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Accidentally mated to her family's worst enemy…

Bear shifter Kayla Swanson is trapped. While fighting a wildfire in New Mexico, she makes a grave mistake and the flames are getting close. Lucky for her a tall, ruggedly handsome shifter comes to her aid.

The fire may have been extinguished but their passion sparks a heated encounter. A mating bond takes them both by surprise, and a surprise baby is on the way. One problem: this shifter happens to be a disgraced police officer and convicted felon. A mating bond means forever, but what if forever doesn't work out?

Kayla's always wanted a mate and a family of her own. Just not this mate. How can she be bonded to a man she knows she should despise? Even if she can't stop thinking about his courage and compassion in the face of overwhelming danger…

Claiming his fated mate…

A decade ago, sabertooth shifter Pete Langlais made a series of terrible decisions that effectively ruined his life. He lost everything: custody of his son Chris, his career as a police officer, his reputation, and his freedom. Trying to redeem himself, he volunteers as an inmate firefighter during a massive wildfire. When he meets beautiful, courageous Kayla, he knows he must risk everything to save her…and to claim her as his mate.

Pete's courage and heroic actions win him a full pardon and freedom, but he knows he's got almost no chance of winning the heart of his pregnant mate or the respect of his estranged son. But he's beaten the odds before. He arrives in Bearpaw Ridge to claim Kayla and reunite with Chris, determined to prove to both of them that he's a changed man and worthy to be a mate and a father.

When fire burns, everyone's at risk of getting hurt...

Pete can try to convince Kayla of his true desires, but she has to decide for herself. Mated forever? Or is their love destined to go up in flames?

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2019

342 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

Ophelia Sexton

67 books143 followers
Ophelia Sexton is an author of paranormal romance. She has previously published historical romance under a different name, but has always loved reading about were-creatures, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews48 followers
August 31, 2019
While fighting a wildfire in New Mexico, Kayla Swanson is trapped but lucky for her a tall, ruggedly handsome shifter comes to her aid. Pete Langlais is trying to redeem himself as a volunteer inmate firefighter and during a massive wildfire, he meets beautiful, courageous Kayla, he knows he must risk everything to save her… and claim her as his mate.

This shifter romance is one that starts off with an adrenaline spike first meeting that results in an accidental mating. The characters are strong, compelling and have a lot of sizzling chemistry but the relationship is one extremely star-crossed romance that could leave this hero and heroine mateless. Lots of emotional turbulence in regards to Pete and his past as he struggles to overcome his past and rebuild his life by convincing Kaya to give him a chance and by building a relationship with his son and in regards to Kayla, she is being torn between wanting her mate and her own family but facing being disowned by her family due to the events of the past.

The story is original, fast paced and keeps readers on tender hooks throughout as the suspense and tension builds. But it has several heartwarming moments and lots of passion throughout the turbulence to cheer and delight readers as well, while the charming and intriguing supernatural community ensures that readers enjoy their visit to Bearpaw Ridge and the wonderful characters that inhabit it.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,729 reviews54 followers
August 25, 2019
4.5 Inferno Stars 🌟

Pete is an inmate firefighter but also a man who regrets a mistake which caused him to lose everything and end up in prison. When him and his crew are out fighting a fire and the circumstances change, he takes his crew to a pond to deploy their shelters to escape the firestorm headed their way. After he gives his shelter to the last member of his crew, he sees a team almost fully surrounded by the fire and not trying to escape or deploy. He makes a split second decision and ends up saving the volunteer firefighters and finds his mate, who also happens to be a bear shifter from a Clan than considers him an enemy😭

Kayla is so distracted with thoughts of finding a mate via a website created for shifters that her and her family of firefighters don’t notice the fire enclosing around them, until a stranger comes to warn them. Once they deploy and the firestorm comes to an end, the fact they survived ignites a spark of lust between Pete and Kayla.

This is my first story by Ophelia and can attest to the fact that it can be read as a standalone as I’ve never read any of the other stories in this series, but I’m going to make the effort to read the beginning of this series as I enjoyed the story and the complexities of this relationship between Pete and Kayla but also the hints behind some of the other couples! I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review😍
344 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2020
Ophelia Sexton bring us the unlikely story of Pete Langais and Kayla Swanson. I wasn't sure I felt about this going into this story because if you have read the second book in this series you know Pete's history.

Ophelia blew my mind with this story of redemption. The beginning of this book starts off with a bang and I absolutely became absorbed in what was happening. Pete show who he truly is and struggles with coming to terms with all the different pieces that now belong in the puzzle that is her life!

I loved how the two main characters meet! I love the suspense, adventure, and sexiness of it. I did wish that the end of the book had a bit more tension and intrigue, seeing as the beginning started off with some much of that. That would be my only critique.

If you have never read the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series you absolutely should!
Profile Image for Carla.
646 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2019
In this book we finally get more about Pete. I have been waiting it seems forever. Pete who is now a wildlands firefighter meets Kayla during a massive fire. The sparks fly from there.

Kayla was extremely unsure of herself and at times her extended family was not supportive. Pete has his own insecurities after so many years in a pride that is ruthless and then from being behind bars. When they get it together, it is wonderful watching them grow as a couple.

I do believe that this is my favorite book of the series. Pete completely knocked Tyler out of the top spot in my Bearpaw Ridge book boyfriend list.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews204 followers
August 28, 2019
ONE INTENSE READ!!! Whoa! Fast and furious is definitely the way to go. Yep, talk about falling hard. I do not even know where to begin. I thought the last book was fantastic. Again, this is an unexpected delight in itself. I know, I can not make up my mind. So choose them all. You can not go wrong here, trust me on that. This is a page-turner, smooth flowing wild ride with all the thrills and explosions you can handle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,631 reviews18 followers
September 5, 2019
Finding love in the heat
What an unexpected place to find love. The author put these two in their own dangerous cocoon and watches the sparks fly. Too bad when reality hits they almost lose their perfect HEA. This book is full of love, angst and trying to find forgiveness for past mistakes. The author did a fantastic job of bringing these two together and showing that patience and understanding are the basis for most relationships, even when fate is the one bringing you to your HEA. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,659 reviews52 followers
May 15, 2021
Audible listen. Good listening experience! The narrator did a good job; she had good emotion to her voice and fit the characters well.

This was well-written and I was entertained by the story. I would’ve liked for there to be more action; too slow moving at times and there wasn’t any real excitement to the story, but it’s still a nice romance. Saber tooth shifter, Pete, has been in jail for years, but has grown as a person and understands how wrong he was in the past. When he saves a whole bunch of people during some wildfires; he’s part of the prison firefighter crew, it leads to him being pardoned. While fighting the fire, he meets bear shifter, Kayla Swanson, and the two have an explosive night of passion while trapped together. Kayla and Pete don’t really get to know each other, so it’s a bit surprising for them when Kayla finds out that Pete and the Swansons have some bad blood between them. Kayla is very worried about it all; especially since it turns out Pete and Kayla are mates! I liked the redemption scenario for Pete; the author did a good job of showing that he’s a better person. I liked Pete. I liked Kayla too, but she did come off as a bit bratty. It’s understandable, but can still be annoying. You sleep with a rando, you can’t be mad when things get a bit topsy turvy, and she was kind of rude about the mating before she even found out about who Pete really was. She’s still likable though. Good connection and steam between Pete and Kayla; they do have their cute moments too. I like when the whole family comes together too; fun dynamic between everyone. Overall, I enjoyed the story and have enjoyed many books in this series!
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,284 reviews36 followers
September 2, 2019
HEART-MELTING & FIERY PASSIONATE ROMANCE

DISCLOSURE: KU review.

"INFERNO" is a mix of rollercoaster emotions, life-altering changes, and fiery passionate romance. Inside; spine-chilling suspense, action, humor, and a full cast of praiseworthy characters.

Sabertooth tiger shifter Pete Langlais lost his freedom a decade ago due to horrific mistakes. As a respectable inmate, Pete earns the opportunity to become a firefighter and leads other inmates trained in firefighting. During a nightmarish wildfire in New Mexico, he saves the life of Bear shifter Kayla Swanson. Beneath a fire safety tent, untamed passion ignites leaving them accidentally mated. Kayla knows she should detest their mating because of his past, but he did save her life. Learning she is pregnant has Kayla spiraling into loneliness. Pete obtains a full pardon through changing and courageous acts. Going home a free man he must conquer quite a few hurdles before reaching his happy forever.

Fantastic entertaining shifter read that has all the feels. This story has you rooting for Pete and Kayla to reach their happy ending. I enjoyed reading how Pete proves to all that he is a worthy man/father/mate. I found this to be a most gratifying read.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2019
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Inferno by Ophelia Sexton is the tenth offering in the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series. This is an amazing series. I've been reading these books in a drop-in style and every time I read a book I want to go back to the beginning and re-read them in order. These sweet, spicy, action packed and addictive reads are all linked by the Swanson Family. I really enjoyed Pete and Kayla's story because it is a story of love and redemption. I caught myself shedding tears in a few spots and even growling in others. Ophelia Sexton has given us a wonderful clan of bears that learn to open their hearts and teach us a humbling lesson of acceptance and humility. Great reads that are actually Mature Readers Only reads. Here is a series and author that should be added to your TBR pile.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
6,423 reviews27 followers
August 31, 2019
I have loved all of the Bearpaw Ridge stories and this is no exception

The Swanson's have always had a problem with Pete Langlais after all he tried to kill one of their own They may have excepted members of his sabre tooth clan but there is no way they will ever forgive him. Pete has been serving his time and trying to keep his nose clean This has led to him been allowed to be a inmate firefighter something usually only allowed to low risk prisoners not attempted murderer's When fighting a fire he uses his shifter senses and speed to save another tram about to be overtaken by the fire and it is the Bearpaw crew but he an Kayla Swanson are separated frim her team and must work together if they are to survive. They both feel the draw to one another there shifter halves are both shouting mate but what will happen when she discovers who he is. Will her new mate cause friction in her family will Pete gain his freedom and do they have a future together You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Darcy.
13.8k reviews521 followers
September 2, 2019
I really wasn't sure how this one was going to go, Pete had been a bad guy earlier in the series and everyone still hated him. There were good reasons to hate him, despite coming to love Daniel and Chris.

I sort of feel like the accidental mating between Pete and Kayla was a cop out, but I'm not sure how else the author could have gotten them together or gotten Pete up to Bearpaw Ridge. Kayla's reluctance to acknowledge the mating made sense, she loves her family and Pete was public enemy number 1. I thought Pete did a good job of moving along at Kayla's pace and apologizing to everyone he needed to in Bearpaw, that went a long way in getting them all to accept him, let alone the mating with Kayla.

The whole pack and forth between Kayla and Pete did get a bit old, even as I got it, but it didn't make me want to yell at them to hurry things along.

This one ended in the best possible way for them all and with a new baby there are all sorts of new beginnings for everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melody.
95 reviews
September 2, 2019
As a fan of the “Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters “ series and a lover of each book this is now my new favorite! This book can be read as a stand alone but it’s so much better if you have read each book before it to get an understanding of the background. With such a strong impassable history Ophelia Sexton has once again created a world that not only can love be found in the heat of the moment but forgiveness too. This journey is not an easy one but it’s so worth it in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne Barbour.
18 reviews
September 1, 2019
A heart warming story of forgiveness and redeption that starts with a wildfire. Pete and Kayla find love when they are trapped by the wildfire they are helping to fight. But things get complicated when Kayla learns who Pete is. Inferno is a gripping story of facing your mistakes and asking for forgiveness. Ophelia Sexton continues to add amazing stories to the legacy of Bearpaw Ridge. A marvelous story that show the many forms of love, redemption and forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews36 followers
September 1, 2019
Another amazing addition to the ‘Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters’ series. The storyline is well thought out, emotionally deep, passionate, and relatable. From start to finish I was captivated with the overall quality of this book; and the drama, emotions, danger, and ups and downs add to the overall excitement of the plot. Likeable and interesting characters; their chemistry is off the charts. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,949 reviews19 followers
August 30, 2019
The story of Kayla and Pete is a very interesting turn of events. I love Pete, he is such a good man who made some mistakes. He works hard to overcome and become better. I like Kayla because she is strong even though she is conflicted. I like Dan and Mark and all the secondary characters. The story is fresh and the writing is very good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
21 reviews
August 31, 2019
This is the 10th book in this awesome series. It’s really necessary to read the other books first as they build upon each other.
Pete was responsible for a lot of angst within the Swanson’s Bear Clan. How he finds retribution and pardon is very heart warming. I loved the whole book. Not sure if it is the last of the series, but all the characters reappear and bring a great conclusion, if it is

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.4k reviews8 followers
August 31, 2019
Book ten in the Bearpaw Ridge Firefighters series, this is a series that when it is finished I want to read all the books. this is sabertooth shifter Pete Langlais and Bear shifter Kayla Swanson's story once I started reading I was not puttting it down. I enjoyed reading this story and hope there is more to come. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cecilia.
9 reviews
July 31, 2019
I love this series and this book is another fantastic edition to the series.

I enjoyed seeing how Kayla worked thru her worries and hesitation about her mating to Pete. I mean who could blame her with the history that Pete has with the Swanson’s.

I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
891 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2019
I love this new edition to bear paw ridge. Kayla’s family have been through a lot over the years. But this uh oh moment takes the cake. How can she be accidentally mated to Pete? And not just any Pete but the Pete that tried to kill a family member and went to prison. What a mess!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2019
KU Edition reader

I will start this review with a quote from the book that sums it up beautifully:
"Brace yourself. This is gonna be a bumpy ride."
A bumpy ride it is, but the end result is worth all the trials and tribulations! I can't praise this story or series enough, and definitely consider it a must read!
2,018 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2019
I love this series, and this book is one of the best in this series. I found the characters to be wonderful, but they should've treated him better. He knew he had made mistakes and owned up to them. He just wanted a chance, but I'm glad that things had a way of working out. It was a seriously good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,275 reviews
August 30, 2019
This story pulled me in from the beginning and I could not put it down. This story is full of life and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
6,618 reviews77 followers
August 31, 2019
This is such a great story! I like it! I think it's fantastic! It has excitement and emotion, danger and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carmen Torres.
871 reviews23 followers
September 1, 2019
These bears are to die for. He;s made mistakes in his life but for a mate he longs for;he'd do anything for his mate. She;s a courageous bear but will she follow her heart or turn away from fate. Ms.Sexton has done a great job with this book.
Profile Image for Melvena Asa.
1,629 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2019
This book is so full of Exciting and Interesting twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a book that will keep you up all night until you finish it. Absolutely Amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shauna.
356 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2020
I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I was pleasantly surprised! I'm fact I think it is my favorite in the series. I laughed. I cried. Loved it!
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,736 reviews12 followers
December 11, 2020
"No secrets in a shifter family."

The subtitle says this is a redemption story, and it totally delivers.

Kayla is a Swanson, a bear shifter with a career, a plan, and a busy life given she's also a volunteer firefighter, but when you live in a small rural town you learn to do a lot of things, and embrace the fact a lot of your neighbors are also on the family tree.

Pete is persona non grata when it comes to the Swansons, and while he knows their name, and they all know his name, its not like they've all met and recognize each other on sight. If they did he might have backed away from Kayla instead of daring to get close enough to realize she's the only one his saber tooth wants.

I loved Pete's redemption, in part because there was so much character growth, we got to see the mistakes of youth, and how age, time, thought and wisdom can temper the man, and his mind, and given another chance he can chart a better path.

I also loved the Swanson family dynamics, the inner turmoil when it came to forgiveness, holding a grudge, giving second chances, and supporting loved ones.

This done in one Kindle Unlimited book calls back to Mark and Caitlyn's story (it gives enough info you don't have to have read it, but that story will definitely enrich this one), as well as Margaret and Daniel.
444 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2021
Second Chances in Life and Love

Pete Langlais has made some big mistakes in his life. The major one was attempting to kill the human mate of a terrifying, protective grizzly bear shifter in Bearpaw Ridge, under orders from his pride leader. He found out the hard way that his saber tooth tiger alternate self was not a match for a ferocious grizzly. That was 12 years ago, Pete has made peace with his incarceration for his misdeeds, including killing his insane, dangerous pride leader. Now he can only be thankful that he's allowed to be part of the firefighting wildfire prison crew. His true protective self finds the firefighting work somewhat redeeming. When his heroic actions in a massive fire save many lives his life takes an unexpected turn and the chain of events that result are redeeming and satisfying. Well written and plotted Pete's connection to grizzly shifter and Veterinarian Kayla Swanson shows that fate sometimes steps in for the better. The irony is that the place of Pete's downfall is also the place for his redemption. Well played.
166 reviews
October 15, 2024
Oh I liked this one!
I have been devouring the Bearpaw ridge series and this one really stands out as a favorite!

One thing I have started to notice about Ophelia Sexton is that she's amazingly good at making you like and relate to the most unexpected characters (such as Elle or even Margaret). And Pete is definitely one of them. After meeting him in Smolder, he was a difficult character to redeem -although he was well presented as a reluctant participant in book 2. His redemption story in Inferno was tasteful, careful and appropriately slow.
Kaylah was at times hard to fully relate to, partly because we, as the reader, know so much more about Pete and his thoughts and feelings than she does.

The return of Jenny was kind of anti climatic which makes me wonder if she's bound to re-appear down the line.

Summary
Rating 4 stars
Spice 3.5 stars
Narration 4 stars
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