A Pebble for Lewis: Alaskan Pebble Gifters Book 1, Amy Bellows

The story started off strong with magic, shifters, and a sweet attraction that could turn into more.  What followed was a not-so-typical friends-to-lovers story that had a fantastically sweet ending.  I wish I weren't so bothered by the bits before they become lovers, and even a couple moments during their transition, because otherwise I would have really, really liked this story.  There was a ton to make up for it, I think it's just my own personal preferences for omitting any other partners or mentions of them while the MC's are building a romance of their own.

Now before you think there's any cheating, there totally isn't.  It's just when you think things are going to move forward there's someone else in the picture and while it isn't exactly what it looks like, it kind of is and causes me a whole bunch of not-so-happy feelings.  That other person goes on to become someone extremely close to the couple and their family though, so it kind of really works out for the best.

That being said, before the friends become lovers and as they begin their courtship things are a bit rocky because there's an intensely huge gap between the different shifter cultures.  I had some personal issues with the polar bear culture.  Beyond that though, when Todd goes all in, he really dives head first with no thoughts to anything but his penguin.  That went a long way to winning me over.

Lewis was less interesting as an individual and I'm not sure I can put my finger on exactly why.  His vulnerability is the kind I usually don't mind, his love and devotion for Todd is endearing, his friendship with certain polar bears works in his favor...but beyond all of that, as an individual I'm just not drawn to him.

Their chemistry is incredibly steamy once they get on the same page and while parts of it aren't really believable, I have no problem skimming over what I don't really like when they're getting it on.  What completely sells me on the story is the way Todd becomes the alpha father both Lewis and their offspring need.  The egg laying is strange and invasive, the nesting is actually pretty cute, and the bonding is wonderful.  But while it could be strange being told from Todd's POV, I find it just right.  It gives an insight into a process that's odd and consuming for the birthing parent and makes it all a bit more palatable.  It also gives an incredible look into just how much and how deeply Todd feels about his life with his omega.

So overall there were some frustrating parts, some icky parts, and some annoying bits, but there were also some amazingly tender moments, moments of connection and love that were wonderfully written.  I may not have loved the book overall, but I absolutely enjoyed quite a few parts and would love to come back to this world to read more.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Lewis has never been kissed.

Omega penguin shifters aren’t allowed any physical contact with an alpha until their Pebble Gifting Season, when alphas present a pebble to their desired mate. Lewis has always followed the rules.

Until he meets Todd. A polar bear shifter.

Everyone knows that polar bear shifters are unreliable players who don’t mate for life. But Todd is breathtakingly beautiful, with a body as big as a mountain and a head of thick, white hair. Lewis can’t manage to look away.

In Anchorage Alaska where penguin shifters and polar bear shifters have been at odds for over a century, even a friendship between Todd and Lewis is forbidden. But as Lewis’s Pebble Gifting Season draws closer, their forbidden friendship turns into a passion neither of them can ignore.