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Secret Shifters Next Door #2
Bear Ex Next Door
My new neighbor is irresistible, but he’s already broken my heart once...
Being a fashion model had its perks until stalkers and a nasty tabloid scandal forced me to return to my hometown of Lily Valley. When I thought things couldn't get any worse, I meet my new neighbor—my old high school sweetheart.
Steff used to be my brother’s best friend before he shattered my heart into a million pieces. He’s just as stubborn and sexy as I remember. Unfortunately, he’s also responsible for my personal security while I'm living here.
With my stalkers closing in, Steff and my brothers are determined to protect me. That doesn’t mean it gives Steff the right to warn me off dating Ryland, the new guy in town.
Steff says Ryland isn’t what he seems. But I’m starting to suspect there’s another side to Steff as well, and it’s possible I never really knew him at all. I could be wrong, but I have a bad feeling that I’m cursed to lose my heart to him a second time...
Being a fashion model had its perks until stalkers and a nasty tabloid scandal forced me to return to my hometown of Lily Valley. When I thought things couldn't get any worse, I meet my new neighbor—my old high school sweetheart.
Steff used to be my brother’s best friend before he shattered my heart into a million pieces. He’s just as stubborn and sexy as I remember. Unfortunately, he’s also responsible for my personal security while I'm living here.
With my stalkers closing in, Steff and my brothers are determined to protect me. That doesn’t mean it gives Steff the right to warn me off dating Ryland, the new guy in town.
Steff says Ryland isn’t what he seems. But I’m starting to suspect there’s another side to Steff as well, and it’s possible I never really knew him at all. I could be wrong, but I have a bad feeling that I’m cursed to lose my heart to him a second time...
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2022
2339 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Roxie Ray
140 books1,019 followersRoxie Ray is a group of writer friends who love to write Sci Fi Alien Romance and Paranormal Romance. They love to talk, read and write this lovely genre. They hope you love their books and strive to make sure you have a steamy, wonderful experience!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
June 24, 2022
This was an exciting read that had great action, really bad bad guys, forgiveness and steamy romance. Put together with great world building, wonderful characters and a plot that just wouldn't stop, well, it all worked together to make a really fab reading adventure :D
June 23, 2022
Steffen and April . . .
Supermodel April Knight was forced to return to her hometown when she kicked out her ex who was stealing from her and he retaliated by creating a scandal to embarrass her. Of course it brought out stalkers and paparazzi, so she is giving it time to settle down. Her brothers, Kris and Kellan, were overjoyed to see her, and it truthfully felt good to be back. Her brothers had taken over the family bar when her parents retired, and they made some wonderful changes. Then it was time for her to meet with the realtor and get her own place to live.
The third place Deborah took her was the one she knew she had to have. It was a small cottage but was perfect for her, located a few blocks from her brothers’ bar and a 5-minute drive to Kellan’s house.
Steffen James, a bear shifter who had been April’s high school sweetheart, started a security agency with some of his buddies. Because he is coaching the Little League team and she promised her nephew, Aiden, to be there for their game, she would have to see Steffen again. They broke up when he left for college and April never got over it. Could she face him now? But she had to see him, the first time in 15 years, when Kellan needed her to pick Aiden up at practice. And when she looked up into his eyes, the 15 years vanished and old feelings returned. Apparently she hadn’t “moved on” at all. And from the crazed way his bear was reacting, he hadn’t gotten over her either. He drove quickly to the security office to talk with the guys and tell them about his reaction to April. He was afraid Emily’s curse had been activated.
When Steffen arrived home, a moving van was parked next door. One of his partners called to say they just got a job to install a top-of-the-line security system in the house next door to him. Despite the fake name on the work order, he had a sinking feeling about who his new neighbor was. And he was going to be responsible for her personal security while she is leasing next door. And when she shows interest in dating Ryland who is new to town, Steffen tries to warn her off. He is a major danger to both of them. Can he keep her safe while dealing with an enemy who hunts shifters?
Supermodel April Knight was forced to return to her hometown when she kicked out her ex who was stealing from her and he retaliated by creating a scandal to embarrass her. Of course it brought out stalkers and paparazzi, so she is giving it time to settle down. Her brothers, Kris and Kellan, were overjoyed to see her, and it truthfully felt good to be back. Her brothers had taken over the family bar when her parents retired, and they made some wonderful changes. Then it was time for her to meet with the realtor and get her own place to live.
The third place Deborah took her was the one she knew she had to have. It was a small cottage but was perfect for her, located a few blocks from her brothers’ bar and a 5-minute drive to Kellan’s house.
Steffen James, a bear shifter who had been April’s high school sweetheart, started a security agency with some of his buddies. Because he is coaching the Little League team and she promised her nephew, Aiden, to be there for their game, she would have to see Steffen again. They broke up when he left for college and April never got over it. Could she face him now? But she had to see him, the first time in 15 years, when Kellan needed her to pick Aiden up at practice. And when she looked up into his eyes, the 15 years vanished and old feelings returned. Apparently she hadn’t “moved on” at all. And from the crazed way his bear was reacting, he hadn’t gotten over her either. He drove quickly to the security office to talk with the guys and tell them about his reaction to April. He was afraid Emily’s curse had been activated.
When Steffen arrived home, a moving van was parked next door. One of his partners called to say they just got a job to install a top-of-the-line security system in the house next door to him. Despite the fake name on the work order, he had a sinking feeling about who his new neighbor was. And he was going to be responsible for her personal security while she is leasing next door. And when she shows interest in dating Ryland who is new to town, Steffen tries to warn her off. He is a major danger to both of them. Can he keep her safe while dealing with an enemy who hunts shifters?
May 2, 2025
Another 4.5 for this series.
These books are definitely meant to be read together and in order to I’m enjoying how the peril of the mysterious “Hunters” has built and expanded. Those shadowy villains seem to be getting even more dangerous.
In this second installment we get a second chance romance. Steffen, the bear shifter, has a sad & tragic backstory that really left me feeling heartbroken for the young child who had been exiled and abandoned by his parents and pack. His high school sweetheart turned internationally famous model, April, was a surprisingly likable character. I enjoyed the expansion of our shifter crew’s world to now include April’s two brothers. And I’m thoroughly invested in finding out what dangers our rag-tag pack will face in the next book, and how they’ll triumph over the evil Hunters.
These books are definitely meant to be read together and in order to I’m enjoying how the peril of the mysterious “Hunters” has built and expanded. Those shadowy villains seem to be getting even more dangerous.
In this second installment we get a second chance romance. Steffen, the bear shifter, has a sad & tragic backstory that really left me feeling heartbroken for the young child who had been exiled and abandoned by his parents and pack. His high school sweetheart turned internationally famous model, April, was a surprisingly likable character. I enjoyed the expansion of our shifter crew’s world to now include April’s two brothers. And I’m thoroughly invested in finding out what dangers our rag-tag pack will face in the next book, and how they’ll triumph over the evil Hunters.
October 5, 2022
Unnecessarily long
It wasn't like the first book. April was annoying and selfish and just mentally messed up she has done so many messed up things in her life claiming to be depressed because of steff, and she has the nerve to be upset when she's told that he has a love them and leave them Life Style, there just so many unnecessary detours in the story, the end was drawn out, I didnt like that he forgave the brother and that the brother said his parents still loved him and after over 20 years they new the truth but he was forgiven cause he was a minor but Steff was sent away they never told him they let him feel rejected its idiotic that should have been left out I didnt like this book the next one is even longer dont know if I will read.
It wasn't like the first book. April was annoying and selfish and just mentally messed up she has done so many messed up things in her life claiming to be depressed because of steff, and she has the nerve to be upset when she's told that he has a love them and leave them Life Style, there just so many unnecessary detours in the story, the end was drawn out, I didnt like that he forgave the brother and that the brother said his parents still loved him and after over 20 years they new the truth but he was forgiven cause he was a minor but Steff was sent away they never told him they let him feel rejected its idiotic that should have been left out I didnt like this book the next one is even longer dont know if I will read.
March 20, 2023
A steamy bear shifter romance that is the second book in the series. It is a second chances almost a desperate do over romance. The suspense carries over into this book with hunters still lurking about, adding in stalkers and psycho ex's to increase the drama. Overall it was entertaining and the spice level was fun, I'll keep reading the series to see where it goes next!
July 25, 2023
Too long
I actually didn't read the whole book. By 28% I found myself skipping through until the end. I have never done that to a Roxie Ray book. This series is not grabbing me like some of her others.
I actually didn't read the whole book. By 28% I found myself skipping through until the end. I have never done that to a Roxie Ray book. This series is not grabbing me like some of her others.
March 8, 2025
The characters are good. I like how the book focused on the next shifter character yet still tied in the whole pack. The grammatical errors and missed identified characters distracts from the story; it seemed so much worse in this book. I see how the story will build for each book in the series but I’m quite bored with it. I think there is just too much yet too little in the book. The antagonist story has really dwindled and I can’t fathom reading the next book with the “threat” being dragged out.
April 30, 2025
The story was introduced to us in the last chapter of the previous book, that Steff’s ex girlfriend was back in town and had a kid playing on the baseball team he coached, a kid who had the same color hair as his ex girlfriend and looked a lot like her. However, when we are introduce to the FMC, April, she never mentions a son? She talks about her career and how her bad decisions before she became successful finally caught up with her, causing her to want to return to her home town, Lilly Valley Colorado. Later, this was explained. The boy was her nephew. She’d moved back to her home town using her given name instead of her career name as a model in order to escape some stalkers and an ex boyfriends who had sold her personal sordid secrets to tabloids after she broke up with him. She ends up dating the same hunter who’d tried to shoot Harley in the previous book. This hunter specifically targeted her, unbeknownst to her, because of her ties to Steff, one of the shifters he'd targeted. At one point they were at a local restaurant for dinner when Steff and his casual date walked in to the same restaurant. It was awkward and fun to read about until I realized that the author had little knowledge of Colorado. Her description of lush trees in the mountains, and that fact that the hunter suggested “we could drive up to Denver” when the correct statement would be “drive DOWN to Denver” from a mountain town was more accurate just showed her ignorance and it bothered me. She’d also mentioned once before, about “lush” forests in Colorado: “The lake, the mountains, the lush forests.” The forests here in Colorado, where I've lived all my life, aren’t lush. They are dry evergreen and aspen trees. The climate is arid and rocky, not lush. Lush forests are in the pacific northwest. But here I am reading about a bear shifter, which doesn't really exist, so I guess I could pretend that the forests in Colorado are lush and that Denver is UP from a mountain town. Another thing I didn’t understand was that Steff’s uncle died from cancer? I thought shifters didn’t get the same diseases as humans and they healed faster? The author addressed this later in the book by explaining that he was on of the "unlucky ones" who contracted and succumbed to cancer. LAME. So far, this story in the series was the least cohesive and hard to continue with my suspension of disbelief in order to enjoy it. Plus, more than halfway into the book and not one spicy scene! Finally, the spicy scenes came but they were not as satisfying as the previous book. They seemed to fall flat, especially the so called BDSM scene. Something that struck me over and over was what an idiot Steff was. He continually made really bad decisions that either hurt April to the core, or put her in danger such as leaving her alone or not informing her about vital information he’d learned, which knowing would have spared her great danger. There were a few proofreading mistakes that I just skipped over but when the author (whoever it was since Roxie Ray is a pen name for a group of writers) made the bad guy into a On top of all this, the second FMC in the 4 books series also has red hair. I can’t tell if it's the same author from book one who just loves red hair or if the various authors just don’t consult with each other on characters to keep from creating them too similar. If I wasn’t already so invested in the plight of these shifters and in solving the mystery of the hunters, I would not even consider finishing this series.
June 23, 2022
Review of Bear Ex Next Door
By Roxie Ray
Thrilling Climax
Bear Ex Next Door is the second book in the Shifters Next Door series by Roxie Ray. I had not read the first book, but you can glean sufficient information about it from this story. The female protagonist is supermodel Fiona Steele, an alias utilized by April Knight to shield her true identity. Luca, her ex-boyfriend, had been stealing from her and when she kicked him out, he retaliated by selling scandalous pictures of her and then releasing private information that was just as bad. In the days after the story broke, April was hounded by paparazzi and stalkers and she decided to go home to Lilly Valley, the small town where she had grown up and where her two brothers still lived. She hadn’t been home in about a decade and wasn’t sure what kind of reception she would receive, but both brothers were delighted she had come home and she passed some sort of inspection by her nephew Aiden, who declared he liked her.
The male protagonist in this book is Steffen James, a bear shifter who had played professional baseball until a devastating injury finished his career. Although as such he healed within a matter of weeks, all the doctors he had seen immediately after the injury pronounced that he would never recover enough to play again. To protect his shifter identity, he was forced to walk away from his career, but he coached a little league team which included Aiden as one of the players. He and April had dated throughout high school, but he broke it off with her when he left for college, which had broken her heart. Since he coached her nephew’s team, they were bound to run into each other.
This was SUCH a good book that I hated for it to end. The character development, including the secondary characters, was excellent and the world building was equally well done. The romance built upon the previously unresolved feelings April and Steff had for each other and the issues they had to acknowledge and work through. In the meantime, it appeared that Ryland, a hunter who killed shifters, had an obsession with April and he was not a man who gave up easily. The steam factor should satisfy almost anyone and for those of you that don’t much care for the sex scenes, they can easily be skimmed over. The story had a thrilling climax and an extremely satisfactory HEA. If you like shifter novels, this book has all the elements that should satisfy even the most discerning reader. I can’t wait to read the next book! Great job, Roxie Ray!
My Rating: 5 Stars!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
By Roxie Ray
Thrilling Climax
Bear Ex Next Door is the second book in the Shifters Next Door series by Roxie Ray. I had not read the first book, but you can glean sufficient information about it from this story. The female protagonist is supermodel Fiona Steele, an alias utilized by April Knight to shield her true identity. Luca, her ex-boyfriend, had been stealing from her and when she kicked him out, he retaliated by selling scandalous pictures of her and then releasing private information that was just as bad. In the days after the story broke, April was hounded by paparazzi and stalkers and she decided to go home to Lilly Valley, the small town where she had grown up and where her two brothers still lived. She hadn’t been home in about a decade and wasn’t sure what kind of reception she would receive, but both brothers were delighted she had come home and she passed some sort of inspection by her nephew Aiden, who declared he liked her.
The male protagonist in this book is Steffen James, a bear shifter who had played professional baseball until a devastating injury finished his career. Although as such he healed within a matter of weeks, all the doctors he had seen immediately after the injury pronounced that he would never recover enough to play again. To protect his shifter identity, he was forced to walk away from his career, but he coached a little league team which included Aiden as one of the players. He and April had dated throughout high school, but he broke it off with her when he left for college, which had broken her heart. Since he coached her nephew’s team, they were bound to run into each other.
This was SUCH a good book that I hated for it to end. The character development, including the secondary characters, was excellent and the world building was equally well done. The romance built upon the previously unresolved feelings April and Steff had for each other and the issues they had to acknowledge and work through. In the meantime, it appeared that Ryland, a hunter who killed shifters, had an obsession with April and he was not a man who gave up easily. The steam factor should satisfy almost anyone and for those of you that don’t much care for the sex scenes, they can easily be skimmed over. The story had a thrilling climax and an extremely satisfactory HEA. If you like shifter novels, this book has all the elements that should satisfy even the most discerning reader. I can’t wait to read the next book! Great job, Roxie Ray!
My Rating: 5 Stars!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2023
3.5 Stars
This is the second book in the series.
I liked the overall story. It was fast paced, sexy times, mystery, suspense and secrets.
Steff and April have history. High school sweethearts, planning for a future together, when it all falls apart. Steff leaves her to persue his dream of becoming a pro baseball player. April is devastated. Decides to leave their small Colorado town for the bright lights of big city L.A.
Fifteen years later fate (or the witches curse) brings them back together. Living next door to each other.
April found success as a super model. Now she’s returned home to hide out and let the bad press die down after her ex released horrible stories and pictures of her.
One look at April, and Steff’s bear has found his fated mate. But he’s bound and determined to get her to hate him and, hopefully, break their bond.
Steff’s baseball career was cut short by injury. Now he and his three best friends have one of the premier security businesses in the nation.
April needs security. Steff provides that security. What can go wrong?
Add in family drama, a potential new boyfriend, threats, and life changing secrets it was a decent story.
I liked both Steff and April. The characters are what have kept me reading the series. I loved the mismatched “pack” that Steff and his three friends have formed. The Hunters and the witches curse have definitely added a unique twist to the whole fated mates trope.
The Hunters seem to be a continuing thread throughout the books. Each book brings the mystery closer to being solved. While Steff and April finally work things out between them, the story continues.
As you read this “author” it becomes very apparent that not all of the books are written by the same person. There are inconsistencies and continuity issues. Not to mention all the books seem to follow the same predictable pattern. And editing is a serious problem.
But I will buy the next book.
This is the second book in the series.
I liked the overall story. It was fast paced, sexy times, mystery, suspense and secrets.
Steff and April have history. High school sweethearts, planning for a future together, when it all falls apart. Steff leaves her to persue his dream of becoming a pro baseball player. April is devastated. Decides to leave their small Colorado town for the bright lights of big city L.A.
Fifteen years later fate (or the witches curse) brings them back together. Living next door to each other.
April found success as a super model. Now she’s returned home to hide out and let the bad press die down after her ex released horrible stories and pictures of her.
One look at April, and Steff’s bear has found his fated mate. But he’s bound and determined to get her to hate him and, hopefully, break their bond.
Steff’s baseball career was cut short by injury. Now he and his three best friends have one of the premier security businesses in the nation.
April needs security. Steff provides that security. What can go wrong?
Add in family drama, a potential new boyfriend, threats, and life changing secrets it was a decent story.
I liked both Steff and April. The characters are what have kept me reading the series. I loved the mismatched “pack” that Steff and his three friends have formed. The Hunters and the witches curse have definitely added a unique twist to the whole fated mates trope.
The Hunters seem to be a continuing thread throughout the books. Each book brings the mystery closer to being solved. While Steff and April finally work things out between them, the story continues.
As you read this “author” it becomes very apparent that not all of the books are written by the same person. There are inconsistencies and continuity issues. Not to mention all the books seem to follow the same predictable pattern. And editing is a serious problem.
But I will buy the next book.
July 16, 2022
Room for improvement
The FMC and MMC character voices were nearly indistinguishable from each other. For the majority of the book it very much reads like the author's musings instead of unique internal dialogue. I didn't hate the plot and the last act intrigued me enough that I will be reading the next book.
Potential Spoilers
I don't know if I am being overly sensitive regarding the topic of abortion with all the political bullshit going on right now, but the scene where Kellan (the brother) bad mouths the mother of his child left me feeling fairly pissed off.
I feel for men in that situation, I do, it sucks that men cannot give birth too and I have a feeling that Kellan would have been one very happy and content pregnant man. His biological clock went from 0-60 and he went absolutely baby bonkers and it would have been sweet if it also hadn't involved him knocking up a partner that did not want children at that time of her life. Instead of identifying that they have several incompatible life goals and breaking up, he prolonged a relationship that should have died a natural death.
Kellan didn't respect her decision to have an abortion and then blamed her when she did not feel bonded to the baby that he basically paid her to carry to term, like a surrogate. He should have been grateful that she was willing to be his human incubator because he caught baby fever and just had to have this baby, now, with this woman. (Despite them being incompatible life partners)
Instead of thanking her after she gives birth to his baby, he tells her to leave and don't come back all because she isn't riding the happy maternal hormone train like he is. (A forced pregnancy will do that to you)
The FMC and MMC character voices were nearly indistinguishable from each other. For the majority of the book it very much reads like the author's musings instead of unique internal dialogue. I didn't hate the plot and the last act intrigued me enough that I will be reading the next book.
Potential Spoilers
I don't know if I am being overly sensitive regarding the topic of abortion with all the political bullshit going on right now, but the scene where Kellan (the brother) bad mouths the mother of his child left me feeling fairly pissed off.
I feel for men in that situation, I do, it sucks that men cannot give birth too and I have a feeling that Kellan would have been one very happy and content pregnant man. His biological clock went from 0-60 and he went absolutely baby bonkers and it would have been sweet if it also hadn't involved him knocking up a partner that did not want children at that time of her life. Instead of identifying that they have several incompatible life goals and breaking up, he prolonged a relationship that should have died a natural death.
Kellan didn't respect her decision to have an abortion and then blamed her when she did not feel bonded to the baby that he basically paid her to carry to term, like a surrogate. He should have been grateful that she was willing to be his human incubator because he caught baby fever and just had to have this baby, now, with this woman. (Despite them being incompatible life partners)
Instead of thanking her after she gives birth to his baby, he tells her to leave and don't come back all because she isn't riding the happy maternal hormone train like he is. (A forced pregnancy will do that to you)
August 8, 2022
The book was really good, but a few plot mistakes stopped it from being better.
Every so often I really enjoy reading a Roxie Ray book. If I read too many I get really fed up as: The plots are always the same. He left her, treat her really badly, she had his child etc. Plot mistakes are very common, like in this book, he rushed to sit in the passenger seat, then drove like crazy???? Erm 🫤 She says they were apart for 15 years, he says 18 years!!! The women always forgive their men, as the men always fight against mating for life and are really horrible to the women. If you can get past that lot, it’s well worth reading.
Fiona/April is a model, when her bitter ex releases footage of her, doing drugs, going to bdsm clubs and wild partying, she goes home to stay for a while. Especially as she gains a few stalkers because of the publicity. When she rents a house, she moves next door to her ex who broke her heart in school. Steff is a bear shifter, who owns a security firm with his friends. Steff did love April, but he didn’t think it was possible to be with her as he’s a shifter. Of course she forgives him, and they fall in love again. I say of course, because I’m not sure I could forgive that!
There are really gripping parts in this book, as the danger mounts against them.
As I said, it’s well worth reading. Just don’t question the plot.
Every so often I really enjoy reading a Roxie Ray book. If I read too many I get really fed up as: The plots are always the same. He left her, treat her really badly, she had his child etc. Plot mistakes are very common, like in this book, he rushed to sit in the passenger seat, then drove like crazy???? Erm 🫤 She says they were apart for 15 years, he says 18 years!!! The women always forgive their men, as the men always fight against mating for life and are really horrible to the women. If you can get past that lot, it’s well worth reading.
Fiona/April is a model, when her bitter ex releases footage of her, doing drugs, going to bdsm clubs and wild partying, she goes home to stay for a while. Especially as she gains a few stalkers because of the publicity. When she rents a house, she moves next door to her ex who broke her heart in school. Steff is a bear shifter, who owns a security firm with his friends. Steff did love April, but he didn’t think it was possible to be with her as he’s a shifter. Of course she forgives him, and they fall in love again. I say of course, because I’m not sure I could forgive that!
There are really gripping parts in this book, as the danger mounts against them.
As I said, it’s well worth reading. Just don’t question the plot.
October 2, 2023
>Book Review – Bear Ex Next Door
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Secret Shifters Next Door series and ends in an HEA for the couple, but the plot line continues. There is a new couple in this book, but also a lot of scenes with Book 1’s couple, Harley and Tate with their newborn! A curse brings the shifter friends to their mates. If they don’t actually mate with these women, they will die. Tate is saved, so it is now Steff’s turn. Steff is a bear shifter who gets a second chance at his high school love, April. April is a supermodel whose wild behavior sends her running home to hide. The meeting between Steff and April is very realistic, as are the meetings between Steff and his former BFF’s (April’s brothers).
>April is a sweet character, but the author had her meeting a man and letting him talk her into doing drugs, drinking, S&M and having orgies. The S&M is introduced to Steff, and he is fine with it, but the orgies were never addressed and seemed out of character. The introduction of April’s nephew, Aiden, was fun and kept April and Coach Steff in each other’s orbit.
>The danger was ramped up a bit and exciting. Steff was just as Alpha as Tate. I still didn’t buy how easily April accepted the shifter’s existence. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Secret Shifters Next Door series and ends in an HEA for the couple, but the plot line continues. There is a new couple in this book, but also a lot of scenes with Book 1’s couple, Harley and Tate with their newborn! A curse brings the shifter friends to their mates. If they don’t actually mate with these women, they will die. Tate is saved, so it is now Steff’s turn. Steff is a bear shifter who gets a second chance at his high school love, April. April is a supermodel whose wild behavior sends her running home to hide. The meeting between Steff and April is very realistic, as are the meetings between Steff and his former BFF’s (April’s brothers).
>April is a sweet character, but the author had her meeting a man and letting him talk her into doing drugs, drinking, S&M and having orgies. The S&M is introduced to Steff, and he is fine with it, but the orgies were never addressed and seemed out of character. The introduction of April’s nephew, Aiden, was fun and kept April and Coach Steff in each other’s orbit.
>The danger was ramped up a bit and exciting. Steff was just as Alpha as Tate. I still didn’t buy how easily April accepted the shifter’s existence. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars.
March 5, 2025
I groaned a bit when I saw the next book in the series was an "exes getting back together" trop. What I like most about the romance genre is the excitement of strangers meeting, being interested and nervous, flirty and getting to know each other. I don't like it when it gets to the drama. This trope skips all the fun meeting and getting together stuff, and instead skips straight to the drama. Not my favorite at all.
However, I was invested in the overarching plot of the series so I jumped in. I enjoyed the story despite the plot. Even though it was very angsty at first, it got better when they agreed to give their relationship another try. The drama went down and the story started focusing on the hunters again.
I did appreciate a different heroine that was VERY sexually experienced but wasn't treated like a slut at any point. In fact, it was even a little unrealistic that she had a public sex scandal involving drugs, orgies, S&M clubs and debauched Hollywood parties, but no one person in the entire story from her family to her former high school teachers even raised a single eyebrow. Still, it was refreshing! I had to laugh when her "hardcore" tastes amounted to a couple spanks and hair pulling. It was all pretty vanilla and she was the one barking orders the whole time.
All in all I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
However, I was invested in the overarching plot of the series so I jumped in. I enjoyed the story despite the plot. Even though it was very angsty at first, it got better when they agreed to give their relationship another try. The drama went down and the story started focusing on the hunters again.
I did appreciate a different heroine that was VERY sexually experienced but wasn't treated like a slut at any point. In fact, it was even a little unrealistic that she had a public sex scandal involving drugs, orgies, S&M clubs and debauched Hollywood parties, but no one person in the entire story from her family to her former high school teachers even raised a single eyebrow. Still, it was refreshing! I had to laugh when her "hardcore" tastes amounted to a couple spanks and hair pulling. It was all pretty vanilla and she was the one barking orders the whole time.
All in all I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
June 20, 2022
April (h), a famous model, returns home after a long absence to her childhood town as she tries to escape a paparazzi onslaught after her ex has released salacious photos and stories about her. She's not so happy when she finds out that her new neighbor is Steff (H), her high school sweetheart and soulmate who left her devastated when he broke off their relationship out of the blue with no reason given. But Steff, a bear shifter, is struggling because the curse has drawn April back to the remote Colorado town - she's his mate and he'll have to claim her before the curse claims him. Between coaching her nephew's baseball team and being part of her security team protecting her against stalkers, Steff will have plenty of opportunities to work on his relationship with April. There's a lot of action and adventure going on with never a dull moment as April and Steff have to deal with dangers posed to them and their loved ones, as well as the hunters are still after shifters. Amazing second book in the Secret Shifters Next Door series – the books should be read in order for everything to make sense. Can’ t wait to find out what happens Blayne and Miles, as well as the overarching storyline!
June 25, 2022
This book had so much going on... a shifter with a curse that could kill him, a need to protect his fated mate that could also kill him, and friends that had the same curse. Steff was a bear shifter with a curse. His fated mate was an ex girlfriend that he broke up with in high-school and broke her heart. April was so in love with Steff when she was a teenager, that she never recovered from the heartbreak. She left town and became a supermodel. When stalkers come after her, she moves back to her hometown and accidentally back to the man that broke her heart. But Steff at first tries his best to reject April but the curse wouldn't let him nor would his bear. When trouble comes for April, Steff will protect his fated mate at all cost.
I'm a suckered for fated mate stories and a hopeless romantic at heart. This book fulfilled my expectations to the fullest for both. There's steamy love scenes and we'll as danger and a good story line. I couldn't stop reading this book and can't wait to read what happens to Steff's friends that also has the curse like him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm a suckered for fated mate stories and a hopeless romantic at heart. This book fulfilled my expectations to the fullest for both. There's steamy love scenes and we'll as danger and a good story line. I couldn't stop reading this book and can't wait to read what happens to Steff's friends that also has the curse like him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the series, I would suggest reading the first book to get the background detail for this book. This is a shifter romance.
April has to get out of the city after her ex leaked photos and stories about her to the press. She decides to go to her home town and stay with her brothers for a while. She finds out her ex is back in town and hopes not to bump into him.
Steff has moved back home and set up a security company with his friends. He ends up meeting April again when she comes to pick up her Nephew from the little league team he coaches. It seems that the curse him and his friends are under has decided to come into play for him and April is the one his bear wants.
But what will happen between them, will April want anything to do with him, will Dteff be able to keep his distance especially when April moves in next door and hires his company to set up her security
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April has to get out of the city after her ex leaked photos and stories about her to the press. She decides to go to her home town and stay with her brothers for a while. She finds out her ex is back in town and hopes not to bump into him.
Steff has moved back home and set up a security company with his friends. He ends up meeting April again when she comes to pick up her Nephew from the little league team he coaches. It seems that the curse him and his friends are under has decided to come into play for him and April is the one his bear wants.
But what will happen between them, will April want anything to do with him, will Dteff be able to keep his distance especially when April moves in next door and hires his company to set up her security
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2023
Steffen James is a Bear Shifter living in Lily Valley, CO. He's part owner in an exclusive security company with three fellow shifters: dragon, wolf and panther. He lost his true love years ago, just out of high school. She was human so he knew there was no future for them. But, now, 15 years later, she's returned to Lily Valley. April Knight is now a famous model complete with violent stalkers and a vicious, greedy ex. She returns to Lily Valley to escape her notoriety and be safe. She also wants to reconnect with her two brothers. Her manager hires Steff's firm to investigate her dangerous situation, not knowing their connection. And she finds the "perfect" cottage right next door to Steff's home. These happenings are not coincidence, they are fate. Mystery, fate, suspense and magic are rampant throughout this book. Even a special curse follows our shifters, but is it really a curse? The second book of the series this novel is captivating and fast paced as our protagonist couple finds themselves fighting evil forces and their way back to each other.
December 13, 2023
a decent read
Some holes in the story but it’s ok I’m picky and we’ll always find continuity issues. After all i alpha read for a couple authors. However this author desperately needs an editor! So so many typos. Weird words In sentences that don’t belong, missing words, and the incorrect usage of the wrong word, misspelled words etc. again I’m nit picking but the mistake ps are glaring! Does she even read what she writes before publishing? Gesh!
Otherwise decent story. Although you should really know better than to have a shifter tell his human mate that .. she is his mate due to a witches curse. Cause every girl wants to know she is a curse to her fated guy! Right? Every single book so far the guy tells the girl . “He is cursed… and the curse is to be her mate .. and somehow they don’t scream his ears off? Or leave. I would . Gesh thanks for letting me know I’m you fated maté because you are cursed .. translation . I am your curse … thanks a lot
Some holes in the story but it’s ok I’m picky and we’ll always find continuity issues. After all i alpha read for a couple authors. However this author desperately needs an editor! So so many typos. Weird words In sentences that don’t belong, missing words, and the incorrect usage of the wrong word, misspelled words etc. again I’m nit picking but the mistake ps are glaring! Does she even read what she writes before publishing? Gesh!
Otherwise decent story. Although you should really know better than to have a shifter tell his human mate that .. she is his mate due to a witches curse. Cause every girl wants to know she is a curse to her fated guy! Right? Every single book so far the guy tells the girl . “He is cursed… and the curse is to be her mate .. and somehow they don’t scream his ears off? Or leave. I would . Gesh thanks for letting me know I’m you fated maté because you are cursed .. translation . I am your curse … thanks a lot
November 20, 2024
Wow for some reason this book doesn't appear under the kindle for amazon but I have a kindle version. Oh Well
So I'll start off by saying OMG
Steff get's his second chance with the love of his life. Being a shifter is a little hard when you fall for a human. Lets just say this read was OMG
1. April comes back to her home town after her ex does and puts out some scandalous stuff about her.
2. She runs in to Steff which is inevitable since they live in the same town.
3. Her brothers were Steff's best friends until they weren't. (He broke April's heart)
4. The curse is taking affect on Steff.
5. Ryland (a hunter obsessed with April (and one sick cookie)
It's a miracle Steff and April get their happily every after. All the violence, kidnappings, murders all around them, a betrayal from Kellan (but he had a reason) just plain hell they had to go thru their story was amazing. I loved the end when Steff got the call from his brother.
Have I piqued your interest. Grab this book you won't be disappointed I promise you
So I'll start off by saying OMG
Steff get's his second chance with the love of his life. Being a shifter is a little hard when you fall for a human. Lets just say this read was OMG
1. April comes back to her home town after her ex does and puts out some scandalous stuff about her.
2. She runs in to Steff which is inevitable since they live in the same town.
3. Her brothers were Steff's best friends until they weren't. (He broke April's heart)
4. The curse is taking affect on Steff.
5. Ryland (a hunter obsessed with April (and one sick cookie)
It's a miracle Steff and April get their happily every after. All the violence, kidnappings, murders all around them, a betrayal from Kellan (but he had a reason) just plain hell they had to go thru their story was amazing. I loved the end when Steff got the call from his brother.
Have I piqued your interest. Grab this book you won't be disappointed I promise you
June 26, 2022
April Knight works as Fiona Steele when she's modeling. However, she is taking a break now because her ex has sold some private pictures of her after things ended badly between them. She comes back to her hometown and reconnects with her family and finds a place to stay of her own. Her next-door neighbor turns out to be her high school sweetheart. Steffan is a bear shifter and works in security too. He just happens to be April's ex. Sparks fly between them when they meet again and its not long before drama falls down on everyone's heads as hunters start making trouble. What will April say when she learns why Steffan ended things all those years before? Can they get a second chance?
This is an amazing story that I couldn't put down once I started it. This is a well written and very entertaining story. This is a book for any book lover to enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an amazing story that I couldn't put down once I started it. This is a well written and very entertaining story. This is a book for any book lover to enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2022
"Before I could tell her the truth, I had to figure out a way to win her back."
I've always liked Rocks Ray. I'm a big fan of the Bears of Forest Heights series, Daddy Biker Bear is my favorite bear shifter book. I was really excited to read this book from a new series. It's good. Not as good as Daddy Biker Bear but I still really enjoyed it. What's weird is that while I was reading it I felt like it was written by a completely different author. About half way through I was looking for info about the other book in the series when I discovered, to my surprise, that Rocks Ray isn't a person. Its the pseudonym of a group of writers. That made sense. Apparently this book was written by a different person than Daddy Biker. It also explains why other books I've read were sometimes not as good.
Fortunately this book was great. The shifters themselves are not from the same pack. They're not even the same type of shifters. They've come together and bonded in a shifter Brotherhood, forming their own "pack" and I really liked that about them. There are also other differences in regards to mates. I loved the "curse" element and the spin it puts on everything. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I've always liked Rocks Ray. I'm a big fan of the Bears of Forest Heights series, Daddy Biker Bear is my favorite bear shifter book. I was really excited to read this book from a new series. It's good. Not as good as Daddy Biker Bear but I still really enjoyed it. What's weird is that while I was reading it I felt like it was written by a completely different author. About half way through I was looking for info about the other book in the series when I discovered, to my surprise, that Rocks Ray isn't a person. Its the pseudonym of a group of writers. That made sense. Apparently this book was written by a different person than Daddy Biker. It also explains why other books I've read were sometimes not as good.
Fortunately this book was great. The shifters themselves are not from the same pack. They're not even the same type of shifters. They've come together and bonded in a shifter Brotherhood, forming their own "pack" and I really liked that about them. There are also other differences in regards to mates. I loved the "curse" element and the spin it puts on everything. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Read
June 26, 2022wow I think this was the best book yet by this author. I absolutely loved this book. there were so many twists and turns, suspenseful moments, drama and thrills, unexpected things that i couldn't put it down. the world building was excellent, character development and detail fabulous. the story line was superb really rich and real feeling, fully described and fleshed out so that every detail of the plot was covered in full. this book was so full of emotion, drama, suspense, terror, sadness, guilt, betrayal, forgiveness, surprise and on and on that it just sucked u into the book and u felt like u were really living the story as you read.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a thrilling fun story that takes u on an amazing journey before reaching its happy ever after.
deserves more than 5 stars for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a thrilling fun story that takes u on an amazing journey before reaching its happy ever after.
deserves more than 5 stars for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2023
4.5
Whew what a lot to unpack! Both Steff and April were very young when they fell in love!
Steff broke April’s heart in a dramatic teenage fashion but April went on to become a famous model and a household name with boat loads of money! I was glad to see he broke her but she pulled herself together to become rich and famous!
It was a very hollow existence for both of them each missing the other half!
When April came back home to escape Luca a psychopath she didn’t know she would be running smack into another much more dangerous one!
This story continues with one of the dangerous hunters that almost took out a member of their family now trying to woo April who has no idea of the secrets Steff keeps or the danger she is in!
Steff is determined to be noble and take the death penalty but what if there is a thin line between love and hate!
Can he and April have a second chance! There is only 1 way to find out. Bravo
Whew what a lot to unpack! Both Steff and April were very young when they fell in love!
Steff broke April’s heart in a dramatic teenage fashion but April went on to become a famous model and a household name with boat loads of money! I was glad to see he broke her but she pulled herself together to become rich and famous!
It was a very hollow existence for both of them each missing the other half!
When April came back home to escape Luca a psychopath she didn’t know she would be running smack into another much more dangerous one!
This story continues with one of the dangerous hunters that almost took out a member of their family now trying to woo April who has no idea of the secrets Steff keeps or the danger she is in!
Steff is determined to be noble and take the death penalty but what if there is a thin line between love and hate!
Can he and April have a second chance! There is only 1 way to find out. Bravo
July 31, 2022
"This inspection by a nine-year-old boy was like my very soul and personality were being checked..."
"This inspection by a nine-year-old boy was like my very soul and personality were being checked over."
April hasn't been home in forever, but when paparazzi and stalkers turn her life into one frustration after another she goes home to mend fences with her family.
Steff blew it with his high school sweetheart, but maybe her coming back to town isn't all bad.
I'm not a big fan of second chance romances, but I really enjoyed this done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read where the characters are reunited after 15 years apart. The drama of youth pales to the reality of adulthood, and they find themselves discovering the power of communication, forgiveness, and getting to know who the other has grown up to be.
"This inspection by a nine-year-old boy was like my very soul and personality were being checked over."
April hasn't been home in forever, but when paparazzi and stalkers turn her life into one frustration after another she goes home to mend fences with her family.
Steff blew it with his high school sweetheart, but maybe her coming back to town isn't all bad.
I'm not a big fan of second chance romances, but I really enjoyed this done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read where the characters are reunited after 15 years apart. The drama of youth pales to the reality of adulthood, and they find themselves discovering the power of communication, forgiveness, and getting to know who the other has grown up to be.
July 8, 2025
Total cinnamon roll hero vibes—if your cinnamon roll could crush a car. The bear shifter is all gruff and growl on the outside but a total softie when it comes to his mate. Heartwarming and steamy with just the right dash of danger.
Bear Ex-Next Door is a charming story about what happens when the past comes knocking—and maybe it’s not so bad after all. Roxie Ray nails that perfect mix of emotional depth and playful banter, making this one a feel-good romance with plenty of heat.
The bear shifter hero is gruff but totally swoon-worthy, and the heroine’s journey of forgiveness and trust feels genuine without ever dragging. If you love second chance romances with a paranormal twist, this one will hit all the right notes.
It’s cozy, sexy, and just the right kind of messy—like real life but with claws and a whole lot of heart.
Bear Ex-Next Door is a charming story about what happens when the past comes knocking—and maybe it’s not so bad after all. Roxie Ray nails that perfect mix of emotional depth and playful banter, making this one a feel-good romance with plenty of heat.
The bear shifter hero is gruff but totally swoon-worthy, and the heroine’s journey of forgiveness and trust feels genuine without ever dragging. If you love second chance romances with a paranormal twist, this one will hit all the right notes.
It’s cozy, sexy, and just the right kind of messy—like real life but with claws and a whole lot of heart.
June 26, 2022
I love that April and Steff get a second chance. April has to go back home because she has a stalker after her and the paparazzi are slandering her name because of her ex who's released photos and lies about her. Steff is April's soulmate but something happened and he broke her heart. April is a fabulous model and sweetheart. Steff has lots on his plate with being a baseball coach and helping his family run a security firm. There is a lot going on in both April and Steff's lives with danger, hunters after shifters, Trust, suspense, action, adventure, drama, mystery, passion and love. I just couldn't put the story down it was so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2023
Shifters, a model, and hunters oh my!
This is the second book in the Secret Shifters series. I'm still very much enjoying the overarching story and how it's developing. Steff and April go way, way back and when he broke it off with her back in high school. He was a total jerk about the whole thing, even though his heart was in the right place. Their break-up didn't just wreak havoc on them, it also affected April's brothers as well. Fast forward to the present, and guess who's heading home to escape drama? April and she's moving in next to Steff. Small towns and all that, haha. It was nice to read about them reuniting. They're not in my top favorite book couples, but they def had their moments. Can't wait to start the third book. ☺️
This is the second book in the Secret Shifters series. I'm still very much enjoying the overarching story and how it's developing. Steff and April go way, way back and when he broke it off with her back in high school. He was a total jerk about the whole thing, even though his heart was in the right place. Their break-up didn't just wreak havoc on them, it also affected April's brothers as well. Fast forward to the present, and guess who's heading home to escape drama? April and she's moving in next to Steff. Small towns and all that, haha. It was nice to read about them reuniting. They're not in my top favorite book couples, but they def had their moments. Can't wait to start the third book. ☺️
March 6, 2023
Good Story
I liked the storyline. Pace was a little slower than book 1, but still ok. I loved little leaguer Aiden. Cute kid. I liked the heroine, but she seemed very insecure, living her life on the verge of clinical depression since the hero broke up with her when she was in high school. She became successful, but also a little self destructive. One thing I have noticed about both heroines in books 1 and 2, they are always in tears over something. The heroine in book 1 was pregnant, and she seemed to have a much stronger personality. The heroine in book 2 just seemed to fall apart more at every tragedy. But she did pull herself together and saved everyone's bacon at the end, so that was good.
I liked the storyline. Pace was a little slower than book 1, but still ok. I loved little leaguer Aiden. Cute kid. I liked the heroine, but she seemed very insecure, living her life on the verge of clinical depression since the hero broke up with her when she was in high school. She became successful, but also a little self destructive. One thing I have noticed about both heroines in books 1 and 2, they are always in tears over something. The heroine in book 1 was pregnant, and she seemed to have a much stronger personality. The heroine in book 2 just seemed to fall apart more at every tragedy. But she did pull herself together and saved everyone's bacon at the end, so that was good.
November 25, 2024
I really did enjoy this book. But 15 yrs is a long time to rekindle a romance. Especially one that ended when she was 17. She’s in a totally different head space and different part of her life now and that acted like they had always been in love with each other. She went from being a v!rgin to having 0rgy parties and bondage?? 😂 that was pretty funny. Also. I absolutely HATE when MC is so in love with heroine but has friends with benefits or sleeps with every available female. And how everyone said he slept around and left broken hearts left and right. I understand 15yrs without 🍆 for a man would be almost impossible but for someone who acts like he holds a torch for a woman I’d think he would be a little less of a womanizer. Maybe he just held a match for her ? 🧐😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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