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savanah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Addiction
Minor: Death of parent
cassiebartelme's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this one and I’m typically fine with overlooking ridiculous plot points in romcoms but I didn’t like that the main character’s panic attacks/depression/mental illness were treated like some dirty horrible shameful secret and somehow “pretending” he was an addict instead was better…it’s a no for me,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Panic attacks/disorders
dogoodwithbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Closed Door Modifications: Chapters 16-17 (some parts), Chapter 23 (some parts)
After suffering a very public panic attack, Teagan van Zijl is grudgingly sent off by his sister to a wellness rehab center in the middle of Montana. When Teagan runs into Darcy Albano, the center's unofficial handywoman, after getting attacked by a bear, they develop a close relationship within the mountainsides of Montana. To avoid losing his job at his family's foundation, Teagan brings Darcy back to New York with him as his sober companion even though he has no need of one. As their two worlds collide, Teagan and Darcy have to decide if they can make their relationship last outside of Montana.
Bear with Me was an interesting romance and I thought it was a worthwhile read despite the mixed reviews currently listed on GoodReads.
Shepard has a good writing style for a debut novel and you are able to get right into the book with the interesting plot Shepard provides, though I didn't necessarily thought the ending (via the "sort-of epilogue") wasn't that satisfactory. There's some complex character development and in some ways it works for Bear with Me. You get to understand Teagan and Darcy's backgrounds as well as their strengths and weaknesses. However,
This is one of those cases where you either like or hate a book. Personally, I liked Bear with Me and readers who want a unique meet-cute, a neurodivergent MC, and/or a rom-com with an emphasis on nature might enjoy this book.
After suffering a very public panic attack, Teagan van Zijl is grudgingly sent off by his sister to a wellness rehab center in the middle of Montana. When Teagan runs into Darcy Albano, the center's unofficial handywoman, after getting attacked by a bear, they develop a close relationship within the mountainsides of Montana. To avoid losing his job at his family's foundation, Teagan brings Darcy back to New York with him as his sober companion even though he has no need of one. As their two worlds collide, Teagan and Darcy have to decide if they can make their relationship last outside of Montana.
Bear with Me was an interesting romance and I thought it was a worthwhile read despite the mixed reviews currently listed on GoodReads.
Shepard has a good writing style for a debut novel and you are able to get right into the book with the interesting plot Shepard provides, though I didn't necessarily thought the ending (via the "sort-of epilogue") wasn't that satisfactory. There's some complex character development and in some ways it works for Bear with Me. You get to understand Teagan and Darcy's backgrounds as well as their strengths and weaknesses. However,
This is one of those cases where you either like or hate a book. Personally, I liked Bear with Me and readers who want a unique meet-cute, a neurodivergent MC, and/or a rom-com with an emphasis on nature might enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Misogyny
savvyrosereads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Darcy is a no-nonsense wilderness guide and handywoman working at a wellness retreat/rehab in Montana when she saves Teagan from a bear attack—and becomes his sober companion (despite the fact he’s not in need of one) in New York.
I thought this one was a fun concept and the writing was funny and engaging. Darcy was one of my favorite rom-com heroines I’ve read in ages, and while Teagan wasn’t really my book boyfriend “type,” he was charming and endearing and I really rooted for both of them as a couple.
I also loved the message of this book—namely that you need to accept the people you love as they are and simply show up for one another—and the animals were an amazing added bonus (where can I get a duffel bag full of baby otters?!?!)
Overall, a really well done debut, and I can’t wait to read what Katie does next!
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: mental health rep; tough FMCs; baby otters and mildly murderous bears
CW: Death of parent; alcoholism/addiction; panic attacks/mental health
Darcy is a no-nonsense wilderness guide and handywoman working at a wellness retreat/rehab in Montana when she saves Teagan from a bear attack—and becomes his sober companion (despite the fact he’s not in need of one) in New York.
I thought this one was a fun concept and the writing was funny and engaging. Darcy was one of my favorite rom-com heroines I’ve read in ages, and while Teagan wasn’t really my book boyfriend “type,” he was charming and endearing and I really rooted for both of them as a couple.
I also loved the message of this book—namely that you need to accept the people you love as they are and simply show up for one another—and the animals were an amazing added bonus (where can I get a duffel bag full of baby otters?!?!)
Overall, a really well done debut, and I can’t wait to read what Katie does next!
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: mental health rep; tough FMCs; baby otters and mildly murderous bears
CW: Death of parent; alcoholism/addiction; panic attacks/mental health
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Mental illness, Addiction, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
mari1532's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I checked this audiobook out of my local library for two reasons. The first was that several authors I follow on Instagram, including Ali Hazelwood, highly recommend this book; the second was the description and title really sounded interesting.
Shepard did not disappoint!
I finished this book in one sitting and a week later I am still thinking about the story. This book was wild, both figuratively and literally. I am not entirely sure how Shepard was able to integrate the plot of this book so that bears and otters could have a prominent appearance in the story but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Synopsis: Teagan is struggling to manage his life and the pressure of a. not becoming like his parents and b. not failing at the family business. However, when he is convinced by his baby sister to attend an outdoor wilderness retreat his life gets a bit grizzly.
Darcy cannot believe that this is how her life has turned out. Nothing she hoped to accomplish by now seems even remotely within her grasp. Especially as she tries to juggle school and her overly demanding job at a wilderness retreat. However, she starts to think that maybe things are turning around for her when she meets a patient at the retreat Teagan in the woods.
Thoughts:
This book really tackled some heavy topics, while remaining positive and funny. I also really appreciated how the very personal side effects of anxiety medication were addressed with care, while also keeping the storyline sexy.
I also really enjoyed all of the characters in this book not just the main ones. Teagan's sister was so messy and lovable, while Darcy's coworker made me laugh out loud several times. To top it all off everyone, even the villains in the story felt like real nuanced people rather than just a caricature.
The only thing I really struggled with in this book is the miscommunication troupe. I kept having to remind myself that the characters do not have all of the information, that I the reader do, and thus cannot make the same informed decision. I did yell several times at the characters while listening to this book. However, this did not detract me from the story. If anything it made me more invested.
Shepard has become one of my new favourite authors. If you want a wild ride that has a wholesome story I'd recommend this romance.
Shepard did not disappoint!
I finished this book in one sitting and a week later I am still thinking about the story. This book was wild, both figuratively and literally. I am not entirely sure how Shepard was able to integrate the plot of this book so that bears and otters could have a prominent appearance in the story but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Synopsis: Teagan is struggling to manage his life and the pressure of a. not becoming like his parents and b. not failing at the family business. However, when he is convinced by his baby sister to attend an outdoor wilderness retreat his life gets a bit grizzly.
Darcy cannot believe that this is how her life has turned out. Nothing she hoped to accomplish by now seems even remotely within her grasp. Especially as she tries to juggle school and her overly demanding job at a wilderness retreat. However, she starts to think that maybe things are turning around for her when she meets a patient at the retreat Teagan in the woods.
Thoughts:
This book really tackled some heavy topics, while remaining positive and funny. I also really appreciated how the very personal side effects of anxiety medication were addressed with care, while also keeping the storyline sexy.
I also really enjoyed all of the characters in this book not just the main ones. Teagan's sister was so messy and lovable, while Darcy's coworker made me laugh out loud several times. To top it all off everyone, even the villains in the story felt like real nuanced people rather than just a caricature.
The only thing I really struggled with in this book is the miscommunication troupe. I kept having to remind myself that the characters do not have all of the information, that I the reader do, and thus cannot make the same informed decision. I did yell several times at the characters while listening to this book. However, this did not detract me from the story. If anything it made me more invested.
Shepard has become one of my new favourite authors. If you want a wild ride that has a wholesome story I'd recommend this romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Abandonment and Drug use
avidreader87's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Panic attacks/disorders
wildflowerleahg's review
2.0
Now I turn around and find I am lost in the woods 😣
Look the cover drew me in.
The biggest issue I had with this book was how they handled addiction and very sensitive topics. It honestly felt wrong rooting for these two. I understand miscommunication will typically happen in a contemporary, but when you find out what he isn’t telling her 🤨
Darcy never listened to anyone and Teegan just enabled everyone around him. I didn’t believe these two were falling for each other.
In conclusion, there should have been more bears…
Look the cover drew me in.
The biggest issue I had with this book was how they handled addiction and very sensitive topics. It honestly felt wrong rooting for these two. I understand miscommunication will typically happen in a contemporary, but when you find out what he isn’t telling her 🤨
Darcy never listened to anyone and Teegan just enabled everyone around him. I didn’t believe these two were falling for each other.
In conclusion, there should have been more bears…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Alcoholism, Car accident, Mental illness, and Abandonment
katebrownreads's review against another edition
1.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
juliaegreene's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
2.25
I was really curious about the premise of this book, but the actual execution didn't work for me. I love a wilderness romance (think Christina Lauren's Something Wilder) and the first part of the book where Teagan and Darcy are in Montana was fun, but when they went to New York, the book lost a lot of its interest for me. The dual POV was good for understanding both characters fully, but there were times I got confused about whose chapter I was reading because it went back and forth with no explanation. The miscommunication was frustrating and went on for waaayyy too long. I thought Darcy's struggles were much more interesting than Teagan's, and would love to have read more about her dyslexia and past.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent
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