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Independence has its virtues ... but sometimes you really need a helping paw.

She’s not looking for a white knight ...

Single mom Gemma Ellis loves her son -- and hates asking for help. Her no-account ex has taught her she can’t rely on anyone but herself, even if that means working two jobs and barely scraping by.

Big, burly, handsome doctor Eddie Rochon makes Gemma wonder if good men are more than a myth. She's tempted to give him a chance ... but trust is hard after all she's been through.

He’s ready to save the day ...

Eddie’s a polar bear shifter with a gift for taking care of people … and a bit of a gnome problem. When he realizes the curvy brunette with the adorable little boy is his mate, his need to help her kicks into overdrive--but if he tries too hard, he’ll drive her away.

Welcome home ... or see you later?

When Gemma’s ex turns up, things get even more complicated. Can Eddie protect his newfound family and convince his mate that he's not like other men she's known? Or will her self-reliance blind her to the truth?

Author’s Note: Bearly Breathing ends at 70%. This release includes a bonus copy of the first book in the Pacific Northwest Bears series, Bearly Cooking.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2016

92 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Moxie North

53 books324 followers
Moxie North loves shifters. Really, she does. A lot. Big burly men mixed with fierce protective animals makes for hunky alpha shifters that will move heaven and earth for their mates.

Her heroines come in all shapes, sizes, personalities and backgrounds. They’re looking for love but want their men to win them over. Together they find their soul mate on their journey to true love.

Moxie lives surrounded by trees, wildlife, and the occasional lumberjack. She loves sci-fi, sugar in any form, and speaking only in movie quotes. Moxie went from an avid reader to a writer and loves being in the romance community. Meeting readers and talking books keeps her writing and loving her job.

Join my newsletter at:
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www.twitter.com/moxienorthbooks

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5 stars
290 (56%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Varied Books.
1,186 reviews55 followers
February 13, 2016
3.25

Cute predictable mating story. I liked both H/h. Some funny moments. Sex was hot. Easy stress free reading.
Profile Image for Hollie.
1,680 reviews
March 29, 2016
This was a really sweet shifter read. I think my favorite part was how the heroine was a single mom and the way that the hero was equally smitten with them both the mother and her son. I really liked the writing style and will definitely continue this series. I also appreciate it being offered as a kindleunlimited. I suppose my only slight complaint is that this one really had an insta-love feel to it throughout. I wanted more foundation in their relationship. Also it seemed as the heroine accepted the fact that he was a shifter far too easily without even questioning it much. I'm still glad I read it though and would easily recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Amy.
714 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2021
I loved this so much.

Eddie is an amazing hero. I absolutely love him.

Gemma is strong and beautiful. I love her reaction to finding out about Eddie.

The joke with the gnomes was hilarious.

I ended up wishing that these could be made into a Netflix or Amazon prime series.

The only thing I didn’t like was that there is a crucial element of the story that isn’t addressed. And that is about her son, Dash. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but what will happen to him?
Profile Image for Claudia.
729 reviews24 followers
February 13, 2016
I liked the story because as usual there was a sweet shifter ready to put his life at the feet of his mate.
Eddie was the town's Doctor, more or less, better said the Rochon family doctor. He had a nurturing soul and a lot of care and empathy for others.
I loved the way he received every single gnome that came his way.
Gemma was a single mother, working two jobs to be able to provide for her son. She was alone, overworked but always kept her spirit high for her son.
Eddie met first Dash, Gemma's son, and it was love at first sight. His bear pushed him to make sure Dash was ok. In the end he met his mate - Gemma.
What came after is a sweet love story. Eddie instantly took over Gemma and Dash's life. The little things (taking care of the breakfast or having a laundry machine) made a lot of difference for Gemma. Dash was spoiled with a lot of gifts.

So why a lower rating compared to the other reviewers?
Because the story had a flow but rushed things between mates. They settled fast in a routine but getting there took more that half of the book. The background story and times before they met took a huge chunk of the story and I felt that there was less time spent with the two characters together.
I wanted more from the romance and family time and didn't get it.
I feel that the shifter gives everything but the human doesn't reciprocate. Since they are mates maybe the pull could be stronger for the human, a knowing that is instant instead of self worth doubts.

I have read most of Moxie North books and I am used with her style but I want more from her as she is publishing more books. More depth to the feelings and romance.
More time spent together by the main characters, more family times when the family is such an important aspect in the series.

I have received a copy of the book from the author in exchange of my honest review.
So, am I recommending this book? Yes, to all the shifter/ paranormal lovers. You will find a sweet shifter story with a cute, loving polar bear.
Profile Image for Belinda.
398 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2016
Moxie North does it again! This story is Eddie’s—the lone polar bear in the Rochon clan. He’s a doctor who enjoys his calling of helping people. In it, he meets a rambunctious kid named Dash and his struggling single mother. There are a lot of elements in this story—humor, frustration, joy, disgust of one of the background characters, and happiness for the story’s ending. I can’t lie; I even shed some tears because there’s a part of this story that is very near and dear to my heart. You’ll fall in love with the newest of the Rochon men who finds their mate. I prefer brunettes, but I could definitely crush on a guy like Dr. Eddie!
Profile Image for Wild_irish_rose.
494 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2018
Really enjoyed this story. Eddie, Gemma and Dash are great. I enjoyed that Eddie didn't try to take over Gemma and strip the strength she'd developed over the years. Good story.
Profile Image for Julie Ayling.
187 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2018
Giggle good time

Loved this read so much.this is my first book from moxie North , and she gained a new reader and fan ! I was giggle through this book and swoon in so many parts! I feel in love with the doctor omg he made me laugh but also melt by his words. I also loved gemma and cash . Henna is such a strong Mom that would do anything for her son Cash and you can see how strong and hard working she is !
Again love this read and big time shove the book in your face read!! I mean it you soooo need to read this
Profile Image for Julia Torrey.
71 reviews
February 5, 2018
Relationship Goals

Oh Eddie, you are soooo swoonworthy! Poor Gemma and Dash. They're so lucky that Eddie came into their lives. I married a single dad and a lot of this reminds me of things we went through when we first started dating. Moxie has another home run on her hands here. LOVED IT!
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2018
Love...

Love, love, love this series! It makes your heart feel good to read about couples coming together, through thick and thin, and finding happiness. Eddie, Gemma, and Dash's story is a prime example!
1,547 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2018
Eddie and Gemma

Sweet, romantic story. Dr. Eddie and his bear are ready to find their mate. When he meets Gemma and her son, he knows she's the one. But convincing Gemma will be hard. No cliffhanger and Hea.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,718 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2024
A lovely romance!

Eddie, Gemma, and Dash are such a sweet family! I feel for Gemma's small dreams; they provide touching moments throughout the story. The characters and storyline are engaging, and I'm sorry the series is complete!
412 reviews
December 23, 2018
Love

The best story yet. I have a soft spot for blending familys. Great steam and humor. I still want more
Profile Image for Stacy  Fernandez.
830 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2020
Eddie Gemma and Dash

I loved this story. Eddie was actually great about supporting Gemma and making both her and Dash love him before dropping the bear on her.
Profile Image for Jessica N..
546 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2020
I vote for Thor

Sweet is a good word to describe Eddie and Gemma (and Dash's) story.
It wasn't as dramatic as the other stories but it's still a perfect.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,572 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2023
beautiful

Another absolutely beautiful and emotional visit with our friends and family the Rochon Bears. I adore this series and I love checking in with them in each new book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,836 reviews150 followers
February 9, 2016
I love this book. Gnome what I'm saying? *Trust me, after reading this book, you'll definitely be in on this inside joke.* LOL

Eddie, a member of the esteemed Rochon family, the town's Dr., and a polar bear shifter, has started giving more thought to his future mate as he's gotten older, especially upon seeing numerous family members find their soul mates. He's wondering if he'll need to travel to find her, as she doesn't seem to be in his hometown. Or is she? Hmm...

Oh Gemma! Gemma, a recent resident of Apex, along her with adorably precious son, Dash, is struggling...overwhelmingly so. Her cottage, though a bargain rent wise, is badly in need of repairs, she sleeps on the couch so Dash can have the bedroom, she works two jobs, her car is ready to beg to be put out of it's misery, and she does without food so that Dash can eat. Yes, she's an amazing mother and has suffered her whole life from a lack of affection and love, from her parents, to her ex-husband. But, if you asked her, she'd do it all again because at the end of it all, she'd have Dash. She loves her son to pieces and it shows in everything she does.

These two people are going about their lives, both knowing that something has to give. Eddie wants to find his soul mate and have a family and Gemma just wants to stop barely scraping by, while running herself into exhaustion and missing tucking Dash into bed at night. Of course, this can all be so easily fixed, if only they could meet.

Well, guess what? They do, in a way. Unfortunately, it's because Dash is hurt while playing, causing Jamie, their neighbor and his babysitter, to take him to Eddie for medical attention. Eddie instantly falls for the adorableness that is Dash, his bear instantly feeling a connection to him as well, and Dash also has a wonderful scent clinging to him, a scent that is making both Eddie and his bear curious.

Unable to contain his curiousity, and his bear's nagging, Eddie has his cousin, Tanner, the sheriff, give him some information on Gemma. Before too long, Eddie just happens *blinks innocently* to be shopping at the store where Gemma works. This first meeting doesn't go as smoothly as Eddie had planned, as evidenced by the soda explosion that takes place upon looking into Gemma's eyes and realizing he's met his mate, making Dash his family too. And now his, and his bear's, fixation on Dash, his well-being, and the smell clinging to him all makes sense.

As Eddie and Gemma slowly build a relationship, Dash has fully embraced Eddie's presence in his life. Gemma, however, is used to everyone in her life letting her down and assumes Eddie will be no different, especially as she can't understand why he wants to be with her. Thankfully, Eddie sets out to show Gemma how amazing she is, and to slowly start helping her, so she knows he's not going anywhere, she can lean on him, and she doesn't have to do anything on her own anymore. Not that she can't, but that she doesn't have to.

As things start to look up for Gemma, finally, her past isn't quite fully behind her as her ex, and Dash's Dad, Kyle, continually whines (yes, he's whiney) about the miniscule amount of child support he's supposed to pay and yet rarely does. *cough cough loser* Gemma refuses to let him out of his responsibilities as she wants to provide for Dash, without him having to miss out on things because of her missteps. But Kyle takes it too far...

Will Eddie, Gemma, and Dash become a family and live HEA? Will Gemma find one job that allows her to like what she does and ensure she can spend more time with Dash? Will Eddie lose Gemma when he reveals his secret? Will Kyle ever man up or will Eddie need to take matters into his own hands? Why does one person need so many gnomes? *smirk*

I highly recommend this book, this entire series and it's spinoff, Pacific Northwest Cougars, as they're all fantastic. I also suggest reading them in order for the sake of continuity and the full enjoyment of the characters as previous couples are mentioned in later books. You'll love them and become addicted to this wonderful world that Moxie has created.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
February 26, 2016
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Every time I finish a Pacific Northwest Bears (or Cougars) story I’m convinced that the one I just read is the best and I’ve found a new favorite shifter couple… until the next story comes out. But right now it’s going to take a lot to outshine Eddie Rochon. This man / bear sets the bar pretty high… in a family where the bar is already sky high.

Gemma’s life has been far from easy. Her parents would rather spend time with their bottles and slouch on the couch than take care of their daughter. Her ticket out of that life seemed to be the boyfriend who treated her so much better – before the marriage, after he was worse than her parents living off of anyone he could, drowning in booze and being a perpetual bad boy teenager. Gemma wanted a better life for her son, Dash, and yes, for herself too. So she wised up, kicked Kyle to the curb, got her GED and left “home”to make a new, decent life for her family. She loaded up her dilapidated car and headed out, not knowing where they’d end up but at least they would be on their own, together, away from the toxic people of her past.

That fateful morning, Eddie was contemplating his growing gnome collection with yet another silly gnome deposited by one of his family members. Actually he got a chuckle out of the suddenly appearing gnomes, but he’d never tell his family that – then they might move on to something not so cute. Today he would treat a little boy’s head injury and fall in love with the little tyke… and that scent, not Dash and not his babysitter but something that drew him to find out more about the cute toddler and his mom. He didn’t realize just yet that his mate was so close and about to enter his life, but he was about to get the best surprise ever.

Working two jobs in order to keep a roof over their heads and some food on the table was exhausting… but she’d done it, she had made a home here for Dash and that was one accomplishment she certainly deserved to be proud of. Sure, it wasn’t a great house and yeah, the coin counting in the days before payday made her a very tight budget-er but that was a skill that came in very handy. Yet, Gemma and Dash’s lives are about to be turned upside down by the most attentive, handsome and hot doctor around. One man, one bear who had found their mate and will do anything to make her life easier until she could be convinced to bond with them. Gemma doesn’t trust easily, and she doesn’t understand what a doctor like Eddie could possibly see in her – but he’s convincing her, slowly but certainly that he is on the level with her. Can she believe that life finally gave her the gift of the perfect for her man?

What I really enjoyed about Bearly Breathing was Eddie’s internal battle on how to show Gemma that he could be trusted. He talked to some family members and took their suggestions to heart, but then went about courting his mate in his own way. He couldn’t help wanting to buy stuff for her and Dash to make life easier, after all this was his family. Yet he had a perfectly logical reason for every purchase, one that wouldn’t overshadow what Gemma had already done for her family but that his offering could enhance what she’d done. He never just took over, his actions were of a man in love, yes, but also a man who saw his mate’s worth and her pride. I simply really liked this couple, their reactions to each other and the situations that they were placed into rang realistic and made perfect sense. Okay, so they also were very good at tossing off sparks and sexy times as well – but they were a couple falling in love, and you could certainly feel that from the story.

If you love Shifters then the Pacific Northwest Bears and Cougars series should be on your radar – and Bearly Breathing is a must read, in my opinion, ‘cos you don’t find heroes like this every day. :)
405 reviews16 followers
March 18, 2016
Bearly Breathing Moxie North

Reviewed by SFF Dragon

I absolutely loved this feel-good paranormal romance from sad beginning to happily ever after end. Wonderful and I'm still smiling.

I only discovered Moxie North last summer, but I fell in love with her books and she very quickly became one of my must read authors. 'Bearly Breathing', the sixth book in her Pacific Northwest Bears series is yet another winner to add to the list of terrific paranormal romances from her pen. Well written in the third person, this full-length story about a mother desperately trying to build a better life for herself and her young son pulled at my heartstrings and despite the initial sadness their lives quickly change for the better. It definitely has the feel-good factor from beginning to end, left me with a goofy smile on my face and I absolutely loved it.

Divorced from her lazy ex-husband and determined that her precious young son, Dashiell, will have a better life than the one she grew up living, Gemma Ellis packed up her ancient car, her 'little man', their few belongings and just drove. Stopping for a rest in the town of Apex, Washington, she decided it looked like a nice place to live, so they stayed. Her life is sad and lonely, but she's not prepared to get involved with anyone until Dash is a lot older and her son is worth every sacrifice, he's the centre of her world. She works two jobs to make ends meet, stretches every penny as far she can, frequently goes hungry to make sure four year-old Dash has decent balanced meals, is thankful for the church's food bank and shops in thrift stores. They live in a small, badly maintained house, but have wonderful neighbours, Jamie and Evan, who look after Dash when she's working and the highlight of her week is her one day off when she can spend all day with him. But then Dash has an accident and Jamie takes him to the hospital.....

Polar bear shifter Edison 'Eddie' Rochon knew at an early age that working in the family lumber company wasn't really his thing, and after talking to the Alpha about his future he became a doctor. He loves his job but he's lonely, he and his bear want their mate, their one, a family to care for, love and protect, but aside from being a doctor, all he's got to show for his life so far is an ever growing collection of garden gnomes.....until the day that young Dash is brought into the hospital and there's just something about him...No, you'll have to read the book.

I really don't want to give any spoilers here and ruin this wonderful and romantic story for anyone, but Eddie knows that Gemma is his true mate as soon as he sees her and I'm so pleased for Gemma and Dash when Eddie forces his way into their lives.
Filled with fantastic characters, humour, old fashioned romance with a little modern steam, a reality check for the low-life ex, a dog called Keeno and a terrific happily ever after, I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the next one in this fantastic series.


Profile Image for Teresa Henderson.
27 reviews23 followers
February 7, 2016
I have never laughed so much in my life but I should have known that a book written by Moxie North and her sexy Pacific Northwest bear shifters and the things they get themselves into trying to get their mates is so funny and heartfelt at the same time. She didn't let me down again.
Eddie, lets say his cousins are playing a joke on him and are placing garden gnomes all over and anywhere. at first he wasn't going to keep them, but he got used to them and kept them. oh by the way he's a doctor.
Dash came into the er because he needed stitches, Eddies bear felt something for Dash, he couldn't get the boy off his mind. he ask his cousin Tanner to do a check on his mom for him.
Gemma was doing what she could for Dash, she worked two jobs and did without so he could have what he needed. His dad Kyle didn't pay child support. She was living pay check to pay check. but she was doing it and Jamie her next door neighbor was babysitting for her.
Gemma felt so bad that she wasn't their when Dash got hurt. She wasn't about to depend on anyone ever again. but she was in for a surprise, because once a shifter meets his mate he will do anything to have her and Eddie is like a wrecking ball. he just can't stay away from Gemma or Dash. it's like he's fated to the both of them. His cousins was trying to give him advice on how to court her, like they did any better. He was trying to hard, but then she wanted him and in a very good way. Gemma didn't understand how she could feel like this. Dash wanted to be with Eddie too.
Eddie made her feel things that she never felt before, but she didn't trust that it was real. He kept doing things without asking her, but in a way that wouldn't hurt her feelings. He even wanted to get her a job at the hospital so she could quit both the other jobs and be home in the evenings.
Gemma finally gave in to her needs and the way he made her feel and she started to think they could have something. He still didn't tell her that he was a shifter. Then her ex came to town and made some threats but Eddie made some of his own. I'm not gonna tell you the end, your going to have to read it for yourself. if you have read any of her books before, just know this one won't let you down. I was given this book for free as a ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan  Burgess-Ryan.
717 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2016
With "Bearly Breathing" Moxie North has set the bar high for the of her Pacific Northwest Bears. I thought Cassie and Cash was my favorite, but this one is right of there with them. This is one of those books that deserve more than 5 stars, and if I could give more than 5 stars I would. I know that this is one book I can relate too. My kids had to grow up with a dad like Dash's real dad and trust me it sucks for the mother and kids. I could actually put myself in Gemma's shoes and feel what she was going through. I lived through my kids so I knew what Dash was feeling. Hands down a best seller for Moxie North. This is a must read book.

Gemma Ellis just wanted to make a better life for herself and her son. Even though she loves her son Dash so much she hated to ask for help. Her Ex husband did such a number on Gemma that she didn't want any involvement with a man. She just wanted to raise her son and wanted him to be happy, not matter what it cost her in long run. So she was working herself ragged with two jobs and only one day off a week. After meeting Dr. Eddie Rochon, Gemma wonders if men are more than myth. She is having a hard time trusting him, especially after the pain and torment her Ex put her through.

Eddie Rochon is the only polar bear shifter in the family, and he a doctor and not a logger like the majority of the Rochon family. Plus, ever since he was knocked out with a gnome when the bad guys were after Tanner's mate, he has developed a gnome problem. They seem to appear out of nowhere, After Realizing that Gemma is his mate, and she has a son, he just wants to make life better for the two of them. Will he do too much too fast? Will he win Gemma's and Dash's trust?

Gemma's Ex shows up and Eddie throws caution to the wind and steps in to make things right for Gemma and Dash, so Gemma does not have to deal with her ex. Will Eddie be able to protect his newfound family? Will he be able to convince her that he isn't like other men and to give him a chance? Or will her need to support herself and Dash blind her to the truth about Eddie?

No spoilers given. If you want to know what happens you will have to read it. ARC free book given for honest review.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,158 reviews22 followers
February 8, 2016
FAMILY!!!

Edison Rochon was a polar bear shifter, a renown doctor and one of the Rochons' cousins. He lived in Apex, Washington. He was looking for what all his cousins found. He wanted his mate and thought he would have to leave the country in order to find her.

Gemma Ellis didn't have a great childhood, she was neglected by her parents. She married her high school boyfriend who turned out to be a dead beat husband and father. She divorced him, took her son Dashiell and moved to a small town.

Being a single mother and working two jobs to make sure Dash had everything he ever wanted even if it meant she had to stay undone. Gemma thought she was unworthy.

When four years old Dashiell Ellis showed up in the ER with a head injury, Eddie and his bear found themselves very intrigued by the adorable patient. There was a particular scent that caught their attention as well. Dash liked Eddie and vice versa.

Eddie couldn't get Dash off his mind so he asked his cousin, Tanner for help in doing some research. What he found out didn't sit well with him nor his bear.

Eddie finally met Gemma and what he discovered rocked his world. She was the one he had been searching for, his world, his mate.....his ONE.

Gemma wasn't looking for a savior but she found her night and shinning armor when Eddie decided to court her and Dash no matter how hesitant she was. Gemma and Eddie both had a great sense of humor, they complemented each other.

BEARLY BREATHING was a beautiful journey of a single mother who would do anything to make sure her son had better life than the one she had. Loved how caring and sensitive Edddie was with Gemma and Dash. He found his FAMILY.

It was great to catch up with old characters, Cage and Sophie were as naughty as always. It warmed my heart when Gemma finally got the kind of love she always longed for. She now had a family who loved her unconditionally.

Moxie North as always did a marvelous job, looking forward to what comes next in her PNW BEARS series. A must read recommendation and two thumbs up.

"I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
February 18, 2016
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*


SPOILER ALERT!!!


BEARLY BREATHING(Pacific Northwest Bears #6) by Moxie North


Gemma Ellis is a strong, independent single mom and loves her son. With her ex been a dead beat, she works two jobs to put a roof over his head and food in his mouth.....just barely. Gemma doesn't believe in knights in shining armour, so when she meets Edison Rochon she knows his a really good guy but can she trust him. Can she learn to trust him and is she willing to give him a chance after she hears his secret.

Eddie Rochon is a polar bear shifter and a doctor in his small town. He has a gift for looking after people, so when he meets his mate and her adorable son it's no different. When he hears her story, his appalled and his protective instincts take over. She's his mate and his ready to earn her trust any way he can.

However when Gemma's ex turns up, things gets more complicated. He threatens their happiness and Eddie's not about to let that happen, especially now that he has everything his always wanted. All he wants is to protect his new family, but will she give him that chance.



Wow this was a awesome book, I loved Dr Eddie and Gemma’s story. This author did such an amazing job putting this story together, it drew me in. The storyline was captivating, had great dialogue and was really enjoyable. I absolutely loved the characters who were just the best and had great chemistry. Eddie is such a great character. Loved his sense of family and he was such a funny guy. Gemma is strong, determined and an amazing mother. And little Dash, how could you possibly not love him, he was such a sweet child. Oh and I loved the gnomes, great little extra added to the storyline. There were a few places in this book that could have been a little less rushed, but overall this is a really sweet, funny, feel good shifter story and I loved it.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,405 reviews33 followers
February 11, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

In this book we get Dr. Eddie's story as well as we meet Gemma and Dash. In this book Eddie is being taunted and teased by all of his family with garden gnomes. After getting knocked out with one while trying to protect Tanner's girl he has learned that he can never live this down and the gnomes will never stop coming. Little is Eddie going to tell his family he actually finds some of them kinda cute and not bad company at times. One night in the ER Eddie has a little boy come in with a head wound. Eddie smells something that he never thought he ever would. It is faint so he knows it doesn't come from the child but is there none the less. Eddie never thought he would ever find a mate because though he is a Rochon he isn't like all the rest of his family. However Eddie knows meeting Dash is going to take him somewhere he never thought he would ever get the chance to go.

Gemma has always had a hard life. She has given up on wishing on that star in favor of keeping your nose on the grind stone. Gemma is a hard worker and would do anything to ensure that Dash has the best life possible. She will sacrifice anything for her son, so when she hears about the dreamy Dr. Eddie she can't help but wonder but know they are in totally different leagues. Gemma would love to be able to work different hours and spend more time with her son but with her education and what she thinks of as experience level this is all she believes she is qualified for. Working a crummy waitress job and a sucky night clerk job in a convenience store.

This is an amazing story about two people who never thought they would find a love that was worth fighting for. We see the strength of a mother who is willing to do anything to ensure that her son has a better life. It will make you want for more. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Marie.
256 reviews177 followers
April 26, 2016


Oh my goodness this is my favorite one of the series!!! There was simply so much to love about it. First of all Eddie is now my favorite bear (at least until the next book comes out I’m sure!) Here is this guy (a doctor) who really wants a family, is tired of going home to an empty house and there is a growing gnome collection in his garage. Now before you think CRAZY it is his family who is teasing him with the gnomes and I will say that I love how the gnomes take part in a particular life event. It was simply great.

Gemma is simply trying to provide a better life for her son. She is working two jobs to make ends meet, is barely surviving, but she always has a happy face for her son. He means the world to her and she will do whatever it takes to ensure that he is happy, healthy, and loved. There are some moments with Gemma that are emotional but that is what makes her so wonderful.

Then there is Dash, Gemma’s son, and the person that Eddie actually meets first. Dash gets hurt and Eddie treats him but there is something about him that pulls Eddie in. This kid is a champ! He knows that him and his mom doesn’t have much even though he is young but because his mom does such a great job he doesn’t show any kind of care that his cartoons are old VHS ones. He simply loves what they have and is really quick to let Eddie in. I loved him! He was such a wonderful little boy who deserved a happy ending as much as Gemma and Eddie did.

Moxie North has done it again by bringing us not only a super sexy doctor but a man that can be counted on. She provided a family to the one guy who would cherish them. As with all of her books I couldn’t wait to start reading and enjoyed every single second.

This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://wp.me/p6eHHc-Ov.

A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.






Profile Image for Gwendolyn Thaggard.
767 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this story. Eddie Rochon decided another path than the family logging business. Eddie is a doctor and surgeon, he is incredibly talented but decided to return home to Apex to practice in his hometown and be close to his family. Eddie is the only polar bear in the family. Eddie is still waiting to find his mate and start a family. When he gets a four year old boy, named Dash Ellis brought in with a head wound, Eddie also gets a whiff of a tantalizing scent. Eddie can't seem to stop thinking about the boy, so he calls Tanner to do some digging into Dash's home life. Tanner reports that Gemma Ellis is a single mother new to town and everything checks out fine. Eddie has a name to go with the scent. Eddie tries to resist the urge but, kind of stalks the two person family. He parks outside their home, sees Gemma taking Dash next door, and follows her to work. He follows her in and gets the shock of a lifetime. Gemma Ellis is his mate, Eddie has a mate and a family with Dash. Eddie then has to regroup and figure out how to approach Gemma without overwhelming her, and letting her know she is his mate. He gets advice from Cash and Tanner on how to move slowly since Gemma is human, but Eddie pushes the line just a bit. Eddie pursues Gemma, trying to convince her his feelings are genuine and that he will wear her down. This was very sweet, he starts with buying toys for Dash, getting her landlord to fix things in the home and just being there. A great read.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
February 29, 2016

I love Moxie North’s books. This was a great story

Gemma Ellis was a hard working single mother. She had a ex-husband who was a dead beat dad that was way behind on his child support. Gemma wanted what was best for her child. She was working 2 jobs trying to make ends met.

Eddie Rochon was this handsome doctor that was a bear shifter. When he had this little boy come in to have his head stitch up a smell caught his nose. Eddie found that him and his bear were protective of this child. There was just something about him.

I found the first met of Eddie and Gemma hilarious. It was like fate had a sense of humor. Things could not of been more embarrassing. Eddie knew one thing, the moment he saw Gemma he knew she was his mate.

I love the great lengths that Eddie went through to help make things better for Gemma. See Gemma being a single mother she was barely making ends met. She had no cell phone, her place was run down, and her car barely ran. Him and his bear felt that this was an unacceptable way for their mate to live. He did not only want to help his mate but wanted to help her son as well. They were both his. His bear had claimed them.

Gemma’s ex is not done causing problems. I love how Eddie is determined to take care of the situation. The question is how will Gemma handle Eddie taking charge of the situation? Eddie will do what ever it takes to keep his new family safe.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,375 reviews46 followers
October 2, 2024
Just loved this story and these three characters
I had a soft spot for cheeky Dr Eddie from previous books but he really came in to his own in this book. Fate has been kind and paired him with Gemma and her adorable son.
Gemma is a really brave woman and a devoted mother to 4 year old Dashiell, a single mother who has triumphed even though everyone in her life previously tried to keep her down. She has persevered against an ex-husband who has deprived her of vital child support. Her courage to better herself and provide for her son was an inspiration. Her self-doubt of her worth understandable but I just wanted to hug her and tell her she was worth so much more than she thought.
Without giving the story away I have to say this was a real story and a very enjoyable read, no danger ready to jump out, no baddies in the background, just a good solid read with humour, a decent dependable man trying to make the woman of his heart believe and trust in him despite her earlier life history. This was a great story before they even had sex, then it was really good.
Loved the gnomes popping up, quirky humour from book 5. Even though this is book 6 in PACIFIC NORTHWEST BEARS you can read and enjoy it as a standalone but having read the other books will make you love Eddie as much as I did.
I would have liked to know if Gemma ended up changing jobs though.
This is my honest review of this book.
242 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2016
Bearly Breathing - Moxie North
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. No spoilers given. If you want to know what’s happening you will have to read it.

With this story we get Dr. Eddie who is being taunted and teased by all of his family with garden gnomes. One night in the ER Eddie meets a little boy, Dash, who came in with a head wound. Eddie smells something that he never thought he ever would. It is faint so he knows it doesn't come from the child but is there none the less. Eddie never thought he would ever find a mate. However Eddie knows meeting Dash is going to take him somewhere he never thought he would ever get the chance to go.

Then you have Gemma, Dash’s mama, who is struggling to keep their head above water, no thanks to her ex. Gemma is a hard worker and would do anything to ensure that Dash has the best life possible. Gemma would love to be able to work different hours and spend more time with her son but with her education and what she thinks of as experience level this is all she believes she is qualified for.

This is an amazing story about two people who never thought they would find a love that was worth fighting for. We see the strength of a mother who is willing to do anything to ensure that her son has a better life and the love and strength of Dr. Eddie.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. This is a must read book.
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