Wanted Mann

Bear Valley #3

by Aries France

Theo
Ending up in Bear Valley is the only bright spot in a life that is not going according to plan. The life I want is one where I take over the family business, just like I have planned and dreamed since I was a kid. Even if my family no longer wants me, Bear Valley does. I am wanted here and I have purpose again, even with my secret side-hustle. And there is Matt Mann, who makes me want . . . so many things. But, his intense flirtation can’t go anywhere because while my family no longer wants me, they want something from me, and they won’t stop until they get it.

Matt
The only thing I have ever really wanted is the restaurant now sitting at the top peak of the Bear Valley resort. Despite its success there is something still missing. I’m not used to being a guy who wants things, and the thing I want most is Theo Donahue. I want him in my bed and in my life . . .and maybe even in my kitchen.

Wanted Mann is Book Three in the Bear Valley series and can be read as a standalone. Wanted Mann contains on-page descriptions of mild violence, homelessness, food insecurity, and mature sexual situations.

The Bear Valley series is a small-town MM romance series set in the fictional ski resort town of Bear Valley, Colorado. Each book follows one of four brothers to his HEA. This is a contemporary MM romance. There are no shifters in Bear Valley.

Genres: M M Romance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2022

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

FEb 2025
I so love this series and Theo and Matt are great. I love how patient Matt is with Theo - never assuming anything and never expecting more than for him to be happy

First review
this is the third book in this series and I am so happy that I got an ARC for it because I really love the series and the way the author writes the stories. because this is one author where there is no additional conflict because of trust issues or misscommunication and I love it ....

so therefore Aries France I am so sorry, I doubted you even for a second!!!

this story is very angsty and had me biting my nails because auf the underlying threat level. because for me Theos situation was not only heart-wrenching but also very difficult to read.
Theo has his reasons why he doesn't want to rely on someone but I loved that he is not too afraid to want to try
and I love the way Matt is patient with Theo and the way he trusts him.

I loved how we get to see the rest of the Mann family interacting with each other and how they support each other unconditionally.

this series is such a great find and if you haven't read it till now, please do. but I would strongly recommend reading it in order because otherwise it would spoiler the first books and it would take away from the enjoyement of their bonds.

all in all a great book, which makes me want to go back and start this series from the beginning. I am so happy that we get the next book in fall ... and maybe Jordi will also get his book

an ARC was provided by GRR and I am so happy to give my honest opinion

[RedsBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Bear Valley Series and it does not disappoint! I would say it can be read as a stand-alone but this series is so good that you might find you want to read them all!

I loved this book! Theo is such a great character and I loved how resilient he was and how determined he was to stand on his own feet, despite the stresses plaguing him. I also thought it was great how patient Matt was and how he knew he d wanted Theo but was willing to give him time and space when necessary.

I have adored all of the books so far in this series and this one is no different. The Mann brothers are just so protective and determined. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous reading!

Matt and Theo were the kind of characters you fully pushed for their happily ever after. Theo made you want to hold on and never let go. With so much he endured in his life, you felt all of it deep in your soul. Losing his grandfather was a catalyst of the heartache to come.

Worth the journey for their HEA.

**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[Golden Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt & Theo

Ahhh…these two are just adorable. Once again, secrets are hidden and the storyline follows Theo as he tries to survive day to day. Matt is the perfect Mann, giving support, getting to know Theo and wanting to be there for him. When Theo’s secrets come out, the Mann family backs him with the help of Lucien, who I really hope we get to know more. Theo is quiet, not wanting to attract attention but he’s head over heals for Matt and he knows he can’t hide it.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this was good!

I spent most of the book wanting to protect Theo and worried about him. I was hoping Deny would get some of his own medicine. Lucien really impressed me. I wonder when things with him and Jordy will get moving. I can’t wait for Baylor’s story. I need to know what went down with him and Cas. So much I want to see.

[Natasha Lynn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Good

Great addition to the story and I can't wait for the next book. Theo has been through so much, he needs all the hugs and cuddles.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart hurt for theo, genuinely that man deserves the whole world. I was so scared he would actually run away. I loved matt and his easy going nature in making theo happy was his main priority! Loved this story the most

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting impatiently for the next book in this series, and it didn’t disappoint. I loved this hurt/comfort, opposites-attract story of Matt and Theo’s. Watching their slow-burn journey from the initial skirting around each other to their admitting their feelings was amazing. Theo is adorable but resilient and strong despite what he is going through in his current situation, and Matt is smitten by him and wants to do everything he can for him but shows patience and understanding by giving Theo space when he needs it. I also loved catching up with the rest of the family members from the previous books when, as always, the whole family rallies around to help, and Theo discovers that he’s not alone anymore and has a new home and family. This story had it all - emotion, intrigue, heat and delicious-sounding food, and from the first page to the very satisfying end, I was ensnared by Theo and Matt's story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, nor indeed any book from this terrific author.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the Bear Valley series is my favorite of the first 3 books. I absolutely loved reading this one. It was intense for me. I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I got to the end! Such a wonderful reading!
I thought it was a bit intense but not as intense as the first book. Nonetheless, it was intense for me! I’m looking forward to the next book!

This one focuses on Theo, a bartender at the resort who were introduced to us in the first two books as a “bit” character. He had a history which puts him in such a bad predicament but he strived to try to get through it since his dream was to have a bakery. The other MC is Matt, one of the 4 brothers who runs the restaurant at the resort but he had a dream of opening another one in a different location of the resort. What made the story intense for me was how he was trying to navigate through his predicament without getting Matt involved and he had a secret identity that helped him stay off radar. Pick up the book and read to find out what happens at the end! All i can say is “WOW!”

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series! We have Theo who has been a bit of mystery for us in the previous books. He is a wounded bartender. His whispers with his dumpster cat made my heart heavy yet full at the same time! I adored Theo and he really was tough and determined despite his situation and all the setbacks coming at him! Matt is the perfect man to sweep into Theo's life. It is a slow burn and tentative romance since Theo wants to make it on his own. There is chemistry and beautiful intimate times with these two, but I do not want to give too much of their struggles and journey away! I read an arc, and this can be read as a standalone romance but the way the entire series flows seamlessly from book to book is so enjoyable, I recommended starting at the beginning! Also wanted to mention this writing style had a bit of uniqueness too it that I really liked a lot but is hard to describe exactly in words! It just really fit the characters and the atmosphere!

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mann men are really good guys and they are such a supportive family. This story features Matt Mann and Theo Donahue. We've met both in the previous books. Theo had proved to be a bit of an enigma. Now we finally find out that Theo has suffered somewhat at the hands of his family. I won't spoil the story by going too much into the plot. I will say that in Matt he finds not only want, love and partnership but also support and protection. Theo is tough but even a tough person needs someone to have their back. Their story moves at a slow burn pace which gives them time to work their way together while Theo continues to work his way through his issues. What a good pairing these two are though. A mysterious bartender and an accomplished chef. Another really good story in a really good series. I will not share too much, but strongly encourage you to read this series!
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I wavered on stars here and finally chose 4... my reasons.

Jealousy.... I wanna bake like Theo, to make creations everyone wants.
Theo is soo sweet, how could anyone treat him like that?? It was like kicking a puppy.... I HATED Nico. He got his comeuppance.
Matt is so patiebt and understanding, hes never forceful and was willing to let Theo have his own choices.
He also had soo many teasers in his face about who the baker was.... and it never clicked until he met up with a couple of old friends.

I loved the interactions between Matt and Theo and the author did keep the reason why Theo was so jumpy for quite a while. But once we knew the reason, you could see what was coming next, but not in a bad way.

Definately cant wait for Baylors story

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this really great series. For me this is the book with the most angst and the most underlying threat, there was a lot of heart pounding moments where I would have clutched pearls if I had any! Theo is a boss just for surviving, but the fact he doesn’t allow his fear to completely control him and he opens his heart to the possibility of love with Matt. Matt is so smitten, he displays such patience and understanding for Theo, giving him space and reassurance when he needs it.
I would have loved it, if the author has included some of the recipes for the absolutely delicious sounding food that is throughout this book. I have to say that for all the angst this is my favourite book of the series and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo is such an easy character to like and empathize with that it’s easy to want the best for him and hard to face the angstier moments (and there are many). Matt’s patience and forbearance are exactly the right fit, and watching them move through the stages of their relationship makes for a rewarding read. The author’s prose style does a nice job of accentuating the nuances and emotions that make the characters so compelling, and overall, it’s a really rewarding read. Also, this is book three in the series, and while it could stand alone, there’s a wealth of context on the world and some of the characters in the previous works, so it’s worth checking them out as well.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series. From
The first book to the current. I could not be any happier to when I read Aries first book.

I could not wait for Matt and Theo story as we saw
Them previously with the longing and tension.

These Mann brother truly know how to love and protect and Matt is no different. He sees something is happening with Theo and doing what he can to help while not knowing but is persistent to get all
The facts when he can.

Gosh my heart went out for Theo. He’s on the run. Just getting by, no not really when you life is constantly threatened. With all that is going on for him, he still has a heart of gold.

What another amazing book and love
These two have for each other and the Mann family. I can’t wait for Baylor story next.

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this one down! I’ve been dying to know all about the mysterious Theo and what has him so skittish. Aries strings us along, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs until we actually find out what’s going on. Hence, I could not put this book down until I found out something concrete! I loved seeing more Matt and his personality. He is indeed laidback, but he is also flirty, considerate and caring, patient and he gives off major daddy vibes. He’s a dream and Theo’s knight in shining armor. I was so happy when Theo finally let him in, little by little, until he couldn’t hold back any longer. They were perfect for each other and their chemistry was through the roof. And Nico’s such a prick, what a nightmare. This series is so good, Baylor’s story sounds like it’ll fit right in.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Mann brothers! They are romantics through and through. I have been burning to know Theo’s story and I was NOT disappointed. Matt and Theo are magic! I think this one is my favorite of these series so far. And that is saying something because they have all been good. (And the next one hints that it will be fabulous.). These characters just pull me in and I can’t quit reading. We all knew Matt would eventually find out that it was Theo baking the pastries, but we had no idea why he was hiding it. I loved it! Chosen families are often my favorite books and the Manns always stand behind their own, even when they don’t realize they are family.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The previous books in this series are fabulous. This book is absolutely no exception. In fact, it is fantastic. It has the perfect balance of drama, romance and just plain every thing good you could possibly want. Matt and Theo add their voices to this series in a perfect way. Theo just about breaks your heart but his strength is just one of the things you admire about him. Matt, he’s a terrific character, as well, and to Theo he’s a prince in every way. Their story, this book, brings their love story to life. From beginning to end this book is magic. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Linda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in the series and another hit for me.
Each book is a standalone but they are much more enjoyable if read in order.
This book is about Matt and Theo.
Theo had not been treated well by his family, except his grandfather. But when his grandfather dies his life becomes unbearable.
Matt wants to spend more time with Theo, getting to know him better and maybe more. But Theo is very skittish and keeps Matt at arms length.
Until he doesn’t.
As Matt convinces Theo he can be exactly what Theo needs, Theo’s life becomes very complicated.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing! Matt and Theo are amazing. There are quite a few secrets that drive the story. Theo and Matt are complitary and fit perfectly. Their journey to finding each other is a bit unnerving. Theo's circumstances are hard to take, but they make him into an adorable, amazing man. I read this story hoping things would work out for Theo in each next instance. The family is still amazing. This is one of the better family series I've read. Their support and camaraderie make the story. Will things start looking up for Theo? Can he reconcile with his family? Good story. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better! The Mann brothers are amazing! This book focuses on Matt, the sweetheart chef who sets his sites on Theo. Poor Theo is a hot mess. He tries so hard to keep his head above water, but is constantly being pulled down by his cousin Nico and his goons. Matt wants Theo, but senses that he needs to take things slow and just be there for him. When Theo’s secrets are finally revealed, the Mann brothers do what they do best….. Protect those that they love. I enjoyed everything about this book! The ending was perfect and now I will be (im)patiently waiting for Baylor’s story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Bear Valley series and the Mann brothers. This is the story between Theo who we have met in previous books as the hardworking but mysterious bartender and Matt the brother that is the famous chef.

Poor Theo has been through so much that he did not deserve at the hands of family and it is great to see him finally warm up to Matt and begin to trust the others. Matt was a wonderful guy and so protective as all the Mann brothers are.

Great addition to the story and I can't wait for the next book.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Matt and Theo. It is the 3rd book in the series. I have loved all books, but this one is my favorite. I, on some level identified with some of the issues that Theo had and went through. I love the way this author writes, it brings you into the Mann family and makes you feel part of it. The angst, drama and emotions made you want to keep reading until it is finished. I cannot wait for the next one. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt has felt this connection towards Theo from the beginning but Theo is very skittish for the longest time! These two really pulled at my heart, Theo’s past is completely heartbreaking & the way Matt cares for Theo warms my heart! This author knew exactly what they were doing when they put these two together! In the end Nico & Deny got what they deserved and Theo all the happiness & love that he more than deserved! This was such an amazing book I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for Baylor’s book next! 😀❤️😀❤️

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series but this one is in need of some proof reading, nothing major, just repeated words or words missing (but I am reading an ARC so it may be corrected later on)
Theo is so in need of people on his side, of family and of love, he finds it all with the amazing Mann family and especially Matt. Beautiful story with passion and intrigue, same as the previous 2 books but just as gripping and good to read. This family are fantastic to read about, all far to talented and amazing but that’s perfect in a book like this!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted Mann is the third story in the Bear Valley series. I adored Matt and Theo’s story!! I feel like the Mann brothers are true romantics at heart. The story hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the end. I floved Matt’s patience with Theo!! Theo had been through so much due to crappy family. Matt was perfect for him, wonderful and protective! Overall a fantastic read!! Well written, highly recommend!

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are easy fluff, nothing much happens and there is no angst or drama. The big family dynamic is good, that s something I always enjoy, but given the fact that the plot isn t very exciting u tend to get bored around book 3. I thought Theo and Matt would make a good couple but their book was pretty, meah...Endearments such as "sweetness and sugar" are incredibly silly to my ears, especially when used on men.

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoooo! Back to Bear Valley! This is the third book in this amazing series! I love Bear Valley and the author has done a great job creating these wonderfully complex characters. This is Matt and Theo's story and man oh man, it's awesome! I have loved the previous two stories in this series and the third one was awesome too! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has got part of what he had ever wanted but his family still want something from him. He wants nothing to do with them as things had never gone the right ways. All they have ever wanted was the restaurant. Will they get it? Will he tells his family where to go? Can these two men find each other? See if they do

[Dani Elle Maas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a little bit with this one
I found it hard to read what was happening to Theo (not saying more)
so compaired to the other two book in this series it was a bit harder for me.
Still the mann family is amazing and i love all these men!!
I am so looking forward to the next book especially after the end of this book!!

And can i also say can we please have lucien his story also!!