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Grizzly Guardians #2
Bearing North
North to the future...and a fated mate!
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.
* * *
Bearing North is a short, sizzling novel in the World of Instinct shared by A Day Care for Shifters. It is a thrilling and hilarious opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-and-sunshine, office romance instalove, with fated mates, secret shifters, and delicious descriptions of wild Alaska.
Previously published as Orson by Elva Birch in the Grizzly Guardians series, this edition has been re-written in third person and edited extensively to fit the World of Instinct setting.
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.
* * *
Bearing North is a short, sizzling novel in the World of Instinct shared by A Day Care for Shifters. It is a thrilling and hilarious opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-and-sunshine, office romance instalove, with fated mates, secret shifters, and delicious descriptions of wild Alaska.
Previously published as Orson by Elva Birch in the Grizzly Guardians series, this edition has been re-written in third person and edited extensively to fit the World of Instinct setting.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2024
164 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Elva Birch
103 books276 followersElva Birch is an author of the impossible and irresistible. She is a fire dragon Gemini living in Alaska who belly dances outside at twenty below in the winter and loves to find tiny fairy moss worlds in the summer with her camera.
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 9, 2025
Great story
What a wonderful story. They both started out trying to be different people. This story's witty humor grabbed me from the start. Their relationship blossomed while a surprising twist emerged. It's a great, fun read.
What a wonderful story. They both started out trying to be different people. This story's witty humor grabbed me from the start. Their relationship blossomed while a surprising twist emerged. It's a great, fun read.
did-not-finish
January 27, 2025I gave up about 10 pages into this one unfortunately. The idiocy and the giggling were very over the top and I just couldn't bring myself to continue.
July 10, 2025
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
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.
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.
July 18, 2024
Love Alex and Orson more than ever
As the author notes, this was originally part of the Grizzly Guardians series, and as this is essentially the same story edited to fit into the author’s World of Instinct/Day Care for Shifters series, this review is essentially the same as the one I left on the original book.
I always enjoy this author’s characters, and I particularly liked the role reversal here, where the woman was the grumpy one, and the guy was the sunshine one. I loved how competent Alex was, and that Orson appreciated that competency as well, and that Orson was open with her about not knowing things—once they both stopped pretending to be something they weren’t, at least.
The Alaska setting was another plus. It not only played a role in the storyline (it was really like another character), I also liked getting the opportunity to learn about someplace new, especially a setting that isn’t one that gets used very often.
Add in a little mystery and suspense, as well as humor and some heat, and you get an engaging and highly enjoyable story that’s off the beaten path.
I did read this new version (I was especially curious as it’s now part of one of my favorite shifter series), and nothing really jumped out at me as being different. I am pretty oblivious to first person versus third person since I read a ton of each, so I didn’t expect to really notice that change (I didn’t) but I did feel like I fell in love with these characters and the Alaska setting all over again.
As the author notes, this was originally part of the Grizzly Guardians series, and as this is essentially the same story edited to fit into the author’s World of Instinct/Day Care for Shifters series, this review is essentially the same as the one I left on the original book.
I always enjoy this author’s characters, and I particularly liked the role reversal here, where the woman was the grumpy one, and the guy was the sunshine one. I loved how competent Alex was, and that Orson appreciated that competency as well, and that Orson was open with her about not knowing things—once they both stopped pretending to be something they weren’t, at least.
The Alaska setting was another plus. It not only played a role in the storyline (it was really like another character), I also liked getting the opportunity to learn about someplace new, especially a setting that isn’t one that gets used very often.
Add in a little mystery and suspense, as well as humor and some heat, and you get an engaging and highly enjoyable story that’s off the beaten path.
I did read this new version (I was especially curious as it’s now part of one of my favorite shifter series), and nothing really jumped out at me as being different. I am pretty oblivious to first person versus third person since I read a ton of each, so I didn’t expect to really notice that change (I didn’t) but I did feel like I fell in love with these characters and the Alaska setting all over again.
July 15, 2024
4.5 stars. 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.
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.
July 21, 2024
This was a super sweet PNR insta-romance, and a prequel to the DayCare for Shifters series.
Orson was a sunshine, eternally happy and loved joking around - although his brothers see him as the family baby. He decides that moving to Alaska will be his chance to show he's responsible. Alex has been running and growing the security business for years and doesn't want her hard work to go to waste by being sacked by the new owner so is convinced she needs to be less assertive when the new boss arrives.
I loved how these two were opposites, but then acting the opposite in front of each other, it was so sweet when they let the mask drop and could be themselves. The reveal of Orson being a bear was a bit anti-climatic; it was just accepted and they moved on. Someone is not happy with the way the business is being run, it wasn't a hard mystery to figure out, but it did add some action and tension to the story.
Orson was so easy to like, he knew what he wanted and that was to find his mate, settle down and have kids - I enjoyed how he was so happy with being a SAHD.
The descriptions of Alaska make me want to go visit.
- reverse grumpy / sunshine
- opposites attract
- PNR bear shifter
- fated mate
Orson was a sunshine, eternally happy and loved joking around - although his brothers see him as the family baby. He decides that moving to Alaska will be his chance to show he's responsible. Alex has been running and growing the security business for years and doesn't want her hard work to go to waste by being sacked by the new owner so is convinced she needs to be less assertive when the new boss arrives.
I loved how these two were opposites, but then acting the opposite in front of each other, it was so sweet when they let the mask drop and could be themselves. The reveal of Orson being a bear was a bit anti-climatic; it was just accepted and they moved on. Someone is not happy with the way the business is being run, it wasn't a hard mystery to figure out, but it did add some action and tension to the story.
Orson was so easy to like, he knew what he wanted and that was to find his mate, settle down and have kids - I enjoyed how he was so happy with being a SAHD.
The descriptions of Alaska make me want to go visit.
- reverse grumpy / sunshine
- opposites attract
- PNR bear shifter
- fated mate
June 23, 2025
Love and being yourself
I enjoyed this opposites attract, boss-employee, shifter novella with a side of a unexpected danger. It had a good mix of sweet moments, spice, and real life issues. Orson is a grizzly bear shifter who works for his family’s company, Grizzly Protection Services. He believes he has been sent to Alaska to their newly acquired office as a punishment for being the family jokester and screwup. He is determined to be serious and more like his brothers. Alex built up the security company that has been acquired by Orson’s company. Afraid of getting pushed out and having her company destroyed, she is determined to act sparkly and air headed. When Orson and Alex take a road trip together along the pipeline, it is as equally difficult to ignore the attraction between them as it is to keep up their fake personas and Orson immediately recognizing Alex as his mate just complicates it more. To get to their HEA, Alex and Orson will need to let of their preconceived notions and embrace fate and their real selves. Despite being short, the novella was well written and included characters with dimension and an engaging storyline.
I enjoyed this opposites attract, boss-employee, shifter novella with a side of a unexpected danger. It had a good mix of sweet moments, spice, and real life issues. Orson is a grizzly bear shifter who works for his family’s company, Grizzly Protection Services. He believes he has been sent to Alaska to their newly acquired office as a punishment for being the family jokester and screwup. He is determined to be serious and more like his brothers. Alex built up the security company that has been acquired by Orson’s company. Afraid of getting pushed out and having her company destroyed, she is determined to act sparkly and air headed. When Orson and Alex take a road trip together along the pipeline, it is as equally difficult to ignore the attraction between them as it is to keep up their fake personas and Orson immediately recognizing Alex as his mate just complicates it more. To get to their HEA, Alex and Orson will need to let of their preconceived notions and embrace fate and their real selves. Despite being short, the novella was well written and included characters with dimension and an engaging storyline.
July 16, 2024
Fast and fun
Orson has been sent to a newly acquired security business in Alaska. Alex had been running that business for a while, but tries acting ditzy to be less intimidating. Orson tries to be more tough like his brothers than his usual wise-cracking ways. But then he finds that Alex is his mate. They go on a tour to look at their biggest security detail, the Alaska pipeline and some others. Can they both keep up the act? What will happen when trouble comes calling? See what happens then!
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain with a character oriented storyline that has some action and steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and endearing. This is set in the same world as Day Care for Shifters, but not the same city, I think. This was lots of fun. I would love to see stories about Orson's brothers too!
Orson has been sent to a newly acquired security business in Alaska. Alex had been running that business for a while, but tries acting ditzy to be less intimidating. Orson tries to be more tough like his brothers than his usual wise-cracking ways. But then he finds that Alex is his mate. They go on a tour to look at their biggest security detail, the Alaska pipeline and some others. Can they both keep up the act? What will happen when trouble comes calling? See what happens then!
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain with a character oriented storyline that has some action and steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and endearing. This is set in the same world as Day Care for Shifters, but not the same city, I think. This was lots of fun. I would love to see stories about Orson's brothers too!
February 20, 2025
Things I liked about this book: Alex and Orson (eventually) developing a healthy respect for each other's fields of competence, the reversed grumpy/sunshine trope, how UTTERLY unthreatened Orson was by Alex's ability to physically kick his arse, and the tour of rural Alaska (or at least a very small part of it).
Thing I really didn't like and ended up docking a full two stars for: the sheer cringe-iness and obnoxiousness of both of them trying to be people they weren't for entirely too long (and yes, I know it gave them both somewhere to grow from, and Ms Birch was making a very valid point about being who you are, but I found it physically painful to read in places).
Still, I really do enjoy the way Ms Birch writes the Alaska she knows and obviously loves so much, and I will happily tolerate some cringeing to get to spend time in it and hang out there.
Thing I really didn't like and ended up docking a full two stars for: the sheer cringe-iness and obnoxiousness of both of them trying to be people they weren't for entirely too long (and yes, I know it gave them both somewhere to grow from, and Ms Birch was making a very valid point about being who you are, but I found it physically painful to read in places).
Still, I really do enjoy the way Ms Birch writes the Alaska she knows and obviously loves so much, and I will happily tolerate some cringeing to get to spend time in it and hang out there.
February 8, 2025
Fun Read!
This was a very enjoyable Read with two great leads! Both of them putting on fake versions of themselves lent hilarity to the story. My only dislike was Alex would never have portrayed herself that way. It didn't ring true. But they were a hoot I highly recommend reading it!
This was a very enjoyable Read with two great leads! Both of them putting on fake versions of themselves lent hilarity to the story. My only dislike was Alex would never have portrayed herself that way. It didn't ring true. But they were a hoot I highly recommend reading it!
June 12, 2025
Grizzly Guardians is a series that includes 7 stories:
-MAGNUS - Violet RAE - ✅ 3.5 ⭐
-Bearing North - ORSON - Elva BIRCH - ✅ 3 ⭐⭐⭐
-BARRETT - Kristen STRASSEL - ✅ 3 ⭐⭐⭐
-EMMETT - ✅ Abi VALE - 3.5 ⭐
-NOX - P. JAMESON - ✅ 3 ⭐⭐⭐
-MARCUS - Kat BAXTER - ✅ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
-THOR - Loni REE ❓❗❓
I can't track the latter
-MAGNUS - Violet RAE - ✅ 3.5 ⭐
-Bearing North - ORSON - Elva BIRCH - ✅ 3 ⭐⭐⭐
-BARRETT - Kristen STRASSEL - ✅ 3 ⭐⭐⭐
-EMMETT - ✅ Abi VALE - 3.5 ⭐
-NOX - P. JAMESON - ✅ 3 ⭐⭐⭐
-MARCUS - Kat BAXTER - ✅ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
-THOR - Loni REE ❓❗❓
I can't track the latter
January 4, 2026
This was an enjoyable little romance with some shifter mixed in. I appreciated that the Alaskan descriptions were very true to life (many times they are so wrong). I also appreciated that she captured some of the inside jokes that we Alaskans groan about…like the mispronounced Valdez and Tok names.
January 8, 2025
This was a fun read. Orson is not quite banished to Alaska, but his brothers are trying to keep him out of trouble as he heads off to their newest security company aquisition.
Alex has worked hard to turn her company around. She's not dealing well with the unexpected sale ... and her new entitled boss coming in.
I love how they're both trying to be something their not, and realizing they actually like who the other truely is.
Alex has worked hard to turn her company around. She's not dealing well with the unexpected sale ... and her new entitled boss coming in.
I love how they're both trying to be something their not, and realizing they actually like who the other truely is.
February 6, 2025
awesome story
I love how this both breaks gender roles and redefines them but still keeps him as a strong supportive male and her a a strong yet feminine woman. A sweet smexy read so full of love. Definitely worth reading.
I love how this both breaks gender roles and redefines them but still keeps him as a strong supportive male and her a a strong yet feminine woman. A sweet smexy read so full of love. Definitely worth reading.
February 12, 2025
Alex and Orson are true mates
Orson tries to act like his older brothers to impress her. He finds that she likes him more when he acts like himself. Together they balance each other.
Orson tries to act like his older brothers to impress her. He finds that she likes him more when he acts like himself. Together they balance each other.
June 4, 2025
This was a really fun read. I liked how silly Orson was, especially compared to how serious Alex was. I did figure out who was out to get them pretty quick, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of their relationship development.
August 6, 2025
DNF - Only could read to chapter 5 - 19%, and that was pushing to reach that spot. I kept hoping it would improve.
The H is 30 and acts like a teenager. The h was trying to act submissive, and she kept saying tee hee!
I couldn't take her saying that one more time. (ljb)
The H is 30 and acts like a teenager. The h was trying to act submissive, and she kept saying tee hee!
I couldn't take her saying that one more time. (ljb)
September 23, 2025
Fantastic
What a fantastic start to a great new series set in the same world as A Daycare for Shifters. I wad hooked start to finish. I loved Alex and Orson together. Elva Birch writes and wonderful combination of humor and Romance. I can't wait to read book two.
What a fantastic start to a great new series set in the same world as A Daycare for Shifters. I wad hooked start to finish. I loved Alex and Orson together. Elva Birch writes and wonderful combination of humor and Romance. I can't wait to read book two.
July 9, 2024
Super bear shifter romance! I liked it very much. Interesting, passionate, and fun-to-read.. Orson is so endearing..
October 28, 2024
really nice HEA shifter story
I really liked the main characters, Alex and Orson. The story was funny and sweet with hints of sex. I really like Ms. Birch’s books.
I really liked the main characters, Alex and Orson. The story was funny and sweet with hints of sex. I really like Ms. Birch’s books.
January 3, 2025
Alex and Orson
Loved this book. I haven't read a book by Elba Birch I haven't loved. Amazing reads by a favorite author
Loved this book. I haven't read a book by Elba Birch I haven't loved. Amazing reads by a favorite author
January 22, 2025
North
North to Alaska, what better place to go. The love story between Alex and Orson is sweet but the mystery behind the accident is even better. A must read.
North to Alaska, what better place to go. The love story between Alex and Orson is sweet but the mystery behind the accident is even better. A must read.
February 9, 2025
The cringiest writing topped with every trope there is.. oof
June 26, 2025
Bearing north
Brilliant start to a new series loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Brilliant start to a new series loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
August 5, 2025
Cute as heck!
This is definitely a pleasure read. The story is simple, the plot moves along, and the characters are appealing. Yes, I want to know the rest of the story.
This is definitely a pleasure read. The story is simple, the plot moves along, and the characters are appealing. Yes, I want to know the rest of the story.
August 13, 2025
Bearing North
Short story enhanced with drama, 🔥 sex, office envy with attempted murder on top. First time reading Elva Birch. Looking forward to next sibling story.
Short story enhanced with drama, 🔥 sex, office envy with attempted murder on top. First time reading Elva Birch. Looking forward to next sibling story.
August 16, 2025
Alex and Orsen
Sexy, fun romp through Alaska with Alex showing Orsen the countryside and the Alaskan pipeway, while he shows his true self and intentions.
Sexy, fun romp through Alaska with Alex showing Orsen the countryside and the Alaskan pipeway, while he shows his true self and intentions.
August 26, 2025
Finding love
I just love all this author writes. The stories are quick with a curve thrown in usually but all ends well. Loved it!!
I just love all this author writes. The stories are quick with a curve thrown in usually but all ends well. Loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews