His bear yearns for a mate while she seeks solace from a tragic past. Can his adoration overcome her feelings of unworthiness and ignite an unexpected love?

Jax Shaw has never given much thought to matters of the heart until his older brother found his Fated Mate. Now, an unrelenting desire to find his own consumes both him and his bear. When he spots the new brunette working at Classy Cuts Salon, he questions if fate has finally intervened or if he’s reading too much into it. Could she be the one his bear has been searching for all along?

Wren Mercer, haunted by a past mistake, took a chance and moved to Crescent Creek after inheriting her late aunt’s cottage. She thought the move might help her release her past and turn around her rotten luck. What she didn’t anticipate was crossing paths with a handsome stranger who stirs feelings she thought were forever lost and makes her feel alive again.

But when an old nemesis resurfaces, Jax decides it’s best to stay away from Wren to keep her safe. However, trouble finds her anyway, and he’s forced to reveal his bear to ensure their safety. But will Wren still care for Jax after seeing what he truly is?

Titles in the Shaw Clan series include — Protection of a Bear —♥— Devotion of a Bear —♥— Adoration of a Bear —♥—

This series is part of the overall Paranormals of Crescent Creek world.

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  Devotion of a Bear
Series:  Shaw Clan #2
Author:  Jennifer Snyder
Published:  August 21, 2023
My Rating:  4.5

Devotion of a Bear continues the Shaw Clan series with a romance that might break your heart just a bit before this couple’s love story heals it once again.

Wren is on the run from her past and perhaps the feeling of constantly being under a curse as well.  She’s landed in Crescent Creek and taken a job with the hopes that this time she can stay, that this time she can find peace in this small mountain town.  She doesn’t really believe that’s possible, but a girl’s got to have a dream that doesn’t turn into a nightmare, right?  She never could have imagined that giving a much-needed haircut to the handsome man who wandered into the salon would change her life in so many ways.  Or that she could change his life as well.

I absolutely adored Jax.  And my heart went out to Wren immediately, and was devastated for her when I learned of her past and what haunts her so much.  These two were exactly what each needed, of course, given they are fated mates, you’d expect that, but there is such a sense of coming home, of finding a safe place with Jax that flows through the pages into the reader’s heart in this story.

We’ll encounter the evil piece of dirt who has made it his goal in life to terrorize all members of the Shaw Clan once again.  This jerk just gets a touch more evil with every encounter.  I cannot wait until he sees his final punishment.

Devotion of a Bear is a well-written, emotional, steamy romance with characters who will find a way into your heart.  Wren and Jax fit so well together through good times and rough moments; it was a delight to watch them fall in love and trust in each other.  If that’s the type of paranormal shifter romance you love, then you’ll want to get started on this one soon… very soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle as this title is currently in KU