Real Mann

Bear Valley #2

by Aries France

Bishop

A real man is one who has seen active duty, who can take the high pressure and high demands of working for the FBI. So, why does it feel that I’m missing something? Why can’t I keep shoving my desires down, when that has always worked before? And why does Bear Valley, Colorado seem to hold all the answers to what could be real in my life? I’ll do anything to protect the place and people who have become important to me, no matter the cost. Maybe a real man can be honest about what he wants, and who he wants. Maybe a real life could be so much better than the lonely one I am living.

Quinn

The ingredients that can be blended to make flavors of beer. The permanence of brick and steel. That stuff is real. Solid. Dependable. Precise. And I know to be a real man—the kind of man like my brothers are, and not like the one my father was—I need to be those things, too. But I’m not. Not the real me, anyway. No, the real me is the one who needs adrenaline to push out the thoughts and feelings I can’t handle and does whatever it takes to get it. And there is no better adrenaline rush than the one I get from Bishop Frost. He’s the most real man I have ever met; there is no way he could want the real me.

This book is a contemporary MM romance with a HEA, but contains adult content for mature audiences only.

◆◆◆

Bear Valley is a series about four brothers living in a small ski-resort town. The series begins with Forever Mann. Real Mann is best enjoyed after reading Forever Mann. Bear Valley is named after a fictional geographical location and contains no shifters, bear or otherwise.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2021

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

FEb 2025
I think this one grew on me and maybe it is my favorite now. Bishop and Quinn are great together


First review
I loved, seriously LOVED the first book in this series and I was so happy to get my hands on the second book.
And it is nearly as good as the first but not quite so intense which might make it The better book for some readers.

We know Bishop and Quinn from the first book and although this might be Read as a standalone, I would not recommend it as there is dome expectation that the developments from the first book are known and the overall story arc continues here.

I loved to get to know Bishop and Quinn and they are perfect for each other. They are getting together as friends and their chemistry is just perfect.
The background story for both MCs is heartbreaking and I loved it, that they had the Mann family behind them. Bishop is fitting right in.

4,5 stars fir this great second book in this series. Aries France did not disappoint!!!
Can't wait for the next one ... I am really looking forward to that story.

I loved getting the chance to review this ARC and as always I am happy to give my honest opinion

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I loved the second one better one then the first one. We met Bishop in the first book as he is the FBI agent who was investigating the bad guy from the first book. What we didn't know is how deeply Jack's actions in that book deeply hurt Quinn to the point that it was like driving a knife through his heart. When Jack should have turned to his brothers for help, he pushed them away & turned to Bishop. Even though Quinn knows that Jack didn't do it to hurt him, but to protect his family, he is having a hard time coming to terms with it. I do like the fact that he doesn't hold it against Bishop. He is hesitant to open his heart to Bishop based on what he went through as a child. When Quinn needs to get out of his head, he does dangerous things, like skiing slopes that are not safe to ski, etc. But with time, Quinn & Bishop grow to care for each other & realize that they are what each other needed. Quinn also has a conversation with Jack & lets him know exactly how what Jack did affected him. I can't wait for the next book in the series.


I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

When I read Aries first book she gained a new reader fan. I couldn’t wait for this book, well and let’s
Be honest future books too.

Quinn and Bishop are perfect for each other. Their sweetness just filled my heart. I really
Wasn’t expecting Quinn’s inner feelings on love, relationship, and not being left behind. I love his heart to heart (not going to say with who but it was perfect)

Bishop is so swoon worthy to me. I don’t know how to explain it but gahhhh. He was so much more than I expected. With that said, he has the worst family ever. I just want to hug him. However he has an Amazing nephew.

This book has no angst between the men just love and friendship. The action involving Bishops case is the only angst and it was great seeing the Mann Family at their best. Lol.

I can’t wait for the next book and the next. Lol. Bring them all on.

I am glad to have found Aries and her stories as they are so enjoyable.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Forever Mann and had high hopes for Real Mann and it did not let me down! I loved learning more about Quinn in this book because each of the Mann brothers are so amazing but I did not expect him to have so much inner angst about himself. Bishop, oh what a sweetheart he was, I just loved him. There was nothing not to love about this book from the action to the family and wow oh wow the levels of heat was off the charts. Being able to catch up with Jack and Perrin was also great but I wasn't expecting Perrin to have so much left over trauma.

I cannot wait to have the rest of the books come out so I can devour each one!

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story.. characters and enjoyable writing i am really liking this series. very good

[Aries France]

*Sigh* Quinn and Bishop. Let me tell you about these two, readers.

My word for these two men is “sweet.”

Quinn is already a little smitten by Bishop Frost . . .FBI agent, his brother Jack’s new BFF and the guy who was there for Jack when no one else could be. But Bish is also a sweet cinnamon roll with veiny, drool-worthy forearms for days, and the soul of a poet.

Bishop finds Quinn to be everything he ever hoped to find. A guy who shows up and stays. A guy who wants the real Bish. A guy who isn’t afraid to face his daemons. A guy who turns his brain to mush with every touch, and damn near every glance.

Together, they learn how to love.

In “Real Mann” there is a little bit of suspense, some sweet times, and some sexy times. There is lots of family. There is no cheating. There is no sharing of partners. There are no “oh heck this could have been resolved with a discussion” moments.

There are challenges on the way to an HEA, but the HEA is guaranteed, readers!

Also, there is also pretty sexy scene brought to you by grey sweatpants.

Come for the grey sweatpants, stay for the HEA! (That should have been my tag line!)

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice addition to a good series, so far. One slight comment before I explain the five star review. I have never appreciated anyone using a romance story to subtly, or perhaps not so subtly, interpose a ridicule or a mockery of someone else’s beliefs or convictions. To me that is a denigration of someone’s right of belief. I found the “deep state”, conspiracy theories, even the reptilian eyes comment to be a tad bit bigoted and even a little discriminatory, even bringing the media in as an avenue of derision isn’t acceptable, in my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and to insinuate that it is to be mocked appears to me, prejudiced. We can all find within others and ourselves reasons why we are different and reasons why we could be looked down on.
Now the five stars. Excellent characters, both heroes and villains, bring this story to life in a big way. Quinn and Bishop, first off, are terrific together and apart. Their “demons” are mental but they handle and grow, beautifully. The brothers all come together in love and support which is a lovely thing. They all have something they bring to the story and they’re all likable as you learn more about them. The story is exciting, romantic and all around a strong and engaging read. The progress the story makes to include previous romances is good, in fact, it is a reason to continue on with the series. Their progress is expanded on with each addition and that’s another strength this author brings. Very good reading, and I am in no way suggesting anything different with my beginning statement just an observation and pet peeve I, myself, hold. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Tajie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop m*therf*cking Frost*. That’s the review. Nothing more needs to be said.
*And then they melt into a puddle and identify as goo*

Just everything god damn thing about that man makes me want it. The swagger he doesn’t really know he has. The beautiful way he wants to be held. The absolute sweetness that he “shouldn’t” have. The long, veiny, full, hairless forearms. You naughty reader you, what were you thinking? Oooo yes, that extremity is a YES FROM ME DAWG. The moment that f*ckwit Neil says “what a waste of…” i knew. He’s equal parts masculine, power, grace, sweet and just the right amount of dirty. Then enters the man who is the answer to all of his needs but doesn’t think he deserves it**. Yes yes yes yes (in my absolute best 90s herbal essence commercial voice). **
**And they further decompose to identify as a clump of multi color old a$$ dried play dough on the floor.
When Quinn gets his hands on that hunk of man meat, get a damn towel!!! It is hot, it is romantic and it is ok to read it multiple times in a row. You can pretend you don’t do it but WE. ALL. KNOW. This story had me hanging on to my junk. What the hell else was I supposed to do with my hands? Like all the junk I own needed to be held for me to get through this with my dignity. And yet I sit here just finished with not an ounce of dignity to my name, and that’s exactly how I like it.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Mann brothers! The first book absolutely blew me away and this one is almost as good as the first one. Bishop was in Bear Valley as part of an FBI investigation and got to know Jack and Perrin. Jack and Bishop become good friends through the process but the agent finds himself fascinated by Quinn. Quinn is a bit of a man whore but he is looking for something more permanent. He is also struggling with his feelings about the events in the first book; he is upset that Jack didn’t talk to him. Over time and a little bit of distance, Quinn and Bishop get to know each other but they keep their relationship on the down low. The thing I love about this series and this author’s writing is the depth of these characters and how they interact. I am very invested in this found family of brothers finding their happiness and cementing their love of family with each other. These guys definitely have each other’s backs no matter what and I absolutely adore that about this series.

[P.J. Friel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp, I've found another trustworthy author to spend time with. Yay! I'm so happy to say that all the little grammar issues with book 1 are nowhere to be found in book 2. The main change is having book 2 written in present tense. I normally find that really jarring unless it's well written. Thankfully, Aries France knows how to write. 😉

Quinn and Bishop were such a delight. Sweet and smoking hot. Another set of well developed characters, falling believably in love. There's a little bit of intrigue happening at the FBI to keep us curious, but nothing to overshadow the love story. It's really layered in well, always a curiosity in the back of my mind until we hit that magical final act when it all hits the fan.

I was giggling at the other little mystery the author was setting up for the next book. I won't give it away, but I can't wait to see Matt's reaction when he finally figures it all out. 🤣🤣🤣 I can just picture the fireworks!

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of finding acceptance for yourself and finding love.   I really enjoyed the complexity and sweetness of both of these MC's.  They are both really likable men and have such depth and kindness in them.  Quinn has experienced abuse as a child and has lots to heal from and accept that he is worthy of love.  Bishop has a family that is not supportive and he has to come to grips with the importance of being true to what he wants.  It is really beautiful that both of these men find friendship and passion together.  Together Bishop and Quinn are stronger and their love is tangible. 
 
I absolutely loved how this book ended.  The Mann family pulling together is delightful.  

This is book two of the Bear Valley series and would be best read in sequence because events impacted our characters tin the first book and that impact influences behaviors in the second book.  

I  was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review 

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst Bishop has the confidence of the FBI agent that he is, he also has a vulnerability about him which Quinn brings out. He’s also able to calm the mind of adrenaline junkie Quinn.
Circumstances bring these two together on New Years Eve and so begins a relationship that differs from what either have experienced before. Bishop has only had a rather toxic relationship in the past and Quinn has never had one. The chemistry between them is undeniable and brings a lot of heat to their romance, giving Bishop the opportunity to explore what he truly enjoys.
There’s some drama relating to Bishop’s job but the romance itself has minimal angst and I really enjoyed the fact that their HEA stuck it to Bishop’s toxic family!
I much preferred the writing style of this book compared to the first in the series so it held my attention much better and made it a more enjoyable read.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. It really helped that I had read the first since most of the characters appear here too. This story is about Quinn and Bishop. I think this isn’t so much better than the first but is almost a continuation of that story. Quinn is really talented yet feels so insecure in many ways. He is attracted to Bishop yet he doesn’t exactly feel good enough for him. Bishop on the other hand is leading a life he doesn’t particularly want. He puts up with so much from his family and yet isn’t made to feel that he makes them proud of him. As these two start a relationship, things come into play from Bishop’s job.
I really enjoyed the involvement of the brothers and moms. The relationship between Jack and Perrin continues and adds to the relationship between brothers. I am anxious to see what the next story in the series adds to these relationships.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real men feel things and deal with how those feelings affect them. That is what I came out of this book with as Quinn, the daredevil in the Mann family is still feeling a lot of things after what happened with Jack. He is angry and looking for outlets and he takes dangerous chances, like heliskiing some place he should not be alone. He also has feelings for Bishop and even though Bishop, the friend Jack turned to when he needed help, is a reminder to Quinn that he was hurt, Quinn finds in Bishop a companion. Someone with his own hurts needs a safe place and they find, in one another, that place. This Mann series is so good because it is about how family love and foundation, even when it is imperfect, has set the stage for the love relationships that a couple of the brothers have found and hopefully for stories for the rest.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop and Quinn are both such really nice decent guys! Quinn is so much more insecure than anyone really understands. Bishop and Quinn have very different personalities which gives them so much chemistry mixed with some tentativeness given they both have not so great backgrounds! Quinn is very forward and flirty and instantly calling Bishop "BISH" was all sorts of adorable! That first kiss when Quinn pretty much takes over aggressively is very hot! But Quinn is so much more insecure than anyone really understands. Bishop thinks Quinn is just so very beautiful! Loved those thoughts. Told from both POV's the story is very descriptive and emotional. I read an arc and you do need to read these books in order which is the beauty of them as I love a series when a close-knit group of bothers find love! The mountain setting is perfection!

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the 2nd one in the Bear Valley series and I had high expectations that this one would be as good or even better than the first one. The author certainly did not disappoint for me. Such an awesome reading!
It’s best to read this one AFTER you read “Forever Mann” because things in the book will make sense if you do so.

This one focuses on Bishop who was introduced in the first book who started seeing Quinn, one of the 4 brothers who was introduced as well. Quinn was the architect of the resort. In the meantime, Bishop would hang out with his nephew, doing fun things. He would introduce Quinn to the nephew and thus a romance developed between Bishop and Quinn while Bishop was dealing with the case from the first book. A good balance between the first and the third book.

[RedsBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it picks up shortly after the events in the first book. You could probably read this as a stand alone book but you will definitely benefit from reading the series in order. Bishop is an FBI agent who we first meet in book one of the series and Quinn is one of the four Mann brothers who live and work in Bear Valley.

This book has it all. Romance, secrets, mystery and intrigue. I loved how we got to understand more about the Mann family in this book and also how we learnt more about Bishop and his aspirations. These toe are just so amazing together and I absolutely adored this story from start to finish. Really worth a read and you won’t be disappointed.

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so, so good. I've met both Bishop and Quinn in the first book in this series, and I was already charmed by them. Getting to know them better was amazing, especially because the author offered an in depth understanding of their personalities, with their moral standings, doubts, weaknesses and strengths, hidden wishes and desires. Not perfect by any means, yet the best men possible, and they won my heart completely.

Bishop and Quinn felt real to me and I absolutely cheered for their happiness. The buildup of their relationship wasn't without hiccups, interlaced with a bit of intrigue, family drama, banter, tears and laughter. I didn't have a dull moment reading this book and the Manns is family that I wouldn't mind being a part of, too.



 

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good.

I found this second book in the series to be slightly better than the first in the series. It continues on from book 1.
We met Bishop during Forever Mann, he is the FBI guy who likes the town and it's members, after a New Year's kiss with Quinn he's finding it even harder to leave the town and Quinn behind. Both of the characters in this book have things from their parents that are effecting the future and their happiness, it was nice too see how they work through this so they have a good relationship going forward. This is again a sweet book that is so very enjoyable to read and as previously state liked it a bit more, I can't wait for Matt's book as I think that there are so revelations coming.

[Maude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Quinn and Bishops book. We first met Bishop in the first book. He was the FBI agent assigned to Perrin’s case. We find out that he is friends with Jack and this has caused Quinn to have some issues with his brother.
Both MC’s are so damn likable. I absolutely adored both of them. They both lived behind a facade and absolutely refused to let anyone see behind it. It was like watching flowers bloom. We watched them open up to each other. On top of all that, they were smoking hot together. Their chemistry was amazing and their coming together was great. This is absolutely a standalone book but I think it would enhance the reading of this book if you’ve read the first one. I am looking forward to the next Mann brother getting his HEA.

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I liked this one even more than the first one. Wowza, do Quinn and Bishop have explosive chemistry. Hubba hubba. It was addictive to read about them; how they understood one another, how they opened up to one another, how they were a perfect match. It was all so so so good. I was a bit confused when it came to the drama of the story; the stuff with Holden Davis, why Quinn was so upset with Jack. I don’t know if it was because it was drug out too long, or was too vague, or just didn’t make enough sense? Those parts were off for me. Otherwise, an amazing, superb book. Aries France is a smart writer, I enjoy reading what she writes. The humor in her writing is so good. I am so stoked for Matt and Theo.

[DJ McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Forever Mann, I was looking forward to the second book in the series. I gave this one 5 stars for a different reason the the first in the series. I found the character development weaker and never really related to the relationship of the architect and the FBI agent. Despite the fact it might have extended the book some. I would have liked to understand the FBI agents' interest in English teaching as a Profession - his passion comes out a little towards the end when some Shakespear is quoted. However, that was very much overcome by the plot with so many details that one could not help but admire the writer's skill. This book is a long read with an HEA that makes sense.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in love with the Mann brothers after the first book and the second book of the series is as good as the first.
This book is about Quinn who has an instant attraction to FBI agent Bishop, who we met in book 1. Both are wonderful characters and it was great to get to know them better and watch their relationship develop. Once again the author takes us on an emotional journey filled with heat, suspense and angst before they get their HEA.
Once I started I couldn’t put this book down until it was finished and I can’t wait to read Matt’s story in book 3.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this book all the stars because it does a lot of things I love and avoids some I really don’t (like differences that could have been avoided with a single conversation, for example). Here you have two really lovely guys who connect on every possible level: do they have physical chemistry? Heck yes. Do they have a really sweet emotional compatibility that you can see clearly building into love? That too. Extra points for the compelling cast of supporting characters and the length of the novel, which felt just right to tell the story it wanted to tell.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this second book of the series, just as much as the first.
Bishop was the FBI agent leading the investigation into patients deaths. Perrin was the lynch pin that bought the investigation to a conclusion.
Now Bishop is back, Quinn is learning that one night stands are not always the best thing.
With someone trying to derail the FBI’s cases Bishop and Quinn are meeting as often as possible but but very mush in secret. Bishop hopes to keep the Mann family from being dragged into the spotlight. But not everything goes to plan.

I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.
I love that Quinn owned what hurt him about Jack and Perrins relationship. I liked that he admitted his instinctual reaction when running. I adore that he knew he was tunning to Bishop.

As for Bishop, he tried to place himself in so many boxes for other people, its a wonder he hadnt been hurt more. As Quinn only wanted him to be himself, we are able to see him grow. Be a better agent. Friend, and uncle, to both Liam and Piper.

Having the previous characters return was good. Showing that blood isnt the only family you can rely on.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this was just as good as i hoped. Quinn and Bishop were just as swoony as I hoped that they would be (honestly liked this more than the first/maybe on par). Bishop is Jacks' friend who we met in book one. Bishop is part of an FBI investigation. They have had some things to work out interpersonally but they do eventually work it out. Bishop and Quinn are opposites in many ways but that is why they work so well. I really liked Bishop he had that strong personality that works well. Definitely recommend this series. Can't wait for book three.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and this one is even better. I particularly like the way both Bishop and Quinn have to stop trying to live up to what are in essence others' definitions of who they should be and what a "real man" is and learn to trust each other with their true selves. The events of the first book have led nicely into this one, but this one could be read as a standalone.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series. Bishop is a big teddy bear I wanted to hug. He hasn’t had many people in his corner. Quinn is the second Mann brother to get his own book. Bishop is inexperienced besides hook ups. Quinn is at good communicating and guides shy Bishop along the way. The NYE kiss was hot. If you enjoy sexy scenes, romance, and some action this book is for you. Looking forward to the next one.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're ready . . . Quinn, is struggling and he acts out. He is constantly questioning who he is and his place in life. He suffered in silence as a child and did not turn to or lean on his brothers. Bishop is struggling to embrace who he is. Can these men find each other? Can they trust each other? Will they lean on each other? Great story. Excellent characters. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.