Spirit Bear by R. J. Scott

12436527Title: Spirit Bear

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (80pgs)

Publisher: Love Lane Books (9th February 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Dominic Novak left more than a legacy for conservation and an instinctive love for animals behind when he died.

He left a son, Aiden, who craved the instinct for animals that his father had… and a pupil, Mitchell, whose life changed after hearing Dominic Novak speak in a lecture.

Aiden is hiding, scared of people finding the real him, hiding his identity from the world.

Could working together at a placement in Khutzeymateen, a grizzly bear sanctuary in British Columbia be the making of them, or will it end up destroying Aiden?

Purchase Link: https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=26

Review: Aiden has spent most of his life in the public eye, but after the tragic death of his father he has become a mass of insecurities.  Now, about to step into his father’s shoes, he wants a couple of weeks in anonymity at a bear sanctuary to have a hands on experience. Mitchell was inspired by Dominic Novak to work in the field of animal conservation, he usually teaches, but a last-minute spot has opened up at Khutzeymateen, and it is an opportunity that just might bring him love.

R.J. Scott has written a wonderful story that draws you into the world of an insecure young man, who feels like he is living in the shadow of a great man, who was also his father. Aiden had an incredible emotional trauma when he was younger; it still lingers and was then compounded by a further emotional betrayal when he was nineteen. It has left him with extreme self-esteem issues and had him building an invisible shield around himself, and isolating him from real contact. Going on the bear census is a way for him to find the man he wants to be. Mitchell loves conservation and teaching, meeting Aiden is a nice surprise.  Getting to know the young man is an experience and beginning a relationship with him could be the best thing that ever happened.

The characters in this story are incredibly written.  Both Aiden and Mitchell are well-developed, bringing this story to life. We join them on a journey that takes us into the heart of a bear sanctuary with beautiful details and a burgeoning love. There is much to say about this story, but no way to really explain the incredible relationship that evolves between Mitchell and Aiden, or the emotional pressure that still plagues Aiden, or the ghosts that haunt him.  It’s a story that you have to read for yourself.

I recommend that everyone who loves a great story, brilliant characters, emotional pressure, low self-esteem, finding the man who can bring out the best in you and an ending that makes you smile, read this story and enjoy.