between the two, which turn from friendly to flirty, to hot gym selfies. Max has always known he was attracted to other Alpha's, which is not allowed in their Universe. But, what fun is following the rules? Eli just knows he's attracted to Max. And, Eli is technically a sex worker, which comes with it's own set of complications.
This story touches on several sensitive topics - sex work, unplanned pregnancies, adoption, unlawful attraction, and how a partner may deal with it all. But, Ms. Bellows writes these topics so beautifully, and from different perspectives of the characters, that it's just touching to read. I don't know if her plan is to make people think about these things in a different light, but she manages to do just that effortlessly.
April 21, 2021
Adorable Couples + Fascinating Fantasy World. Amy Bellows continues to impress.
When I started this series, it was cute. Nothing terribly fantastic about the couples. They were shifters, from different or similar species. The couples were cute and their bedroom scenes were hot. Most were fated. Ok.
But it is this world the author wove that keeps bringing me back. Every book adds another perspective and a little more input into the struggles and facets of this fictional Alaskan region. Every birth or family adds more tradition and culture that makes these shifter species less like stereotypes emerging from the genre of shifter fiction, and more like a unique race of individuals with a history of oppression and struggles. Bellows style here really panders to me in the world building department. The modern fantasy world she has spun is really my happy medium in this genre. Her fantasy world slides in parallel to the modern world as we know it, asking us to stretch our imaginations without it completely snapping us back into disbelief. And the struggles our MCs face, while unique to their cultures and traits, parallel many of the fights we face and the stigmas we hold.
Honestly, I don't even enjoy reading pregnancy scenes for any gender. I usually just grin and bear my way through, keeping it medical. Bellows makes the process of pregnancy and birth in this world a beautiful experience and a necessary one to comprehend many of the challenges and obstacles. I dont think I'll magically start enjoying all birth and pregnancy scenes, but for those like me out there, this was much more palatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series. All I can hope is for Heller or Ethan to have their own story too.
When I started this series, it was cute. Nothing terribly fantastic about the couples. They were shifters, from different or similar species. The couples were cute and their bedroom scenes were hot. Most were fated. Ok.
But it is this world the author wove that keeps bringing me back. Every book adds another perspective and a little more input into the struggles and facets of this fictional Alaskan region. Every birth or family adds more tradition and culture that makes these shifter species less like stereotypes emerging from the genre of shifter fiction, and more like a unique race of individuals with a history of oppression and struggles. Bellows style here really panders to me in the world building department. The modern fantasy world she has spun is really my happy medium in this genre. Her fantasy world slides in parallel to the modern world as we know it, asking us to stretch our imaginations without it completely snapping us back into disbelief. And the struggles our MCs face, while unique to their cultures and traits, parallel many of the fights we face and the stigmas we hold.
Honestly, I don't even enjoy reading pregnancy scenes for any gender. I usually just grin and bear my way through, keeping it medical. Bellows makes the process of pregnancy and birth in this world a beautiful experience and a necessary one to comprehend many of the challenges and obstacles. I dont think I'll magically start enjoying all birth and pregnancy scenes, but for those like me out there, this was much more palatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series. All I can hope is for Heller or Ethan to have their own story too.
April 27, 2021
Another great couple from the Alaskan Pebble Gifters universe!
This book is not a standalone, so be sure you're caught up on the other books before you dive in! I absolutely love the Heron Manor universe and this book expanded it, adding some interesting new layers to the species and society in general.
In fact, I wish I had re-read some of the other books before starting this one, because I found myself pulled away from Max and Eli a few times while I tried to remember the storylines for a few folks who made an appearance.
I really enjoyed Max and Eli's story, though! It was a bit more instalove than I think I was expecting, but I feel it made sense to keep with the pacing of events.
They were 2 great characters on their own, but made a fantastic couple, too! I love that sex work, though still taboo in their world on general, is so easily embraced by the central characters. This author excels at presenting stigmatized people or circumstances without shame (even in books not set in this universe).
There was one odd thing that I experienced , which has never happened before when reading this author - I found myself mixing up Max and Eli a few times. I'm inclined to chalk it up to a 'me' problem, though, since I saved this to read as a reward for surviving a particularly grueling week and probably had some lingering mental fatigue. That, coupled with 2 alphas who seemed of similar tempermant, similar builds, and with each having 3-letter names made me have to check the blurb again and again to remind me which was which.
Even so, if you're a fan of the Alaskan Pebble Gifters, this is another great installment. Can't wait for the next!
This book is not a standalone, so be sure you're caught up on the other books before you dive in! I absolutely love the Heron Manor universe and this book expanded it, adding some interesting new layers to the species and society in general.
In fact, I wish I had re-read some of the other books before starting this one, because I found myself pulled away from Max and Eli a few times while I tried to remember the storylines for a few folks who made an appearance.
I really enjoyed Max and Eli's story, though! It was a bit more instalove than I think I was expecting, but I feel it made sense to keep with the pacing of events.
They were 2 great characters on their own, but made a fantastic couple, too! I love that sex work, though still taboo in their world on general, is so easily embraced by the central characters. This author excels at presenting stigmatized people or circumstances without shame (even in books not set in this universe).
There was one odd thing that I experienced , which has never happened before when reading this author - I found myself mixing up Max and Eli a few times. I'm inclined to chalk it up to a 'me' problem, though, since I saved this to read as a reward for surviving a particularly grueling week and probably had some lingering mental fatigue. That, coupled with 2 alphas who seemed of similar tempermant, similar builds, and with each having 3-letter names made me have to check the blurb again and again to remind me which was which.
Even so, if you're a fan of the Alaskan Pebble Gifters, this is another great installment. Can't wait for the next!
March 5, 2023
2.7
It's not you, it's me..
There's nothing really wrong with this book, I just found it boring.
I need more excitement, and also I need actual D/s, which I stupidly thought this would be, but it certainly isn't.
It's also very verse, no-one is acting like a permanent top, and that just seriously stresses me out. I need a rock to lean on, someone who is always in control, and takes over all the responsibility so I can relax.. That can not be found here, they are more like wrestling happy puppies the both of them.
And it's waay to sweet for me. I can't take it, I need gruffer characters.
But like I said, that's just a personal preference, so there's nothing actually wrong with this book, it just isn't for me. Its actually very well written.
I have read alot of books by this author, and she's a really great writer, it's just some of her topics isn't my thing.
And I will absolutely keep reading her other books, because almost no-one depicts relationships as beautiful as she does.
But this one just wasn't my style.
I found it well written, but beyond boring.
I did however love the nesting faze, that's just beyond cute and lovely.
It makes me warm and happy inside.
So that part I truly loved.
It's just so charming!
And everything happened way too fast in the end. I mean poof the egg is hatching, his parents are suddenly there, and they have a conversation about his prostitution-job while the egg starts hatching?! That's just stupid, and they didn't even get to finish their conversation, so we actually don't know how their relationship ended up? Did they accept him?! Well, now I'll never know!
It's not you, it's me..
There's nothing really wrong with this book, I just found it boring.
I need more excitement, and also I need actual D/s, which I stupidly thought this would be, but it certainly isn't.
It's also very verse, no-one is acting like a permanent top, and that just seriously stresses me out. I need a rock to lean on, someone who is always in control, and takes over all the responsibility so I can relax.. That can not be found here, they are more like wrestling happy puppies the both of them.
And it's waay to sweet for me. I can't take it, I need gruffer characters.
But like I said, that's just a personal preference, so there's nothing actually wrong with this book, it just isn't for me. Its actually very well written.
I have read alot of books by this author, and she's a really great writer, it's just some of her topics isn't my thing.
And I will absolutely keep reading her other books, because almost no-one depicts relationships as beautiful as she does.
But this one just wasn't my style.
I found it well written, but beyond boring.
I did however love the nesting faze, that's just beyond cute and lovely.
It makes me warm and happy inside.
So that part I truly loved.
It's just so charming!
And everything happened way too fast in the end. I mean poof the egg is hatching, his parents are suddenly there, and they have a conversation about his prostitution-job while the egg starts hatching?! That's just stupid, and they didn't even get to finish their conversation, so we actually don't know how their relationship ended up? Did they accept him?! Well, now I'll never know!
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