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This shifter sheriff is about to have his hands full trying to apprehend a sexy fugitive ... who happens to be his fated mate!

Tara had read in books of people turning white with shock. At that moment, she found out what it felt like. All the blood left her head. There was a roaring in her ears, and her legs wobbled.

He knows who I am.

Which means he knows I'm on the run.

Any chance of smoothly covering for her awkwardness had shot right out the window when she froze like a deer in the headlights at the sound of her real name. And now Sexy Sheriff was getting up. And up ...

He was so tall she almost expected his head to brush the ceiling. Even in her panic, she couldn't help noticing how his broad shoulders filled out his uniform.

"Miss Malloy," he said. He sounded regretful, and maybe a little choked, like he was fighting some kind of internal battle. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to come with me."

Tara threw the coffeepot at him.

Sexy Sheriff yelped and flung up an arm to deflect it. Tara swung around in a 180-degree turn and sprinted for the kitchen at a speed that would've done an Olympic gold medalist proud.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2015

1237 people are currently reading
510 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Chant

326 books1,505 followers
Zoe Chant loves writing paranormal romance. Over a cup of tea (or something stronger) she whips up sexy tales of hunky heroes and adventurous heroines to tantalize and satisfy her readers. Sizzling hot romance, no cliffhangers!

While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.

To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...

Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...


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5 stars
1,128 (48%)
4 stars
694 (29%)
3 stars
390 (16%)
2 stars
106 (4%)
1 star
24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,672 reviews972 followers
April 8, 2023
Sheriff Bear is book one in the Bears of Pinerock County series by Zoe Chant.

I’ve read Chant before and I love her Fire & Rescue Shifters and Fire & Rescue Shifters: Wildfire Crew series’s.

Sheriff Bear is a quick attraction/insta romance. I usually like this type of romance. I also like Chant's writing, but I was bored and didn’t feel the connection to the characters.

I did like the premise, that our hero is a sheriff shifter, and our heroine is on the run and needs saving.

Sheriff Bear was not the book for me. Maybe I’m just not in the mood for quick insta romance at the moment. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.

Rated: DNF 30%

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Jessica Frances.
Author 29 books404 followers
September 15, 2015
Sheriff Bear is book one in a new series by Zoe Chant. I love shifter books and this one was enjoyable. I loved how feisty Tara was and loved the first interaction between her and Axl. This had all the elements I love for a shifter story and I would definitely recommend to shifter fans.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
August 17, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! No one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I have bought this book because I own most of Zoe’s books!

The cover is very awesome! I love it!

I bought this book back in 2015, but I’m reading it now because I need to read the latest release and want to read them in order. This is the first book in this series, and it is for adults only. It is about 150 pages, and it was definitely a perfect mix of action and romance.

Axl is the county sheriff, and he is a bear shifter. Tara is on the run and wanted. These two make a great pair, and their story had me from the start. Zoe always knows how to mix the perfect amount of action and romance that ends in an HEA! I can’t wait to read more of this series.

I highly recommend to all bear lovin’ shifter fans because Zoe’s work is always a great read for HEA ending lovers!
Profile Image for fannousa.
254 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2025
why was there unpasteurized milk propaganda in my shifter romance?!?
Profile Image for Ms. Cyn.
1,544 reviews
September 25, 2016
Shifter's and Romance

This is actually a re-read. I love the idea of shifters. Strong men like Axl and his clan are just really hot. Axl is a good cop and cares for people. When he meets Tara he doesn't judge her for what was on paper. He listened to her and found her to be a good person in a tough situation. I liked their instant attraction and how Tara didn't just expect Axl to take over, instead she made sure she helped out so they were a team. She wasn't a victim, she was a survivor.
Profile Image for CC.
1,781 reviews236 followers
September 14, 2015
2.5 stars
Rounding up because I usually like her books and she put effort into the story.

Short shifter book. Was mostly bored and failed to feel the connection between the MCs. I think too much effort was put into the suspense story that the romance or heat was neglected. They mated instantly and the sex was boring. Zero relationship angst.

Safety Gang safe
Profile Image for Judy Lewis.
1,566 reviews55 followers
September 29, 2017
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL !!!
Title: Sheriff Bear
Series: Bears of Pinerock County
Author: Zoe Chant
Designation: Book One of Series, Novella, Standalone, NO Cliffhanger, #ParanormalRomance #BearShifter
Reading Platform: Kindle Ebook Edition
My Rating: Five Sexy Bearlicious Stars*****
Oh my! I loved, loved, loved Sheriff Bear by Zoe Chant. It's no secret I'm a Zoe Chant fan and enjoy everything she writes, but this book is definitely one of my all-time favorites! Sheriff Bear is a sexy, fast-paced, easy-to-follow, novella-length, standalone paranormal romance filled to the brim with pulse-pounding danger, riveting action, heart-wrenching drama, undeniable attraction, steamy passion and, of course, heartwarming romance. It's also a perfect example of why I love Chant's books. Chant is a talented wordslinger and skilled wordsmith who consistently publishes well crafted and edited paranormal/supernatural/fantasy romance. When Chant releases a book, I never even bother to read the blurb; I just one-click and dive in. I've never read a Chant story I didn't like and Sheriff Bear is no exception. The narrative is beautifully written in the third person with clearly defined his and her perspectives. The dialogue is smart, snappy, well-executed, sometimes humorous, and flows effortlessly. I never tire of Chant's imaginative settings, riveting storylines, skilled execution, and perfect prose but, without a doubt, my favorite element is the wonderful cast of diverse, captivating, and always engaging characters. I was immediately smitten with our two protagonists: handsome sheriff bear shifter Axl Tanner and on-the-lamb, red-haired beauty Tara Malloy. Axl is the sheriff of Pinerock County, the first bear shifter elected to office. He's also the town's most eligible bachelor, sought after by all the single ladies which could have been a good thing if he didn't have the most finicky bear in existence who seems to have no interest in any of the local fair maidens. Unfortunately, he's also a man of principles, determined to do his job which includes chasing down and arresting a wanted felon, even if that felon happens to be his mate. What? Oh yes, the new waitress at Marge's Diner is definitely a real knockout and his mate. She's also the same face he saw on a Wanted poster that very morning. And she just cut and run - from him, but she'll never get away, not on his watch! Duty before booty, right? But according to the lovely Tara, she's been falsely accused, framed for a crime she didn't commit, and her life is in grave danger. What's a bear to do? Claim his mate or obey the law and turn in his prisoner? We'll see!

Did I like this story? No, I LOVED it! This is one of the cutest stories ever, but it's also full of danger, drama, action, suspense, passion, and romance. It may be relatively short at approximately 140 pages but it packs quite a punch. WOuld I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit sex scenes. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,157 reviews23 followers
February 20, 2016
Formidable!!!

Axl Tanner, bear shifter and sheriff of a small town named Pinerock County wasn't looking to lose his heart nor seek trouble. Yet that what happened when he walked into Marge's diner and took one look at a beautiful redhead waitress. Who just happened to be the one he had been waiting for....his mate.

Tara Malloy has been framed for a crime she didn't commit which led her to be on the run from some dangerous enemies. She found herself working at a diner as a waitress when she should have kept moving. One day everything changed, she caught the sight of the attracted to sexy as sin sheriff.

Tara and Axl put all their cards on the table when they both knew that they were it for each other. Axl introduced Tara to his pack which was constructed of Alec who was his brother and Alpha of their clan. Gannon and his cousins the Hayes brothers, Remy and Cody .

Alec had a problem with Axl taking a mate, in his mind it would have been a bad idea for Tara and Axl to get involve with each other because he didn't like changes but the fates had other plans in store for all of them.

When danger found Tara once again, Axl made sure no harm came to her even if he had to against his Alpha. The man was ready to face anything and anyone for his beloved.

SHERIFF BEAR , the first book in the PINEROCK COUNTY series was marvelous. Zoe Chant brought us another great one.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,663 reviews227 followers
September 21, 2015
I've been reading a lot of bear shifter books lately. Which is kinda cool because bears can be pretty rough and tumble. (Don't tell, but as much as I enjoy the bears, werewolves still hold top honors in my heart.)

This book gives us an upstanding sheriff and a woman on the run. Throw in a cantankerous older brother (of the bear variety) and a couple of hitmen and you have a recipe for romance. Wait. No. You have a recipe for action. The romance is a side effect of a bear meeting his destined mate. And sexy times are a side effect of the romance.

It's all interconnected, my friends.

Enjoyable. I have to admit I want to see if the strong, silent bear in the mountains finds someone to love. I mean, I figure that Axl's brothers and cousins are set, but Gannon? Is he going to get a lady friend? Or a dude friend? I'm open to either. I like the non-verbal ones.

*thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Chrissy.
433 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2015
So so good.

This is the first time, I read from this author and it will not be my last. I loved it and I can't wait to read more of this series. Get it today.
3,064 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2023
Tara is on the run from the law and the thugs trying to kill her. Of course she's actually innocent but that hasn't helped her so far.
Axl is a Sheriff in Pinerock County and recognises her as a wanted criminal.
He's also a Bear Shifter and it's 'Mine!' time.
He brings back to the ranch he shares with his brother Shifters and without much ado they have sex, he claims her, they are mated - it's quite rushed.
Now it's just a case of sorting out her problems. It won't take long because I am rapidly running out of pages to read. And, in fact, it doesn't even need most of those remaining pages as the thugs helpfully deliver themselves to 'grizzly' justice.
Which leaves just enough room for more sex.
"Sheriff Bear" is professionally written and ticks all the required boxes, but I will have forgotten it in the morning - there is absolutely nothing that stands out.
2.5 Stars, rounded up to 3 Stars.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,975 reviews28 followers
November 28, 2021
A sweet shifter romance with a side of suspense and drama

I really enjoyed Tara and Axl’s story. Tara is a wanted fugitive running for her life. She is currently hiding and waitressing in a small town diner. Axl is a bear shifter and the sheriff in his county. When he goes to the diner he recognizes Tara from her wanted poster but also realizes she’s his mate. To get to their HEA and clear Tara’s name, they will have to come up with a plan while evading criminals and dealing with clan politics. The story includes what you’d expect from romantic suspense - fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, love, fated mates, and laughs. While short, the characters were well developed and the story was well written. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
403 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2022
On paper, this book had exactly what I like- fated mates, shifter hero, damsel in distress, set in a small town. But overall, the execution was lacking. There was zero chemistry between the hero and heroine. Except for their meet cute, everything else about their relationship was lackluster. Yes, fated mates almost always has insta-lust. But this one had insta-love which got me rolling my eyes so hard. The leads had barely met an hour ago but they were out proclaiming their love for each other.
The plotline had an element of suspense since the heroine was on the run, escaping from the law and the villain. That part of the plot of was ok. Other than that, there really wasn’t much to the story. The romance was a snooze fest and I found myself skipping the smutty parts because it was boring.
Giving this one 2.5 stars but rounding up to 3 stars since Goodreads doesn’t do half stars.
Profile Image for Gwen S..
836 reviews15 followers
June 17, 2021
Axl and Tara's Fugitive Love Tryst! 3.25***** Spoiler Alert!

Tara, rich, framed and innocent, wanted by the FBI, ended up in Axl Tanner's town, where he was the bear shifting sheriff. His bear as usual noted she was their mate, and together they set out to prove her innocence by getting Dick to confess to his embezzlement and attempted murder of Tara, as his hired guns to turn on him. Yes they were mated, and married HEA in their small cabin.

Fair plot with the bear clan finally working together to resolve alpha and mate issues. Well developed characters with a theme of unity and cooperation flowing through this novel. Good read for paranormal romantic readers.

06/15/21-06/16/21 COVID-19.
Profile Image for Ryann Rice.
1,467 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2023
This spicy bear shifter book had a ‘by the book’ local sheriff and a woman on the run who collide and his bear says “MINE” 🐻
so now it’s up to them to Prove her innocence, escape the hit men and look sexy doing it 😆🤣 🥵

This book is fun and campy and not to be taken to seriously. It was just fun. No need to dissect or over analyze it…Just fkn fun.

Axl claims Tara immediately and has to defend her not only from the hit men after her but to his pack which are all bachelor bears who aren’t sure they wanna change up their dynamic. In the end they all rally behind the couple and face the bad guys together. Woohoo.

Am I going to keep reading the series so I can find out if the grumpy alpha or the flighty cousins or the dark mysterious friend all get their mates too? You bet you ass I am!
Profile Image for Angela.
4 reviews
January 6, 2018
It was ok....

The book was OK. Its the 1st I've read by this author but I like shifter romances & thought I'd give it a try. The plot was good but I didn't much care for the characters chemistry. It didn't flow well in my opinion. The biggest issue I had however (and its one I have with books period) is the lack of spell check & grammar. I'm often under the conception or maybe misconception that these authors have editor's & if they do, wonder how they keep their jobs. Just a pet peeve of mine, it detracts from a good read. The spelling of Bologna as "baloney" insured I won't continue the series.
1,281 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2018
Great intro to a new to me series, but a little short

I liked this book a lot, but I would have liked a little more meat to the story. Axl was great, as a sheriff and a bear. Tara was cool too, but I wanted more. I have been waiting to read this for a while.

Story moves really quickly. The main and secondary characters are realistic (except for the bear shifter part!). The story is mostly action oriented, with some character development. The steamy scenes are well done and don't overpower the story. If that sounds good to you, along with sexy bear shifters, then try this one! I can't wait to get to the next one. Enjoy.
1,232 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2018
Great First Book in the Series!

Tara and Axl...On the run from the law after being falsely accused of embezzlement, Tara is recognized by the Sheriff of Pinerock County, Axl Tanner. Fortunately for Tara, Axl takes one look at Tara and realizes that she's also his Mate! How can he arrest his Mate?

Sheriff Bear introduces the bear clan. The brothers and cousins of the clan, work the Tanner family ranch. Now, they need to protect Tara from hired killers. There's plenty of action, drama, naked shifters and romance. All the clan members have compelling stories to tell. I can't wait to read about them.
829 reviews
November 29, 2020
Sexy, insta love shifter romance start to a series. Axl is ready to settle down and when he walks into the local encounters his mater. Unfortunately he knows already from a wanted poster in his office. Tara runs (after tossing a coffee pot at him) when she realizes he knows her identity. She doesn't get far between his shifter speed and the knowledge she's his mate. He convinces her to take a chance on him and together they work to clear her name. As if having hired killers after her isn't enough, Axl;'s brother and alpha of the bear clan doesn't want her around. When her past catches up with her, it will take the combined strength and skill of the clan to keep her alive.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,289 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2022
A Sheriff and a fugitive romance

It’s a sweet romantic story where the lead male is just dreamy and perfect. Axl, the bear shifting sheriff, is fair, honest, and helpful in his small town. Everyone likes him from humans to other shifters. Axl has a small clan which includes his brother Alec, cousins, and a Gannon. Read the story and you will understand the Gannon. Axl is ready to settle down but his Bear hasn’t found the female to stir him. Purely accidental, Axl goes into a diner and he sees a curvy red haired woman and their eyes lock. His Bear claims this is her, mine, our mate. Read On!
256 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2017
Oh My!

As always, Zoe gave us a wonderful book to read. Damsel in distress meets small town sheriff and runs away from him because she had false charges stating she took money and various other crimes as well as jumping bail. Little did she know, she was the sheriff's mate. The sheriff followed her and as she tried to climb a fence, he caught her. I'm not going to give away the rest of this story. Let me assure you that the storyline is exciting, the characters are complex, and you reach the end of the story way too soon. I definitely recommend this book. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Holly Fincher.
189 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2023
Beginning a series

This book is the beginning of the "Bears not Pinerock County". And it is fun to read. Axl is the Sheriff and a bear shifter. Tara is a lady in hiding. She is on the run from the law and has a couple of mean guys wanting to kill her. Even though she didn't see Axl come into the diner where she was working she still feels like the world stopped moving when their eyes met. She ran but he caught her. With his help she gets to be reunited with her father and she is free to return to Axl and the mountain he lives on.
695 reviews1 follower
did-not-finish
February 16, 2025
I did read most of this There were just a lot of very unbelievable things going on and it got boring after a while. I also did not particularly care for the main couple. For some reason the fact that Tara is a brunette that dyed her hair red bothered me. Especially because it was so much of what attracted Axl to her. Weird and nitpicky I know but it is what it is. I was mildly interested in the next book but after some thought and reading the rest of the descriptions for the series I don't think I will.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,361 reviews181 followers
February 27, 2023
Series: Bears of Pinerock County #1
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

This was a short fated mate's romance. Tara and Axl have an instant love relationship but I enjoyed it still. Axl was a sweet man and bear who actually listened to Tara and wanted to help her, even though she was a criminal and he was a sheriff. I do think Tara forgave her dad a little too quickly but that was just me. I might continue reading this series just to see the rest of Axl’s family fall in love.
89 reviews
May 13, 2023
This book

I usually don't leave reviews. But since I really do like this book, here I am. I really like the way you move the characters around. Everything is very smooth and makes a lot of sense. It took me almost a whole day to read this. I just couldn't wait to turn to the next page. It always happens when I read, it's like I'm in the book too. Thank you for all of your hard work. Now I'm going to read the next one in the series. I see you.
Profile Image for Christy.
66 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2025
finally a book to roar about!

Okay! So no spoilers given but Tara and Axl are the best characters! I love the interactions with them and the side characters. I’m very read sooooo many books and it’s always the same thing but this 1 is finally different! It’s got a story, a good one, a different one! It’s fun, it’s sexy, it had me smiling! So if you like bears, or shifter romances! Grab this book up and enjoy! Loved it!
452 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
Sheriff Bear worth the read. This contemporary, small- town, fated mates paranormal romance is enjoyable from start to finish. I love the wonderfully written characters, family connections, and good writing. Tara is determined, resourceful, and full of spunk. Axl is also determined, loyal, and protective. Together they make a good pair of push and pull as they work to correct a wrong. Sheriff Bear is Book 1 of the Bears of Pinerock County series but can be read as a standalone.
1,654 reviews
September 19, 2025
Brilliant Series

Sheriff Bear (Bears of Pinerock County Book 1) by Lauren Esker. Sheriff and bear shifter Axl knew the woman he was looking at was his mate but she was also a fugitive. As soon as he heard her story he knew she was telling the truth, that she hadn’t done the things she was accused of. She’d as.o jumped bail after a man had tried to kill her. With the help of his bear clan she was able to get the evidence that cleared her name.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews

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