A review by timap
Bearing North by Elva Birch

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Orson, the male bear shifter lead, is the cheerful, slightly mischievous youngest brother, who has been sent to Alaska to integrate into a newly acquired business for his family - to keep him out of trouble. Alex, the female human lead, is the serious security expert who took a failing security organisation and made it successful. She’s frustrated and angry that the business was sold without her being told. 

Both Orson and Alex are hiding who they are because they think that’s what the other person will want to see. But Orson’s bear knows Alex is his mate and he’s determined to convince her too. Though the road trip they’re taking seems to be filled with unnecessary risks…

This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, funny, contemporary, shifter, romantic comedy. I empathised with both characters’ concerns about how they were perceived. I enjoyed Orson’s enthusiasm for Alaska and his enjoyment of his new surroundings. I enjoyed Alex’s competence, and her reluctance to jump into Orson’s enthusiasm. I enjoyed their intimate scenes and relationship development. I enjoyed the playfulness and joy of the story. I enjoyed the setup for A Daycare for Shifters series. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.