Orson was sent to Alaska to run an established security company that Grizzly Protective Services was taking over, and he’s determined to be gruff and take-charge like his brothers to prove that he’s got what it takes. No more screw-up, youngest brother. He’s New Orson, grouchy and solid…until he meets his destiny and loses his heart and his head.

Alex Vex brought the security company back from the brink long before Grizzly Protective Services waltzed in to buy it out. She’ll have to swallow her pride and put on a bubble-headed facade to appease her new boss, no matter how much it galls her to see someone step in to take credit for all of her hard work and success. She’ll be sparkle and sunshine if it kills her…and it just might!

When Orson proposes a trip north, Alex can’t say no…just like she can’t say no to Orson’s grumpy good looks or the tantalizing secrets and the sense of humor that he’s hiding.

But someone is trying to sabotage their trip, and when it isn’t a room with only one bed, it’s someone trying to get them both out of the picture altogether.

Titles in the Grizzly Protection: Alaska Shifter Branch include: Bearing North ~ Load Bearing ~

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

This title was previously published as Orson in the Grizzly Guardians series and has been updated and expanded to fit into the World of Instinct universe.

Title:  Bearing North
Series:  Grizzly Protection: Alaska Shifter Branch #1
Author:  Elva Birch (aka Zoe Chant)
Published: June 18, 2024
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Bearing North is the first title in the Grizzly Protection: Alaska Shifter Branch, and brings us Alexandra’s (Alex) and Orson’s lighthearted romance. The security company where Alex has poured her blood, sweat, tears, and life into has been sold out from under her.  A member of the group that bought the place is scheduled to come in and take over her job.  The nerve!  She foolishly listened to a friend’s suggestion of changing her work personality, just a bit, okay, a whole lot.  Now she’s giggling (Gah!) and simpering like some airheaded temptress, but if it keeps her at the company she loves, so be it.  Hopefully, Mr. Grumpy won’t hang around long.  Orson’s lighthearted, joking, pranking personality has gotten him into hot water once again, only this time, his brothers have shipped him off to Alaska to oversee their acquisition of this security business.  He’s vowed to turn his Mr. Sunshine into Mr. Grump to get the job done and his brothers off his back.  Funny, though (not), at the first touch of Alex’s handshake, his bear sat up and proclaimed, “mate”.  Huh, welcome to Alaska.

I had such fun with Bearing North by Elva Birch.  Well, I always do with this author’s work, but Alex and Orson were a delightful couple, with a mystery and a touch of danger interrupting their growing attraction.  Once they stop pretending to be someone that they aren’t, the sparks fly even faster.  If you love a well-written, funny, steamy, Sunshine/Grumpy (with him as the Sunshine) romance that will have you giggling throughout and enjoying the bantering between the hero and the heroine, then you’re going to love this one.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)