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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Lucy Lennox
Read between
August 26 - August 30, 2025
Don’t let a bear’s aloofness fool you—they feel emotions deeply. They may act tough, wandering solo through the wilderness, but inside? They’ve got hearts as big as their appetite for honey. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 13
Then I stepped out of the elevator and saw the most beautiful man I’d ever laid eyes on… and hubris literally knocked the breath out of me. Gorgeous face. Long, sun-kissed hair. Honey-brown eyes that regarded me curiously. A mouth so soft and sensual my gut went painfully tight in an instant.
He had the patience of a saint and the kindness of a damned Disney princess.
Zane Hendley was the walking definition of a person who set himself on fire to keep everyone around him warm.
“B-bear?” he asked weakly. “What happened?” My heart gave a crazy leap at hearing that name on his lips. I loved all the things it represented—the teasing, the familiarity, the trust we’d built, the knowledge that I’d do anything to keep him safe—and I hated it, too. Because I wanted it to mean even more.
“He’s fine,” I snapped, wishing I could burn the world to make it so. “He’s Mr. fucking Fine.” And the horrifying truth hit me in that moment—a truth I could never tell Zane without losing my right to stay by his side and protect him. Somehow—through my own hubris, or chance, or the fucking Ventdestinian winds of fortune—Zane Hendley had crawled under my impenetrable professional walls… and burrowed himself claws-deep in my heart.
Bears are bottomless pits when it comes to food, gobbling up honey every chance they get. And when their favorite snack is in danger, they’ll be the fiercest bodyguard in the wild. Nothing will stand between them and their most cherished bite! —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 17
Everyone knows bears are fiercely protective of their territory and their loved ones. When a bear claims something, it’s theirs, and they won’t hesitate to defend it. It’s a foolish bear indeed who goes sniffing around another bear’s honey. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 21
But try as I might, I couldn’t outrun the fact that the man I had a crush on… okay, fine, the man I loved more than any other human on Earth… was having sex with the stupidest and second most beautiful man on the planet.
Bears usually mind their business, but they can become dangerous if provoked. Sudden, loud noises and those who encroach on their dens or their food can trigger a defensive reaction. The best way to avoid danger is to keep your mouth shut… and stay away from their honey! —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 23
Bears may be solitary, but when they care about something—whether a mate, a close companion, or their precious honey—they remain alert to danger, even in sleep. In the wild, when a bear bonds, their loyalty runs as deep as their strength. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 25
Bears in the wild are known to chase off scavengers. Nobody’s getting a free meal on their watch! Bears respect those who work hard for their food, and they’ll send uninvited guests running before sacrificing an ounce of their honey. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 8
Bears are naturally protective of the things they value, and they’re not known for giving up their territory or their honey without a fight. But if the reward is sweet enough, a bear might just learn to trust and share. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 10
It’s a little-known fact that bears can end up in some tricky situations. Their relentless pursuit of honey sometimes results in a sticky mess. But bears never get hung up on these awkward moments. They know a little embarrassment is worthwhile when they end up with something sweet. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 11
Bears are clever and resourceful… and sometimes really sneaky. They’ll move their den locations if they sense a threat and disguise their trails to throw off curious onlookers. For a bear, staying hidden and unpredictable is the best way to ensure that no one can get at the honey that was meant for them and them alone. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 48
Bears don’t take betrayal lightly. They have an uncanny sense of loyalty, and if you cross them, you’re done. In the wild, respect is a two-way street, honey is earned, not stolen, and a bear will make sure a betrayer doesn’t stick around for long. Mess with the honey and you’ll feel the claws. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 34
Bears can be intense when it comes to things they love. They’ll travel miles, risk danger, and even chase off rivals to claim what’s theirs, whether it’s a favorite fishing spot, a berry patch, or a honey tree. But sometimes, that passion gets the best of them, and they’ll go further than they should, driven by pure instinct. When a bear loves something, they go all in, even if it means losing a bit of control. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 51
It’s hard to stay mad at a bear. Underneath that ursine stubbornness, bears are surprisingly charming creatures, constantly playing and testing themselves. This play isn’t just for fun; it’s how they learn to survive in the wild. But it also makes it nearly impossible to hold a grudge against them for long. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 27
He wanted my honest emotions? He wanted me to be real with him and not fine? Then he needed to know I was angry. That I was mad as a fucking wasp. That I was a whole nest of wasps, in fact, and they buzzed with restless intensity under my skin.
Sometimes in quiet moments like this, when Bear wasn’t doing anything particularly amazing—not growling at someone to back off, or comforting me in the middle of the night, or even kissing me senseless up against a tree, but just being his own, sweet, intelligent self—the overwhelming like I felt for him swamped me.
Bears are famously solitary most of the time, sticking to their own paths in the wild, but when they find the right match, they’ll show their interest with a kind of single-minded devotion and charm that’s hard to ignore. When a bear finally decides he wants something, he’s impossible to resist. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 20
“I would never consider sleeping with you… as anything other than a dream and a goddamn privilege. I certainly wouldn’t consider it harassment of any kind.”
Bears might seem straightforward, but they can be surprisingly conflicted when it comes to relationships. After mating, a bear’s protective drive might urge him to push his mate away when he most wants to hold them close. Fortunately, their survival instincts always lead them in the right direction. A bear knows what he can’t live without. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 89
When a bear has its eye on something sweet, like a late-summer berry bush or an untouched stash of honey, he’ll sometimes push aside his better instincts to indulge. Even if he knows he might have to contend with sore paws or painful nettle stings after, some urges are just too tempting to resist… especially when that sweetness is right there in front of him. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 73
When brown bears flash an open-mouth grin, it usually means, ‘‘Let’s play!” But if they happen to spot a tasty snack—for example, a camper’s sausage—that playful expression is just as likely to mean, ‘Get in my mouth!’ Bears are ravenous creatures, and their appetites for their favorite treats are never satisfied. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 7
“I’m thinking I would like to eat that sausage,” I said. As soon as my own words penetrated, my mouth dropped open, and I began trying to explain. Mistake. Big mistake. “Not your sausage,” I clarified. “The casserole sausage.” Bear’s eyebrows shot up, and I realized that might have sounded offensive. “I mean, your sausage also. I definitely want to taste that again. Nothing wrong with that sausage. But that’s not the sausage I meant.” His eyebrows got even higher. Did he still have enough forehead real estate for that?
Bears have an eye for natural beauty, pausing to take in the scenery while they search for snacks, but when they get their sights set on honey, all bets are off. They’ll climb, claw, and bulldoze right through obstacles for that perfect treat, completely ignoring the view if it means they can get their paws on something sweet. Nature’s nice and all, but there’s no time for sightseeing when there’s honey in the air. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 30
“Besides,” I teased, “a true artist could write songs just as easily out here as in the sunroom, especially with all this gorgeous scenery to get your imagination going.” This was patently untrue since Zane had no guitar or notebook, and his hands were occupied with his poles, but I wasn’t worried about accuracy when my teasing tone had the desired effect of making him sputter with outraged laughter. “You know, you’re right,” Zane shot back breathlessly. “In fact, I’m writing a song in my head right now. I’m just trying to get the lyrics down. What rhymes with my fingers are frozen stiff? Ooh,
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Bears are sometimes portrayed as dangerous villains, but nothing could be further from the truth. They have always been curious, playful, protective, gentle, and trustworthy creatures when left to their own devices. Someone needs to get bears a better PR person and demand that those old fairy tales get a rewrite. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 37
In many Native American cultures, bears are celebrated as spiritual guides that walk with you in your dreams. For tribes like the Lakota Sioux and Ojibwe, bears symbolize strength, wisdom, and healing. Dreaming of a bear? It might mean you’re being offered a bit of bear-level protection or a little nudge to connect with your grizzly inner strength. In short, if a bear strolls through your dreams, embrace him! —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 42
Bears are masters of picking up on danger and know when they’re being hunted. With their incredible sense of smell, they can detect humans—or predators—from miles away. When a bear gets even a hint that something’s off, it moves with remarkable speed and strategy, ready to defend its life or its den. It’s a foolish creature indeed that gets between a bear and his home… or his honey. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 19
Bears might seem like lumbering tough guys, but they’ve actually got some strong emotions going on! Scientists studying bear behavior have noticed that bears show curiosity, playfulness, and affection toward each other. Beneath all that thick fur and muscle, bears are a little like giant, furry softies with serious heart. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 6
Bears don’t take betrayal lightly. While they’re usually calm and solitary, trust is huge for them, whether between mama bears and their cubs or during mating partnerships. If a bear feels threatened or deceived, their reaction is swift, and they’ll avoid whoever caused the distress. For a bear, a second chance isn’t given easily… so whenever possible, try not to piss them off. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 86
“I told you. I suck at drawing.” I stared at the… “Mitten that’s missing a thumb?” I asked. He narrowed his eyes and looked at the phone screen. “Santa’s pack?” He made a little growly noise in his throat. “Upside-down chef’s hat?” “It’s a honey pot! How can you not see it’s…” He tilted his head and pointed at the black, shapeless blob. “It’s a honey pot. Like in Winnie the Pooh.” I blinked at him. Fuck, he was adorable. Emotion welled up and filled my eyes. Had anyone ever cared for me like Bear did?
Bears are actually brilliant problem-solvers. With their sharp memories and knack for figuring things out, they’re known to use tools, crack puzzles, and even open car doors if they smell a snack inside. But even the brainiest bears sometimes get goofy when they’re feeling the bear version of a crush. Imagine a smart bear who can remember every trail and scent suddenly stumbling around, distracted. Love makes even the cleverest bears a little clumsy! —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 108
“I’m so in love with you I can’t breathe. If something happens to you, my life will simply… stop. I can’t… I can’t let anything happen to you, Z. You’re…” His lips were wide with a smile, and his eyes were wet. “I’m your honey.”
The world’s not always kind to a bear, and they’re often at risk, whether from shrinking forests or curious intruders. Bears need safe spaces—sanctuaries where they can eat, play, rest, and get a break from constantly being on guard. After all, even a powerful creature like a bear deserves a place where he can be his true self. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 94
Jude closed his eyes and inhaled. “Zee, never have children. They’re the worst. They look so sweet and innocent when they’re tiny, but the next thing you know…” “They’re young adults,” Derek said wryly. “With opinions.”
Every bear has a den, a sanctuary hidden deep in the wilderness where it feels safe. A den isn’t just a shelter. It’s a home. A place filled with memories. A place where it feels safe. The sanctuary defends the bear… and the bear defends his sanctuary just as fiercely, with every ounce of its considerable strength. For a bear, home is sacred, and nothing crosses that line unchallenged! —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 87
Bears are big on leaving their mark—literally! When bears rub up against trees, they’re not just scratching an itch. By rubbing their backs, heads, and even paws against trunks and branches, they leave behind their scent, marking their territory and announcing, “This place is taken!” It’s like their own woodland billboard, letting other bears know who’s in the neighborhood. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 15
Did you know that brown bears often part ways during winter? They hate the separation, though, and as soon as spring arrives, they’ll roam miles to find each other again, sometimes even fighting off attackers to reunite with their nearest and dearest. You can’t keep a bear separated from his friends or his honey for long. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 47
Black bears are known for their independence and resourcefulness. When it comes to nourishment, they don’t just stick to one menu—these bears can eat a whopping 200 different types of foods! And if something doesn’t suit their taste, they’re not afraid to wander off and find something that does. They prioritize their needs and desires because they know true bear happiness comes from following their own path. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 61
Black bears are sometimes more wary of each other than they are of other big predators like wolves or mountain lions. Turns out, the real threat can come from the least expected places—like another bear competing for food or territory. Despite this, bears rely on their families, their mates, and their close allies, especially when facing the unknown. They know they need to trust their instincts and lean on the people they love. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 101
Bears may wander far and wide, but they always find their way to a home that feels just right. Black bears, for instance, are known to settle down in cozy dens for winter, often returning to the same spot year after year. Once they find a good place—a safe, warm, familiar haven—they stay. It’s a little happily-ever-after of their own, where they can rest, feel safe, and simply be. And maybe that’s the real bear dream: to find the place where they’re fully accepted, totally at ease, and perfectly at home with their honey by their side. —Bear Facts for Insomniacs, Episode 143
