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Blackhaven Manor #4
Grin and Bear It
Thorne McIver is no ordinary bear shifter. He’s the monster whispered about in the dark, the beast feared in battles, and for hundreds of years, he’s used his formidable gifts to protect the royal families of the paranormal world. So, when he’s tasked with escorting the elven prince to a council meeting at Blackhaven Manor, he figures it’s just another assignment.
Until he meets a stunning human who fills in all the pieces he didn’t know were missing.
When he’d first started working at the hotel, Wren Covey had been a mess. He’d known almost nothing about Otherlings, their culture or rules, and everything had terrified him. Barely a year later, there’s not much he hasn’t seen, and hardly anything fazes him. Or so he thought, because nothing could have prepared him for being the mate to a genuine living legend.
When an attack on the hotel tests his already divided loyalties, Thorne finds himself torn between love and duty. Though honor-bound to protect the prince, his instincts will always be to put his mate first.
Now, he’ll have to find middle ground and figure out how to do both, or his happy ending will be over before it even begins.
Until he meets a stunning human who fills in all the pieces he didn’t know were missing.
When he’d first started working at the hotel, Wren Covey had been a mess. He’d known almost nothing about Otherlings, their culture or rules, and everything had terrified him. Barely a year later, there’s not much he hasn’t seen, and hardly anything fazes him. Or so he thought, because nothing could have prepared him for being the mate to a genuine living legend.
When an attack on the hotel tests his already divided loyalties, Thorne finds himself torn between love and duty. Though honor-bound to protect the prince, his instincts will always be to put his mate first.
Now, he’ll have to find middle ground and figure out how to do both, or his happy ending will be over before it even begins.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 25, 2023
Really sweet. I thought Wren would be more self-deprecating than he was, so I was pleasantly surprised. I liked how it feels like Thorne will stay away from Wren or choose the prince over Wren, but it never really comes to fruition.
These books are my crack. But don't go into them expecting a lot. They're just quick satisfying reads of pure sweet indulgence of them finding their mates that are not too cheesy. There's no huge plot or mega fleshing out of characters but they're just nice to take a break from the world.
And can I say I really hope Prince Orrin gets a book? I think he deserves someone special 🥺
These books are my crack. But don't go into them expecting a lot. They're just quick satisfying reads of pure sweet indulgence of them finding their mates that are not too cheesy. There's no huge plot or mega fleshing out of characters but they're just nice to take a break from the world.
And can I say I really hope Prince Orrin gets a book? I think he deserves someone special 🥺
September 14, 2023
Good detail, quick action, fated mates - an awesome read for the afternoon.
July 14, 2025
July 2025
Kindle edition
Felt very found family whilst extending the area for Blackhaven. The prince was fun. Wren was chaotic, it was great. Curious about the other bears, they were a protective group. Curious where Emrys disappeared to.
Kindle edition
Felt very found family whilst extending the area for Blackhaven. The prince was fun. Wren was chaotic, it was great. Curious about the other bears, they were a protective group. Curious where Emrys disappeared to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
This was a great shifter romance!
I just love shifter books and the whole fated mates trope! There is just something ultimately incredible of being created for the other by the fates. And yeah, the whole possessivness and overprotectiveness is kind of sexy if you ask me.
Grin and Bear It is a part of a PNR series but can be read as a standalone. It tells the story of Wren a receptionist at a hotel for Otherlings and Thorne a magical bear shifter who long gave up on finding a mate.
At the most unfortunate time, in the middle of a conference for supernatural royalty they meet and fight against the pull for each other. Futile effort if you ask me. You simply do not fight against a fated bond.
The story was very simple. They meet, they fall for each other, there's some drama and one very overprotective bear.
It was a lovely read and I enjoyed it a lot but won't say it's a masterpiece of shifter books. But still read it if you like this kind of stories!
I just love shifter books and the whole fated mates trope! There is just something ultimately incredible of being created for the other by the fates. And yeah, the whole possessivness and overprotectiveness is kind of sexy if you ask me.
Grin and Bear It is a part of a PNR series but can be read as a standalone. It tells the story of Wren a receptionist at a hotel for Otherlings and Thorne a magical bear shifter who long gave up on finding a mate.
At the most unfortunate time, in the middle of a conference for supernatural royalty they meet and fight against the pull for each other. Futile effort if you ask me. You simply do not fight against a fated bond.
The story was very simple. They meet, they fall for each other, there's some drama and one very overprotective bear.
It was a lovely read and I enjoyed it a lot but won't say it's a masterpiece of shifter books. But still read it if you like this kind of stories!
April 16, 2022
This series and couples just keep getting better and better.
Rating: 4.5🌈
Grin and Bear It (just love the names) reverts back to the instant recognition and almost as fast bonding between the fated mates of this terrific story.
But Arden Steele’s novella does change up some elements that I sort of took for granted, given the plots of the other books. I really appreciate the surprise aspect of this.
Thorne McIver, super magical bear shifter and protector of Royal families , in this case a royal Elven prince. He’s a special Guardian, of a renowned and highly feared security team. Now he’s at the annual Summit of Allies Races Council/DARC held at Blackhaven Manor with the Prince who’s representing his Elven race.
Steele has gone both into history and mythology while constructing the character and species for Thorne and his team of Guardians. It’s fascinating and imaginative. Perfect, really, especially when called into action.
Throne’s mate is a human. Wren Covey, concierge at reception area of Blackhaven Manor, along with Kol. He’s a delightful character. With a decidedly painful past, Wren is someone who Steele shows to continually move beyond his own bad experiences to become a gentle, genuine person, with a kind heart and occasional inability to focus.
We adore him immediately as does the others we know from previous stories.
Through Wren, we get the first inkling of growing human backlash against the Otherlings and their status within human society. That’s been a subdued element before but here it’s a big factor in Wren’s family life and the weekend conference.
That’s new. So is the worry apparent in the Dragon siblings.
The drama here is woven through the mating story and the growing new relationship between Wren and Thorne. It kept me absolutely engaged. Especially as new details about Thorne’s species , his MOA security detail, and , what their future plans entail.
Hint? It comes from Dragon it Out. What a fabulous way to end it and give ideas for future stories.
This series and couples just keep getting better and better. And the universe just keeps expanding with new facts, organizations, and , of course, couples.
I’m highly recommending Grin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele and the series.
Blackhaven Manor Series:
- [x] Purrfect Harmony #1
- [x] Night and Fae #2
- [x] Dragon It Out #3
- [x] Grin and Bear it #4
- [ ] Pixie Little Liar #5
- [ ] Dead Over Heals #6
- [ ] Silent Knight #7
Rating: 4.5🌈
Grin and Bear It (just love the names) reverts back to the instant recognition and almost as fast bonding between the fated mates of this terrific story.
But Arden Steele’s novella does change up some elements that I sort of took for granted, given the plots of the other books. I really appreciate the surprise aspect of this.
Thorne McIver, super magical bear shifter and protector of Royal families , in this case a royal Elven prince. He’s a special Guardian, of a renowned and highly feared security team. Now he’s at the annual Summit of Allies Races Council/DARC held at Blackhaven Manor with the Prince who’s representing his Elven race.
Steele has gone both into history and mythology while constructing the character and species for Thorne and his team of Guardians. It’s fascinating and imaginative. Perfect, really, especially when called into action.
Throne’s mate is a human. Wren Covey, concierge at reception area of Blackhaven Manor, along with Kol. He’s a delightful character. With a decidedly painful past, Wren is someone who Steele shows to continually move beyond his own bad experiences to become a gentle, genuine person, with a kind heart and occasional inability to focus.
We adore him immediately as does the others we know from previous stories.
Through Wren, we get the first inkling of growing human backlash against the Otherlings and their status within human society. That’s been a subdued element before but here it’s a big factor in Wren’s family life and the weekend conference.
That’s new. So is the worry apparent in the Dragon siblings.
The drama here is woven through the mating story and the growing new relationship between Wren and Thorne. It kept me absolutely engaged. Especially as new details about Thorne’s species , his MOA security detail, and , what their future plans entail.
Hint? It comes from Dragon it Out. What a fabulous way to end it and give ideas for future stories.
This series and couples just keep getting better and better. And the universe just keeps expanding with new facts, organizations, and , of course, couples.
I’m highly recommending Grin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele and the series.
Blackhaven Manor Series:
- [x] Purrfect Harmony #1
- [x] Night and Fae #2
- [x] Dragon It Out #3
- [x] Grin and Bear it #4
- [ ] Pixie Little Liar #5
- [ ] Dead Over Heals #6
- [ ] Silent Knight #7
October 18, 2025
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Blackhaven Manor Series. I liked being able to immerse myself in this magical world that Arden has created. This is a paranormal fated mates story between human Wren and Berserker Head Royal Guard of Elvin Prince Orrin Nightstarr, Thorne. Their relationship moves pretty quickly which is expected. I thought that they were great together and Wren’s just added much needed lightness to Thorne’s life. Wren just made me smile but I completely cracked up about his antics during the dinner at Kol & Remi’s.
I really enjoyed the plot and that it showed that not everyone is happy with the awakening/otherlings. I suppose it’s a tale as old as time that people want to destroy what they don’t understand or want to take it out on otherlings as a whole if one otherling hurt them which isn’t right, there’s bad apples no matter what age, sex, race, religion or species but the good sure outweighs the bad. I’m looking forward to reading Pixie Little Liar next, as well as more books by Arden Steele in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Blackhaven Manor Series. I liked being able to immerse myself in this magical world that Arden has created. This is a paranormal fated mates story between human Wren and Berserker Head Royal Guard of Elvin Prince Orrin Nightstarr, Thorne. Their relationship moves pretty quickly which is expected. I thought that they were great together and Wren’s just added much needed lightness to Thorne’s life. Wren just made me smile but I completely cracked up about his antics during the dinner at Kol & Remi’s.
I really enjoyed the plot and that it showed that not everyone is happy with the awakening/otherlings. I suppose it’s a tale as old as time that people want to destroy what they don’t understand or want to take it out on otherlings as a whole if one otherling hurt them which isn’t right, there’s bad apples no matter what age, sex, race, religion or species but the good sure outweighs the bad. I’m looking forward to reading Pixie Little Liar next, as well as more books by Arden Steele in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
March 25, 2021
This was the first shifter book that I've read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Thorne is a bear shifter that has been around for over 500 years and never thought he'd find his mate. Wren is a wisp of a human that has just recently even learned that shifters are real. You can imagine his surprise when the burly bear shifter growls at him...but instead of feeling terrified...he's a bit aroused. Thorne can't believe he's finally found his mate but he's in no position to claim him right now...he has an important job to do and claiming his mate would divide his attention. Wren cannot stop thinking about Thorne and wants to understand why he is drawn to this huge man. As he begins to understand about the mating bond, he realizes he is helpless to deny it. Wren is delightfully chatty, in and out of his head and I enjoyed Thorne's reaction to his rants. These two were adorable together and their banter had me chuckling.
March 7, 2022
Differing views
Another sweet and spicy book from the world of Blackhaven Manor! This time around it is a match between a human from an upbringing of hatred and fear of the paranormal, and a guardian or paranormal royalty. While they are a great match there is difficulty with their pasts and what their future would be with their jobs and lives.
The exploration of growing up in an intolerant household, especially intolerant of who you are, is lightly explored. The pain of that loss of love that is supposed to be unconditional but also finding your own truth and beliefs away from it all. It gives a unique view when things are happening and also highlights threats that haven't previously been touched on in this world. A good read that had a nice balance between the sweet but fast relationship and the problems going on within the world. So far always a good series!
Another sweet and spicy book from the world of Blackhaven Manor! This time around it is a match between a human from an upbringing of hatred and fear of the paranormal, and a guardian or paranormal royalty. While they are a great match there is difficulty with their pasts and what their future would be with their jobs and lives.
The exploration of growing up in an intolerant household, especially intolerant of who you are, is lightly explored. The pain of that loss of love that is supposed to be unconditional but also finding your own truth and beliefs away from it all. It gives a unique view when things are happening and also highlights threats that haven't previously been touched on in this world. A good read that had a nice balance between the sweet but fast relationship and the problems going on within the world. So far always a good series!
September 14, 2025
finally starting to get interesting
Up until this book really, (last book saw it beginning) this book Actually had more happening beyond the walls of the hotel and broadening the world beyond HEA and fated meet cutes. I really liked this one and while I adore the instant “mine” in a sort of growly fun way that most of these folks find their ONE. I enjoy the political shenanigans and mystery more. I mean don’t get me wrong it’s hard to pack much in a short fluffy story but I would Love any of these books if they were longer, the political stuff more discussed, and the bad guys being Just a smidge harder to deal with. I still want that HEA if it’s a romance, but some of my favorite novels are the more urban fantasy with political intrigue and how the supernatural world interacts with the mundane one.
Up until this book really, (last book saw it beginning) this book Actually had more happening beyond the walls of the hotel and broadening the world beyond HEA and fated meet cutes. I really liked this one and while I adore the instant “mine” in a sort of growly fun way that most of these folks find their ONE. I enjoy the political shenanigans and mystery more. I mean don’t get me wrong it’s hard to pack much in a short fluffy story but I would Love any of these books if they were longer, the political stuff more discussed, and the bad guys being Just a smidge harder to deal with. I still want that HEA if it’s a romance, but some of my favorite novels are the more urban fantasy with political intrigue and how the supernatural world interacts with the mundane one.
March 24, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Poor Wren didn't have a clue what prompted the deep growl from the scary but hot Guardian. That didn't mean others hadn't guessed the reasoning behind it. Thorne had one mission to complete. So Wren just babbles out to Thorne he was a "sexy, bear-beast thing" it so cute. Prince Orrin is just a sweet heart, oh a Remi is back in this one as Orrin is a massive fan. Spoiler we learned a little more of Hunter's hollow. (fitting name). I am just in love with all these amazing and creativity characters of Otherlings.
November 25, 2023
We all need a Wren in our lives.
Wren is so adorable. I enjoyed the inner conversations. The dinner at Kols was laugh out loud hilarious. I have read this series before, and I am remaking the rounds. What I have noticed is thar this book has no discernible editing errors compared to the ones in the later books. Wonder what changed between this and the last two books at least. I like the writing style of this author. You have heat for sure, but there is a lot of storytelling going on, which I really enjoy in a book.
Wren is so adorable. I enjoyed the inner conversations. The dinner at Kols was laugh out loud hilarious. I have read this series before, and I am remaking the rounds. What I have noticed is thar this book has no discernible editing errors compared to the ones in the later books. Wonder what changed between this and the last two books at least. I like the writing style of this author. You have heat for sure, but there is a lot of storytelling going on, which I really enjoy in a book.
March 26, 2021
This was another fun novella in the Blackhaven Manor series. Thorne was a delicious character with his growling and possessive traits. Pairing him with a physically tiny human that has loads of sass made this pair interesting. The world building in this book will make for an interesting spinoff series that seems to be coming. These two characters as well as characters from book three appear to be the anchors to a new series that I’m hoping will bring more mysteries and magic.
April 4, 2021
This book was totally captivating and I just loved Wren's personality and how honest and forward he was to Thorne (bear shifter) about his feelings towards him. This series is awesome and I'm really looking forward to more. The story definitely held my interest and the characters were very engaging and likable (except the bad guys of course). I also appreciated how Thorne and Wren mated and then worked together through everything. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. Outstanding.
September 23, 2021
I loved Grin and Bear It by Arden Steele. It's the fourth book in the Blackhaven Manor series. I loved Wren and Thorne. I loved that Thorne was a berserker and the head guard for the Elf prince. I also loved that Wren loved how possessive and protective Thorne was about him. I also loved getting to know a little more about the new manor built in Louisiana. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 25, 2021
Great world building, a taster of suspense in this one; great series overall
This is a paranormal modern romance story with a taster of suspense, it is the fourth book of the Blackhaven Manor series and should be read in order. Thorne and Wren are sweet together, with a more slow burn sort of story. There was a lot more plot to the background story that led to some moments but it made it a well rounded story! I’m glad I stuck with this series!
This is a paranormal modern romance story with a taster of suspense, it is the fourth book of the Blackhaven Manor series and should be read in order. Thorne and Wren are sweet together, with a more slow burn sort of story. There was a lot more plot to the background story that led to some moments but it made it a well rounded story! I’m glad I stuck with this series!
January 28, 2022
Action and romance
This is a cute series, fated mates, paranormal hotel setting, a bit of an action plot. The characters in this installment were definitely created to be interesting but we didn't get anything deeper in the writing about them. Good story for its length, and definitely interesting premise and plot, would have loved to go more into this whole book, but it just scratched the surface.
This is a cute series, fated mates, paranormal hotel setting, a bit of an action plot. The characters in this installment were definitely created to be interesting but we didn't get anything deeper in the writing about them. Good story for its length, and definitely interesting premise and plot, would have loved to go more into this whole book, but it just scratched the surface.
April 23, 2022
Thorne McIver a bear shifter and protector to a an Elven prince at a meeting in Blackhaven Manor. he has one job, protect the prince and he has been good at this job for hundreds of years. however he does not count on meeting Wren Covey a human working in the hotel. an attack on the hotel tests his loyalties. where do they lay, protecting the prince or protecting his mate. well written and thoroughly enjoyable. read it and enjoy
October 7, 2022
The Right to Arm Grumpy Bears
This series centers around Blackhaven Manor, a massive resort and hotel for Otherlings - or supernatural beings.
This time the hotel is hosting a summons for shifter royalty and Prince Orrin's guard is a massive berserker Thorne.
When the lithe and petite human male Wren shows up on duty, Thorne is torn between protecting his prince and his new mate.
This is a really sweet, funny MM Romance with danger, humour and a great story arc.
This series centers around Blackhaven Manor, a massive resort and hotel for Otherlings - or supernatural beings.
This time the hotel is hosting a summons for shifter royalty and Prince Orrin's guard is a massive berserker Thorne.
When the lithe and petite human male Wren shows up on duty, Thorne is torn between protecting his prince and his new mate.
This is a really sweet, funny MM Romance with danger, humour and a great story arc.
June 20, 2026
2.5 stars. The background plot of BlackHaven Manor and the Otherlings society is expanding (and I’m into it!), while the romance remains the same insta-love, low stakes, low smut situation as the other books (and I’m bored). Coming off the high of the last one actually having some will-they-won’t-they tension, this one feels especially lackluster.
April 20, 2021
Wonderful!
This is the 4th book in the series and was just perfect! The danger was palpable, the characters were very well written and flawed and the writing style was very satisfying! I hope you give this one a try, it’s well worth it. Highly recommended
This is the 4th book in the series and was just perfect! The danger was palpable, the characters were very well written and flawed and the writing style was very satisfying! I hope you give this one a try, it’s well worth it. Highly recommended
July 26, 2021
Great!
This series is still rockin. I love that each story brings something different to the table, but the heart and adventure is still there. I definitely recommend reading in order but like that these are fast reads and don’t have cliffhangers!
This series is still rockin. I love that each story brings something different to the table, but the heart and adventure is still there. I definitely recommend reading in order but like that these are fast reads and don’t have cliffhangers!
July 29, 2021
Super Meet Cute
What is better than a shifter hybrid and his sweeter than anything human mate. It was a sweet and a little scary meet cute. The relationship isn't without it's problems but they manage to work together.
What is better than a shifter hybrid and his sweeter than anything human mate. It was a sweet and a little scary meet cute. The relationship isn't without it's problems but they manage to work together.
December 22, 2021
Book 4
Human employee, Wren, meets his fated mate, a bear-mage hybrid Guardian named, Thorne, during a convention of Otherling royalty. Of course...intrigue happnes!
KU, paranormal, book in a series, age gap, bodyguard, hotel employee, action, death of a side character
Human employee, Wren, meets his fated mate, a bear-mage hybrid Guardian named, Thorne, during a convention of Otherling royalty. Of course...intrigue happnes!
KU, paranormal, book in a series, age gap, bodyguard, hotel employee, action, death of a side character
January 6, 2024
Again, having read Hunter's Hollow, I feel like I definitely care more about this one that I would have otherwise. Not sure why my brain works that way, but it's like getting to see secret backstories.
January 10, 2024
Grin and Bear it
Another exciting fun fated mates story! I enjoyed the bit of tension, romance, and danger sprinkled all together!
Tropes I found:
-fated mates
-possessive/protective MMC
-hurt/comfort
-size difference
-HEA
Another exciting fun fated mates story! I enjoyed the bit of tension, romance, and danger sprinkled all together!
Tropes I found:
-fated mates
-possessive/protective MMC
-hurt/comfort
-size difference
-HEA
April 16, 2021
Great
This series gets more thrilling book by book, hopefully it continues on. When is so sweet and cheery, while Throne is sweet and BA.
This series gets more thrilling book by book, hopefully it continues on. When is so sweet and cheery, while Throne is sweet and BA.
May 10, 2021
3.5 stars
September 15, 2021
Big hulking bear shifters
How can you go wrong with an enormous bear shifter and a tiny human who find out that they are forever mates.
How can you go wrong with an enormous bear shifter and a tiny human who find out that they are forever mates.
December 19, 2021
3.5 stars
January 11, 2022
Terrific!
The third book in the series was terrific. I read it in one sitting. It was exciting. It was sexy. It was very satisfying.
The third book in the series was terrific. I read it in one sitting. It was exciting. It was sexy. It was very satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews