As the leader of the Bear Creek Guardians, it is Thane’s duty to protect the town folk—and their secrets. When two hikers go missing in his beloved mountains, the last thing this bear shifter needs is a curious journalist poking around.

Even if she is his mate!

Soon Thane is torn between the oath his ancestors swore as a Bear Creek Guardian and the bond he shares with his mate. But are ancient unseen forces guiding him?

Sable came to town seeking answers about the disappearance of two hikers. She definitely didn’t expect an irresistible protector to come ambling into her life…and possibly her heart.
Before she knows it, Sable is falling into Thane’s strong capable arms. And irresistible paws.

When the mystery surrounding the missing hikers deepens, these fated mates must find answers before it’s too late. But their investigation soon puts Sable’s life in jeopardy. And Thane must race to save his mate… And the future of the Bear Creek Guardians.

Danger has come prowling into these woods. And this guardian has scented his perfect match at last—if only he can persuade his curious mate to stand by his side forever.

Descended from the first Bear Creek Guardians, Thane is sworn to carry on their legacy. As the leader of the six protectors bound by blood and duty, he has almost given up hope of finding his perfect mate. But in fighting for their future and the survival of his kind against dangers that threaten to tear them apart, this bear shifter will discover that love gives even the greatest of warriors their greatest strength.

Titles in the Bear Creek Guardians series include — Bearheart Protector —♥— Bearheart Healer —♥— Bearheart Rebel —♥— Bearheart Hunter —♥— Bearheart Guardian —♥— Bearheart Destiny —♥—

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

Title:  Bearheart Protector
Series:  Bear Creek Guardians #1
Author:  Harmony Raines
Published:  June 13, 2023
My Rating:  4.5

I love getting started on a new series, especially when it’s set in one of my favorite Shifter Romance locations… Bear Creek.  This time we’ll start off the new Bear Creek Guardians series with Bearheart Protector, and what a dynamic couple Thane and Sable are to introduce us to these guardians of Bear Creek.  Six men, unique bear shifters, descendants of the original guardians, will put everything on the line, including their lives to protect this area.  And a new danger has found its way to their mountains and forests — and the mate of their leader as well.

Two hikers have gone missing from the hotel they were staying at.  No sign of them anywhere, which is odd, but there is a very large area of land surrounding Bear Creek.  The guardians have been alerted and have searched, and searched, and then some more with no success.  They have, however, found one very odd clue.  A clue that brings an old mountain tale to life once again.  Even though the search is ongoing for the missing hikers, Thane and his bear have scented something… someone else in the forest, his mate.

Sable needs this story; continuing in her current position depends on bringing in an amazing story… any way possible.  Lives are on the line, and she refuses to sensationalize the missing hiker’s plight, but should she be able to break this one, to be the one to find them, well, that would qualify for what she needs in a story.  Only, she has no idea where they might be, but she is certainly aware of the dangers of this forest… and the bear she’s looking at is proof of that fact.  She might be human, but the pull toward one of the men coming to her rescue is so strong, and she has no intention of resisting that feeling.

And… there’s a stranger in town.  He hasn’t actually done anything aside from trying to toss his money around in an effort to “help” the search… but still, no one quite trusts him.

I loved Thane and Sable, both individually, but together they make an awesome couple.  Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, yet together they are a powerful team.  Watching them fall in love while dealing with the mystery in front of them was a delightful experience.  Bearheart Protector is filled with mystery, steaminess, good friends, and legends.  I’m already hooked, and this is only the first book!

While this story is complete and our couple will definitely find their happily-ever-after ending… there also is a mysterious thread that appears to be woven throughout the rest of this series, giving us clues and information in bite-size pieces.  Not a cliffhanger by any means, but there is something going on in the background that will most likely continue throughout the rest of the stories.  It’s for moments like this that I feel so strongly about starting a series from the first book whenever possible.  Sometimes there really is more to the story than just… this story.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Available for the Kindle as this title is currently in KU