Wolf shifter PI Mick Hartness is sick to death of being on the bad side of a criminal who wants him and his while team dead. Now, with the help of the cops and the feds, Apex Investigations Inc. is closer than ever to reeling the guy in and getting back to living life without hiding. But that means Mick needs all of his mixed pack on deck and ready to fight, including their youngest member, bear shifter Kit, who Mick has the softest spot for.
Kit is sure his skills can help not only catch their nemesis, but help take some of the stress of running the agency off Mick. Too bad Mick will never see him as anything as a kid who needs to be protected. Which is why Kit decides to strike out on his own and get a job that allows him to do more than take pictures of cheating husbands and keep the motor pool running.
The thought of losing Kit finally makes Mick ready to show Kit how he really feels; that kit his mate. Can he keep Kit with him and also catch a killer who's becoming more and more dangerous everyday? Or will Mick lose everything he holds dear?
Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia is a hybrid author, and has been published by many presses as well as self publishing. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com
Kit has really been the heart of this team, and it made me a little grumpy that Mick kept missing or ignoring how Kit felt for him. Of course, Mick ignored how he felt too.
I loved these guys, and I would love to see so much more from this world.
"Alpha and Bear" is the fourth volume in my beloved "Apex Investigations" series by Julia Talbot. This is undoubtedly a series that won my heart in the blink of an eye and for each volume I was waiting impatiently. I love these amazing characters who are so different from each other, but at the same time perfectly compatible, and it is the greatest delight to read about all these great moments when our Apex boys spend some time together to strengthen their pack bonds. There is no shortage of that in "Alpha and Bear" and I am very happy about it. It's even more important when we take into consideration the fact that in this volume the head of the entire Apex Investigations group, who has so far rejected the feelings of this one sweet bear, finally finds some time for love. Oh yes, these two made us wait a bit for their love story culmination, but thanks to this, it undoubtedly whetted our appetite. Either way, we finally have a novel that focuses on the last two of the initial pack members. I admit, I hoped that in this volume the author will focus more on action, but at the same time won't forget about romantic and smexy times, but I think that in "Alpha and Bear" we see less action than in the previous volumes. I regret it, but the novel is really good, addictive and will not disappoint the series' fans. I just want to read the entire series again!
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„Alpha and Bear” jest czwartym już tomem uwielbianej przeze mnie serii „Apex Investigations” autorstwa Julii Talbot. Jest to niewątpliwie seria, która szybko podbiła moje serce i na każdy tom której czekałam z niecierpliwością. Uwielbiam tych bohaterów, którzy są tak różni od siebie, ale jednocześnie doskonale do siebie pasują, a największą rozkoszą jest czytać o tych wspaniałych chwilach spędzanych przez chłopców z Apex wspólnie dla umocnienia więzi między członkami ich watahy. Tego w „Alpha and Bear” nie brakuje i bardzo się z tego cieszę. Tym bardziej, że w tym tomie swój czas na miłość w końcu znajduje głowa całej grupy Apex Investigations, który do tej pory odrzucał uczucia pewnego słodkiego misia. Oj tak, ta dwója kazała nam na siebie trochę czekać, ale dzięki temu niewątpliwie zaostrzyła nasz apetyt. Tak czy inaczej, w końcu mamy powieść, która skupia się na ostatniej dwójce podstawowego składu watahy. Przyznaję, miałam nadzieję, że w tym tomie autorka postawi w większym stopniu na akcję, nie zatracając jednak niczego z romansu oraz czasu miłosnych uniesień, jednak tej akcji w „Alpha and Bear” wydaje mi się, że jest mniej niż w tomach poprzednich. Żałuję, ale powieść mimo wszystko jest naprawdę dobra, wciągająca i nie zawiedzie fanów serii. Aż mam ochotę przeczytać całą serię raz jeszcze!
Mick is tired of his family and team being hunted by their nemesis. They’ve had a few close calls in recent months and Mick is determined to remove this threat so their family can finally relax and enjoy life again. Kit is certain his Bear skills can help capture the lunatic determined to destroy them, but his efforts keep being frustrated by their team – Mick in particular – still thinking of him as the slightly lost and very young man he was many years ago when Kit joined in with them. Kit is determined, and so he strikes out on his own, certain he can bring this mess to and end and have Mick finally see him for the strong, capable and fully grown man that he is.
I’ve really enjoyed the three previous stories in this series and while I believe this might be the last one it wraps everything up so beautifully I’d be happy to leave the Apex group here if needed. Equally, I’d be more than happy to read further adventures should they happen to come down the line. I really enjoyed how this book and series was equal parts fun and just a little silly, I found this to be is a great paranormal romance with a cast of vibrant and interesting characters, a good and solid plot and just a dash of fun and silliness. It’s a great, happy read and one I know I’ll enjoy again.
Mick and Kit have been circling each other throughout the series. I was fairly sure they’d end up together and happily though it was worth every moment waiting and reading through this to see the two men get themselves together and organized. Readers looking for a steamy and sexy story should find this really satisfies that aspect to what they’re looking for. In equal parts though there is a strong mystery and I found the plot interesting and not just half baked.
I thought this was a well rounded book with good pacing, great characters and a strong plot. I enjoyed it immensely and will be sad if this is the end of this series, but the four sharp and quick books will make for great re-reading down the track. Highly recommended – both this and the others in the series – and an excellent author I’ll be sure to check out again.
There are two main threads in this book. The first is the conclusion to the overarching plot line of stalking, kidnapping, shifter based conspiracies and exploitation, drug dealing, and pretty much every other violent and horrible thing you can think of. Fortunately, it ends in a deeply satisfying way. To really appreciate this all finally being over, it’s a good idea to check out the previous books in the series, so you get the full spectrum of intrigue and mayhem. It’s great that in this book everyone, especially Brock, gets their lives back.
The second major plot thread is the romance between Mick and Kit. They know they’re mates, but Mick is initially stuck in a holding pattern of infantilizing Kit and “protecting” him in ways that mean that Kit feels left behind and unable to live up to his full potential. It’s frustrating, but fortunately it doesn’t last too long, and when they make the decision to be together they’re both all in, and compliment each other beautifully. I love Kit: he’s got incredible skills, he’s beyond smart, and he’s kind in human form and terrifying as a bear. It’s hard not to like Kit. Mick, on the other hand, I’ve never been super fond of, and I didn’t really love him here either. He’s the alpha, and he really really likes being in charge, in pretty much every situation, but I didn’t find that as hot as I think it was supposed to be.
Overall, however, this has been a really engaging series with really interesting characters, and I’m glad to see Kit get his happily ever after and the team as a whole get some closure once the big bad is dealt with.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great book with just a little angst, sweetness galore and some action involving the baddies getting their comeuppance. Mick and Kit have been dancing around each other for a while. Kit knew exactly who Mick was but felt like he would never be seen as more and Mick knew how he felt about Kit but was worried about their age gap. What I loved was that Kit came into his own. Yes, he had been a part of the group, but there was a lot of self-doubt still felt and watching him realise that he was a valued member of the group was so wonderful. As usual I love the writing – I think it works so, so well for shifters (that feeling of being very connected to instinct, I’m probably explaining this badly lol). It was so great to see everyone find their HEA. I’d also say that as long as you’re willing to go with the flow and don’t need too many details about the baddies that you could probably read this as a standalone. There’d be points where you probably weren’t 100% sure what was going on, but I think you could still enjoy it without having read the rest of the series.
The guys at Apex Investigations are really one big family/pack. I love these guys and they have survived so much. With Maldinado still on the loose, they have been laying low waiting to see where he will strike next. The tension is beginning to get to them and Kit has had enough of being stuck with the lowest jobs on the totem pole. It takes threatening to quit to make the rest of the guys realize how they have been treating him like a kid. It also wakes Mick up to the fact that if he doesn’t do something, he will lose his bear permanently. Kit is such a nurturing bear and just wants to take care of everyone, but especially his alpha. As Mick and Kit finally get their relationship working, they still have to stop the bad guy and who knows where he will strike next? It was great to see the ending of this storyline as the guys get ready to expand and move into the future without the immediate threat of death hanging over their heads.
I kinda put the cart before the horse when reading this book as it is the culmination of Apex Investigations. I haven't read Book #1, but I got the gist of the plot. Max is the Apex alpha leader and is so overly protective of Kit that he practically smothers him. Kit might be young, but he's not wet behind the ears. After all he is a bear with intelligence in various trades that make him invaluable to Apex. Each knows they are destined as mates but the dire threat to Apex by a psycho villain puts a halt to their fulfillment until the villain is brought to heel (disposed of). Lots of characters from the previous 3 books. Even with the serious theme herein there were moments of wise cracking, joking, silly nickname calling that lent a light side to the overall plot line. The "cuddling" done by these various shifters had a nice touch of innocence if one thinks of all animals doing just that to offer comfort but not in a sexual way. This is an ARC I got via GRR and is my honest review.
When the student becomes the teacher! Kit, bear has been in love with Mick, wolf since Mick took him in. He was getting impatient with Mick ever seeing him as an adult, a peer and worthy of no longer handling the grunt work in the PI business. His frustration, erupted just as the team were facing a sadistic unbalanced enemy who is threatening one of their own. The other team members know how Kit feels. Will Mick acknowledge Kit's feelings, or his own? Will Mick handle Kit with courageous compassion, or will he shut him down? Do they catch Maldinado, the sadistic psychopath? Very exciting story. Many moving parts that dance in and out of life threatening danger. This author has presented what look like really fun characters. I look forward to going back and reading the three previous stories. Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mick is a wolf shifter, PI. He’s tired of being on the radar of a criminal mastermind who wants to take out his whole team. Kit is a bear shifter that works for Mick. Mick has watched Kit grow up but has recently started thinking of Kit as grown up instead of the kid he used to be. Kit has been in love with Mick for a long time, he wants to be treated as an equal. But recently he’s starting to believe maybe he needs to go out on his own. When Mick learns that Kit is thinking of leaving it gives him to push, he needed to finally claim Kit. Loved this story! I’m sad the series is ending! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I was so glad that Mick didn't drag this out too much in this book, no more than they had already and that Kit finally stood up for himself and what he wanted. My heart broke for Brock and his history and how he felt responsible for all of the troubles. I also like that these guys are doing okay financially but they aren't independently wealthy. They had to use older vehicles that needed repaired and that kind of thing.
Anyway, it was a fun wrap-up that kept me glued as they figured out the bad guy. I have to confess I should probably have briefed myself on the other books because it took my brain some twisting to remember who was who (and their previous careers) and how they all came together as a pack, but it was still fun. Curious about Greg, seems bird-shifters appeal to me.
This is the best book in the series. I’ve wanted to read Mick and Kit’s story since book 1 but these books have to be read in order because of the continuous storyline. Kit is the sweetest and the bright sunshine to Mick’s grump and the answer to the man’s much needed love. They are just perfect for each other.
The overall rating for the series is a 4 for me. Here is a brief review. Book 1 is confusing but Rey and Dylan are adorable. Book 2 is chaotic and more and I don’t like Brock very much. Book 3 starts to clear things up but I don’t much care for Hank and James. This one features my favorite couple and everything wraps up neatly. Now I want a book for Cole and Greg. Spin-off maybe?
Time for Mick to claim his Kit bear!! I have been waiting for these two! In this story Kit has finally got the chance to stop being treated like a kid by his work family and his Alpha! Being this is the last book in a Four book series with an over arching plot, I do want to give too much away! Just want to say this was a fantastic final book and I loved seen all the Apex Investigation guys and their cuddly lovers! Yes there is a danger and seriousness, but this working family of guys still provide a lot of affectionate banter! I received an ARC of this book and I recommend this one for those who love an age gap shifter romance!
Kit has loved Mick since the alpha brought him into the Pack/ Apex Investigations when he was 14. He's no longer a "kid" and wants the wolf that his bear is certain is his mate to recognize that. Mick has watched Kit grow, and is pretty sure that the bear is his mate. But he's been cautious. And the situation with Brock's former lover has made him more protective than normal. It was fun watching Kit prove that he's a total badass. And when Mick finally accepts his mate, steamy times ensue. A fun book. Sorry for it to be the last in the series. The shifters of Apex Investigation make for fascinating reading.
Hmmm... Well... I don't think I will continue reading Julia Talbot's books.
I am just not a fan of this writing style. I couldn't get into the story, the plot was rushed and just meh, the characters were annoying and ridiculous. But worst of all was the writing style. Half-finished sentences and one word sentences from which some full on conversation is pulled, which obviously happens somewhere behind the scenes, random exclamations, clumsy and awkward conversations. I just didn't like it. I couldn't get into the story and didn't particularly care either.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
The finale and Kit and Mick’s love story is here! I really enjoyed seeing Kit come into his own. He’s all grown up, all bear and grrr, is he fierce when it comes to the ones he loves. So is Mick—they all are, really— but Kit was it for me in this book. The action was fun and I love how these men aren’t just a pack, but family. They may be a slightly chaotic family that has more trouble than I can fathom, but they always, always have each others’ backs. I for one would happily dive into a snuggle pile with them, especially if I can wrangle some home-cooked meals too.
I have really enjoyed this series, throughout we’ve watched Kit and Mick circle and avoid the inevitable. There has been the ongoing threat to all our guys from the psychopathic fox shifter. This book completes that story arc very nicely, opens up possibilities for other stories from this shifter pack. Kit finally gets Mick to admit they belong together and the whole thing quickly heats up from there. The investigation becomes intense and bloodthirsty. Edge of the seat stuff. I really enjoyed it!
This was the one I have been waiting for! This is the fourth book in the series and I would suggest that you read the first three first. There is an ongoing plot and the characters and backstory have been established. Kit and Mick were exactly what I hoped for. Kit is so adorable! I am so glad he finally got his man! This book is more romance-focused than the other books which are pretty much mixed but i get that since there was such a build-up for this couple. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
As a huge fan of PI stories, this mix of mystery, shifters, mates, and an age gap m/m romance was perfect. The fact that the age gap prevented Mick from seeing Kit as a competent, adult member of the team this driving Kit away for a bit made for a great plot device. We get to see Kit come fully into his own and see Mick realize the mistake he's been making. This has been a really enjoyable series.
I’ve been waiting for this story from the beginning! Mick is the boss, the one that holds them all together! He watches his team find love while he hides how he really feels about Kit but kit things his feelings are one sided and is ready to move on! But before he can Mick finally man’s up & does what he should of from the beginning! The happy ending is very sweet, their family is amazing! 😀😀❤️❤️
What a great ending to an amazing series. This crazy group of mixed band of shifters work and love hard and it has been a fun ride. Kit and Mick finally got their life together and let the love flow. They are adorable to watch as they figure out they cannot love without each other. Together the pack finally brings an end to their troubles and the couple get to enjoy being in love.
A killer is on the loose and are after his team. He is the newest to this team but all he is seen as a youngest and in need of protection. He hopes trying to branch out and find his own way. Will the leader of the pack realises he is their mate? Will they find the killer? Can they stop the killer? See how it all ends
Man this is such a great series. I’m so glad Kit got his wolf and how this ended. The hard part is saying goodbye because I want more of them. I love the Apex gang and want them to have many more adventures. The thought the author put in this is amazing. From the shifters to the bad guys and their many stunts was so well done throughout the whole series. Man I’m going to miss it.
Amazing end to Apex series ( or is it the end?...)
Amazing and satisfying 4th book in the Apex series. Author Julia Talbot has out done herself again! Can I just add that I would love for her to write a spin-off series about the new characters and the whole Apex team's new adventures. Please. 😉
I adore this authors books and this new one works wonderful in this series. Humorous, loving, romantic with a dash of drama. What a total treat of a book
This is book four of Apex Investigations and is best read in order.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
We have the story of Mick and Kit. Mick is struggling and Kit could easily lift some of the burden. To bad Mick continues to miss what's right in front of him. Getting his mate will take some finesse. But its all worth it.
Another really good addition to the 'Apex Investigations' series. As with this author's work, you can find romance, humor, Some drama and heart. If you haven't read the other books, I recommend doing so as you'll appreciate this latest that much more.
I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.
I loved how Kit and Mick finally and smoothly became mates. The rest of the characters I have come to read in past books of the series all made this a great and fitting part of the series. I would recommend reading about all of these wonderfully imaginative characters and the trials they face. "I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
So the one question that I keep having in all of these books is: what triggers the mental connection for each mating? It seems to be proximity, but for this couple, they’ve been around one another for years. It seems to be triggered somehow, but I’m just not clear what that trigger is.
I love all of these characters. Kit is getting to the end of his rope with Mick. I loved how all of them came together to get rid of Maldonado. You will read about the other couples and see how they are. So I recommend you read this series in order.
I'm so happy to see that Kit finally got his man. Kit really came out of his shell in this book and Mack finally realized what he had in Kit. This was a very good book and a great ending to the series.
I so enjoy the Apex Investigations series. In this story we follow Mick and Kit it was a exciting and fun adventure. There is action adventure and romance in this fast and exciting story and of course they get a HEA. Can’t wait to read the next book.