inkdrinkers's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"You are more dream than reality."
Owen is just a grumpy old bear. He doesn't have any plans for the future except living in his cabin, occasionally performing his duties as a forest ranger, and running to town for the errant supplies he can't grow or build himself. Of course, everything changes the day he smells Cordelia in Bear Valley. Bear shifters aren't supposed to have fated mates - so why is it he can't stop himself from seeking this woman out? From wanting to invite her back to his cabin, his bed, and make her stay forever?
I LOVED Elle M. Drew's novella Vampire in the Bookstore. I feel like it's so rare to get plus size representation in books that feels accurate and real, but Drew makes me feel safe. The author consistently writes characters who are bigger, getting the same love and attention that every other erotica character receives. Cordelia was a fun character, confident in her sexuality and confident in her drive to drag Owen back to his cabin herself if he wouldn't man up and ask her. I loved the back and forth between these two characters. Owen was a total sweetheart, with his own problems and background to move past, and a devotion to Cordelia that I really loved.
The only thing that docked a half-star for me (which I still gave this a 5 because... big bear shifter) was that I wish we had gotten some more development between the two of them! They do date for a short amount of time, but most of it is glossed over to get to their first time together. This is definitely a porn first, plot later kind of book, but I found myself wanting the plot. I wanted to see the way the two of them interacted in more than just physical ways (though those scenes were all 10/10).
I'm looking forward to the next books! I can't wait to read Gareth's because he's the twin that interests me the most, but I'm also excited to see Bethany get her dues with a certain twin.
Content warnings: Sexual content (whole chapters devoted to it, detailed scenes), pregnancy (breeding talk/talk of future kids! no pregnancy on page)
Owen is just a grumpy old bear. He doesn't have any plans for the future except living in his cabin, occasionally performing his duties as a forest ranger, and running to town for the errant supplies he can't grow or build himself. Of course, everything changes the day he smells Cordelia in Bear Valley. Bear shifters aren't supposed to have fated mates - so why is it he can't stop himself from seeking this woman out? From wanting to invite her back to his cabin, his bed, and make her stay forever?
I LOVED Elle M. Drew's novella Vampire in the Bookstore. I feel like it's so rare to get plus size representation in books that feels accurate and real, but Drew makes me feel safe. The author consistently writes characters who are bigger, getting the same love and attention that every other erotica character receives. Cordelia was a fun character, confident in her sexuality and confident in her drive to drag Owen back to his cabin herself if he wouldn't man up and ask her. I loved the back and forth between these two characters. Owen was a total sweetheart, with his own problems and background to move past, and a devotion to Cordelia that I really loved.
The only thing that docked a half-star for me (which I still gave this a 5 because... big bear shifter) was that I wish we had gotten some more development between the two of them! They do date for a short amount of time, but most of it is glossed over to get to their first time together. This is definitely a porn first, plot later kind of book, but I found myself wanting the plot. I wanted to see the way the two of them interacted in more than just physical ways (though those scenes were all 10/10).
I'm looking forward to the next books! I can't wait to read Gareth's because he's the twin that interests me the most, but I'm also excited to see Bethany get her dues with a certain twin.
Content warnings: Sexual content (whole chapters devoted to it, detailed scenes), pregnancy (breeding talk/talk of future kids! no pregnancy on page)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
readingjolie's review
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
If you are looking for a book that is 90% spice and 10% plot, then you have struck treasure. Owen by Elle M. Drew is the first book in her second series The Shifters of Bear Valley, and it is the fourth book of hers that she has written and that I have read. It is in the same universe as her first series The Shifters of Garoureve, but if you are not into wolf shifters, this book can certainly stand alone.
Unlike her other books, the main character is, the bear shifter, Owen, and we follow an evolution in what it means to be bear and a man. He grapples with an all too familiar problem: who he thinks he should be and who he wants to be. He’s socially awkward, sweet, strong, and a consent king who is rocking a dad bod.
His love interest, Cordelia, is a plus-size human who knows herself and is looking for a slower life. After being a city girl and living the 9 to 5, she moved to Bear Valley to be closer to her cousin and see if it feels more like home.
The book is full of spice that begins early on, as it has aspects of the instant-love trope. It explores various kinks but feels like a cozy romance. Grab a hot beverage, snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a sweet love story perfect for the cold weather. It’s definitely not summer anymore!
Disclosure: I read a digital copy given to me in exchange for a review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
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