Combust

Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters #13

by Ophelia Sexton

Cade Hunter is a lone bear shifter who’s given up on settling down

When he was still just a cub, Cade lost everything to a Christmas Eve fire. He arrives in Bearpaw Ridge for a new job as ranch foreman, but doesn’t let himself hope that this shifter town might be his forever home. He won't be staying. He never does.

Then he encounters a deliciously-curvy damsel in distress who cusses him out when he tries to rescue her. His beast immediately recognizes the gorgeous, feisty brunette as his fated mate. Things just got real interesting in this small town.

Too bad that she's his new boss’s daughter… and that she's not impressed with him. At all. But that doesn't stop Cade from vowing to claim her for his own, and to protect her, whether she wants protecting or not.

Maggie Swanson can fix anyone’s romance…except her own

The bakery manager is Bearpaw Ridge's resident problem-fixer and matchmaker. She suffers a massive romance fail when her arranged mate dumps her in front of all her friends. Cade, a shifter who's just arrived in town, comes to her rescue. He's tall, hot, and instantly protective but his gallantry makes Maggie's humiliation a hundred times worse.

Sometimes, it’s not about what you want but what you need…

Cade is everything Maggie’s never wanted: a rough-around-the-edges beer-drinking, growly bad boy with a hair-trigger temper. And shoulders a mile wide. And a sweet, tender center that he shows only to her.

His kisses are hot as cookies fresh out of the oven, and as sweet and spicy as gingerbread. Why, oh why does he have to be such a hunk of drool-worthy cowboy?
Cade is utterly and completely wrong for her… or is he? Can she risk making another wrong choice, possibly destroying her heart for good this time?

Genres: Paranormal, Romance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2021

About the author

Ophelia Sexton is an author of paranormal romance. She has previously published historical romance under a different name, but has always loved reading about were-creatures, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a fun one to read, mostly because I liked seeing things through Cade's eyes, for him to see a shifter town and what his life could have been. You knew something happened in his past that was bad and when it came out...it was bad. I loved that through this book he managed to find his place with Maggie and the Swanson's. That despite how things started out in this town for him, they ended on a high note!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/27/2022)! 🎁

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie was unlikable through a lot of the book.  She was ungrateful when Cade saved  her.  She was often bitchy towards him.  She knew he had scars from burns yet she snapped at him when he didnt want to be fireman.             

Cade was lovable and heartbreaking.

[Margaret Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combust is all that was promised and so worth the wait! I especially love the references to the other members of the family, and updates here and there on their lives. The Christmas gathering ending is my favorite section of this book proving that shifters of all kinds can be together and get along. Now to wait for the next in the series!!! Well done!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Sexton has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Maggie and Cade. Maggie is on a date with Andrew and things are not going well. She decides to leave after he tells her that there isn't a spark there for her. He leaves a few minutes after her and catches up with her outside. He tries to get her to go home with him for a little fun but she tells him no. He gets upset with her answer and starts to manhandle her. Cade had seen them together and when he saw Andrew go after Maggie he know something wasn't right. He walks outside and heard Maggie tell Andrew to let her go. Before Cade can stop himself, he is between Andrew and Maggie. Cade tells Andrew "When a woman says let go, you let them go." Andrew is upset that Cade got between him and Maggie and shifts into his bear. This leaves Cade no choice so he shifts into his bear and the fight is on. Kymberlie, the owner of the nightclub they are at calls the police, and when they arrive, Kenny tells the two fighting bears to shift back and they do. Kenny wants to know what happened. After each tells their story, they are both arrested and taken to jail. Cade thinks that this is it for his new job. The next morning, Cade is surprised to see his new boss there at the jail. Dane is Maggie's dad and he wants to know what happened the night before. After Cade tells him, Dane thanks him for protecting his daughter Maggie. When Maggie finds out that Cade is the foreman at their ranch, she is not too happy. After things settle down, she discovers that Cade is not as bad as she thought him to be. They spend a little time together and they end up dating each other. Maggie is on the volunteer fire department and it is her night to be at the station in case a call comes in so she can drive the truck if needed. Cade comes by with dinner and after they eat he wants to fool around. She gets upset with him and they have a big argument and he walks away from her after she said some nasty things to him. It has been two weeks since they have spoken to each other and they are not happy. Maggie is on her way home when she sees Cade's truck pulled off the side of the road. His hood is up and she stops to see if she can help him. She offers him a ride and he tells her that he had already called the tow truck. She tells him it would be a few hours before it got to him since it was pulling out an RV. She said that he could hide his key and call the tow company and tell them where the key was and ride back with her. She tells him that they need to talk about what happened at the fire station. She tells him that she is sorry for what she said to him and that she missed him the past two weeks. He tells her that there are some things that he wants to tell her but he is just not ready to do yet. He asked, "Can you give me courtin' you another chance?" She tells him "Yes."
Will things work out for Maggie and Cade?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an OK shifter romance, with decent editing, but I really didn't like Maggie at all. Because of that, it gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded down to 2 stars.

One issue with this book (and the entire series, so far) is how prejudiced the shifters are. They are terribly prejudiced against anyone that is human, half-shifter, or is not the same kind of shifter as them, which bothers me -- especially since several of the characters are happily mated to humans or other kinds of shifters, and they love them. Their attitude made me really angry, because I detest prejudice in any form.

I did like Cade. He had a very sad past, but had overcome it, and was making his way in the world. He didn't have a lot of social skills, but hadn't had a chance to learn them. Considering his past, he did really well.

I didn't like Maggie much at all. She was judgmental, and was even rude to Cade right after he protected her from an aggressive date. She berated him in public for not wanting to be a firefighter, even though she could see that he had terrible burn scars. She also accused him of unprofessional behavior, and yelled at him for making a mistake -- when he didn't know that it was a mistake. She didn't know about his past, but she still had no reason to be so incredibly rude. I honestly thought that Cade deserved a better mate, one who could control her temper better, and wasn't so mean.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author; this is my honest review
-When Stuffed Shirt and Maggie are outside and then the stranger joins them and there's brawl, I wasn't too sure Maggie would tell the truth in her statement because she was adamant she didn't need help. Apparently she did because her parents - her father especially - heard the real story. I still think she's a bit of a whiner and she's fast to be embarrassed by nothing. Then later, thinking Thanksgiving was ruined was also a bit too much just because Sophie wasn't coming to town.
-I don't remember the other books talking about raising grass-fed beef but wow, I love it. Next thing you know they'll be raising blue beef.
-I know I've already said this but the author describes absolutely everything from the buildings to the smell to the view from the windows. It adds a lot.
-I love the convos between bear and man. It's funny but it's downright useful too.
-I found it interesting that they have an annual Firewood Gather. The Natives in the reserves here do that too.
-I had to chuckle when Maggie thought she felt a "warm, honeyed satisfaction". She's a bear ... honey - bear ;)
-I'm wondering how long the mystery of Mrs. B. from Spokane will last. How far are you willing to enact revenge on behalf of the son who thinks he's been slighted?
-Always great to see everyone else around the ranch.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Bearpaw Ridge series and was excited to read about a grown up Maggie and her mate Cade. The book grabbed me from the first page and kept me enthralled until the last word. It has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a good shifter romance - sweet moments, strong family bonds, sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, protective urges, tragic back stories, and so much love. And oh the feels in this book - one minute I was laughing, the next I was swooning, then gasping, and then I was crying. Maggie grew up in a strong bear shifter clan in Bearpaw Ridge, a shifter friendly town, but she is not having any luck finding a mate. Cade is a clanless bear shifter who comes to Bearpaw Ridge for a job as the foreman on Maggie’s family farm. On the night he arrives in town he happens to be in the right place to rescue Maggie from a shifter match date gone wrong. Thus begins the journey to their HEA as fated mates. On their way, Maggie and Cade must deal with their own issues and past baggage in order to grow together to build a strong, healthy and respectful relationship with each other. The book was well written with characters with depth and an engaging storyline. I am excited to read more books about the next generation of Swanson clan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Sexon's latest book, following in the line of Bearpaw Ridge books, is Maggie and Cade's story. Maggie is having little success in finding a mate, and is convinced that she will remain single forever. Cade is a down-on-his-luck loner, who is tired of working a series of jobs in various locations, and is looking to settle down. They meet accidentally after a confrontation outside of a pub, and Maggie develops an instant dislike to Cade, despite his attempt to aid her. She is mortified when she learns that Cade is the newly hired foreman of her family's ranch. I did enjoy reading this book, as I have enjoyed reading all of the books in this series. The only drawback was that I didn't really understand or like Maggie's character at the beginning. She came across as rather snobby and determined to put down Cade, despite his showing her the utmost respect and having an excellent work ethic. I enjoyed the book a lot more once she and Cade developed a relationship. This book is one in a series of stories about Bearpaw Ridge, though it is a standalone novel and has an HEA. You'll probably enjoy it more if you read the beginning books first, but it's definitely enjoyable even when read by itself. I received an ARC copy of this book, though the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is suffering she knows that she sometimes allows her mouth to run away with her and that has caused friction between her and her best friend and her two mates one who happens to be her brother. She decides she wants a mate and as she is related to most of the shifters in Bearpaw Ridge she uses a matching agency This leads to a bear shifter that won't take no for an answer he may not want her as a mate but he wants her body When a out of town gruff rugged bear steps into help Maggie she is instantly off side with him after all he embarrassed her she wanted to pretend that she had everything under control but there is a problem he bear swears that this rugged man is her mate. Cade Hunter has had a hard life orphaned as a small cub by a Christmas Eve wildfire he spent most of his youth in his bear form and really isn't sure about how to behave in polite society but as the new foreman at the Grizzly Creek Ranch he us soon drawn into the circle of the Swanson Clan including the woman his bear has declared is his Can these two find a way to be together or will Maggie destroy everything again with her attitude You will have to read to see

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story to continue with the 2nd generation of Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters

But I am not sure I would say it is an enemies to lovers story. They didn't really have time to become enemies. Maggie is at a bar on a date when her date gets overly pushy. A stranger steps in to help when he sees her being pushed around. You would not believe what happens next. Maggie and Cade are not really enemies, but she isn't too sure about him. However, he is determined to get on her good side.

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. You do want to read these in order if at all possible. If not, then at the very least read book 12, the one right before this one. It will make some things much clearer sooner. If you like shifter romances with familiar characters from previous books, complex family situations and some action, then this is for you. I would recommend reading the whole series and not just the last 2 books, personally. Enjoy!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly I am really enjoying the "next generation" series of the Bearpaw Ridge world so far. I usually struggle to see the next generation characters as more than young children/ toddlers but Ophelia Sexton has spread the series over several decades and gently reminds the reader of this which helps with the timeline. Although this does give some shock at times "they had been mated for 15 years"... What?! No way, it was only 5 books ago "!!

I have really enjoyed Case and Maggie's story, although I have felt like shaking some sense into Maggie a few times. Her first reaction to Cade's"interference " was surprising and unpleasant but it was later explained in a way that made a lot of sense. Trying to convince herself of her own might in the face of an unprecedented challenge is actually not uncommon. And in character for Maggie.

I have definitely felt all the feels for Cade and loved his gruff persona in contrast with the soft core.

Summary
Rating 4⭐
Spice 4🌶️
Narration 4⭐

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bearpaw Ridge was proving chock-full of surprises."

Maggie has lived in Bearpaw Ridge all her life. She knows just how fast gossip travels in this small town, and just how close knit the community really is.

On Cade's first day in town he tries to be a gentleman, and finds himself face to fave with a very displeased Sheriff for his efforts - undoubtedly the new boss will have heard before Case even arrives for his first day of work.

This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read builds on the community of characters from previous stories, but stands solidly on its own. This is a wonderful story about a guy who has fended for himself for so long, he has forgotten what it is to be part of a family coming together with a woman who has always had her family at her back, and is just starting to realize that is a strength she may have taken for granted.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read all of the Bearpaw Ridge books but I have enjoyed the ones I have. Maggie and Cade were no exception! Cade has not had an easy life, but he is thankful for everyday. And coming to Bearpaw Ridge as the new ranch foreman has his hoping that just maybe he has found someplace he can settle down and call home. Maggie has had an easy life, surrounded by loving family that she doesn’t realize she takes for granted. Butting heads with Cade though has her realizing that not everyone has had it as nice as she has growing up. These two are perfect for each other once they quit getting in their own way! Lovely story of finding home and happiness with cameos by previous characters.

[Shanea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Combust!! Cade was a new and refreshing character from the other reads in the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters Series. The deeper I got into his story the more I loved him as a character. Most of the other heroes have such confident streaks that to meet a character that was not as confident in himself (besides his actual job), actually endeared him more to me. Maggie made me a bit irritated early on, but again the more I read, the more I understood her a little better, although she still wasn’t my favorite person. I was ultimately pleased with them as a couple, Cade was what Maggie needed to even her out. Once again Ophelia hits it right out of the park.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Van Zandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

New start

He never had a place to call home since he lost everyone in a fire at Christmas. He'd stayed in his bear for yrs. Then he changed, rough around the edges but a good man. She gotten in a dating app to find someone. Her date a major jerk, told her they just don't fit but wanted to fool around . The date was getting rough, he won't take no and her knight came to the rescued. The date shifted bug mistake and started a fight. The sheriff was called both arrested and spend the night in jail. No charges was made the jerk left and he ended up trying to save the new boss daughter. He still had his job and the daughter took a few days or so accept a date and that she liked him. They had a few rough spots and worked it out and had a 2nd chance of beginning together.

[Shelley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Combust Stars🌟

Combust is Maggie and a new-comer to Bearpaw, Cade’s story😁 Maggie is fed up with having no mate and has taken to signing up with ShifterMatch but keeps finding duds amongst the shifters she meets. Until one night, a stranger steps in to help her with a “handsy” date and her bear suddenly makes itself known. Resistant to Cade, Maggie tries to convince herself that she doesn’t want Cade…until she can’t❣️

A sweet story I enjoyed and a lot of empathy towards Cade and his past. I’m looking forward to Malia's story next😍 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review🎄

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters books and this is a great read. Two bear shifters meet in an unpredictable (and explosive) way. Friendship, family, intermingling of shifter species, warmth, softness, love. Sinister happenings. These books are always page turners for me because the details and the color of the beloved characters (also the humor and love and protectiveness of the clan). Combust keeps the bar high for great stories. Bravo.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of the series and this book did not disappoint. Maggie's search for a mate is not going as planned. She gets dumped publicly then, as if the night can't get worse, he turns into a jerk. To the rescue is Cade. A guys who happens to witness the whole thing and comes to help. Ok, maybe it can get worse. Cade is also totally hot and also happens to be her Dad's new Foreman. What ensues is a lovely story of overcoming a painful past and finding love in surprising circumstances. Loved this book!!

[Deborah Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Town matchmaker has never had any luck finding her match so she arranged a mateing with a guy from out of town. On their first in person meeting he proves to be a complete jackass. Protective stranger who unknown to either of them is her dad's new employee who comes from a tragic background. Throw in an overprotective bear shifter clan enforcer for a dad. What fun. I think that this might be one of if not the best book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Cade’s story is another amazing tale of the great Bearpaw Mountains group. I wouldn’t miss a story by Sexton! Bears recognized who they were to each other but it took the humans a little while to figure it out. Loved Cade so much. I was rooting for him to find his forever home. I appreciated Maggie having the normal hesitations for something so intense. Their passion was hot and well described. Their love unfolded in the best way as this series does so well. All around good one!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book thirteen in the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series, the story is well worth reading it has a great storyline that flowed smoothly across the pages. Cade Hunter is a man with a past so heartbreaking. He comes to Bearpaw Ridge where he comes to Maggie Swanson's aid. At first I did not like her very much. I was happy to see them get a happy ending. I will be reading this series from start to finish when it is complete. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has taken us back to Bearpaw Ridge to spend some time with our friends and to introduce us to some new ones. Cade is in town for a new job when he gets into a fight and ends up in jail. Maggie is embarrassed that Cade thought she need his help but feels a pull towards him. Will they be able to have a relationship since they are both strong willed?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific holiday story

This was a terrific holiday story that can certainly be read anytime of the year. It was a great addition to this series, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. It's a great series with terrific characters, humor, drama, mystery, suspense, and intriguing twists and turns. I would highly suggest that you start from the beginning, as all of the stories are fantastic.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book! My heart was grabbed by both Maggie and Cade. Their stories and issues touched me deeply. The characters and world building feel so real I just want to move to Bearpaw Ridge. I got lost in the story and just didn't want to come back to reality. To me that is the highest compliment I can pay an author..you took me away on an awesome mini vacation, thank you.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cade and Maggie are total opposites. But they know that they are fated mates. How long can Maggie resist him as she thinks that he is totally not her type. This is a steamy love story. It's also about finding a home.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this more stars if I could. He has suffered so much in his life. She has had it easy she wants a mate and relationship line her parents. Everything is not as it seems. It has drama, suspense. Loved the characters and story even if I wanted to smack Maggie a time or two .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series filled with endearing and entertaining characters while the story line was engaging and kept me reading from beginning to end in one sitting making this a quick, fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dorothy Y Nunamacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Sexton has done it again. Combust Book 13 was one of my favorites. I'm so happy for Maggie and Cade. I love how the series continues right where the last book ended. I can't wait for the next book..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lonely Bear Love

I can never get enough of this series. Ophelia Sexton has done it again! What a wonderful story about two people from very different worlds that just makes your heart happy. The journey these two make to be with each other will grab you and keep you coming back for more. Enjoy