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A bear must protect, always.

Colt Hennessy is a werebear on a mission. The small town sheriff finds himself caring for a baby left at his doorstep and no sooner than it happens does he discover that this little bundle of joy was exactly what he'd been missing. With danger swirling around him and dark forces out to harm the child, he does the only thing he can - goes to search for a safer place. It's there where his, and baby Lana's life changes forever.

Jessy Sarli has lost what little she had left - her sister. Desperately searching for her, the fearless woman left everything else behind, only to be led around on a string of confusion. When she finally finds her niece in the protective care of a man who takes her breath away, she's not sure what to make of it. But she does know what her heart is telling her. That this man is the only one who can help her, and Lana.

When the cause for Jessy's sister's disappearance comes out, she will need all the help she can get. And not only her and the baby, but her heart as well...

Big Bear Daddy is a standalone werebear surprise baby romance novella that has a guaranteed HEA; no cheating. If you like shifters that stay true to their mission and the curvy, confident woman who love them, then this is just the book for you!

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2016

102 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Anya Nowlan

110 books871 followers

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5 stars
172 (48%)
4 stars
114 (31%)
3 stars
57 (15%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
1,218 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2018
This was such a great book it had everything sad and happy
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
799 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2016
When Colt finds Lana on his doorstep he is smitten and rather than put her in protective care decides to look after her himself; the note left infers the mother will be back shortly to claim her child. As time lapses, it is obvious the mother is not going to return, so Colt adopts Lana. If Colt’s suspicion about Lana’s heritage is correct, returning to his hometown and Clan in Sweetwater, to be among other shifters, would be good for both of them. Colt’s father had been a member of the Grimpaw Clan and by way of blood so was Colt. Colt had not given much thought to starting a family before Lana came into his life, but now he couldn’t imagine living without her, and they have his father’s cabin to move into. It has been over a year since Jessy last heard from her sister Rachel, but she has not given up looking for her and her niece. She now has a lead on a baby girl named Lana; this was her mother’s name, so Jessy is hopeful this may be her niece. Arriving in Sweetwater, Rachel and Colt make quite an impression on each other, but Jessy is not ready for a commitment until she finds out what has happened to Rachel. Jessy sees Colt with Lana; now Colt wonders if Jessy has come to take Lana away from him. Jessy can imagine sharing her life with Colt and the two of them raising Lana, but the strong feelings she already has towards him scares her; then again, she is his soul mate. Danger is just around the corner though; someone has been tracking Jessy, and Lana may be the target. This was an engaging story that I enjoyed reading and would have no hesitation in recommending. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.



Profile Image for Kathy.
2,613 reviews43 followers
February 9, 2021
This is the first book by Anya is have read and I really enjoyed it. Colt is a werebear and sheriff. When a baby is left on the step of police station with a note, he feels an instant connection to the little girl. He decides to become her guardian and adopt her later if no family comes to collect her. He has his suspicions about her being a shifter. When after a year he can find no family, he adopts her and decides to move back to his home town. A town full of shifters. Jessy knows something is wrong when she gets a weird call from her sister. She swears she hears a baby in the background but her sister couldn’t have had her baby yet. Then her sister goes missing. The police are no help so she decides to find her herself. Eventually she is lead to Colt. Jessy and Colt have an instant attraction. Colt knows that she is his mate. But she is human and needs more time. Then there is the baby’s father and trouble he brings. How will Jessy react when she learns that Colt is a werebear and that her niece maybe a shifter as well? This was a great read. Colt is a wonderful man. Not many would take on an abandoned baby and raise it as his own. Jessy just wants to find out what happened to her sister and find her niece. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more books in the series. Great job Anya.
Profile Image for Lyn Mckenzie.
876 reviews16 followers
November 17, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy

I adored this book so so much!!! It's a brilliant read full of action and intrigue, secrets and danger as well as love, loyalty and passion. I am sure that Anya Nowlan just gets more and more talented with every new book.

I adored this storyline, there is something about a man taking on a child as his own that is not his by blood that just melted me especially with how protective he is towards Lana that just struck me in my heart and seeing how much of an amazing father he is just made me love this book and storyline even more.The way that this book is written makes it a page turner, you find yourself just not wanting to do nothing but turn the pages to find out what is going to happen next.

Jessy’s character is brilliant, i love how strong she is and tenacious. Once she gets something in her mind she will follow it to the end if she believes that it is right. She hides a very passionate and fiery nature and she loves fiercely. Colt is a very Alpha male who will protect those he loves to his dying breath but also has a much softer side with a huge caring heart.

I don't think i could love this book anymore, it was seriously amazing, a book that everyone needs to read!!!!
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,601 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2016
I love this author, she's one of my favorites, and I always jump at the chance to read anything she writes. However, that being said, this was not my favorite book of hers. It was well written, flowed nicely, and I loved Jessy and Colt both. But I really hated what happened with Jessy's sister. Even though Jessy and Colt get their HEA, I don't consider it a FULL HEA because her sister didn't get one. That just put a sad taint on the story that kept me from enjoying it as much as I did her other books. Had her sister gotten an HEA, I would have loved the book. I was gifted a copy.
3,546 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2017
Big Bear Daddy by Anya Nowlan is an entertaining paranormal book. This is a fairly short book, a great choice for paranormal fans with limited time for reading. Ms Nowlan has delivered a well-written book. The characters a perfect for this story and just plain lovable. Jessy and Colt's story is loaded with drama, suspense, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading Big Bear Daddy and would happily read more from Anya Nowlan in the future. Big Bear Daddy is book 1 of the Sweetwater Father Bears Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,870 reviews12 followers
September 19, 2017
Family and love make for a great ride

This story is as much about the love within families as anything else, with the mystery of what happened to Rachel hanging over Messy and driving many of her actions.

Colt is a compassionate protector. A man who will turn his life upside down for a baby. And Jessy is a woman who values every member of her family, and will go to fantastic lengths for them. When they finally meet, all those qualities mesh in the best possible ways for a delightful reason.
203 reviews
November 26, 2016
Definitely a must read

This was a great book. This book had quite a few twists and turns. This book has it all hot men,strong women,cute babies and of course villains. This book kept me spellbound from beginning to end. It had drama,suspense,laughter and tears. I loved how it all worked out with a picture perfect ending. I can't wait for the next book on these twos children. This author has an amazing talent to make you feel and see the scenes. This is a definite must read.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2017
Unexpected Daddy


Good:
This was like a mystery that turned into a sweet read. Colt is a bear shifter who has not been around his kind since he was a kid.

Jessy has only her sister in the world who she would do anything for.

Their worlds will collide in such a way that neither will be the same again.

This is my first book by Ms. Nowlan and I would say I definitely enjoyed her characters and the story development.
Profile Image for Cari.
72 reviews20 followers
May 18, 2017
Anticlimactic

Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the book, but the h/h didn't meet until 1/3 of the way into the book. The information was needed to set up the story, which I totally understand. However, the rest of the story had so much potential to be developed further that it was anticlimactic.
2,225 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2017
Good story but....

The story was good but the editing process left a lot to be desired. With missing words, spelling errors, and using the wrong character names when referring to the main H, calling her by the baby's name...it was a good thing I was wrapped up in the storyline or I wouldn't have finished reading this.

Ignoring the editing, it's a good book otherwise.
1,137 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2017
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL STORYLINE BY ANYA NOWLAN

Big Bear Daddy is absolutely sweet little novella and it's description of the book just gives you a hint of her wonderful characters. SOOOO RECOMMENDING THAT YOU HAVE THIS WONDERFULLY ENJOYABLE BOOK BY ANYA NOWLAN DEFINITELY GLAD I HAVE THIS TO REREAD AGAIN.👏👏👏👏🔟🔟🔟🔟🔟😱😂😜😘👶💑💞😍💖
Profile Image for Shelley.
552 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2017
So far, I've never been disappointed with an Anya Nowlan book. This story had plenty of twists and my favorite, a happy ending. Wouldn't it be great to get a heads up, this person is the one. I like all kinds of shifter stories, but I have to admit my favorite are bears and dragons. This author provides both. The characters are intriguing and the plot keeps giving you zingers. Pick up a copy.
2,226 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2016
Missing sister

Jessy has searched for almost a year to find her sister and her niece. Colt adopted the abandoned baby left on his doorstep eleven months earlier and then left town. When they meet sparks fly but danger also arrives and Colt will do anything to protect them.
Profile Image for Toniette.
158 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2017
So messed up!

I figured that they were mates. However, I'm shocked that Rachel's mate killed her and wanted to do it to the baby too. Guess there is messed up people in every species. I'm glad they in jail and Rachel has been laid to rest. Great story.
Profile Image for Diane T..
351 reviews36 followers
June 7, 2017
This tale was not bad but I felt that it was missing a bit of a spark. It just did not set me on fire. I liked the hero. I liked the heroine. I was not overly crazy of them as a couple. That part did not work for me.
Profile Image for Sandi Ramirez.
1,864 reviews17 followers
August 13, 2017
Perfect start for a series

Ahhh there is nothing sweetheart than a good looking man and a cute baby well unless it is a smexy shifter and a cuter baby. This is the first book in the Sweetwater Father Bears series and it was really a good read.

Perfect length book for relaxing at bedtime, by the pool or on a trip. I loved Colt and Jessy's story and baby Lana oh my Anya Nowlan describes her so well it's like her picture is drAwn on the page. Great read!
Profile Image for Diane.
508 reviews
October 1, 2017
Entertaining

This was a quick read. Even though the story was short, the characters were well thought out. Colt was sweet and absolutely a great dad. So glad Jessy got her happy ever after.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,370 reviews46 followers
May 26, 2020
3.5 stars.
Sweet and short coffee time read with some sadness.
Loved the honesty between Jessy and Colt, just lacking a reason as to why Zane killed Rachel.
Read the last two books in this series and decided to read the first two.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Amber "Epp".
1,134 reviews63 followers
May 16, 2017
Cute fast read with a happy HEA ending ....
Profile Image for Julie Ramsey.
Author 2 books34 followers
July 6, 2017
Very sweet

Sad situation leading to the change of 3 lives. Very cute storyline. Would definitely read this author again. A little wordy at times but well worth the read.

Profile Image for Jen.
Author 9 books115 followers
August 2, 2017
Awww

I liked this sweet little story. It was a nice read even though the subject was sad and the protocols weren't exactly followed well, haha. CPS is never, ever, ever that nice.
Profile Image for Dina.
693 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2017
Cute

This is a super cute book and I really enjoyed reading it. Can't wait to read the next one in this series
2,672 reviews10 followers
February 27, 2018
Potent

Seriously makes you think, life is short don't let things slip away. I love the characters and the discovery and I can't wait to read more about Sweetwater.
516 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2019
Short and iffy

This book was just okay. It was to short, with not enough story line. I finished it but barely! Sometimes short is to short.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,391 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2016
Great story. Loved the characters. So sweet.

- - Gifted copy - -
L
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,712 reviews21 followers
November 6, 2016
Big Bear Daddy: Werebear Surprise Baby Romance
Sweetwater Father Bears
by Anya Nowlan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a Phenomenal Bear Shifter Storyline! I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed reading this intriguing and interesting book, it is one of the few books that I love to read about a Bear Shifter in a paranormal romance. This story-line is well written which offers good drama, suspense, intrigue, action, threats, a feisty heroine with everything I expect in Anya Nowlan's heroine. Anya writes the kind of stories I love to read, she creates worlds, hero and heroine I can't help but to read. Anya is one of the authors that I love to binge for a weekend on. Anya Nowlan is a very talented writer I love reading the books she creates. Her main characters are so charming, lovable, exciting and everything you expect in the main characters. But even her secondary characters makes you want to read their story. I love the beginning, middle and end of this story and the way it was set up. I thought it was really well done and it kept me reading until the very end. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put the story down. I love reading about the inhabitant of the small town of Sweetwater, Wyoming and the characters that we get to meet again in this story. The sex is explicit but not very frequent. This is a quick read that had plenty of action and things to keep me entertained and involved in this storyline.
Anya writes very hot paranormal romance, but in this storyline she lets the tension built up by allowing the couple to take it slow and actually try to get to know each other before the passion burn the pages! I must say it has a part that makes you need just a couple tissues, but that only last a good minute. I enjoy reading about Colt taking on a baby that's not his and I understood Jessy because I would look for my sister and her child. It's a sweet short story and I will always love visiting Sweetwater.

This is a great story about finding the perfect love for you and making sure that you fight for the right to keep it. This book has many twists and turns to it that I don't want to ruin for any other readier. So I will say this book will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. Another excellent story by a great author. I can say my expectation for paranormal romance are simple. Give me a gorgeous, protective, alpha male, who has lots of sex appeals and a shifter who finds their fated mate for a HEA and I will stalk you everywhere. This storyline give me this and so much more. SPECTACULAR fast paced well written read by a truly gifted author. I relished this story it's a most gratifying read. The characters are more than convincing and certainly praise-worthy. Jessy is fearless and a valiant heroine, Cole is a unwavering alpha with protective instincts and a devotion to a lovely little baby that shines throughout the story. If you love paranormal romance then this is definitely a great choice for your TBR list or your wish list.
I am voluntarily reviewing a book gifted to me by the author with no obligation.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

If you believe in the world of shifter romance then the possibilities are endless and always fascinating.
Profile Image for Beth.
500 reviews23 followers
November 14, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Colt is a bear shifter, local sheriff and all around good guy....not to mention all 6'4" of total hotness, mixed with muscle and a heart just about as big as the outside. He is about to go home for the day when he sees a basket on the doorstep to the sheriff's office, and it has a note and a baby in it. Immediately "dad" mode kicks in, he is not sure what is going on, he has no mate and never been a dad. However he will be volunteering to care for the baby.

Jessy is the sister to keep a job, and hard as it seems to be keep up with her sister, who now tells her she is pregnant. Jessy doesn't want to feel jealous of this fact, she does, but hides it the best she can. Every day her sister calls her and updates her on what is going on. Today is different, the call comes in late and then her sister is very cryptic with her comment to Jessy. Now she is on the road, searching for her sister and the baby she must have had by now.

Jessy doesn't know where she is going, she just is on the mission to find her sister and the baby. Her toyota decides to not work at the most inconvenient time, OR could it be the most opportune time ever. While she is in this little quaint town she is asking around about her sister and if anyone has seen her.....she is now in the child services office and there is someone telling her about her niece. A niece, and yet nothing about the mother. She is given the address to the gentleman who adopted her.....oh boy.

When Colt waited and waited for the mother to return for Lana, the absolute little bundle of pure heaven on earth, on the stoop to the office, nothing or noone happened. He is now legally her daddy, he adopted her and he thought his life was complete. But wait....who is this woman and why does she look so familiar. As Jessy explains who she is and who she is to Lana, Colt is mesmerized and the bear inside KNOWS who she is.....his!

Then the twist happens, and it is not something you saw coming, it takes you by storm just as it does Jessy. Now Colt, Jessy, and Lana have a fight on their hands, and you know the good guys always win....right?! How does this happen? Are Colt and Jessy doomed from the start or are they mates for life? What sorts of things happen because of this twist that takes place? Does Jessy find her sister? Does Colt allow Jessy to be a part of his and Lana's life? I am going to say this, please get this book and find out....man, you will not be sorry at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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