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Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty #1
Bear's Midlife Midwife
“I can’t get the authorities involved in this,” he pleaded, his brows drawing together.
“I need you.”
When I got divorced and moved to the quiet Oregon countryside,
The last thing I expected was for a hot stranger to pound on my door,
Demanding I go with him in the middle of the night.
Tyler’s sister-in-law’s in labor, and he swears she’s on death’s door.
The weirder part?
I’m not allowed to tell anyone what I’m about to see.
This has WTF written all over it, but I took an oath to help.
Looks like my cozy sweats, wine, and the remote will have to wait.
Even after delivering babies for decades,
Nothing could prepare me for this.
Good god, the kid is hairy,
And the ears, the eyes...they’re all wrong.
Because I didn’t just deliver a baby.
I delivered a freaking bear cub.
Apparently, these folks are shapeshifters,
And us humans aren’t supposed to know their secret.
Now, some of these bear-people want me dead.
That hunky stranger Tyler is now my bodyguard,
And we’ve gotten very close living under my tiny roof.
Am I ready to jump into a relationship with another man?
Especially one that can change into a bear?
Steamy shifter love scenes and an HEA inside! No cheating or cliffhanger in this standalone romance. Readers 18+.
“I need you.”
When I got divorced and moved to the quiet Oregon countryside,
The last thing I expected was for a hot stranger to pound on my door,
Demanding I go with him in the middle of the night.
Tyler’s sister-in-law’s in labor, and he swears she’s on death’s door.
The weirder part?
I’m not allowed to tell anyone what I’m about to see.
This has WTF written all over it, but I took an oath to help.
Looks like my cozy sweats, wine, and the remote will have to wait.
Even after delivering babies for decades,
Nothing could prepare me for this.
Good god, the kid is hairy,
And the ears, the eyes...they’re all wrong.
Because I didn’t just deliver a baby.
I delivered a freaking bear cub.
Apparently, these folks are shapeshifters,
And us humans aren’t supposed to know their secret.
Now, some of these bear-people want me dead.
That hunky stranger Tyler is now my bodyguard,
And we’ve gotten very close living under my tiny roof.
Am I ready to jump into a relationship with another man?
Especially one that can change into a bear?
Steamy shifter love scenes and an HEA inside! No cheating or cliffhanger in this standalone romance. Readers 18+.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2021
1530 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Meg Ripley
171 books457 followersGrab a free copy of Alpha's Midlife Baby, the prequel to the Fated Over Forty series, when you sign up for Meg's newsletter ==> https://www.authormegripley.com
Meg Ripley is an author of steamy shifter romances. A Seattle native who’s relocated to New England, she can often be found whipping up her next tale curled up in a local coffee house with a cappuccino and her laptop.
Meg Ripley is an author of steamy shifter romances. A Seattle native who’s relocated to New England, she can often be found whipping up her next tale curled up in a local coffee house with a cappuccino and her laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
October 14, 2021
This story had so much potential but one thing and one thing only ruined that potential: TYLER.
Liz was a strong female character in this story. She was living her life after a divorce and starting a new career path that she really loved. Then in comes Tyler like a bear in a china shop. Once Liz helps Ty’s sister-in-law, it should have been over. But fate had other plans. Ty’s clan doesn’t like a human knowing their secret. Ty steps up to protect her from a threat.
He then spends his time pushing her away, being a grumpy mess and overall just being irritating. He’s prickly when Liz tries to help him and even lashes out at her in anger, telling her to stay out of his affairs. He is INSUFFERABLE. He is also a terrible protector to her. Ugh. He doesn’t acknowledge his bond with Liz until he thinks it’s too late. He didn’t make this a very enjoyable book.
There is also a scene where Ty and his brother are talking about Liz trying to help with his guilt about his past. Ty tells his brother that she has no right to treat him like some thing she can fix. His brother says, and I quote, “Women like projects.” What a crock. This type of thinking is so anti-women, like we somehow don’t like complete men unless we can fix something about them. I hate this mentality and it made me sneer when I read it. Just gross.
This was a so-so book for me. Maybe it’ll be a better book for someone else, but I won’t be recommending this one any time soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liz was a strong female character in this story. She was living her life after a divorce and starting a new career path that she really loved. Then in comes Tyler like a bear in a china shop. Once Liz helps Ty’s sister-in-law, it should have been over. But fate had other plans. Ty’s clan doesn’t like a human knowing their secret. Ty steps up to protect her from a threat.
He then spends his time pushing her away, being a grumpy mess and overall just being irritating. He’s prickly when Liz tries to help him and even lashes out at her in anger, telling her to stay out of his affairs. He is INSUFFERABLE. He is also a terrible protector to her. Ugh. He doesn’t acknowledge his bond with Liz until he thinks it’s too late. He didn’t make this a very enjoyable book.
There is also a scene where Ty and his brother are talking about Liz trying to help with his guilt about his past. Ty tells his brother that she has no right to treat him like some thing she can fix. His brother says, and I quote, “Women like projects.” What a crock. This type of thinking is so anti-women, like we somehow don’t like complete men unless we can fix something about them. I hate this mentality and it made me sneer when I read it. Just gross.
This was a so-so book for me. Maybe it’ll be a better book for someone else, but I won’t be recommending this one any time soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2024
Bear’s Midlife Midwife is book one in the Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty by Meg Ripley
The story is ok. Nothing special nor does it stand out. Everything is so fast and instant. Its instant attraction/lust turned into love and fated mates. The basic synopsis was interesting, but it lacked any depth or character development. The relationship is rushed. The conflict is eh and the background is non-excitant. I didn’t mind the read, but it’s nothing to rave about.
Rated: 2.5 Stars
The story is ok. Nothing special nor does it stand out. Everything is so fast and instant. Its instant attraction/lust turned into love and fated mates. The basic synopsis was interesting, but it lacked any depth or character development. The relationship is rushed. The conflict is eh and the background is non-excitant. I didn’t mind the read, but it’s nothing to rave about.
Rated: 2.5 Stars
March 10, 2023
I had to give Liz some credit for not freaking out when she learned about bear shifters. I'm sure it made the birth all the more crazy, but later when things got explained to her, she still didn't freak out. I laughed as both Liz and Tyler started to give the same speech after their one night together, funnier still was how that one night changed things between them. To the point where Tyler became a bit of loose cannon towards the end of the book and did some damage on a few dumbasses, who deserved everything they got.
I liked how this one ended, liked seeing Liz settle into her new life and be so happy with Tyler.
I liked how this one ended, liked seeing Liz settle into her new life and be so happy with Tyler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
Has almost all the elements I like. Sassy heroine over 40. Sexy times. Urban fantasy,
No virgins though.
Guess I didn’t love it if I don’t have much to say about it.
Umm.. sexy romance while he protects her from danger…
No virgins though.
Guess I didn’t love it if I don’t have much to say about it.
Umm.. sexy romance while he protects her from danger…
January 2, 2023
An okay read
Not where I thought this was going but Liz and Tyler were nice enough characters.
I liked the introduction of reiki here and how it’s helpful to both human and bears.
I thought the drama would be different and found it to be a bit anticlimactic after all the threats but that’s okay. Interesting series. I’ll probably read more from it in the future.
Not where I thought this was going but Liz and Tyler were nice enough characters.
I liked the introduction of reiki here and how it’s helpful to both human and bears.
I thought the drama would be different and found it to be a bit anticlimactic after all the threats but that’s okay. Interesting series. I’ll probably read more from it in the future.
August 14, 2022
Bear's Midlife Midwife (Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty,)
The love story of Liz and Tyler. Liz is going the a midlife change. She has been a midwife and now she is training as a new ages RN. One night Tyler came banging on her door. His sister-in-law was give born and was in trouble. She help and learn of the shifter world. Some of the shifter want her dead. Tyler will protect her. Can he? Great story.
The love story of Liz and Tyler. Liz is going the a midlife change. She has been a midwife and now she is training as a new ages RN. One night Tyler came banging on her door. His sister-in-law was give born and was in trouble. She help and learn of the shifter world. Some of the shifter want her dead. Tyler will protect her. Can he? Great story.
January 30, 2022
A 2.5 Read
I wanted to enjoy this book - I liked the basic synopsis and while I don't usually read 'shifter romances', I was excited to give it try. The overall storyline just lacked the right flow - it seemed at times too rushed which made Liz and Tyler's relationship hard to believe (& I was okay with the whole 'fated for one another' storyline). I also felt like the additional plot was just lacking enough background and/or detail to work - it often seemed sudden and rushed. While I didn't mind the read, I don't see myself continuing the series.
I wanted to enjoy this book - I liked the basic synopsis and while I don't usually read 'shifter romances', I was excited to give it try. The overall storyline just lacked the right flow - it seemed at times too rushed which made Liz and Tyler's relationship hard to believe (& I was okay with the whole 'fated for one another' storyline). I also felt like the additional plot was just lacking enough background and/or detail to work - it often seemed sudden and rushed. While I didn't mind the read, I don't see myself continuing the series.
Read
June 4, 2023Made it to 22% and it’s just kind of boring.
January 28, 2022
Predictable and fated mates. Lots of energy healing and auras and stuff. It felt like the author was more interested in alternative medicine than in shifters.
April 5, 2024
An enjoyable read with Shifters and mates, and trouble around every corner. Nothing will keep these mates apart except miscommunication.
The pages kept turning because I wanted to know what happened.
These books are quick and easy reads.
Keeping a secret has never been so big.
The pages kept turning because I wanted to know what happened.
These books are quick and easy reads.
Keeping a secret has never been so big.
October 30, 2021
Reiki
What an interesting skill, it makes me want to run out and make an appointment. Loved the ending, the pain of love and loss demonstrated beautifully.
What an interesting skill, it makes me want to run out and make an appointment. Loved the ending, the pain of love and loss demonstrated beautifully.
October 23, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! Liz sweet, intelligent, retired (or so she thought) midwife, because after her divorce she closed her practice in favor of becoming a healer knows nothing about shifters or their existence. Tyler sexy as all get out bear shifter with issues, when his sister-in-law goes into labor (desperate she may die trying to give birth), he wakes the healer demanding she come with him taken his sister-in-law to the hospital it out of the question but bringing a human to his brother’s (the alpha) is also a huge risk so of course she can’t refuse. But the things she learned that night will forever change her but upon arriving she realizes no one is doing anything they are all just standing around and a woman is in pain screaming. The midwife in her comes out remaining calm, taking over but when a bear cub instead of a baby comes out well let’s say she got the surprise of her life. Some of the clan members are thankful she helped the alpha’s mate, but they also understand how humans are so the only solution is to kill her and his brother the alpha makes him her bodyguard while he finds the ones out to kill her. Getting to know each other has both of them feeling things they aren’t supposed to, but will he keep her safe, will his brother solve the problem, and can there be more between them?
September 23, 2025
Story: Liz, a strong and independent woman, is living her life after a divorce and starting a new career path as a midwife and Reiki healer. One night, Tyler, a bear shifter and the beta of his clan, urgently seeks her help when his sister-in-law faces complications during childbirth. Liz assists and witnesses the birth of a bear cub instead of a human baby, discovering the secret of the shapeshifting bear people. The clan wants to keep their existence hidden, and some members become a threat to Liz's life. Tyler, feeling responsible for Liz's safety, becomes her bodyguard and they grow closer while living together under the same roof. However, Tyler pushes her away, carrying the weight of his past and resisting their bond. Despite their attraction and the undeniable connection between them, they both struggle to accept their fate and embark on a relationship. As danger looms, Tyler must protect Liz from those who want to silence her, and Liz must learn to open her heart and overcome the challenges they face together.
Audio: The pacing of the narrator was fine, good annunciation, though sometimes words seemed to go soft at them them. The narrator did a good job with voicing different male voices, but I rarely am happy when a male narrator is used to voice female characters' dialogue and this was no exception.
Audio: The pacing of the narrator was fine, good annunciation, though sometimes words seemed to go soft at them them. The narrator did a good job with voicing different male voices, but I rarely am happy when a male narrator is used to voice female characters' dialogue and this was no exception.
September 5, 2024
Most of this was silly… “I’ve just delivered a baby… wanna bone?” How about a shower first. Also, hungover from one glass of wine? And… now she has super healing powers… gives a new meaning to the term “spirit fingers.”
As much as I loved that they were middle aged and they had some life experience behind them, it wasn’t really written that way.
As much as I loved that they were middle aged and they had some life experience behind them, it wasn’t really written that way.
May 12, 2022
A Midlife Romance and Bear Shifters --- Very Hot!
As a woman who married a grumpy bear shifter myself,there is nothing I like better in paranormal romance is a story about Bear shifters! Well, unless it is a good deal on a new Kindle book! Bear's Mid-life Midwife by Meg Ripley fits both those requirements. It is a story about an accidental meeting between a human and a bear shifter and it is available through Kindle Unlimited. So, I could pick it up and read it immediately without waiting for my monthly book budget .
This book got to me with the synopsis and didn't let go of me until I read the very last word about five to six hours later! Yes, I was so enthralled, I could not put it down. If you are a paranormal romance fan and you choose to pick this book up , I won't be surprised if you read it in one sitting, too!
I found it very easy to relate to Meg's main character, Liz, a forty something woman, who has had a successful career and is now embarking on a new career with some trepidation. Meg Ripley seems to really understands what makes a woman like Liz tick. I felt she did a wonderful job of creating a multi- layered personality that truly reflects the emotions and behaviors of a "woman of a certain age". Liz was definitely a woman after my own heart. Wondering how I would handle the situations Liz found herself in, kept me reading way into the early morning hours.
I never believed in the concept of soul-mates, finding it hard to conceive in there being only one man out there with my name tag on him. Miss him and I would remain forever single or settle for less than "perfect match" seemed like a fairy tale. However, older and wiser, just like Liz, I met my husband in less than ideal conditions and was overwhelmed by the feeling of "meant -to -be". Meg captures the feelings of fated mates beautifully. I was moved to tears when Liz says
"It’s not about relying on someone else. It’s about that other person unlocking the entirety of your soul and making you finally understand who you really are." (pg 205). Magnificently put, Dear Meg!
Being a strong woman,desperately wanting independence and wishing to be seen as an equal partner in a man's life, falling in love with an alpha male is not easy. Yet, I have found when that person is willing to sacrifice everything, even his whole life to make you happy, it makes it easier to love him completely. Meg Ripley captures that sentiment wonderfully in her development of Liz and Tyler's relationship.
I also appreciated Meg's very hot and explicit sex scenes! While explicit ,she did not make me feel like a voyeur like many other romances do. At the same time ,she didn't treat the topic like women over forty were dried up and frigid or that sex after forty was as much a gymnastic routine as it was in my 20s! The emotional and physical balance was refreshing.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would love to see what other over forty women also think about it!
As a woman who married a grumpy bear shifter myself,there is nothing I like better in paranormal romance is a story about Bear shifters! Well, unless it is a good deal on a new Kindle book! Bear's Mid-life Midwife by Meg Ripley fits both those requirements. It is a story about an accidental meeting between a human and a bear shifter and it is available through Kindle Unlimited. So, I could pick it up and read it immediately without waiting for my monthly book budget .
This book got to me with the synopsis and didn't let go of me until I read the very last word about five to six hours later! Yes, I was so enthralled, I could not put it down. If you are a paranormal romance fan and you choose to pick this book up , I won't be surprised if you read it in one sitting, too!
I found it very easy to relate to Meg's main character, Liz, a forty something woman, who has had a successful career and is now embarking on a new career with some trepidation. Meg Ripley seems to really understands what makes a woman like Liz tick. I felt she did a wonderful job of creating a multi- layered personality that truly reflects the emotions and behaviors of a "woman of a certain age". Liz was definitely a woman after my own heart. Wondering how I would handle the situations Liz found herself in, kept me reading way into the early morning hours.
I never believed in the concept of soul-mates, finding it hard to conceive in there being only one man out there with my name tag on him. Miss him and I would remain forever single or settle for less than "perfect match" seemed like a fairy tale. However, older and wiser, just like Liz, I met my husband in less than ideal conditions and was overwhelmed by the feeling of "meant -to -be". Meg captures the feelings of fated mates beautifully. I was moved to tears when Liz says
"It’s not about relying on someone else. It’s about that other person unlocking the entirety of your soul and making you finally understand who you really are." (pg 205). Magnificently put, Dear Meg!
Being a strong woman,desperately wanting independence and wishing to be seen as an equal partner in a man's life, falling in love with an alpha male is not easy. Yet, I have found when that person is willing to sacrifice everything, even his whole life to make you happy, it makes it easier to love him completely. Meg Ripley captures that sentiment wonderfully in her development of Liz and Tyler's relationship.
I also appreciated Meg's very hot and explicit sex scenes! While explicit ,she did not make me feel like a voyeur like many other romances do. At the same time ,she didn't treat the topic like women over forty were dried up and frigid or that sex after forty was as much a gymnastic routine as it was in my 20s! The emotional and physical balance was refreshing.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would love to see what other over forty women also think about it!
June 20, 2023
Great Story & Listen🎧 Fascinating & Heartwarming!
Bear’s Midlife Midwife
Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty
By: Meg Ripley
Narrated by: D.C. Cole
Series: Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty, Book 1
I enjoyed this book immensely, the story hooked me in right away, grabbing my attention and captivating it straight to the end. Liz moved to the quiet countryside, she was getting away from midwifing and focusing on healing, so when a stranger comes banging on her door she had no choice but to answer it. Tyler's urgency is for his sister-in-law, who is having a problem giving birth to her child. Liz agrees to help her and she is astonished at what she saw, a woman gave birth to a bear. The clan has strict laws about letting outsiders know about them, but Tyler trusted her and told the others they could, too. Tyler works as a bodyguard so his visit home is short, and his brother Carlton, the alpha, reminds him he is the beta and he needs to spend more time at home, but he has his reasons for wanting to be away. When Carlton catches wind that Liz is in danger because some shifters are not happy she knows of their existence, so he asks Tyler to guard her. The two spend time together and the chemistry between them is undeniable and there is more of a connection, she is his fated mate. But he lets his own inner demons get the best of him and he pushes her away. He thought the threat against her was over, but there is a power play going on and some shifters are planning a coup. This is a fascinating and cleverly plotted paranormal shift romance and I loved the originality of the story, all its layers and how it all plays out., the world building is great too. Meg Ripley, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meg Ripley cast the perfect narrator to bring her characters and story to life. D.C. Cole is an entertaining storyteller and a versatile voice artist. He did a fantastic job covering the roles for all the characters, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. Cole had a complete understanding of the characters he was portraying and was believable in every role he played. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance, making you feel every single one. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
Bear’s Midlife Midwife
Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty
By: Meg Ripley
Narrated by: D.C. Cole
Series: Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty, Book 1
I enjoyed this book immensely, the story hooked me in right away, grabbing my attention and captivating it straight to the end. Liz moved to the quiet countryside, she was getting away from midwifing and focusing on healing, so when a stranger comes banging on her door she had no choice but to answer it. Tyler's urgency is for his sister-in-law, who is having a problem giving birth to her child. Liz agrees to help her and she is astonished at what she saw, a woman gave birth to a bear. The clan has strict laws about letting outsiders know about them, but Tyler trusted her and told the others they could, too. Tyler works as a bodyguard so his visit home is short, and his brother Carlton, the alpha, reminds him he is the beta and he needs to spend more time at home, but he has his reasons for wanting to be away. When Carlton catches wind that Liz is in danger because some shifters are not happy she knows of their existence, so he asks Tyler to guard her. The two spend time together and the chemistry between them is undeniable and there is more of a connection, she is his fated mate. But he lets his own inner demons get the best of him and he pushes her away. He thought the threat against her was over, but there is a power play going on and some shifters are planning a coup. This is a fascinating and cleverly plotted paranormal shift romance and I loved the originality of the story, all its layers and how it all plays out., the world building is great too. Meg Ripley, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meg Ripley cast the perfect narrator to bring her characters and story to life. D.C. Cole is an entertaining storyteller and a versatile voice artist. He did a fantastic job covering the roles for all the characters, giving each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. Cole had a complete understanding of the characters he was portraying and was believable in every role he played. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the character’s emotions and projects them into his performance, making you feel every single one. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
June 30, 2023
Didn’t Quite Do It For Me
I absolutely adored the first book I listened to in this series, and I was very much looking forward to this installment, where we would learn more about the hero of the previous book's younger brother, the beta of their bear clan to the older brother's alpha, and get to immerse myself in his love story. While I liked how the human heroine was shocked to discover that shifters are real, I never warmed up to the hero. I also didn't like how quickly they got together intimately. Even in a novella, I like romances to follow what I consider a more natural rhythm, and getting intimate on the night of first meeting someone (especially a traumatic night) is not what I consider to be a natural arc in romantic fiction, even if we see it way too often in contemporary romance and speculative fiction, and of course, though it does happen in real life. I just like to have a bit more invested in the couple and their romance before they get busy. Personal preference. If you are already familiar with the first book and really liked it—as I did—just be warned that this book feels completely different in several ways, which may or may not appeal to you. I thought it was cool that the heroine is a practicing, professional Reiki healer. I've been a Reiki master for decades, and the way it is portrayed in this book is fairly realistic, with just a few minor details I would quibble with. I like how it is portrayed as an intuitive, gentle, healing practice… because it is! For those new to the series, I recommend reading or listening to the first series’ book first so that you can understand a bit of this world and the situation the heroine is walking into.
2.5 stars
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
I absolutely adored the first book I listened to in this series, and I was very much looking forward to this installment, where we would learn more about the hero of the previous book's younger brother, the beta of their bear clan to the older brother's alpha, and get to immerse myself in his love story. While I liked how the human heroine was shocked to discover that shifters are real, I never warmed up to the hero. I also didn't like how quickly they got together intimately. Even in a novella, I like romances to follow what I consider a more natural rhythm, and getting intimate on the night of first meeting someone (especially a traumatic night) is not what I consider to be a natural arc in romantic fiction, even if we see it way too often in contemporary romance and speculative fiction, and of course, though it does happen in real life. I just like to have a bit more invested in the couple and their romance before they get busy. Personal preference. If you are already familiar with the first book and really liked it—as I did—just be warned that this book feels completely different in several ways, which may or may not appeal to you. I thought it was cool that the heroine is a practicing, professional Reiki healer. I've been a Reiki master for decades, and the way it is portrayed in this book is fairly realistic, with just a few minor details I would quibble with. I like how it is portrayed as an intuitive, gentle, healing practice… because it is! For those new to the series, I recommend reading or listening to the first series’ book first so that you can understand a bit of this world and the situation the heroine is walking into.
2.5 stars
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
November 22, 2022
Liz used to be a midwife but now aligns chakras from out of her house.
One night, she gets a knock on the door and a hot guy is there telling her he needs a midwife or his sister in law will die with her baby so Liz goes.
And then the lady gives birth to a bear.
And then Liz and the dude have a one night stand.
And then the dude has to be her bodyguard because bear shifter society can’t have human witnesses.
Tyler goes above and beyond to be so annoying in the most 15 year old boy way possible despite being over the age of 40. The entire dynamic with Liz is just:
“I’ll hurt you! Go away!!!”
“Just let me in!!!”
“But what if…I hurt you 😔”
Blah blah blah a tragic past blah blah blah the most cartoonishly ridiculous villains with absurd dialogue blah blah blah info-dumping about reading auras and chakras and bear telepathy.
The writing is juvenile and severely underdeveloped, the chemistry between our romance leads is nonexistent despite them insisting it’s there, and the plot is just all over the place with any sound logic thrown out the window.
Overall, it’s very meh.
CW: explicit sexual content, references to dead loved ones, grief, brief body shaming, violence, murder
One night, she gets a knock on the door and a hot guy is there telling her he needs a midwife or his sister in law will die with her baby so Liz goes.
And then the lady gives birth to a bear.
And then Liz and the dude have a one night stand.
And then the dude has to be her bodyguard because bear shifter society can’t have human witnesses.
Tyler goes above and beyond to be so annoying in the most 15 year old boy way possible despite being over the age of 40. The entire dynamic with Liz is just:
“I’ll hurt you! Go away!!!”
“Just let me in!!!”
“But what if…I hurt you 😔”
Blah blah blah a tragic past blah blah blah the most cartoonishly ridiculous villains with absurd dialogue blah blah blah info-dumping about reading auras and chakras and bear telepathy.
The writing is juvenile and severely underdeveloped, the chemistry between our romance leads is nonexistent despite them insisting it’s there, and the plot is just all over the place with any sound logic thrown out the window.
Overall, it’s very meh.
CW: explicit sexual content, references to dead loved ones, grief, brief body shaming, violence, murder
June 25, 2023
Liz is happy since her divorce being single and building a practice treating patients with Reiki instead of traditional medicine but easily shifter her mind back to midwifery mode when someone bangs on her door for her help. She’s quickly driven through twists and turns at breakneck speed, his sister-in-law was having an extremely difficult birth.
Celebrity bodyguard Tyler’s home for the birth of his brother’s child but the birthing isn’t going well; Tyler’s sent to fetch Liz. Mother and child are in distress when Liz arrives, muscle memory takes over but Liz isn’t prepared to see a healthy bear cub when they’re done. Liz and Tyler are silent on the ride to her home, analyzing the strong attraction between them before sharing a glorious night.
The morning after a great night old guilt and resentments drove Tyler to build a life away from the clan pushes him to leave while his bear resists. Liz’s scientist mind is curious about shifters now but tries to shut that down. Parting with not promises, Tyler’s informed some of the bears are plotting Liz’s death to ensure she doesn’t tell their secret but Tyler can’t stand the thought of anyone else protecting Liz from threats. Okay, there had to be a conflict but did Tyler have to be such a jerk?
Rating: 3.5stars
Celebrity bodyguard Tyler’s home for the birth of his brother’s child but the birthing isn’t going well; Tyler’s sent to fetch Liz. Mother and child are in distress when Liz arrives, muscle memory takes over but Liz isn’t prepared to see a healthy bear cub when they’re done. Liz and Tyler are silent on the ride to her home, analyzing the strong attraction between them before sharing a glorious night.
The morning after a great night old guilt and resentments drove Tyler to build a life away from the clan pushes him to leave while his bear resists. Liz’s scientist mind is curious about shifters now but tries to shut that down. Parting with not promises, Tyler’s informed some of the bears are plotting Liz’s death to ensure she doesn’t tell their secret but Tyler can’t stand the thought of anyone else protecting Liz from threats. Okay, there had to be a conflict but did Tyler have to be such a jerk?
Rating: 3.5stars
January 16, 2022
was conflicted
Over this rating. I gave it for the parts I liked and her character.
I enjoyed the beginning but got to say the rest I read at a distance. Not plunged into the story like the great books suck us into.
It was not here specialty. I actually know a few alternative medical practitioners. I believe it was her “mate” character. I know I did not like him. Felt like he was an immature jerk. Personally if author title did not show it would have thought he was in early 20’s. emotional he was.
I was also confused about the shifter clan dynamics. I know this is an imaginary storyline. But a “Beta” that is gone most of the year? Made no sense, as did the dramatic parts.
I did like her “healing” him during the ending.
Also felt like the ending wrap up on his character part did not make sense. How does the clan make a living? And many other unanswered questioned kept intruding my thoughts as I read.
I will read second book because it was the reason I found this one. Prefer to read series in order. But I hope it is better then this.
Over this rating. I gave it for the parts I liked and her character.
I enjoyed the beginning but got to say the rest I read at a distance. Not plunged into the story like the great books suck us into.
It was not here specialty. I actually know a few alternative medical practitioners. I believe it was her “mate” character. I know I did not like him. Felt like he was an immature jerk. Personally if author title did not show it would have thought he was in early 20’s. emotional he was.
I was also confused about the shifter clan dynamics. I know this is an imaginary storyline. But a “Beta” that is gone most of the year? Made no sense, as did the dramatic parts.
I did like her “healing” him during the ending.
Also felt like the ending wrap up on his character part did not make sense. How does the clan make a living? And many other unanswered questioned kept intruding my thoughts as I read.
I will read second book because it was the reason I found this one. Prefer to read series in order. But I hope it is better then this.
June 19, 2023
Bear's Midlife Midwife (Fated Over Forty) by Meg Ripley is an older adult shifter romance brought to life by Meg's dynamic and realistic writing and the strong performance of D.C. Cole. I admit I was a little bit worried because I didn't like the characterization of some of the females D.C. Cole did in the prequel novel by Meg, but I liked all the voices in this one, and they didn't rub me the wrong way; in fact, it was 10/10.
That said, this story is about Liz, a strong, thoughtful healer, and Tyler, who is what I would consider a whiney brat that also happens to be a bodyguard and hiding from his true responsibilities, and one fateful event brings them together. After being shocked and, I'm sure, alarmed to deliver a baby bear, Liz responds well after Tyler spills the beans about shifters, and suddenly they are faced with a new challenge how much they are drawn to each other and what that could mean.
Tyler was a struggle bus for me as a Male lead, but Liz and the world definitely make up for it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That said, this story is about Liz, a strong, thoughtful healer, and Tyler, who is what I would consider a whiney brat that also happens to be a bodyguard and hiding from his true responsibilities, and one fateful event brings them together. After being shocked and, I'm sure, alarmed to deliver a baby bear, Liz responds well after Tyler spills the beans about shifters, and suddenly they are faced with a new challenge how much they are drawn to each other and what that could mean.
Tyler was a struggle bus for me as a Male lead, but Liz and the world definitely make up for it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2023
There is no evidence that Shifters exist, but that has never stopped me reading fantasy books about them.
Ditto for Reiki, except I could care less. I did a bit of reading about it and the best that can be said is that it doesn't cause harm and may, in some case, prove helpful.
Liz has retired from midwifery and her marriage and set up shop as a Reiki practitioner in rural Oregon. By her own admission the whole Reiki thing is a bit of a mystery to her, but she's learning.
And then there's a late night banging on her door, a woman is having trouble delivering her baby and Liz is the only person who can help.
Tyler brings her to the scene and, Lordy, it's a baby bear! Well, I never!
After such excitement it is hardly surprising that Liz and Tyler share a night of passion.
Of course there are those among the Shifter clan who believe the human has to die, but Tyler's inner bear ain't having it.
"Bear's Midlife Midwife" is a pleasant enough read but just is not for me - I gave up just after the midway point.
3 Stars.
Ditto for Reiki, except I could care less. I did a bit of reading about it and the best that can be said is that it doesn't cause harm and may, in some case, prove helpful.
Liz has retired from midwifery and her marriage and set up shop as a Reiki practitioner in rural Oregon. By her own admission the whole Reiki thing is a bit of a mystery to her, but she's learning.
And then there's a late night banging on her door, a woman is having trouble delivering her baby and Liz is the only person who can help.
Tyler brings her to the scene and, Lordy, it's a baby bear! Well, I never!
After such excitement it is hardly surprising that Liz and Tyler share a night of passion.
Of course there are those among the Shifter clan who believe the human has to die, but Tyler's inner bear ain't having it.
"Bear's Midlife Midwife" is a pleasant enough read but just is not for me - I gave up just after the midway point.
3 Stars.
June 23, 2024
Rating: 1.5 Stars
I was interested in reading this only to be disappointed. There is so much potential to be an interesting story but this book only goes over the highlights of an essentially insta-love romance. Tyler is so macho male alpha in the way that he bosses Liz around which is annoying. As independent as Liz is she falls pretty quickly to the world that Tyler just threw her into. I think that the threat against Liz's life and then Tyler going all crazy and believing they actually killed her versus going to check was frustrating. He believed 4 idiots who are a part of the clan without fact-checking. Before that, Tyler and Liz had parted on less than pleasant terms. Also, their whole relationship was based on a foundation of her finding out about the clan, a one-night stand, and them denying themselves of this attraction that I honestly didn't see at all.
I am hesitant to continue the series because this one was okay.
I was interested in reading this only to be disappointed. There is so much potential to be an interesting story but this book only goes over the highlights of an essentially insta-love romance. Tyler is so macho male alpha in the way that he bosses Liz around which is annoying. As independent as Liz is she falls pretty quickly to the world that Tyler just threw her into. I think that the threat against Liz's life and then Tyler going all crazy and believing they actually killed her versus going to check was frustrating. He believed 4 idiots who are a part of the clan without fact-checking. Before that, Tyler and Liz had parted on less than pleasant terms. Also, their whole relationship was based on a foundation of her finding out about the clan, a one-night stand, and them denying themselves of this attraction that I honestly didn't see at all.
I am hesitant to continue the series because this one was okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
Healing Auras
This series has started out really well. It's an interesting concept of a shifter world. In this one Liz is a human midwife turned Reiki master. It's not something I'd ever heard of before but fit well with a world with men shifting into bears. Tyler is a bear-shifter that'd been running away from his past and beta responsibilities. Tyler comes to Liz because his sister-in-law is having issues giving birth. Liz is brought in to help and thrown into a world she's never known before. There's human/shifter opposition in the clan and Liz's life become endangered. Now Tyler has to protect her from danger. There's instant attraction between the two, although they have a tendency to butt heads. Tyler refuses Liz's help with his past and rebels against their bond. This was an easy read and really enjoyable.❤
This series has started out really well. It's an interesting concept of a shifter world. In this one Liz is a human midwife turned Reiki master. It's not something I'd ever heard of before but fit well with a world with men shifting into bears. Tyler is a bear-shifter that'd been running away from his past and beta responsibilities. Tyler comes to Liz because his sister-in-law is having issues giving birth. Liz is brought in to help and thrown into a world she's never known before. There's human/shifter opposition in the clan and Liz's life become endangered. Now Tyler has to protect her from danger. There's instant attraction between the two, although they have a tendency to butt heads. Tyler refuses Liz's help with his past and rebels against their bond. This was an easy read and really enjoyable.❤
September 29, 2023
This audiobook was easy to listen to, though I suspect I would have had a harder time getting through it if I were reading with my eyeballs. Fortunately, it’s fairly short. I liked the FMC. Her motivations and actions made sense, and she was a generally kind and warm-hearted person. I found her reiki practice hard to buy into, but in a book about people who turn into bears maybe that shouldn’t be the thing that breaks my suspension of disbelief. The MMC, on the other hand, was self-absorbed, broody in a not-sexy way, and his thoughts and actions frequently made no sense. I don’t understand why his brother so desperately wants him to act as beta for the clan when the MMC shows no interest in the general welfare, only himself and to some extent his close family. I probably will not pick up any further books in this series.
March 19, 2022
A great story
I really enjoyed reading this story about Tyler and Liz. Tyler, who is a bear shifter, shows up on the doorstep of Liz, who is a human midwife and reiki healer to ask for assistance with his sister in law who was having a difficult birth. But by bringing a human to a shifter community put Liz in danger when she witnessed the birth of a bear cub in place of a baby. Liz was shocked, but promised to keep it secret. But they didn’t realise that Liz was Tyler’s fated mate and he would do anything to protect her even though he was denying her in his life. But as we know, fate steps in and fixes it all and they have their happily ever after.
I am voluntarily leaving my review for this book and this is my honest and fair opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this story about Tyler and Liz. Tyler, who is a bear shifter, shows up on the doorstep of Liz, who is a human midwife and reiki healer to ask for assistance with his sister in law who was having a difficult birth. But by bringing a human to a shifter community put Liz in danger when she witnessed the birth of a bear cub in place of a baby. Liz was shocked, but promised to keep it secret. But they didn’t realise that Liz was Tyler’s fated mate and he would do anything to protect her even though he was denying her in his life. But as we know, fate steps in and fixes it all and they have their happily ever after.
I am voluntarily leaving my review for this book and this is my honest and fair opinion.
May 19, 2023
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only*
Shifter romance, over age 40 characters
3rd person narration
Trigger warnings
Murder
Liz is settled in for the night when Tyler comes pounding on her door. He needs her to help deliver his nephew, but when she does, she discovers the secret. His family is a clan of bear shifters, and the baby is born in bear form. Now, some of the Clan are upset about a human knowing their secret and are set out to silence her. Since his regular job is that of bodyguard, he takes over protecting her while trying not to fall back into her bed. But after a healing session, they get into an argument, and he decides to leave. While talking to his brother, the Alpha, 4 clan members come in bragging about killing her. His bear takes over, and no one can stop what he does. Will his human side come back, or is he lost to the grief of losing his mate?
Each of these books follows one couple's journey to love. The characters carry over into other books, with very few typos or trigger issues.
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only*
Shifter romance, over age 40 characters
3rd person narration
Trigger warnings
Murder
Liz is settled in for the night when Tyler comes pounding on her door. He needs her to help deliver his nephew, but when she does, she discovers the secret. His family is a clan of bear shifters, and the baby is born in bear form. Now, some of the Clan are upset about a human knowing their secret and are set out to silence her. Since his regular job is that of bodyguard, he takes over protecting her while trying not to fall back into her bed. But after a healing session, they get into an argument, and he decides to leave. While talking to his brother, the Alpha, 4 clan members come in bragging about killing her. His bear takes over, and no one can stop what he does. Will his human side come back, or is he lost to the grief of losing his mate?
Each of these books follows one couple's journey to love. The characters carry over into other books, with very few typos or trigger issues.
June 21, 2023
Liz got divorced and moved the quite Oregon town. She no longer was a midwife, wanting to leave that behind, she wanted to focus on healing. When Tyler comes knocking on her door, it is an emergency, his sister-in-law is having a difficult birth and there is nothing around for miles. She never expected the patient to give birth to a bear or for it to change to human form.
Tyler swears her to secrecy of what she saw that night. Some of the clan in unhappy a human got to see what she did. She is being threatened and Tyler moves in with her to protect her. He does not tell her, he knows that she is his mate, but he has no intention of claiming her. Will Tyler's inner demons keep them apart?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tyler swears her to secrecy of what she saw that night. Some of the clan in unhappy a human got to see what she did. She is being threatened and Tyler moves in with her to protect her. He does not tell her, he knows that she is his mate, but he has no intention of claiming her. Will Tyler's inner demons keep them apart?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2023
"My job is mostly just standing around and waiting for emergencies or for someone to need me."
Tyler rushes in to Liz's life, needing her midwife skills and help, never imagining the events her kind heart and willingness to help others would set in motion.
This done in one story embraces independence and self-reliance, but comes with a reminder not only that there is strength in numbers, but others can see things we can't, and can help us see things in another way.
I love the theme of healing in this story, and was intrigued by the use of Reiki.
I listened to this book in Audible in addition to reading portions in kindle unlimited, and really enjoyed the performance of Bear's Midlife Midwife.
Tyler rushes in to Liz's life, needing her midwife skills and help, never imagining the events her kind heart and willingness to help others would set in motion.
This done in one story embraces independence and self-reliance, but comes with a reminder not only that there is strength in numbers, but others can see things we can't, and can help us see things in another way.
I love the theme of healing in this story, and was intrigued by the use of Reiki.
I listened to this book in Audible in addition to reading portions in kindle unlimited, and really enjoyed the performance of Bear's Midlife Midwife.
May 15, 2024
Excellent!!
Oh, this story talked about all the things that were so familiar. It seemed like it was a known fact of what was to be said next.
It was so good that it reminded me of has already happened for me! I couldn't stop reading to see if it ended the same way. But it all came about to be way better!
I loved how it was able to work out for Liz. It was really nice to see her life and business continue. Plus how it was to continue for her and her friend, after her troubles.
Then ended up to become more exciting for her, Tylor, her friends and for her new friends and clan!
I can't wait to read all about Jeena and Chases lives. And what they're going on to be. Hoping that it will be as good as Elizabeth's and Tylor's!!
Oh, this story talked about all the things that were so familiar. It seemed like it was a known fact of what was to be said next.
It was so good that it reminded me of has already happened for me! I couldn't stop reading to see if it ended the same way. But it all came about to be way better!
I loved how it was able to work out for Liz. It was really nice to see her life and business continue. Plus how it was to continue for her and her friend, after her troubles.
Then ended up to become more exciting for her, Tylor, her friends and for her new friends and clan!
I can't wait to read all about Jeena and Chases lives. And what they're going on to be. Hoping that it will be as good as Elizabeth's and Tylor's!!
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