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After escaping a desperate situation, I have to trust a man who has dark secrets of his own. Fiona I’ve been locked up for almost ten years. After many failed attempts, I narrowly escape my stepmother’s clutches. My freedom comes at a price, though—I’m alone, and I have no idea who I am. When I meet Gabriel, I think I have found my savior. It doesn’t hurt that Gabriel is hot as hell… But, he’s involved in a world I don’t understand. I don’t know who to trust. Gabriel I’m a lone bear shifter and a park ranger in Ash Forest. I love my job and the isolation it brings. Humans can’t be trusted, and that’s why I stay as far away from them as I can. However, when I come across Fiona, I can’t help myself. But, my primal pull toward her only leads to trouble. We have to discover who she is and why her past has been wiped clean. I just hope we can find the truth before the dark forces destroy us all. 18+ only

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

93 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Lola Gabriel

111 books131 followers
Lola Gabriel loves reading and writing paranormal romances. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she has fond memories of retreating to the woods for long hikes. The towering evergreens, natural waterfalls, and soothing rain often set the scenery for her characters' romantic encounters.

*Lola Gabriel was created by a group of friends who all write under the nom de plume. For the sake of simplicity, we use “she” and “I” for Lola’s communication.

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5 stars
91 (54%)
4 stars
39 (23%)
3 stars
27 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Angie ~aka Reading Machine~.
3,746 reviews135 followers
May 20, 2021
All Fiona Hewitt wanted was to be free of her stepmother Serena. She tried escaping twice before but didn't work out so well for her. Third time the charm right at that's Fiona's hope any way. Gabriel "Gabe" Armel is park forest ranger and bear shifter that likes to help humans when he can. Meeting Fiona changes alot of things for Gabe. He wants to protect her from any harm. Fiona is a little afraid to trust people but somehow Gabe gets a free pass. Can Gabe help Fiona? Will Fiona truly escape? Your answers await you in Bear Protector.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,092 reviews59 followers
July 20, 2021
But slow for my taste but good.

Gabe finds Fiona in the woods escaping from a person known to her as stepmother. He protects her and brings her to the witches to help her. She discovers who she really is and who her family is with a HEA.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,681 reviews112 followers
October 25, 2022
The couple: Gabe and Fiona

Romance trope: shifter
Series: Ash Forest Shifters
Length: 132 pages

Plot: Gabe is a shifter forest ranger who finds Fiona fleeing her evil stepmother one night. Unbeknownst to her, she's a powerful witch who was kidnapped by an evil witch when she was young. The evil witch has been taking her blood for years and has stored it for future use. Gabe and Fiona's new family will help her break the curse, but will Fiona feel like she can trust Gabe when she finds out his big secret?

Commentary: I felt like the "big secret" was s a little overblown, considering that Fiona herself was a witch and Gabe was fully immersed in the supernatural world. I think she was a little melodramatic about it and Gabe beating himself up about it was a little much. Gabe was a little sad sack as well sometimes, when I was hoping he would be more alpha in his attitude. Maybe that would have made Fiona respond to him differently.

Next book in the series: Fae Warrior
1,195 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2021
This was a wonderful kick off to a new series. Fiona has lived with her stepmother for as long as she can remember. She has been locked up for years and has tried to escape more than once but to no avail. She plans out a late night escape and executes it well. Unfortunately, in spite of all her efforts, her stepmother chases after her and refuses to let her go. Bear shifter Gabriel has had bad luck with humans and with trying to help them out. While in bear form he sees Fiona running towards a ravine she can't see. He saves her but knocks her out and protects her from her aunt. There were a lot of twists and turns in the story and some exciting moments. As the evil unfolds and the truth is revealed, Fiona and Gabriel get closer together. Of course there will be an event that shakes things up for them before they get their HEA. I can't wait to see where this series heads to next.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2021
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Bear Protector by Lola Gabriel is the first book in the Ash Forest Shifters series. I really enjoyed this fast paced quick read. Fiona and Gabriel lead a cast of wonderfully developed characters. The non-stop action and drama are only enhanced by the sweet and sexy heat. Gabe is a Forest Ranger that has just about had it with humanity. Fiona has been locked up by her stepmother for over a decade and has just escaped into Gabe's forest. Danger and drama surround them and all secrets will be revealed. I love Lola Gabriel reads, they are an escape into sexy fun and adventure.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
1,992 reviews16 followers
May 16, 2021
Fiona only remembers to live with her "Stepmom", a woman who does not treat her too well, and keeps her imprisoned in the house since she is fourteen. Finally at the age of twenty four she is able to escape into the woods, only to be hit by something. When she regains consciousness she is with Gabriel, a bear shifter, who lives as a local park ranger. He helps Fiona to find help against her stepmother and to connect with her family.
A nice story, at times a little slow, but suspenseful at others. The constant change of pace is actually quite good for the story and keeps the readers on tehir toe with new developments.
An interesting plot with various twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann Holden.
1,190 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2021
Fiona has been held captive by her stepmother for years. It’s her 24th birthday and time to escape. As she flees she literally runs into Gabe, one of the local park rangers and a bear shifter. There is an instant attraction on his side but she’s not quite sure. It doesn’t take long to unravel the mystery around her captivity but she’s still very confused about her relationship with Gabe.
The book is short, not leaving a lot of space for any real character development but the story is sweet and sexy and has an HEA.
This is a good, quick read

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
May 16, 2021
Bear Protector is book one in the Ash Forest series and Fiona and Gabriel's story. Fiona was held captive by her stepmother for as long as she can remember. When she finally escapes she runs into bear shifter/park ranger Gabriel. This story takes the reader on quite an action packed ride and is filled with magic, shifters, vampires, witches, a curse, suspense and so much more. From the interesting characters to the intriguing storyline this is a great start to the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,977 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2021
There was a lot going on, between Fiona and Gabriel, Fiona's Stepmother, Beatrix, Luna, and Abby walking between them knowing all. Very different from other books I have read. It is very good though. I enjoyed learning different things about this one. Seeing the interplay between all the different players was fun also. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
465 reviews
May 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. It's like a fairytale. You'll fall in love with Fiona and Gabriel.
Fiona finally escapes her stepmother's clutches and runs straight into Gabriel's territory. He saves her but her stepmother isn't done with her. Danger and passion collide. Family is discovered. Will they admit the feelings between them before its too late?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,194 reviews34 followers
May 16, 2021
First book in a new series of shifter romance. The story has the feel of Rapunzel in a way. Stepmother is definitely evil. Fiona is a sweet young woman being held captive but her stepmother. It seems that no matter what she does she can’t escape. But Fiona is smart and patient. Then there is Gabriel who is a bear shifter and park ranger. How the two meet and try to stop her stepmom will be filled with action and danger. The romance is there and adds some tension and heat.
Profile Image for Terrie Stamey.
303 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2021
Bear Protector

This was a fast paced love story that I didn't see where it was going at first! As I got more involved in the story, the more it became clear what had happened in the past was very important to what was going on now! A witch that didn't know she was a powerful witch and a man who was a bear shifter, but didn't want anyone else to know. They helped each other and fell in love. They took on a very bad witch and fell in love!
Terrie Stamey
12k reviews75 followers
May 16, 2021
The author has given us shifters, witches, vampires and lots of magic. When Fiona escapes from her stepmother, Gabe finds her and vows to keep her safe, even though he is not fond of humans. The story keeps you turning the pages with danger, fear, secrets and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,733 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2021
Bear Protector

This was a good little read. It caught my attention from the beginning. Fiona didn't understand a lot about her life. Being locked away for most of her life. Gabe just loved the forest and his freedom. Then he helps Fiona, a woman he never knew he needed in his life.
4 reviews
February 21, 2022
Decent read

I liked the character development, and the internal interactions within themselves. I enjoyed the witches and their story arc. I did not, however, like the speed of which the main characters fell in love, fixed their issues, and did the deed done dirt cheap. The ending also felt super rushed and incomplete.
7,154 reviews33 followers
May 21, 2021
Another book from this author. This is the first book in this Ash Forest Shifters series. Looking forward to read the next book. The story will hold your attention, the characters are engaging and fit well togethers. An excellent start.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
June 1, 2021
Yes Protect Me!

When an Evil Witch uses blood for Black Magic bites off more then she can chew when she runs into a Bear Shifter and good Witches ooooooo even a Vampire you have the best book ever.
Profile Image for donna.
945 reviews
June 5, 2021
Shifter, witches & curses

She's waiting to escape her evil stepmother and runs into a shifter who wants to help and protect her. He takes her to some of his friends so that they can help as well. Will she survive? Will they break the curse?
Profile Image for Susan.
872 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
A helping hand

Gabe & Fiona > he was a person who like to be alone and spent his days in his mountain. She was locked up all her life but this time she was going to make it. She was going to get her freedom. When they meet then the fireworks really went off.
Profile Image for ashley.
890 reviews17 followers
June 18, 2021
Uhm

It was a good subject of shifter meets witch but the beginning is very drawn out and the good parts are to quick and then...BOOM the end. I wish it gave more to the middle and end.
Profile Image for Eve Culley.
Author 10 books5 followers
September 18, 2021
Witches, bears and vampires oh my

This story has a lot of character inter turmoil, A
and a totally clueless 24 yr old girl. A bear who is afraid to commit and doesn't want to be hurt again. Plus a very friendly vampire, who'd do anything for blood.
Profile Image for Elisa  Castro .
2,588 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2025
darkness and its secrets

Bear Protector is book one in the series Ash Forest Shifters by author Lola Gabriel. In this tale you find that even witches can have bad moments. Oh and bears are grumpy.
Enjoy!!
Profile Image for RITA BOTTILLO.
795 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2021
Compelling

Very exciting adventure with bears, stepmother, witches and fires. Interesting and entertaining story that keeps you engaged right to the last pages. Loved it.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2021
😍😍😍😍

A good story with plenty of drama, mystery, danger, and magic to feed your imagination. Both the characters and background information are well designed.
2,787 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2021
Witches and curses

Interesting paranormal story has witches and shifters fixed in a struggle over one young witch who is firmly under a curse.
Profile Image for Cindy Hardegree.
1,242 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2021
Prisoner no more

An interesting steamy tale of a child kidnapped and now grown learning who she really was, and finding love along the way.
Profile Image for Sn8wflake .
2,391 reviews
September 14, 2021
urban

Kidnapping, running away hiding out and reclaiming a heritage. Bears, witches, vampires and trolls all getting along. Just abut of love.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,810 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2021
Bear Protector

Wow!!! What a gr8 story. A shifter, witches (good and bad), and a vampire. This story was very interesting and I enjoyed it. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Profile Image for MARY.
1,490 reviews
June 17, 2022
I finished this book in the early hours. I loved reading this 1st in the Ash Forest Shifters series. It was full of excitement. In the end Gabe and the girl got their happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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