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"Bernie," Tor said, reaching for her.
She leaned into his grasp and allowed herself to be drawn inside, as if some part of her had crumpled inwardly at the sympathetic touch. And Tor already had her inside before he remembered what she was going to see.
His brother and sister had frozen in mid-argument, both with handfuls of their dad's fur as they tried to tug him back to wakefulness or at least out of the kitchen.
"Is that ...?" Bernie began. She blinked and rubbed her eyes.
It was possible to pass off a werewolf as a dog, but there was absolutely no mistaking a polar bear for anything else.
There was a polar bear lying in the middle of the kitchen. A very large, very shaggy bear. And Tor's brother and sister were both frozen in the act of trying to pick it up.
"Oh, hi!" Inga said, very brightly. She dropped her double handful of Stieg's ruff, allowing his head to clunk to the floor—his tongue was lolling out now—and strode forward with a hand held out. There were long white strands of polar bear fur all over her shirt. "You must be Tor's mate—uh—friend! Hi! I'm Tor's sister. I'm Inga. What's your name?"
Bernie kept trying to peer around her, where Eren had given up trying to shake the bear awake and instead delivered a swift kick to his backside. The bear grunted, rolled over, and started snoring.
"I, uh, I'm Bernie," said Bernie. "Is your—um—is your bear all right?"
"He's drunk," Eren said darkly.
Tor could have pushed him through the trap door at that moment.
"Your ... bear is drunk," Bernie said.
Compared to this, even trying to deal with a demon cat destroying her curtains, her backseat, and everything else she owned seemed halfway normal.
Jump into a brand new series from Zoe Chant, featuring a beautiful, magical shifter town, a sexy, protective hero with a chaotic polar bear family, a tough heroine picking up the pieces of her shattered heart, a maybe-haunted lighthouse ... and a cat only his owner could love.
She leaned into his grasp and allowed herself to be drawn inside, as if some part of her had crumpled inwardly at the sympathetic touch. And Tor already had her inside before he remembered what she was going to see.
His brother and sister had frozen in mid-argument, both with handfuls of their dad's fur as they tried to tug him back to wakefulness or at least out of the kitchen.
"Is that ...?" Bernie began. She blinked and rubbed her eyes.
It was possible to pass off a werewolf as a dog, but there was absolutely no mistaking a polar bear for anything else.
There was a polar bear lying in the middle of the kitchen. A very large, very shaggy bear. And Tor's brother and sister were both frozen in the act of trying to pick it up.
"Oh, hi!" Inga said, very brightly. She dropped her double handful of Stieg's ruff, allowing his head to clunk to the floor—his tongue was lolling out now—and strode forward with a hand held out. There were long white strands of polar bear fur all over her shirt. "You must be Tor's mate—uh—friend! Hi! I'm Tor's sister. I'm Inga. What's your name?"
Bernie kept trying to peer around her, where Eren had given up trying to shake the bear awake and instead delivered a swift kick to his backside. The bear grunted, rolled over, and started snoring.
"I, uh, I'm Bernie," said Bernie. "Is your—um—is your bear all right?"
"He's drunk," Eren said darkly.
Tor could have pushed him through the trap door at that moment.
"Your ... bear is drunk," Bernie said.
Compared to this, even trying to deal with a demon cat destroying her curtains, her backseat, and everything else she owned seemed halfway normal.
Jump into a brand new series from Zoe Chant, featuring a beautiful, magical shifter town, a sexy, protective hero with a chaotic polar bear family, a tough heroine picking up the pieces of her shattered heart, a maybe-haunted lighthouse ... and a cat only his owner could love.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2022
621 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Esker
80 books77 followersLauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
December 15, 2023
A whimsical shifter story!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😟🤭😤😘
The heroine: Bernie - she worked long hours for an advertising agency in Vancouver for years, but after suffering a deep heartbreak she decided to quit her job, sell her condo and move to a nice quiet town called Westerly Cove in Newfoundland. She purchased a beautiful old, decommissioned lighthouse, including a small home and a few outbuildings, packed up her demon cat called Pennywise, and drove through Canada, ultimately taking a ferry to Westerly Cove.
The Hero: Tor - he is a polar bear shifter and the eldest son of Steig Nilsson. He lives with his father, sister and brother and works as a fisherman in Westerly Cove. His house is between two docks and has a trap door which opens into the ocean so they can shift into their bears and dive right in and go for a swim whenever they want.
The Story: Westerly Cove is a friendly town and as soon as Tor hears that a woman bought the old lighthouse, he felt the urge to welcome her to town by purchasing some groceries for her. He brought them by and immediately knew that she was his mate as soon as he saw her. Though Bernie was getting over heartbreak and didn’t want to jump into anything new right away. Tor also had something in his past that he was still dealing with.
I liked the characters in this story. Bernie’s cat was his own kind of wild character as was Tor’s family. His brother was unruly, his father was a bit of a mess and Tor was used to taking care of things in his world. He wanted to take care of Bernie also. I also really liked the world of Westerly Cove, there were shifters, magic, ghosts, gargoyles and much more.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😟🤭😤😘
The heroine: Bernie - she worked long hours for an advertising agency in Vancouver for years, but after suffering a deep heartbreak she decided to quit her job, sell her condo and move to a nice quiet town called Westerly Cove in Newfoundland. She purchased a beautiful old, decommissioned lighthouse, including a small home and a few outbuildings, packed up her demon cat called Pennywise, and drove through Canada, ultimately taking a ferry to Westerly Cove.
The Hero: Tor - he is a polar bear shifter and the eldest son of Steig Nilsson. He lives with his father, sister and brother and works as a fisherman in Westerly Cove. His house is between two docks and has a trap door which opens into the ocean so they can shift into their bears and dive right in and go for a swim whenever they want.
The Story: Westerly Cove is a friendly town and as soon as Tor hears that a woman bought the old lighthouse, he felt the urge to welcome her to town by purchasing some groceries for her. He brought them by and immediately knew that she was his mate as soon as he saw her. Though Bernie was getting over heartbreak and didn’t want to jump into anything new right away. Tor also had something in his past that he was still dealing with.
I liked the characters in this story. Bernie’s cat was his own kind of wild character as was Tor’s family. His brother was unruly, his father was a bit of a mess and Tor was used to taking care of things in his world. He wanted to take care of Bernie also. I also really liked the world of Westerly Cove, there were shifters, magic, ghosts, gargoyles and much more.
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August 1, 2024
A good time was had. Enjoyed this one lots.
Very light and easy to read. And safe.
Very light and easy to read. And safe.
February 24, 2025
Trigger or content warning? No. Past parental death by car crash, MMC. Recent past parental death, FMC. Both are offpage.
Details?
Bernie (Bernadette) is the FMC. Tor (Torvald) is the MMC’s. I assumed both were in their late twenties to early thirties.
Neither are virgins. No OP drama. Pasts aren’t mentioned.
Bernie is on birth control, and they do not use condoms.
My thoughts?
I really love Bernie and Tor. They were so sweet with each other, and I like how the shifter community is based off of a “if they want you to know, they’ll tell you”. So when she’s told (more so shown but still) that Tor shifts into a polar bear he basically covers his family details and that’s it. The scene where they give the past light keeper’s daughter her bear? Broke my heart. I could have cried. I hope in the future of this series that it shows Bernie renovating the light house to be a local hub of information.
Details?
Bernie (Bernadette) is the FMC. Tor (Torvald) is the MMC’s. I assumed both were in their late twenties to early thirties.
Neither are virgins. No OP drama. Pasts aren’t mentioned.
Bernie is on birth control, and they do not use condoms.
My thoughts?
I really love Bernie and Tor. They were so sweet with each other, and I like how the shifter community is based off of a “if they want you to know, they’ll tell you”. So when she’s told (more so shown but still) that Tor shifts into a polar bear he basically covers his family details and that’s it. The scene where they give the past light keeper’s daughter her bear? Broke my heart. I could have cried. I hope in the future of this series that it shows Bernie renovating the light house to be a local hub of information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
Good call on Kindle changing the cover on this one, the original wouldn't have made me read it. Spoilers.
I think this book was just not my taste. I like shifter books and mates etc but it did seem a little too Hardy boys for me. Just a simple mystery that wraps up fast with a hint of mates. No romance or tension or anything like that more just the cuddle warm idea of mates. Which again is fine just not something I enjoy.
I also felt like it dragged in parts for me and for a book that's around 200 pages that's saying something.
We finish one mystery then automatically jump into another and it just felt rushed.
I think this book was just not my taste. I like shifter books and mates etc but it did seem a little too Hardy boys for me. Just a simple mystery that wraps up fast with a hint of mates. No romance or tension or anything like that more just the cuddle warm idea of mates. Which again is fine just not something I enjoy.
I also felt like it dragged in parts for me and for a book that's around 200 pages that's saying something.
We finish one mystery then automatically jump into another and it just felt rushed.
July 2, 2022
Zoe Chant is an outstanding storyteller. Her word choices paint pictures in readers’ minds and her plots are always intriguing and hold onto the reader until the very end of the tale…and often beyond. It can be difficult to stop thinking about her books after they have been reshelved. The characters she creates are always layered. Secondary characters, even those briefly met, are full of life. I enjoy a Zoe Chant book.
Bernadette Grady moves from Vancouver, BC to Westerly Cove, Newfoundland where she has bought a lighthouse and its surrounding outbuildings. Tor Nilsson was born in Westerly Cove. When he greets his family’s new neighbor, he is stunned to discover she is his mate. No spoiler here, it happens when they meet in chapter 2.
Bernie and Tor team up to solve one mystery after another from the possibility of a haunting in her lighthouse to mysterious sightings in both the lighthouse and her home (the caretaker’s cottage) to a search for buried treasure. What fun! The entire village feels magical, complete with statues of gargoyles strewn all over the grounds, gardens, storefronts, buildings and hidey holes. It is near Stonegarden, of Stone Shifter fame. Even Mace MacKay, the billionaire gargoyle from the Stone Shifter books, makes several appearances. I like him from previous books, and it was pleasant running into him again.
The story is adventurous and fun, reminiscent of books from childhood, some of which are mentioned in this book. The sex scenes, of course, remove the book from one’s childhood…and…I think the book would have been just fine without the sex. I know, it’s unheard of to have paranormal shifter books without some obligatory sex but it really isn’t necessary here at all. No, I’ve nothing against well-written sex scenes that move the plot along and are intrinsic to the characters enacting them. Here, though, they seem unnecessary and, perhaps, a bit prurient.
There are some inconsistencies, nothing too glaring, just enough to make a reader pause and question what she/he has read before. For instance:
When Bernie first sees Tor she thinks, “There was a blond Greek god standing at the top of the cliff.” This seems an odd, out of place way to describe Tor. His description is that of a Viking which is indeed his ancestry. This is further emphasized by the cover art: that’s a Viking, not a Greek god.
Tor is telling Bernie about the village and its people, describing Mace MacKay and his home, Stonegarden, to her. He tells her, “But now his niece and his new wife are there too.” In Bernie’s epilogue, she is musing on MacKay, “His plus-one – Bernie wasn’t sure if she was a wife, girlfriend, or what….” She already knew Mace MacKay was married; why would she think he might bring a girlfriend along?
When searching for an item, Bernie and Tor find an uninhabited island inhabited by a lone man, a stranger. Thinking he may have been shipwrecked, they ask if he needs help. He tells them he doesn’t need help and to go away. “Tor looked at Bernie, shrugged, and reversed the engine…. The stranger watched them go. He didn’t look friendly.” On the next page, Tor is wondering about the man, “If it had been a shifter, that would certainly account for its odd, friendly behavior.” We saw that the man was decidedly unfriendly, so it’s strange that Tor is now considering his behavior to be friendly.
There are also some pesky errors that get in the way of the excellent storyline.
“I’ll help you get bring the rest of it up.” Hmmm. Maybe leave out the word, “get?” So, the sentence might read, “I’ll help you bring the rest of it up.”
Pennywise is Bernie’s unusual cat; in describing his fur, “…it came out looking more like he was molding.” I think that’s the wrong word. I scurried to the dictionary and found “molding” was first used in the 14th century and its meaning has not changed. It’s a decorative piece in architecture. It’s also a verb, as in to shape. It has other meanings as well, but not one matches up with a cat’s fur “molding.” I think the correct word is “molting,” as in to shed hair.
“…a light grace that was incongruous at his size.” I think the appropriate preposition is “for.” That’s debatable, but the wording made me pause and wonder. “…a light grace that was incongruous for his size” just reads better, IMHO.
“I was thinking you wouldn’t want to wait see what his treasure is.” I think that should read, “…you wouldn’t want to wait AND see…” or “…wait TO see….” The words “wait see” do not comprise a verb form.
There is a second epilogue titled, “Eren.” It isn’t an epilogue which is in actuality a conclusion, a literary device that ties up loose ends and brings a story to a tidy end. This is not the case with “Eren.” This “epilogue” is a prologue for the next book in the series. Using the epilogue as an excuse for advertising the next book in a series is becoming more and more popular. I’d rather see it labeled something more inventive than “epilogue.” Just a thought….
I rated this book 4 stars. I liked it a lot; the characters still live in my head. I hope we get to learn more about them in upcoming books. I have a feeling we will. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Chant’s books; fortunately for us all, there are a plenitude of them. Nice…!
Bernadette Grady moves from Vancouver, BC to Westerly Cove, Newfoundland where she has bought a lighthouse and its surrounding outbuildings. Tor Nilsson was born in Westerly Cove. When he greets his family’s new neighbor, he is stunned to discover she is his mate. No spoiler here, it happens when they meet in chapter 2.
Bernie and Tor team up to solve one mystery after another from the possibility of a haunting in her lighthouse to mysterious sightings in both the lighthouse and her home (the caretaker’s cottage) to a search for buried treasure. What fun! The entire village feels magical, complete with statues of gargoyles strewn all over the grounds, gardens, storefronts, buildings and hidey holes. It is near Stonegarden, of Stone Shifter fame. Even Mace MacKay, the billionaire gargoyle from the Stone Shifter books, makes several appearances. I like him from previous books, and it was pleasant running into him again.
The story is adventurous and fun, reminiscent of books from childhood, some of which are mentioned in this book. The sex scenes, of course, remove the book from one’s childhood…and…I think the book would have been just fine without the sex. I know, it’s unheard of to have paranormal shifter books without some obligatory sex but it really isn’t necessary here at all. No, I’ve nothing against well-written sex scenes that move the plot along and are intrinsic to the characters enacting them. Here, though, they seem unnecessary and, perhaps, a bit prurient.
There are some inconsistencies, nothing too glaring, just enough to make a reader pause and question what she/he has read before. For instance:
When Bernie first sees Tor she thinks, “There was a blond Greek god standing at the top of the cliff.” This seems an odd, out of place way to describe Tor. His description is that of a Viking which is indeed his ancestry. This is further emphasized by the cover art: that’s a Viking, not a Greek god.
Tor is telling Bernie about the village and its people, describing Mace MacKay and his home, Stonegarden, to her. He tells her, “But now his niece and his new wife are there too.” In Bernie’s epilogue, she is musing on MacKay, “His plus-one – Bernie wasn’t sure if she was a wife, girlfriend, or what….” She already knew Mace MacKay was married; why would she think he might bring a girlfriend along?
When searching for an item, Bernie and Tor find an uninhabited island inhabited by a lone man, a stranger. Thinking he may have been shipwrecked, they ask if he needs help. He tells them he doesn’t need help and to go away. “Tor looked at Bernie, shrugged, and reversed the engine…. The stranger watched them go. He didn’t look friendly.” On the next page, Tor is wondering about the man, “If it had been a shifter, that would certainly account for its odd, friendly behavior.” We saw that the man was decidedly unfriendly, so it’s strange that Tor is now considering his behavior to be friendly.
There are also some pesky errors that get in the way of the excellent storyline.
“I’ll help you get bring the rest of it up.” Hmmm. Maybe leave out the word, “get?” So, the sentence might read, “I’ll help you bring the rest of it up.”
Pennywise is Bernie’s unusual cat; in describing his fur, “…it came out looking more like he was molding.” I think that’s the wrong word. I scurried to the dictionary and found “molding” was first used in the 14th century and its meaning has not changed. It’s a decorative piece in architecture. It’s also a verb, as in to shape. It has other meanings as well, but not one matches up with a cat’s fur “molding.” I think the correct word is “molting,” as in to shed hair.
“…a light grace that was incongruous at his size.” I think the appropriate preposition is “for.” That’s debatable, but the wording made me pause and wonder. “…a light grace that was incongruous for his size” just reads better, IMHO.
“I was thinking you wouldn’t want to wait see what his treasure is.” I think that should read, “…you wouldn’t want to wait AND see…” or “…wait TO see….” The words “wait see” do not comprise a verb form.
There is a second epilogue titled, “Eren.” It isn’t an epilogue which is in actuality a conclusion, a literary device that ties up loose ends and brings a story to a tidy end. This is not the case with “Eren.” This “epilogue” is a prologue for the next book in the series. Using the epilogue as an excuse for advertising the next book in a series is becoming more and more popular. I’d rather see it labeled something more inventive than “epilogue.” Just a thought….
I rated this book 4 stars. I liked it a lot; the characters still live in my head. I hope we get to learn more about them in upcoming books. I have a feeling we will. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Chant’s books; fortunately for us all, there are a plenitude of them. Nice…!
January 10, 2022
I am torn. I liked it--kind of. I mean, I read it through to the end, so that counts for something, and explains why it earned three stars instead of only two.
Alas, this book has issues that left me seriously tempted it give it a lower rating.
Be warned, I go into specifics here, so there are serious spoilers.
All the issues combined to leave the story with an unfinished feel, like I was reading a cleaned up first draft. In my (not so humble) opinion, things would have been much, MUCH better after a structural edit or two.
Alas, this book has issues that left me seriously tempted it give it a lower rating.
Be warned, I go into specifics here, so there are serious spoilers.
All the issues combined to leave the story with an unfinished feel, like I was reading a cleaned up first draft. In my (not so humble) opinion, things would have been much, MUCH better after a structural edit or two.
January 4, 2023
Bernadette 'Bernie' Grady has purchased a decommissioned lighthouse and the surrounding property. The town of Westerly Cove was very relieved when she purchased it, there had been a very aggressive realty company want to buy it and turn it into a tourist attraction. Something they definitely didn't want with all the shifters residing here.
It was the perfect place for her and her demon cat Pennywise. I have to admit I chuckled the whole way through the description of said cat. The fact he destroyed a few carriers on the way to Newfoundland regardless of the touts of being indestructible was in itself hilarious. The isolation of the lighthouse is just what Bernie wanted and there was sure to be a perfect room for her to set up as a studio for her artwork. She was hoping to live in the lighthouse itself but discovered she'd need to do some renovation first.
Torvald and his family are polar bear shifters, they actually have their house situated on the pier with a hatch inside the house so they can shift and slip into the water unnoticed. His father Steig and his brother Eren always seem to be fighting over one thing or another and as we meet them that's exactly what's going on, in their shifted forms. Torvald and his sister Inga break it up and while their father shifted back to human, their brother just jumped into the water. After that excitement and during the clean-up Tor suggests bringing some groceries for their new resident at the lighthouse.
Bernie has just taken a good look at the inside of the lighthouse and is hearing all sorts of noises, topped off with boxes falling over, she comes to the conclusion that there is someone in there and runs out locking the door behind her.
It's as she's heading to the caretaker's house to call for assistance, she hears a call of 'Hello the Lighthouse' and then saw the man associated with the call at the top of the cliff.
On investigating Tor found nothing and shared with Bernie the rumors of the lighthouse being haunted. He also checked the caretaker's house to be sure no one was in there.
Bernie invites Tor to stay for a picnic, she likes him, and he did bring the groceries. She also wants to hear more about Westerly Cove.
Feeling better about things, including the lighthouse being haunted, Bernie settled in for the night. Only to be woken by said ghost who disappeared as soon as she woke. Pennywise's yowling sends her to the kitchen where she finds a life threating circumstance and a threatening message.
I love the way this story unfolds. Lighthouses are a favorite of mine, and with this story centering there it's just so much fun combined with the mystery and romance. I also find myself wanting to know all the inhabitants of Westerly Cove. There are so many different shifters here.
I'm already reading the next book in this series.
It was the perfect place for her and her demon cat Pennywise. I have to admit I chuckled the whole way through the description of said cat. The fact he destroyed a few carriers on the way to Newfoundland regardless of the touts of being indestructible was in itself hilarious. The isolation of the lighthouse is just what Bernie wanted and there was sure to be a perfect room for her to set up as a studio for her artwork. She was hoping to live in the lighthouse itself but discovered she'd need to do some renovation first.
Torvald and his family are polar bear shifters, they actually have their house situated on the pier with a hatch inside the house so they can shift and slip into the water unnoticed. His father Steig and his brother Eren always seem to be fighting over one thing or another and as we meet them that's exactly what's going on, in their shifted forms. Torvald and his sister Inga break it up and while their father shifted back to human, their brother just jumped into the water. After that excitement and during the clean-up Tor suggests bringing some groceries for their new resident at the lighthouse.
Bernie has just taken a good look at the inside of the lighthouse and is hearing all sorts of noises, topped off with boxes falling over, she comes to the conclusion that there is someone in there and runs out locking the door behind her.
It's as she's heading to the caretaker's house to call for assistance, she hears a call of 'Hello the Lighthouse' and then saw the man associated with the call at the top of the cliff.
On investigating Tor found nothing and shared with Bernie the rumors of the lighthouse being haunted. He also checked the caretaker's house to be sure no one was in there.
Bernie invites Tor to stay for a picnic, she likes him, and he did bring the groceries. She also wants to hear more about Westerly Cove.
Feeling better about things, including the lighthouse being haunted, Bernie settled in for the night. Only to be woken by said ghost who disappeared as soon as she woke. Pennywise's yowling sends her to the kitchen where she finds a life threating circumstance and a threatening message.
I love the way this story unfolds. Lighthouses are a favorite of mine, and with this story centering there it's just so much fun combined with the mystery and romance. I also find myself wanting to know all the inhabitants of Westerly Cove. There are so many different shifters here.
I'm already reading the next book in this series.
January 6, 2022
I loved Tor and Bernie’s story - great start to the series
I loved reading Tor and Bernie’s story. This is the first book in the series set in the shifter friendly town of Westerly Cove. We first encountered this town in the Stone Shifters series. You do not have to read the books in that series to read this one but it’s also a great series. Tor is a polar bear shifter who lives with his father and siblings in Westerly Cove. Bernie just bought the lighthouse and the accompanying keeper’s cottage in the small town. As soon as Tor sees Bernie he knows she’s his true mate but before he can act on it, he needs to explain shifters to her first. To get to their HEA, Tor and Bernie will have to figure out the mystery of the ghost and who is trying to harm her. This is an exciting fast paced story full of swoons, quirky townspeople, love, danger, mystery, drama, silliness, magic, sweet moments, strong families, sexy times, a different kind of cat, and other paranormal creatures. It is also well written, has three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
I loved reading Tor and Bernie’s story. This is the first book in the series set in the shifter friendly town of Westerly Cove. We first encountered this town in the Stone Shifters series. You do not have to read the books in that series to read this one but it’s also a great series. Tor is a polar bear shifter who lives with his father and siblings in Westerly Cove. Bernie just bought the lighthouse and the accompanying keeper’s cottage in the small town. As soon as Tor sees Bernie he knows she’s his true mate but before he can act on it, he needs to explain shifters to her first. To get to their HEA, Tor and Bernie will have to figure out the mystery of the ghost and who is trying to harm her. This is an exciting fast paced story full of swoons, quirky townspeople, love, danger, mystery, drama, silliness, magic, sweet moments, strong families, sexy times, a different kind of cat, and other paranormal creatures. It is also well written, has three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2025
This book was fine, but I probably won't continue the series. It's a cozy read with a little bit of mystery. It felt repetitive occasionally, mainly in the beginning. Bernie emphasizing she "isn't that careless" multiple times whenever they found a door unlocked or a window open.
As I saw in at least one other review, it does kind of just...end. A lot of the book is spent building up to the mystery of the lighthouse, the ghost, and Bernie's past. Then they're all wrapped up in just a few pages. Honestly by the end I wasn't really sure why both the ghost and the stranger were necessary as neither added much to the story on their own. Maybe if the author had picked just one to focus on she could have fleshed them out a bit more.
We also have Bernie's dreams of what she wants to do with the property and her cat to consider. I really enjoy the cat as a character, he could have even been a point to flesh out more. Her desire to renovate the property also could have been used for her relationship with Tor and/or the town.
As I saw in at least one other review, it does kind of just...end. A lot of the book is spent building up to the mystery of the lighthouse, the ghost, and Bernie's past. Then they're all wrapped up in just a few pages. Honestly by the end I wasn't really sure why both the ghost and the stranger were necessary as neither added much to the story on their own. Maybe if the author had picked just one to focus on she could have fleshed them out a bit more.
We also have Bernie's dreams of what she wants to do with the property and her cat to consider. I really enjoy the cat as a character, he could have even been a point to flesh out more. Her desire to renovate the property also could have been used for her relationship with Tor and/or the town.
January 20, 2022
Love spin-off series.
Tor: Westerly Cove Book 1
By Zoe Chant
Kindle unlimited purchase
Bernie is the new owner of the lighthouse in Westerly Cove, sight unseen. Her and her demon cat are going to start over. New place new start. But when things go bump in the night she truns to her new friend Tor.
Tor knew as soon as he saw her that she was his mate. But first he had to find out what is going on at her place before he tells her about his polar bear. One thing at a time.
This book stands on its own with a self-contained HEA romance, but this series is a spinoff from Stone Shifters, the series that introduces Westerly Cove and its resident gargoyles and shifters. Love when an author can pull off spin-offs and this just happens to be one of them series(s).
Stoneskin Dragon
Stonewing Guardian
Stoneheart Lion (comeing soon)
This series:
Tor
Eren (coming out October 29, 2022)
Tor: Westerly Cove Book 1
By Zoe Chant
Kindle unlimited purchase
Bernie is the new owner of the lighthouse in Westerly Cove, sight unseen. Her and her demon cat are going to start over. New place new start. But when things go bump in the night she truns to her new friend Tor.
Tor knew as soon as he saw her that she was his mate. But first he had to find out what is going on at her place before he tells her about his polar bear. One thing at a time.
This book stands on its own with a self-contained HEA romance, but this series is a spinoff from Stone Shifters, the series that introduces Westerly Cove and its resident gargoyles and shifters. Love when an author can pull off spin-offs and this just happens to be one of them series(s).
Stoneskin Dragon
Stonewing Guardian
Stoneheart Lion (comeing soon)
This series:
Tor
Eren (coming out October 29, 2022)
January 23, 2022
Great introduction to a new series...
That coordinates with the Stoneskin Guardians series. I love the main characters. Tor is a sweetie and his mate Bernie is just as sweet. The cat from hell is probably the best thing though! Bernie is trying to get as far away from Vancouver as she can, so she buys the lighthouse and the buildings around it in Newfoundland. When she moved in, she finds that things aren't exactly what they seem. Is there really a ghost, or is someone trying to scare her away or kill her?
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. You may want to read the Stoneskin Guardians books 1 and 2 before this, but you don't have to. If you like your shifter romances with some funny scenes, a bit of a mystery and adventure as well as wonderful secondary characters, then this is for you. Enjoy!
That coordinates with the Stoneskin Guardians series. I love the main characters. Tor is a sweetie and his mate Bernie is just as sweet. The cat from hell is probably the best thing though! Bernie is trying to get as far away from Vancouver as she can, so she buys the lighthouse and the buildings around it in Newfoundland. When she moved in, she finds that things aren't exactly what they seem. Is there really a ghost, or is someone trying to scare her away or kill her?
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. You may want to read the Stoneskin Guardians books 1 and 2 before this, but you don't have to. If you like your shifter romances with some funny scenes, a bit of a mystery and adventure as well as wonderful secondary characters, then this is for you. Enjoy!
March 2, 2022
Spin off series
I'm sure this is a spin off series or continue series,I have read the stone walkers series with mace in and he lived looking over a town with shifters and protected the town. It was awhile I read them and I think tor may have given them a boat lift.
So this is about the town shifters starting with tors family.a new lady moves into the town house a painter by trade. With a ghost and a stalker her mate tor needs to keep her safe and tell her he is a bear. Lol a nice story no ex's coming in between them or break up on of relationship.just a girl meets boy gets to know each other.I did wonder how long it was until the party at the end, there was no time told just autumn.Not sure when she moved in or how long had past as she got to know the lady in the book shop.next book is his brother.
I'm sure this is a spin off series or continue series,I have read the stone walkers series with mace in and he lived looking over a town with shifters and protected the town. It was awhile I read them and I think tor may have given them a boat lift.
So this is about the town shifters starting with tors family.a new lady moves into the town house a painter by trade. With a ghost and a stalker her mate tor needs to keep her safe and tell her he is a bear. Lol a nice story no ex's coming in between them or break up on of relationship.just a girl meets boy gets to know each other.I did wonder how long it was until the party at the end, there was no time told just autumn.Not sure when she moved in or how long had past as she got to know the lady in the book shop.next book is his brother.
October 6, 2023
Needing a change, artist Bernadette Grady moved to Newfoundland with her devilish cat, fulfilling a dream of owning a lighthouse with a caretaker’s cottage. Having heard the ‘lighthouse lady’ had moved in, polar bear Tor Nilsson went to visit the next day with a gift of groceries. A first glance, Bernie immediately thought handsome, sexy man, Tor thought mate!
But overnight, Bernie has a visitor and the only person she knows to tell is Tor but she’s sure it’s a ghost! Though the island is full of shifters, neither Tor nor his rowdy family could pick out a scent but he vowed to help find out who or what was frightening her. It’s a quick, cute romance and light mystery, the perfect mind mint.
Rating: 4.25stars
But overnight, Bernie has a visitor and the only person she knows to tell is Tor but she’s sure it’s a ghost! Though the island is full of shifters, neither Tor nor his rowdy family could pick out a scent but he vowed to help find out who or what was frightening her. It’s a quick, cute romance and light mystery, the perfect mind mint.
Rating: 4.25stars
March 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
Tor and Bernie are a cute pair. Bernie is an artist running from her grief and Tor is a polar bear shifter burdened by familial obligation. Bernie buys an old lighthouse in Newfoundland where Tor and the rest of the westerly cove characters we’ve met live. Tor knows immediately that she’s his mate and takes things slowly, helping her deal with mysterious goingson at the lighthouse. I love her cat Pennywise who is an absolute menace and I found the way she met his bear funny. I think the best scene in the whole book may be the part in the cemetery talking to his mum. Very well done. I think I just wanted a bit more chemistry and action in this book. It was a light cozy read that was a lovely rainy day story.
Tor and Bernie are a cute pair. Bernie is an artist running from her grief and Tor is a polar bear shifter burdened by familial obligation. Bernie buys an old lighthouse in Newfoundland where Tor and the rest of the westerly cove characters we’ve met live. Tor knows immediately that she’s his mate and takes things slowly, helping her deal with mysterious goingson at the lighthouse. I love her cat Pennywise who is an absolute menace and I found the way she met his bear funny. I think the best scene in the whole book may be the part in the cemetery talking to his mum. Very well done. I think I just wanted a bit more chemistry and action in this book. It was a light cozy read that was a lovely rainy day story.
November 18, 2023
Bear and love....
Bernie bought an old lighthouse and was hoping for some peace and quiet. Tor is a bear shifter and when he sees Bernie he knows she is his mate. When Bernie saw Tor she was drawn to him. When it seems like the lighthouse was haunted, Bernie and Tor work together to figure out what is going on. After catching a man who was trying to run Bernie off because a developer wanted the place, they quickly find out the lighthouse really is haunted but not by anyone bad. It was just an old sailor who died before giving his daughter her inheritance. So Tor moved into the house with Bernie and they had a beautiful wedding right on the property.
Bernie bought an old lighthouse and was hoping for some peace and quiet. Tor is a bear shifter and when he sees Bernie he knows she is his mate. When Bernie saw Tor she was drawn to him. When it seems like the lighthouse was haunted, Bernie and Tor work together to figure out what is going on. After catching a man who was trying to run Bernie off because a developer wanted the place, they quickly find out the lighthouse really is haunted but not by anyone bad. It was just an old sailor who died before giving his daughter her inheritance. So Tor moved into the house with Bernie and they had a beautiful wedding right on the property.
February 25, 2025
First: the updated cover is gorgeous and half the reason I opted to read the book.
Second: this was....ok. not my favorite story by this author by any means. There was an awful lot going on for a 200ish page book and none of it was as well developed as it could have been. By the end I was skimming a lot because it got tedious to read.
Third: that said I will probably still read the other 2 books in the series and I might read the parent series about the gargoyles as well just out of curiosity. These are short easy reads available on Kindle Unlimited. I'm interested to see more of this little town.
Second: this was....ok. not my favorite story by this author by any means. There was an awful lot going on for a 200ish page book and none of it was as well developed as it could have been. By the end I was skimming a lot because it got tedious to read.
Third: that said I will probably still read the other 2 books in the series and I might read the parent series about the gargoyles as well just out of curiosity. These are short easy reads available on Kindle Unlimited. I'm interested to see more of this little town.
May 28, 2025
a nice short story with a mystery twist
I saw the length of this story and thought that this was going to be a fairly uneventful story as far as shifter stories went.
But two things were introduced into this story and one of them was the twist that made this a much more interesting story than what I was expecting.
No, I’m not going to tell you what that is, but I will give you something. The cat.
Nice little story that is thrilling and sweet. I was going to say something about my first impression of the female MC but once I reminded myself that she was still working through her grief, I understood and gave it a pass.
Enjoy
I saw the length of this story and thought that this was going to be a fairly uneventful story as far as shifter stories went.
But two things were introduced into this story and one of them was the twist that made this a much more interesting story than what I was expecting.
No, I’m not going to tell you what that is, but I will give you something. The cat.
Nice little story that is thrilling and sweet. I was going to say something about my first impression of the female MC but once I reminded myself that she was still working through her grief, I understood and gave it a pass.
Enjoy
January 5, 2022
Adventurous ~ This is a voluntary Advanced Reader Copy review of ‘Tor’. I enjoyed reading this story. It had heartbreak, adventure, a psychotic cat, shifters, a lighthouse, and finding home. I loved the descriptions of the scenery. I enjoyed her sometimes scary adventure, but getting to the bottom of it was cool. I enjoyed the meeting and subsequent romance of her future husband, and the feeling of home and safety he gave her. There was so much going on, but it all fit in to a small town life. Loved their epilogue, it was sweet!
January 5, 2022
Okay so this was such a sweet surprise.
Not only is it a new series but it has little golden nuggets from some other Zoe Chant series, more specifically cameos from Stonewing Guardian and an exotic pet from the bodyguard series.
Pennywise the cat was hilarious! I seriously don’t know how the book would have been without him.
A sweet small town m/f paranormal shifter romance with the delicious fated mates steam that all Zoe’s book have and a spooky mystery to amp up the drama.
Definitely looking forward to Eren’s story.
Not only is it a new series but it has little golden nuggets from some other Zoe Chant series, more specifically cameos from Stonewing Guardian and an exotic pet from the bodyguard series.
Pennywise the cat was hilarious! I seriously don’t know how the book would have been without him.
A sweet small town m/f paranormal shifter romance with the delicious fated mates steam that all Zoe’s book have and a spooky mystery to amp up the drama.
Definitely looking forward to Eren’s story.
January 7, 2022
This was a fun paranormal romance, full of polar bear shifters, seal shifters, ghosts and even a gargoyle or two. I really loved Bernie- though she was grieving, she was still so sweet and open to happiness. Tor also, was a fun, sweet character. I didn't feel as strong a spark between the characters as I usually find with Zoe Chant stories but that said, I really loved the setting and it's great that this is a spin off from Zoe Chant's gargoyle stories. Overall, a sweet read that makes me want to return to this setting again and again.
June 16, 2024
Review
"Tor" was an interesting book. Bernadette goes by Bernie brought a lighthouse unseen. She moved across the country to an island. People were trying to get rid of her, to build a tourist attraction. Tor and his family were Polar Bear shifters and there were other type of shifters also. Everyone on the island looked out for each other. They took Bernie in as one of their own. You need to read how the crooks were trying to scare her off. The ghost, and finding the love of her life and why she moved there.
"Tor" was an interesting book. Bernadette goes by Bernie brought a lighthouse unseen. She moved across the country to an island. People were trying to get rid of her, to build a tourist attraction. Tor and his family were Polar Bear shifters and there were other type of shifters also. Everyone on the island looked out for each other. They took Bernie in as one of their own. You need to read how the crooks were trying to scare her off. The ghost, and finding the love of her life and why she moved there.
February 10, 2025
This was actually a pretty cute story. Bernie (Bernadette) moves across the country with her crazy cat Pennywise to live in a lighthouse that she just purchased, located next to a small - and very interesting - town. When she meets Tor (polar bear shifter) he realizes she's his mate but he has to be careful because it's obvious she's a human and unaware of the shifter world.
Tor's affection for Bernie is adorable and it's almost like a "Scooby Doo Mystery" while they figure out what's happening around the lighthouse.
Tor's affection for Bernie is adorable and it's almost like a "Scooby Doo Mystery" while they figure out what's happening around the lighthouse.
February 12, 2025
4 1/5 stars!!!
I have never read a polar bear shifter romance before. Plenty of bear, wolf, and big cat shifters books. So, that really intrigued me about this book! There are other interesting shifters in their town as well, all quite unique! Pennywise, the cat is my favorite character! Finding out he wasn’t just a cat wasn’t surprising, but what he was part of is really cool. Not only is this such a sweet cozy small town romance but there’s also a ghost haunting and a light house mystery to solve.
I have never read a polar bear shifter romance before. Plenty of bear, wolf, and big cat shifters books. So, that really intrigued me about this book! There are other interesting shifters in their town as well, all quite unique! Pennywise, the cat is my favorite character! Finding out he wasn’t just a cat wasn’t surprising, but what he was part of is really cool. Not only is this such a sweet cozy small town romance but there’s also a ghost haunting and a light house mystery to solve.
January 5, 2022
Excellent story
I really enjoyed this story. It has some mystery, A treasure hunt, a ghost, humor and some history. The wild car like creature, Pennywise is fun and evil but sure looks after Bernie! I enjoyed the entire story. The island sounds incredible and so does the lighthouse. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Great writing Zoe!
I really enjoyed this story. It has some mystery, A treasure hunt, a ghost, humor and some history. The wild car like creature, Pennywise is fun and evil but sure looks after Bernie! I enjoyed the entire story. The island sounds incredible and so does the lighthouse. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Great writing Zoe!
January 5, 2022
This was an absolute great start to a new series. A small town, shifters and a lighthouse. It's the perfect setting for almost any story. Here we get mystery, ghosts and romance. I thought Tor was adorable. He was a perfect mate for Bernie. Pennywise, well he's a whole different story. But he did add some excitement. Can't wait for the next one. I received an advanced copy and this is my honest opinion.
January 8, 2022
Another first from Zoe chant
Lovely book,lovely story. Lots of twists and turns. I want to fix out about Eden and dear Heddy. I want to go on and meet all the delightful character's stories.
Zoe Chant always delivers. I read every book I can find in Her name. Can heartily recommend to anyone loving a good shifter story. One of my favourite authors and in Tor, she has definitely abetted my appetite for more Westerly Cove stories. Thank you.
Lovely book,lovely story. Lots of twists and turns. I want to fix out about Eden and dear Heddy. I want to go on and meet all the delightful character's stories.
Zoe Chant always delivers. I read every book I can find in Her name. Can heartily recommend to anyone loving a good shifter story. One of my favourite authors and in Tor, she has definitely abetted my appetite for more Westerly Cove stories. Thank you.
January 11, 2022
Excellent Start To The Westerly Cove Series
Glad to see Tor, Mace and Tor's father again. Tor is featured in this book...Tor and his surprise mate! Bernadette (Bernie) is the new lighthouse keeper and she's unaware of the existence of shifters. How is Tor going to explain that her mate is a polar bear shifter? How are they going to solve the mystery of Bernie's ghost? Add Bernie's demon cat to the mix and chaos ensues. A very enjoyable read.
Glad to see Tor, Mace and Tor's father again. Tor is featured in this book...Tor and his surprise mate! Bernadette (Bernie) is the new lighthouse keeper and she's unaware of the existence of shifters. How is Tor going to explain that her mate is a polar bear shifter? How are they going to solve the mystery of Bernie's ghost? Add Bernie's demon cat to the mix and chaos ensues. A very enjoyable read.
January 16, 2022
Great start to another shape shifter romance.
Running from bad memories to an unseen lighthouse on the other side of the country. Bernie falls in love with her new home which maybe haunted or not.
Tor's polar bear is eager to meet the new lighthouse keeper, to find out she's his mate.
Read to see, what happens, from windows opening and lights being on, plus Pennywise the cat from hell, who Bernie adopted.
Running from bad memories to an unseen lighthouse on the other side of the country. Bernie falls in love with her new home which maybe haunted or not.
Tor's polar bear is eager to meet the new lighthouse keeper, to find out she's his mate.
Read to see, what happens, from windows opening and lights being on, plus Pennywise the cat from hell, who Bernie adopted.
January 24, 2022
Tor is the start of a great series!
First, let me say that Zoe Chant writes a laugh out loud story. Her sense of humor comes through bright and clear.
Tor is the hero of this book, but it is more about Bernie than Tor. Tragedy brings about good, in this case bringing Bernie to meet Tor.
The story is written to be attractive to young adults as well as more mature readers. Nothing too risque, you know?
Shifters, ghosts and romance!
First, let me say that Zoe Chant writes a laugh out loud story. Her sense of humor comes through bright and clear.
Tor is the hero of this book, but it is more about Bernie than Tor. Tragedy brings about good, in this case bringing Bernie to meet Tor.
The story is written to be attractive to young adults as well as more mature readers. Nothing too risque, you know?
Shifters, ghosts and romance!
November 29, 2022
Excellent first.....
Excellent first book the new Westerly Cove series! The Canadian setting seems absolutely beautiful. I grew up in Minnesota, not to far from the Canadian border, but the authors descriptions still seem so foreign but also make me want to visit there. The story has it all; action, adventure, suspense, and plenty of romance. A definite must read for fans of Paranormal Romances. I am off to read book 2. Mature eyes only due to hot 🔥 Shifter/Human loving!!!
Excellent first book the new Westerly Cove series! The Canadian setting seems absolutely beautiful. I grew up in Minnesota, not to far from the Canadian border, but the authors descriptions still seem so foreign but also make me want to visit there. The story has it all; action, adventure, suspense, and plenty of romance. A definite must read for fans of Paranormal Romances. I am off to read book 2. Mature eyes only due to hot 🔥 Shifter/Human loving!!!
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