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Bears of Grayslake #1
No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It
The first day of Mia’s new life in Grayslake, Georgia is not going as planned.
The house her grandfather left her looks ready to crumble, boxes cover every inch of the floor and -- oh -- there’s a bear cub in her pantry.
It gets worse when the cub’s uncle comes by and busts out his fur and claws while on her front porch. Then it gets loads better because suddenly there’s a hot hunk of badge-wearing werebear on her lawn ready to rescue her. Yum. Of course, he has to ruin things by trying to take the cub out of her hands. Ha! The cub is hers…
No ifs, ands, or bears about it.
Werebear Ty can’t seem to get the curvaceous, delectable Mia to understand that, even if she is one-quarter werebear, she isn’t keeping the cub. Ty is the Grayslake Itan, the clan’s leader, and the little werebear is going home with him… Unless it isn’t.
It’s her smile. If she’d stop smiling and being gorgeous, his inner-bear would support him and Ty would get his way. But the beast wants to make their woman happy, so it’s perfectly content to let her do as she pleases.
Then things change. Threats arise, danger comes close, and Ty demands she return to his den.
No ifs, ands, or mates about that.
*-*
This is the first book in the bestselling Grayslake series:
Book #1: No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It
Book #2: All Roar and No Bite
Book #3: Roaring Up the Wrong Tree
Book #4: Love at First Roar
Book #5: Howl My Name
Book #6: Sunday Bear-becue
The house her grandfather left her looks ready to crumble, boxes cover every inch of the floor and -- oh -- there’s a bear cub in her pantry.
It gets worse when the cub’s uncle comes by and busts out his fur and claws while on her front porch. Then it gets loads better because suddenly there’s a hot hunk of badge-wearing werebear on her lawn ready to rescue her. Yum. Of course, he has to ruin things by trying to take the cub out of her hands. Ha! The cub is hers…
No ifs, ands, or bears about it.
Werebear Ty can’t seem to get the curvaceous, delectable Mia to understand that, even if she is one-quarter werebear, she isn’t keeping the cub. Ty is the Grayslake Itan, the clan’s leader, and the little werebear is going home with him… Unless it isn’t.
It’s her smile. If she’d stop smiling and being gorgeous, his inner-bear would support him and Ty would get his way. But the beast wants to make their woman happy, so it’s perfectly content to let her do as she pleases.
Then things change. Threats arise, danger comes close, and Ty demands she return to his den.
No ifs, ands, or mates about that.
*-*
This is the first book in the bestselling Grayslake series:
Book #1: No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It
Book #2: All Roar and No Bite
Book #3: Roaring Up the Wrong Tree
Book #4: Love at First Roar
Book #5: Howl My Name
Book #6: Sunday Bear-becue
264 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2013
729 people are currently reading
2,657 people want to read
About the author
Celia Kyle
274 books2,816 followersCelia Kyle would like to rule the world and become a ninja. As a fall-back, she’s working on her writing career and giving readers stories that touch their hearts and *ahem* other places. Visit her online at http://celiakyle.com | http://facebook.com/celiakyle | http://twitter.com/celiakyle | http://pinterest.com/celiakyle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews
June 6, 2017
2.5 Stars
This book starts out adorably. Mia has just inherited her grampa’s home and is moving in when she discovers a baby bear cub running for cover. He’s scared and, awww, he’s crying huge, scared-to-death tears. He’s no regular bear either. He’s a shifter cub. She tries to soothe the baby bear but soon someone comes a-knocking. It’s the baby’s big, bad uncle and the cub is so terrified Mia decides to keep him (and by keeping him, I mean forever, seriously, she wants to keep him forever) and she tries ignore the clamor. Fortunately the police arrive after a nosy neighbor calls and this is how Mia meets Officer Ky.
Ky is also a shifter and leader of his clan. He is immediately smitten with a bad case of the insta-love for the curvy lady and tries to keep it professional but has a hard time controlling his urges. He wants her and he knows she wants him because he can smell her creamy desire . . . They are drawn together and things are going great but then clan politics and baddies instigate to make their lives and new-found love difficult.
I don’t know how to say this kindly so I’m just going to be blunt. This book had zero romance development. It relied almost entirely on the old “you were made for me, I was made for you” trope. Except in this case, it was more of the “my inner bear approves, that means you’re the One!” If you like that, you’ll love and adore this book. Me? I’m grumpy and I need a pair to work for it. A little side of suffering never hurts either. I’d also like to get to know a bit about them in the process too. None of this happens here. The only thing keeping them apart were the clan wars, the fact that the clan members didn’t welcome Mia because she was too human and the constant coitus interruptus by clan members who kept busting in with some oh-so-important announcement or another. I need more than that for conflict and when I don’t get it this is the kind of review I have to write.
Narration Notes: The audio is read by Kendall Taylor. She has a happy, perky voice well suited to Mia and does a capable enough job with the many grumbly bear-men. She was great. In fact, if it weren’t for her narration, I know I would’ve put this down at the 50% mark.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media. I hope they don’t regret it!
This book starts out adorably. Mia has just inherited her grampa’s home and is moving in when she discovers a baby bear cub running for cover. He’s scared and, awww, he’s crying huge, scared-to-death tears. He’s no regular bear either. He’s a shifter cub. She tries to soothe the baby bear but soon someone comes a-knocking. It’s the baby’s big, bad uncle and the cub is so terrified Mia decides to keep him (and by keeping him, I mean forever, seriously, she wants to keep him forever) and she tries ignore the clamor. Fortunately the police arrive after a nosy neighbor calls and this is how Mia meets Officer Ky.
Ky is also a shifter and leader of his clan. He is immediately smitten with a bad case of the insta-love for the curvy lady and tries to keep it professional but has a hard time controlling his urges. He wants her and he knows she wants him because he can smell her creamy desire . . . They are drawn together and things are going great but then clan politics and baddies instigate to make their lives and new-found love difficult.
I don’t know how to say this kindly so I’m just going to be blunt. This book had zero romance development. It relied almost entirely on the old “you were made for me, I was made for you” trope. Except in this case, it was more of the “my inner bear approves, that means you’re the One!” If you like that, you’ll love and adore this book. Me? I’m grumpy and I need a pair to work for it. A little side of suffering never hurts either. I’d also like to get to know a bit about them in the process too. None of this happens here. The only thing keeping them apart were the clan wars, the fact that the clan members didn’t welcome Mia because she was too human and the constant coitus interruptus by clan members who kept busting in with some oh-so-important announcement or another. I need more than that for conflict and when I don’t get it this is the kind of review I have to write.
Narration Notes: The audio is read by Kendall Taylor. She has a happy, perky voice well suited to Mia and does a capable enough job with the many grumbly bear-men. She was great. In fact, if it weren’t for her narration, I know I would’ve put this down at the 50% mark.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media. I hope they don’t regret it!
May 23, 2017
...Parker, a orphan bear cub who stole both mine and Mia’s heart...★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Kendall Taylor’s narration is great! Why haven’t I heard anything by her before? She is especially good at the male voices, of which there are a lot. (A lot of grumpy-bear ones, too.) She kicked this story up a notch. This one is fun and Ms. Taylor’s tone is pitch-perfect, her tone spot-on, and her pacing awesome. Not that it is all a barrel of laughs; there are sad - and dark & snarky - things that happen in this book. Nevertheless, KT manages them perfectly.
...painting by Marion Rose...
Speaking of where things have been, why haven’t I ever read anything by Celia Kyle before, either? Loved this book, from the very first sentence. And Parker, the orphan bear cub, immediately crawled into my heart - as well as Mia’s pantry. I understand I’ll get a few more scenes featuring him in future books, which is fine by me. The chemistry between Mia and the lead werebear Ty is fun. You have to pay attention to the Mia’s internal dialogue or you’ll miss some of the best lines. One of my favorites: “He was more gorgeous the more he cooked.”
This is the Grayslake series on GRs, but it is also known as the More than Mated series on Audible.com and elsewhere. The eBooks are currently free on KindleUnlimited.
I’ve got them, so I could get all that are currently available on Audible.com for $3.49. Good deal, since none of the three libraries I frequent has ever heard of Ms. Kyle. Hope that changes soon!
October 3, 2016
This was the first time I've read this author's work and I was blown away! Without a doubt, one of the best PNR I've ever read! Believable and well developed characters, incredibly realistic background and perfect balance if serious, romantic and funny moments! And full length novel! Loved it!!! Now I'll dive in the rest of the series!
August 14, 2015
So Ladies it is official I have a thing for Were-bears.
I loved this book and finished it in one sitting. Mia Baker has moved back to Grayslake as her Grandfather left her his house. She needed a change of scenery and liviing in a Were-bear town is just what she needs. Mia isn't exactly a were bear but has the blood.
She finds a cub in her pantry and swears that she is imagining it but she isn't that is why the abusive uncle comes and tries to claim the cub.
Ty who is the chief bear (Itan) is also a police officer and saves Mia. They get to know one another and well you know the rest. So the actually story with the cub (Parker) and the set up of the town is really well done and I can't wait to continue the series.
The one thing that did irk me was that Ty did a background check and Mia is 35. A couple of pages later Mia is actually 33.
I loved this book and finished it in one sitting. Mia Baker has moved back to Grayslake as her Grandfather left her his house. She needed a change of scenery and liviing in a Were-bear town is just what she needs. Mia isn't exactly a were bear but has the blood.
She finds a cub in her pantry and swears that she is imagining it but she isn't that is why the abusive uncle comes and tries to claim the cub.
Ty who is the chief bear (Itan) is also a police officer and saves Mia. They get to know one another and well you know the rest. So the actually story with the cub (Parker) and the set up of the town is really well done and I can't wait to continue the series.
The one thing that did irk me was that Ty did a background check and Mia is 35. A couple of pages later Mia is actually 33.
January 9, 2014
I wasn't so fond of this book. It started out wonderful, but then I started not liking the heroine, Mia.
She finds a bear cub in her pantry and claims it. Even though she is up to date on bear clan laws, she tells the sheriff and alpha of the local clan that she's keeping him.
Ty of course doesn't know this woman, even though he's attracted to her, and refuses to leave the bear cub that belongs to his clan alone. He realizes he cub could possibly be in danger, and sets out to investigate what happened.
Mia of course doesn't want to give him this, and pretty much does what he wants. Ty shows his un-alphaness by caving to her every demand.
Realizing the cub is in danger, he takes the cub back to the clan house and there commences the drama. Ty does the alpha thing, and doesn't tell Mia everything that is going on. Mia finds out, gets pissed off, even through she's keeping secrets of her own, and moves in with Ty's brother. Ty's brothers all love Mia, and drop Ty like the proverbial hot potato.
The housekeeper tears into Ty for not being in touch with his mates feelings, and he suddenly learns the error of his ways.
Unrealistic fights begin, and the story ends with a love at first site happily ever after.
Mia annoys me, and is the reason I could only give this book 3 stars.
She finds a bear cub in her pantry and claims it. Even though she is up to date on bear clan laws, she tells the sheriff and alpha of the local clan that she's keeping him.
Ty of course doesn't know this woman, even though he's attracted to her, and refuses to leave the bear cub that belongs to his clan alone. He realizes he cub could possibly be in danger, and sets out to investigate what happened.
Mia of course doesn't want to give him this, and pretty much does what he wants. Ty shows his un-alphaness by caving to her every demand.
Realizing the cub is in danger, he takes the cub back to the clan house and there commences the drama. Ty does the alpha thing, and doesn't tell Mia everything that is going on. Mia finds out, gets pissed off, even through she's keeping secrets of her own, and moves in with Ty's brother. Ty's brothers all love Mia, and drop Ty like the proverbial hot potato.
The housekeeper tears into Ty for not being in touch with his mates feelings, and he suddenly learns the error of his ways.
Unrealistic fights begin, and the story ends with a love at first site happily ever after.
Mia annoys me, and is the reason I could only give this book 3 stars.
July 21, 2016
I loved this book. Mia moves into her grandfather's house in Grayslake only to come across Ty, the hot Were-bear Itan and police, when he saves her from being attacked by Gross Mia is a third were but hasn't been able abusive uncle, who comes to claim him but Mia wouldn't let him take the club and that's when Ty comes to the rescue but of course it doesn't end there.
I really enjoyed this book and will continue to series.
I really enjoyed this book and will continue to series.
January 26, 2014
Grayslake is a bear town, and bears aren’t wolves. They don’t crave pack, they don’t instantly ‘mate for life’ and they have serious anger management issues. Full or partial shifts are common. (Vacationing here? Not recommended.) What they do have is a fierce protectiveness of children, a solid hierarchy, and a strong sense of justice and loyalty. (Well, except for the bad guys, of course.)
The heroine, a mostly-human, non-shifting woman has inherited a house in Grayslake from her bear shifter grandfather. Lots of people aren’t happy about that. (Prejudice is alive and well in the bear shifter community.) But Mia Baker figures she can get past that. She’ll just blend in, keep a low profile…
Good plan. Sadly, it doesn’t last past finding an abused bear cub in her pantry. One who is terrified of the drunken bear pounding on her door and demanding his nephew back. As Sheriff, Ty becomes involved when the neighbors call the disturbance in. Mia unsuccessfully tries to hide the cub, then announces he is abused and terrified of his uncle and she refuses to let him go. When Ty forces the cub to shift back to human and sees the bruises on the child’s body – both his roles as sheriff and head of the local bear community come into play. And both he and his bear really, really like Mia.
On a side note, the alpha bear is known as the Itan, his mate is the Itana. Good choice – especially if the author had followed the normal wolf shifter naming practices of alpha wolf & alpha bitch. Because with bears that would have been alpha boar and alpha sow… It would have been hard to take them seriously.
As Itan, and town sheriff as well, Ty Abrams is strong, serious, and used to being obeyed. He roars and everyone drops to their knees and bares their necks. Everyone except Mia. She both stands up to him and calms him. What an Itana she will make…
Ty keeps Mia and Parker at the den. To say the thought of a mostly human Itana is not received well in all quarters is an understatement. There’s the skinny bitch who wants the job herself, the faction that hates humans, and those that are simply concerned that mating with Mia will produce non-shifting cubs. But others quickly develop loyalties to her that supersede their loyalties to Ty when he makes the ultimate alpha mistake of ‘protecting’ her by not telling her all of what’s going on and she walks out, taking Parker with her. Or perhaps they are proving their ultimate loyalty to Ty by protecting his Itana.
The story continues with enough murders for a CSI episode being revealed and old family secrets being illuminated. The ending is satisfying – and there is lots of room for sequels. Since this is listed as the first in the Grayslake series I assume there are others already being developed. I look forward to them.
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
The heroine, a mostly-human, non-shifting woman has inherited a house in Grayslake from her bear shifter grandfather. Lots of people aren’t happy about that. (Prejudice is alive and well in the bear shifter community.) But Mia Baker figures she can get past that. She’ll just blend in, keep a low profile…
Good plan. Sadly, it doesn’t last past finding an abused bear cub in her pantry. One who is terrified of the drunken bear pounding on her door and demanding his nephew back. As Sheriff, Ty becomes involved when the neighbors call the disturbance in. Mia unsuccessfully tries to hide the cub, then announces he is abused and terrified of his uncle and she refuses to let him go. When Ty forces the cub to shift back to human and sees the bruises on the child’s body – both his roles as sheriff and head of the local bear community come into play. And both he and his bear really, really like Mia.
On a side note, the alpha bear is known as the Itan, his mate is the Itana. Good choice – especially if the author had followed the normal wolf shifter naming practices of alpha wolf & alpha bitch. Because with bears that would have been alpha boar and alpha sow… It would have been hard to take them seriously.
As Itan, and town sheriff as well, Ty Abrams is strong, serious, and used to being obeyed. He roars and everyone drops to their knees and bares their necks. Everyone except Mia. She both stands up to him and calms him. What an Itana she will make…
Ty keeps Mia and Parker at the den. To say the thought of a mostly human Itana is not received well in all quarters is an understatement. There’s the skinny bitch who wants the job herself, the faction that hates humans, and those that are simply concerned that mating with Mia will produce non-shifting cubs. But others quickly develop loyalties to her that supersede their loyalties to Ty when he makes the ultimate alpha mistake of ‘protecting’ her by not telling her all of what’s going on and she walks out, taking Parker with her. Or perhaps they are proving their ultimate loyalty to Ty by protecting his Itana.
The story continues with enough murders for a CSI episode being revealed and old family secrets being illuminated. The ending is satisfying – and there is lots of room for sequels. Since this is listed as the first in the Grayslake series I assume there are others already being developed. I look forward to them.
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
May 28, 2016
***** spoilers *****
In the beginning I really liked Mia. She was strong willed and didn't take crap from anyone. By the end she became a damsel in distress. This book was mildly interesting.
The sex scenes where awful and far too long, especially the one at the end of the book.
Mia kept using weird sayings like "crap on a cracker" and "nekkid" who says stuff like that.
I only finished reading it because I wanted to see if I was right about what would happen. I was partially right. Mia was the granddaughter of the other clan. But I was completely wrong about who would save whom. I know we were told that half were bears couldn't shift, but I thought maybe they were wrong. I thought Ty would become hurt and Mia would be so pissed she would shift shocking everyone and saving the day. It obviously didn't happen that way.
Mia became a wimpering mess that had to be protected from everything. Shouldn't the head of a bear clan, The Itana be the one protecting those in the clan. What good is a leader of a clan if she cannot save those in her charge, and instead becomes a liability.
I didn't like the ending. The writing was mediocre and even the romance was dull.
In the beginning I really liked Mia. She was strong willed and didn't take crap from anyone. By the end she became a damsel in distress. This book was mildly interesting.
The sex scenes where awful and far too long, especially the one at the end of the book.
Mia kept using weird sayings like "crap on a cracker" and "nekkid" who says stuff like that.
I only finished reading it because I wanted to see if I was right about what would happen. I was partially right. Mia was the granddaughter of the other clan. But I was completely wrong about who would save whom. I know we were told that half were bears couldn't shift, but I thought maybe they were wrong. I thought Ty would become hurt and Mia would be so pissed she would shift shocking everyone and saving the day. It obviously didn't happen that way.
Mia became a wimpering mess that had to be protected from everything. Shouldn't the head of a bear clan, The Itana be the one protecting those in the clan. What good is a leader of a clan if she cannot save those in her charge, and instead becomes a liability.
I didn't like the ending. The writing was mediocre and even the romance was dull.
January 10, 2014
I knew I wanted to read this book the instant I read the second line of the synopsis. Bear cub in the pantry, can we say adorable?
Parker is so cute and, in my mind's eye, is so cuddly.
Cue the Aaaaaaaah's as well as the protective instincts. This isn't my first time reading Celia Kyle and it won't be my last. I love how get's into her character's heads. The slang and the phrases that they use are realistic, which makes me feel like I'm talking to one of my friends. You're introduced to a variety of characters, mostly sexy bear shifters, and I am hoping that all of their stories will be told because there is some serious potential. Anywho, I enjoyed this book.
Parker is so cute and, in my mind's eye, is so cuddly.
Cue the Aaaaaaaah's as well as the protective instincts. This isn't my first time reading Celia Kyle and it won't be my last. I love how get's into her character's heads. The slang and the phrases that they use are realistic, which makes me feel like I'm talking to one of my friends. You're introduced to a variety of characters, mostly sexy bear shifters, and I am hoping that all of their stories will be told because there is some serious potential. Anywho, I enjoyed this book.
March 15, 2015
What's a girl to do when she finds a shifter cub hiding in her pantry? Any normal girl would freak, but Mia knows all about shifters, she was raised by one.
As Alpha, werebear Ty knows he has to return the cub to his custodian, but Mia has no problem putting this alpha in place. Of course all it is doing it driving Ty crazy and his need to mate her is riding him hard. With politics swirling and a mate who is not she wants to be claimed, Ty has his hands full and he knows he will never be able to give up Mia now he has to convince her of that.
Very fun first book in the Grayslake series. Mia is a handful and Ty believes it is just destiny and the mating just needs to be completed, Mia believes it does not. I liked that the story delved into all the politic in shifter society. Look forward to more enchanting books in the series.
As Alpha, werebear Ty knows he has to return the cub to his custodian, but Mia has no problem putting this alpha in place. Of course all it is doing it driving Ty crazy and his need to mate her is riding him hard. With politics swirling and a mate who is not she wants to be claimed, Ty has his hands full and he knows he will never be able to give up Mia now he has to convince her of that.
Very fun first book in the Grayslake series. Mia is a handful and Ty believes it is just destiny and the mating just needs to be completed, Mia believes it does not. I liked that the story delved into all the politic in shifter society. Look forward to more enchanting books in the series.
June 28, 2022
Pretty much the insta love with drama I was expecting.
January 13, 2014
Anyone who knows me, knows I am an avid bearshifter fan. I adore my bears, so when I saw this title it became a must read for me. I am glad to say I was not disappointed in fact I was really impressed with this interesting plot and wonderful characters.
How can you not love a baby bear?? I adored our little pantry cub, Parker. He was written so incredibly well. You could not help but picture him as cute and cuddly. I was outraged on his behalf over the treatment he received. He instilled such strong emotions you just knew the author did a fantastic job with him.
Mia was a good character..not my favorite in the story because there were places where I felt she didn't maintain her character and I wondered where this woman had come from..I think the author cut a few corners with her maybe because of page count I'm not sure but I do know she could have used a bit more continuity of character traits and perhaps a few more pages since her about face came about very quickly.
I LOVED our Itan! I can't wait to read more about his brothers who totally wiggled their way into my heart. Ty was everything I would expect from a alpha bearshifter and more. I thought he was sweet and loving, perhaps a bit unaware of how he came across but it is to be expected in a alpha. Van, Keene, Isaac...*sigh* all wonderful bears who I do hope get their own stories.
Over all the characters were will written and as a reader I did find myself emotionally invested in them. It will wonderful to see the wolves fleshed out in perhaps a future story?
The plot was full of twists and turns and moved along rapidly. No time to breath, I found myself looking up at the clock when I finished and it was 3:15am..and I thought only an hour had gone by, I was that immersed in the book. We also found the plot had lots of room for Adventure, suspense and more than a little intrigue.
A wonderful read which I felt was deserving of a 4 star rating and a recommendation that if you love shifter stories..especially bear shifters like me you will adore this fast paced, sweet novel.
t'irla
t'irla's talk tirlastalk.blogspot.ca for more reviews check me out..and if you like what you see..gimme a follow:)
How can you not love a baby bear?? I adored our little pantry cub, Parker. He was written so incredibly well. You could not help but picture him as cute and cuddly. I was outraged on his behalf over the treatment he received. He instilled such strong emotions you just knew the author did a fantastic job with him.
Mia was a good character..not my favorite in the story because there were places where I felt she didn't maintain her character and I wondered where this woman had come from..I think the author cut a few corners with her maybe because of page count I'm not sure but I do know she could have used a bit more continuity of character traits and perhaps a few more pages since her about face came about very quickly.
I LOVED our Itan! I can't wait to read more about his brothers who totally wiggled their way into my heart. Ty was everything I would expect from a alpha bearshifter and more. I thought he was sweet and loving, perhaps a bit unaware of how he came across but it is to be expected in a alpha. Van, Keene, Isaac...*sigh* all wonderful bears who I do hope get their own stories.
Over all the characters were will written and as a reader I did find myself emotionally invested in them. It will wonderful to see the wolves fleshed out in perhaps a future story?
The plot was full of twists and turns and moved along rapidly. No time to breath, I found myself looking up at the clock when I finished and it was 3:15am..and I thought only an hour had gone by, I was that immersed in the book. We also found the plot had lots of room for Adventure, suspense and more than a little intrigue.
A wonderful read which I felt was deserving of a 4 star rating and a recommendation that if you love shifter stories..especially bear shifters like me you will adore this fast paced, sweet novel.
t'irla
t'irla's talk tirlastalk.blogspot.ca for more reviews check me out..and if you like what you see..gimme a follow:)
December 3, 2014
This started out really strong, but went downhill after a few chapters.
When Mia's grandfather passed away he left her his house in Grayslake, GA. He was a bear shifter and so is her father, but her mother was human so, though she's half werebear, she can't shift. She's looking to start over and doesn't want to get tangled up with the local bears. When she finds a bear cub in her pantry and his abusive uncle shows up to claim him, she lands right in the middle of clan business. When the sexy sheriff shows up to help, Mia can't deny her attraction to him. But she isn't interested in starting something with anyone, much less the clan's Itan (leader).
Ty doesn't believe in happily-forever, but he sure wouldn't mind doing some happy-right-now with the sexy Mia. His bear is in full agreement, especially after the way she protected the cub. Except it isn't long before he realizes he wants more from Mia than a causal fling..and he's willing to do whatever he has to to keep her around.
I think what this book really needed was a strong editor. I liked the first couple chapters where Mia rescued the cub and she and Ty go to know one another, but from there the story got choppy and the characters started waffling too much.
Ty is supposed to be the Itan of the clan, which makes him the leader. He's supposedly the strongest, toughest bear in the clan, but he didn't really act like it. He roared a lot, but he let those who served under him walk all over him. There was a plot against him and Mia and he didn't pursue it. Supposedly Mia didn't listen to him because she was the exception to the rule, but no one listened to him.
Mia seemed like a strong, independent woman. She didn't let Ty walk all over her and kept her head when things got crazy. Except they drugged her so she didn't lose it when things started going bad and she admitted she was close to being hysterical.It wasn't written that way, but I was supposed to buy it based on what she said?
Eh..if the story had been cleaned up and the inconsistencies taken care of, this would have been a stellar read. As it is, I barely managed to finish it.
When Mia's grandfather passed away he left her his house in Grayslake, GA. He was a bear shifter and so is her father, but her mother was human so, though she's half werebear, she can't shift. She's looking to start over and doesn't want to get tangled up with the local bears. When she finds a bear cub in her pantry and his abusive uncle shows up to claim him, she lands right in the middle of clan business. When the sexy sheriff shows up to help, Mia can't deny her attraction to him. But she isn't interested in starting something with anyone, much less the clan's Itan (leader).
Ty doesn't believe in happily-forever, but he sure wouldn't mind doing some happy-right-now with the sexy Mia. His bear is in full agreement, especially after the way she protected the cub. Except it isn't long before he realizes he wants more from Mia than a causal fling..and he's willing to do whatever he has to to keep her around.
I think what this book really needed was a strong editor. I liked the first couple chapters where Mia rescued the cub and she and Ty go to know one another, but from there the story got choppy and the characters started waffling too much.
Ty is supposed to be the Itan of the clan, which makes him the leader. He's supposedly the strongest, toughest bear in the clan, but he didn't really act like it. He roared a lot, but he let those who served under him walk all over him. There was a plot against him and Mia and he didn't pursue it. Supposedly Mia didn't listen to him because she was the exception to the rule, but no one listened to him.
Mia seemed like a strong, independent woman. She didn't let Ty walk all over her and kept her head when things got crazy. Except they drugged her so she didn't lose it when things started going bad and she admitted she was close to being hysterical.It wasn't written that way, but I was supposed to buy it based on what she said?
Eh..if the story had been cleaned up and the inconsistencies taken care of, this would have been a stellar read. As it is, I barely managed to finish it.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 1, 2020Dnf @ 18%
Weird-ass, bad insta that's so not worth the time. Hard pass!
Weird-ass, bad insta that's so not worth the time. Hard pass!
January 9, 2025
Twas not good
April 5, 2017
Mia Barker is one quarter werebear, but she's unable to shift and life at her inherited house in werebear country is causing her drama on moving day. Mia's windows are weak, the worn floor space is taken up with unpacked moving boxes and her pantry is stocked with battered werebear cub.
A drunken shifter demanding the cub, Parker, be returned to him causes a disturbance at Mia's house, which escalates when she refuses to let the cub out of her care. When Ty, hot alpha sheriff and clan Itan, comes knocking at Mia's door, he immediately has two issues. One being the safeguarding of the cub and two how to get Mia to see their relationship was a foregone conclusion. How and why Parker ended up in such bad physical shape, is so afraid and in Mia's pantry are just the tip of the iceberg.
As a couple, Ty & Mia had a fair amount of chemistry and with Parker, they were a cute family unit. Mia showed off her protective streak, righteous indignation and independence while steamrolling over clan politics and insisted Parker needed her. Ty, showed a bit of both his bumbling alpha male and his "I can take orders from my chosen female" alpha male when he decides Mia is the woman he can't do without.
While it would have been easy for Parker to cute away the story, he was a great reason to emotionally invest in the story and an equally good entry to understanding clan politics and introduce more secondary characters. Mysterious murders and untold family secrets expand the universe and foundation of this origin story and are useful in the action pieces.
Though I liked this read, I wanted to like it much more than I actually did. My problems included a choppy flow where things seemed to lurch through time or disappear. It bothered me that Ty never went back to work and Mia never went back to her house. Unfortunately, I also thought most the characters were merely serviceable, thinly drawn and not fleshed enough to have clear character voices. The final issue for me was that I had no use for Mia, she showed a bit of inconsistency in her character and had a tendency to run over everything and everyone that didn't agree with her made her hard to like (IMO).
I really hope the issues are just origin story issues and they are resolved by the next installment. There just aren't enough bear shifters but this story did a few things right and could grow into a must read series.
Originally Read: January 20 2014
Rating: 3.75 Stars Actually
A drunken shifter demanding the cub, Parker, be returned to him causes a disturbance at Mia's house, which escalates when she refuses to let the cub out of her care. When Ty, hot alpha sheriff and clan Itan, comes knocking at Mia's door, he immediately has two issues. One being the safeguarding of the cub and two how to get Mia to see their relationship was a foregone conclusion. How and why Parker ended up in such bad physical shape, is so afraid and in Mia's pantry are just the tip of the iceberg.
As a couple, Ty & Mia had a fair amount of chemistry and with Parker, they were a cute family unit. Mia showed off her protective streak, righteous indignation and independence while steamrolling over clan politics and insisted Parker needed her. Ty, showed a bit of both his bumbling alpha male and his "I can take orders from my chosen female" alpha male when he decides Mia is the woman he can't do without.
While it would have been easy for Parker to cute away the story, he was a great reason to emotionally invest in the story and an equally good entry to understanding clan politics and introduce more secondary characters. Mysterious murders and untold family secrets expand the universe and foundation of this origin story and are useful in the action pieces.
Though I liked this read, I wanted to like it much more than I actually did. My problems included a choppy flow where things seemed to lurch through time or disappear. It bothered me that Ty never went back to work and Mia never went back to her house. Unfortunately, I also thought most the characters were merely serviceable, thinly drawn and not fleshed enough to have clear character voices. The final issue for me was that I had no use for Mia, she showed a bit of inconsistency in her character and had a tendency to run over everything and everyone that didn't agree with her made her hard to like (IMO).
I really hope the issues are just origin story issues and they are resolved by the next installment. There just aren't enough bear shifters but this story did a few things right and could grow into a must read series.
Originally Read: January 20 2014
Rating: 3.75 Stars Actually
January 16, 2015
No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It was a shockingly great book. I was really glad that the author put the story before sex, because with a lot of BBW Romances this isn't the case. I was kinda expecting it to be more sex with some story, but right off the bat I knew my assumption would be wrong. The town this story takes place in is pretty much a werebear heaven, nearly everyone there is full or at least part bear. The interesting part about this is that it's the werebears who have prejudices against humans, they think humans are below them. Usually, it's humans who have issues with weres, not the other way around. In this community being with a human is seriously frowned upon and results with hostile attitudes and sometimes actions toward the couple.
Now for the main characters, Mia, Ty-Ty's brothers and Parker. Mia is a feisty thirty-three year old who's part bear, however, she can't shift. Mia definitely personifies the momma bear part when it comes to little Parker. Parker is a four year old cub that has adopted Mia as his momma and looks to her to keep him safe. This lady is use to being around bears like her dad and grandpa, but the bears in Grayslake aren't like them at all. Mia's leading man happens to be Ty, the Itan(werebear leader) and town Sheriff. Ty is a sexy guy, obviously, but he's a lot deeper than that. He's one of the few who see people as people, not that he doesn't put his clan above all, he just doesn't carry around the same attitude others do. Speaking of attitudes, Ty's brother Van is one of those who hold a grudge an think himself better than others, while his sweet younger brother Isaac doesn't. While Van doesn't wanna accept the inevitable, Isaac welcomes change with open arms.
Basically, the story revolves around Mia and Ty trying to protect little Parker from monsters that wanna get him. A lot of the romance in this book is intertwined with this plot, so you kinda get a steady douse of romance as the book moves along. The sexual tension quickly notches up though as Mia and Ty are around each other more, but they don't just jump into bed together.
I really enjoyed the story, I'd definitely recommend it. I thought it was well thought out and executed with a great romance laced in.
Now for the main characters, Mia, Ty-Ty's brothers and Parker. Mia is a feisty thirty-three year old who's part bear, however, she can't shift. Mia definitely personifies the momma bear part when it comes to little Parker. Parker is a four year old cub that has adopted Mia as his momma and looks to her to keep him safe. This lady is use to being around bears like her dad and grandpa, but the bears in Grayslake aren't like them at all. Mia's leading man happens to be Ty, the Itan(werebear leader) and town Sheriff. Ty is a sexy guy, obviously, but he's a lot deeper than that. He's one of the few who see people as people, not that he doesn't put his clan above all, he just doesn't carry around the same attitude others do. Speaking of attitudes, Ty's brother Van is one of those who hold a grudge an think himself better than others, while his sweet younger brother Isaac doesn't. While Van doesn't wanna accept the inevitable, Isaac welcomes change with open arms.
Basically, the story revolves around Mia and Ty trying to protect little Parker from monsters that wanna get him. A lot of the romance in this book is intertwined with this plot, so you kinda get a steady douse of romance as the book moves along. The sexual tension quickly notches up though as Mia and Ty are around each other more, but they don't just jump into bed together.
I really enjoyed the story, I'd definitely recommend it. I thought it was well thought out and executed with a great romance laced in.
April 29, 2017
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
This is a revisit for me. I read this book back in 2015. It is a series that I really loved. I was really excited to tackle it again. I love all these bears at Grayslake.
So this story starts out with Mia moving into her grandfather’s house in Grayslake. Most of the people that live there are shifters and part of the Grayslake clan. She finds a young cub hiding in her closet. His uncle comes pounding on the door and demanding the cub, but when the cub wets himself because he is so scared. Mia’s protective instincts kick in and she refuses to give the boy over.
Ty, the clan leader (or Itan) and county sheriff comes to see what all the fuss is about. He is instantly attracted to Mia. He can’t allow her to keep Parker, the cub, but he is able to take the boy in, since he’s the Itan. Mia goes with him to stay at the clan house.
There is quite the battle for this child. He is very important to the clans, but not everyone is interested in protecting him. There are some who would rather see him out of their way in a claim for power.
This is a really cute story. It is a quick listen at only seven and half hours. I really enjoy the characters. All of Ty’s brothers are a lot of fun and they get books later in the series. If you like shifter romance, this is something you should check out.
Narration
This is my first time listening to Kendall Taylor. I thought she did a good job with this narration. I liked the pacing and tone. The male and female voices were done well. She had to voice the gruff uncle, the boy and several uber alpha males. There aren’t a lot of women in the book at this point, but there was a few.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This is a revisit for me. I read this book back in 2015. It is a series that I really loved. I was really excited to tackle it again. I love all these bears at Grayslake.
So this story starts out with Mia moving into her grandfather’s house in Grayslake. Most of the people that live there are shifters and part of the Grayslake clan. She finds a young cub hiding in her closet. His uncle comes pounding on the door and demanding the cub, but when the cub wets himself because he is so scared. Mia’s protective instincts kick in and she refuses to give the boy over.
Ty, the clan leader (or Itan) and county sheriff comes to see what all the fuss is about. He is instantly attracted to Mia. He can’t allow her to keep Parker, the cub, but he is able to take the boy in, since he’s the Itan. Mia goes with him to stay at the clan house.
There is quite the battle for this child. He is very important to the clans, but not everyone is interested in protecting him. There are some who would rather see him out of their way in a claim for power.
This is a really cute story. It is a quick listen at only seven and half hours. I really enjoy the characters. All of Ty’s brothers are a lot of fun and they get books later in the series. If you like shifter romance, this is something you should check out.
Narration
This is my first time listening to Kendall Taylor. I thought she did a good job with this narration. I liked the pacing and tone. The male and female voices were done well. She had to voice the gruff uncle, the boy and several uber alpha males. There aren’t a lot of women in the book at this point, but there was a few.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2021
Summary of the book so far: Sexual tension, sexual tension, DRAMA!, slight plot progression, sexual tension, DRAMA!, sexual tension, sexual tension, sexual tension, DRAMA!, slight plot progression.
This is the most dramatic book I have ever read and it goes almost nowhere!!! I’m more than two hours in to the audiobook, and already there are at least 6 subplots!!!! Instead of moving the story forward, it seems the author just kept adding pointless subplots.
The female protagonist is also getting on my nerves because she bounces between pushing the male protag away and sucking on his fingers. Honey, the fastest way to end up on your back with your skirt flipped up to your ears is by putting a male body part in your mouth. You want to keep him at a physical and emotional distance, so STOP TEASING HIM, stop “relaxing into his embrace”, just stop period.
I also don’t understand her hang up on ‘biology’ versus love. So what if he‘s attracted to her because of her stupid, random backstory (that she has yet to tell him BTW, yet she still holds the biology thing against him), sometimes physical attraction draws people in and charm makes them stay. What’s so bad about that????
I tried reading one of the later books in the series first (bad idea if you want to understand what’s going on, they should be read in order), and was put off by the authors heavily dramatic style within the first 20 min. This book has convinced me that her writing style is not for me.
Update: I stumbled across this book again and started listening to it before I remembered I had already taken a crack at it. Decided to give it another go annnnnd no. Still can’t do it. Got nearly 4 hours in this time and this is still one of the most over dramatic books I’ve ever read/listened to and that is not my style.
This is the most dramatic book I have ever read and it goes almost nowhere!!! I’m more than two hours in to the audiobook, and already there are at least 6 subplots!!!! Instead of moving the story forward, it seems the author just kept adding pointless subplots.
The female protagonist is also getting on my nerves because she bounces between pushing the male protag away and sucking on his fingers. Honey, the fastest way to end up on your back with your skirt flipped up to your ears is by putting a male body part in your mouth. You want to keep him at a physical and emotional distance, so STOP TEASING HIM, stop “relaxing into his embrace”, just stop period.
I also don’t understand her hang up on ‘biology’ versus love. So what if he‘s attracted to her because of her stupid, random backstory (that she has yet to tell him BTW, yet she still holds the biology thing against him), sometimes physical attraction draws people in and charm makes them stay. What’s so bad about that????
I tried reading one of the later books in the series first (bad idea if you want to understand what’s going on, they should be read in order), and was put off by the authors heavily dramatic style within the first 20 min. This book has convinced me that her writing style is not for me.
Update: I stumbled across this book again and started listening to it before I remembered I had already taken a crack at it. Decided to give it another go annnnnd no. Still can’t do it. Got nearly 4 hours in this time and this is still one of the most over dramatic books I’ve ever read/listened to and that is not my style.
January 17, 2014
I never read Celia Kyle, but something about this book blurb just caught me and I'm so glad it did. I completely enjoyed this story. The romance was cute in a controlling alpha sort of way, the cub utterly endearing and I adored Mia's protectiveness and how her father calls her his little cub.
The sexual tension can be sliced with a claw and man does Ty pull out all the stops in his pursuit of Mia. Ty did tend to get a little hairy and so did most of the characters for that matter...but all in the name of shifting.
Although most of this story is cute and utter sweet, there was a much darker side to this story. Hitting on topics that include abuse and sexual assault.
No Ifs, Ands, Or Bears About It was a fun, exciting, entertaining read that kept me invested from start to finish. Kyle creates a wonderful contemporary shifter world to explore with the potential of incredible stories to come.
I received this copy of No Ifs, Ands, Or Bears About It from Fido Publishing in exchange for a honest review. This book was published January 6, 2014.
Written by: Celia Kyle
Series: Grayslake
Sequence in Series: 1
Print Length: 264 pages
ISBN: 1494788373
Publisher: Summerhouse Publishing; 1 edition
Publication Date: January 4, 2014
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The sexual tension can be sliced with a claw and man does Ty pull out all the stops in his pursuit of Mia. Ty did tend to get a little hairy and so did most of the characters for that matter...but all in the name of shifting.
Although most of this story is cute and utter sweet, there was a much darker side to this story. Hitting on topics that include abuse and sexual assault.
No Ifs, Ands, Or Bears About It was a fun, exciting, entertaining read that kept me invested from start to finish. Kyle creates a wonderful contemporary shifter world to explore with the potential of incredible stories to come.
I received this copy of No Ifs, Ands, Or Bears About It from Fido Publishing in exchange for a honest review. This book was published January 6, 2014.
Written by: Celia Kyle
Series: Grayslake
Sequence in Series: 1
Print Length: 264 pages
ISBN: 1494788373
Publisher: Summerhouse Publishing; 1 edition
Publication Date: January 4, 2014
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
January 12, 2014
This is the first book of Celia's I have read and man, I don't know how I've missed this lady before! I love paranormal romance and No Ifs Ands or Bears was a great one. It had all the elements I love in Paranormals: Humor, suspense, and heat!
Mia was one kick ass heroine. My favorite line "Let me say this in a way a bear can understand, MINE." Mia may be 'mostly' human, but she definitely has the heart of a bear. I adored her. She walks into any situation and takes no shit and she is the only one brave enough to stand up ti the Itan, our hero. I could just see her flick his bear nose and say "no" while the clan looks on and waits for her to be lunch!
Ty was a great hero too. A good and fair leader. He actually garnered my sympathies, because his life is not his own, the clan consumes his time and his thoughts, but when he meets Mia, all bets are off. I loved the back and form between Ty and his bear as they argue about how to win their mate.
I have a new author on my auto-buy list (I've already bought 3 books from her backlist) Wow! A great read!
Mia was one kick ass heroine. My favorite line "Let me say this in a way a bear can understand, MINE." Mia may be 'mostly' human, but she definitely has the heart of a bear. I adored her. She walks into any situation and takes no shit and she is the only one brave enough to stand up ti the Itan, our hero. I could just see her flick his bear nose and say "no" while the clan looks on and waits for her to be lunch!
Ty was a great hero too. A good and fair leader. He actually garnered my sympathies, because his life is not his own, the clan consumes his time and his thoughts, but when he meets Mia, all bets are off. I loved the back and form between Ty and his bear as they argue about how to win their mate.
I have a new author on my auto-buy list (I've already bought 3 books from her backlist) Wow! A great read!
October 29, 2014
Have to say the porn to romance ratio was a little high for my taste. I don't mind a sex scene here and there, but there's only so much blatant staring at "hardened nubs" and "raging erections" I can take seriously from one novel. Also the romance was really... Well... Not. There was definite lust at first sight, but everything seems to take place over the space of a week when loads of Bad Things keep happening, Mia and Ty barely speak at all, then suddenly they're all in love. I just feel like it was all very sudden and mystical-animal-side driven. I guess I just like my "romance" better when there's actual romance involved and the characters involved take time to know each other and grow together naturally.
On the up side it was nice to read about bear shifters instead of wolves (or the currently popular lions/ tigers) for a change. Pity we didn't get to learn more about shifter culture and how it differed from being a normal human though.
On the whole it was an interesting idea but left me underwhelmed and with no desire to know more about the characters or their world.
On the up side it was nice to read about bear shifters instead of wolves (or the currently popular lions/ tigers) for a change. Pity we didn't get to learn more about shifter culture and how it differed from being a normal human though.
On the whole it was an interesting idea but left me underwhelmed and with no desire to know more about the characters or their world.
January 16, 2014
If you enjoy shifter books then this is most definitely an author whose work you need to read. This is the first in what I hope will be the Grayslake series and introduces Sheriff Ty the biggest baddest werebear in charge and he's having a really bad day! There's been a disturbance but when he arrives he finds one of his drunken clan threatening Mia the woman of his dreams and unfortunately she just might be human! She's hiding a werebear cub in her house but is far too stubborn to admit it. Getting her to let him into her home isn't happening so how will he ever convince her to let him into her heart? Ty's day is about to get much worse before it gets better!
Fabulous fun to read as Ty struggles to chase down his mate and I loved Mia as she is one tough cookie! I don't like spoilers but this woman even gets his clan on her side and that's no mean feat. Very sensual but nothing that felt gratuitous and this couple deserve a lifetime of happiness.
Recommended
Fabulous fun to read as Ty struggles to chase down his mate and I loved Mia as she is one tough cookie! I don't like spoilers but this woman even gets his clan on her side and that's no mean feat. Very sensual but nothing that felt gratuitous and this couple deserve a lifetime of happiness.
Recommended
December 20, 2014
I absolutely loved Mia’s character. It was good to see a heroine who had some meat on her bones. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, big women can be sexy too. Ty was a super sexy beast as well and he loved all of Mia’s curves and her stubbornness.
Along with the romance, we are also treated to a little mystery involving a new bear in town. There are also many scenes where I was laughing out loud; especially when Mia was trying to curb her potty mouth in front of her father by calling someone a “penis head.”
There were many secondary characters that really supported the story and had me wanting more of them.
I hope they will be featured in future books, especially Ty’s three sexy brothers. It’s a great read and if you are looking for a fresh take on shifters, then you’ve come to the right place.
***I received an ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
Along with the romance, we are also treated to a little mystery involving a new bear in town. There are also many scenes where I was laughing out loud; especially when Mia was trying to curb her potty mouth in front of her father by calling someone a “penis head.”
There were many secondary characters that really supported the story and had me wanting more of them.
I hope they will be featured in future books, especially Ty’s three sexy brothers. It’s a great read and if you are looking for a fresh take on shifters, then you’ve come to the right place.
***I received an ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
June 16, 2017
I really needed this book. I've been reading way too many bad books lately so this one was like a breath of fresh air for me. The plot isn't anything new, but it was still great. I adored the cow poop out of Mia. Her sass was to die for. I loved that she stood up for herself and didn't let anyone talk down on her. The relationship between her and Ty was adorable and i completely fell in love with them.
Of course i also adored Ty's brothers and most of the other secondary characters. Parker was too adorable for words and i just wanted to cuddle him. I am a sorry to say goodbye to this pair, but also excited to read about the other characters in future books.
Of course i also adored Ty's brothers and most of the other secondary characters. Parker was too adorable for words and i just wanted to cuddle him. I am a sorry to say goodbye to this pair, but also excited to read about the other characters in future books.
March 29, 2015
I loved this book Mia was AWESOME I so loved her I never thought I would want to have a bear show up in my pantry but this book really made me wish for it !!
I really enjoyed reading this one this series has been on my TBR list for a long time I am kind of kicking myself for not reading it before now ... well I am off to start book 2 in this series happy reading to all .. :)
I really enjoyed reading this one this series has been on my TBR list for a long time I am kind of kicking myself for not reading it before now ... well I am off to start book 2 in this series happy reading to all .. :)
January 23, 2020
Grayslake ~ More than Mated ~ No Ifs, ands, Bears About It
Mia, a sassy young woman, moved to Grayslake when she inherited her werebear's house. Trouble starts the first day when she finds a bear cub hiding in her kitchen cabinet. Grayslake is a sizzling hot romance full of action with zippy dialogue to bring a smile.
Mia, a sassy young woman, moved to Grayslake when she inherited her werebear's house. Trouble starts the first day when she finds a bear cub hiding in her kitchen cabinet. Grayslake is a sizzling hot romance full of action with zippy dialogue to bring a smile.
December 24, 2022
Gave this series a shot since I do enjoy paranormal and shifter books, but this book fell flat to me. At times I was confused due to how fast things happened and it did not make sense to me. This definitely felt rushed to me, and I will not be continuing with the series.
March 10, 2017
I expect a couple of things from a shifter romance - and this one didn't let me down. Growly alpha male - check. Sassy but sort of meddling female - check. Adventure - check. Nothing brilliant but a comforting read.
Plot - there's this whole plot involving a bear cub and inheritance and double-crossing. blah blah blah. Mia is mostly human. Ty is the bear chief. He's super into her - she thinks it's for the wrong reasons. He pursues her. She throws silly obstacles in his way. There's some action, some sexy time, and a large cast (you can see the author setting up the rest of the series).
Ty was super sweet. Mia was only moderately irritating (although there were several times she really coulda just kept her mouth shut). The other bears nice and funny - they're going to make a readable series. Ty and Mia's obstacles mostly made sense. Everything was kinda silly but not completely ridiculous. It was nice to open up a shifter romance and find exactly what I was expecting. I don't think I'll read any more of this series, but it's nice to know that it's here if I need it.
Plot - there's this whole plot involving a bear cub and inheritance and double-crossing. blah blah blah. Mia is mostly human. Ty is the bear chief. He's super into her - she thinks it's for the wrong reasons. He pursues her. She throws silly obstacles in his way. There's some action, some sexy time, and a large cast (you can see the author setting up the rest of the series).
Ty was super sweet. Mia was only moderately irritating (although there were several times she really coulda just kept her mouth shut). The other bears nice and funny - they're going to make a readable series. Ty and Mia's obstacles mostly made sense. Everything was kinda silly but not completely ridiculous. It was nice to open up a shifter romance and find exactly what I was expecting. I don't think I'll read any more of this series, but it's nice to know that it's here if I need it.
January 31, 2015
There were some things I really enjoyed about this book:
1. The title
2. The fact that the heroine is 5'4" and 170 lbs. and has not become a dysfunctional Bridget Jones about it. Nor is she scarred for life and cowering in her closet, saying "Oh, woe is me!"
3. The fact that the bear in Ty loves Mia the way she is. And he feeds her to show his commitment. In fact, it's the bear that is first attracted to Mia.
4. The world-building was intriguing. It fell apart logically in several places, but the bones were good. Author has room to improve her writing chops, but it wasn't horrible.
5. Speaking of the world-building, I'm intrigued by the fact that Book #4 stars a were-mole. A MOLE?!? How wild is that. I like it when authors throw unusual elements into the mix. Too many UF/Paranormals get samey-samey.
6. The bear cub.
Some things that weren't so great:
1. Lots of continuity problems. Story moved from place to place with no good segues between.
2. As part of that, inferences were made, or things were done that had me saying "What!" Shaking my head and rereading. Some things just came out of the blue and were never explained.
3. The book was way stronger in the beginning for me.
4. I'm not a fan of exhibitionist sex or insta-lust, so those elements were turn offs for me.
5. Why does no one bother to ask the 4-year old what happened to him? Four year olds can talk and communicate pretty well, you know! What's up with that? And shouldn't law enforcement personnel get him to counseling or a child psychologist at the very least?
6. Speaking of which, this author evidently does not like to do research. That was too obvious. UF/PNR authors: Google is your friend! Write the animal behavior INTO your plot. Make your plot conform to known facts as much as possible. Bears, wolves and hyenas* are interesting. It won't kill you to find out more about them. :-)
7. The conflict and the violence made very little logical sense to me. I'll give that a pass, but...
8. This really stood out for me. Almost made me do a little wall-banging.
So, a mixed bag. Haven't decided if I'll continue the series or not.
Cover Art: Okay. I'd prefer a little less eye-liner and hair gel and more of an older more hunky model. (This guy looks too metrosexual for a Georgia country were-bear). But its okay. I'm weirdly picky, I know.
*I am NOT a scientist, nor do I play one on TV. My (minimal) knowledge on hyenas comes from reading this AMAZINGLY enjoyable book Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation. So I may be wrong. But, if that book is true, and those facts were integrated, it would have made for an amazingly more nuanced plot development in this book.
P.S. And don't get me started about the biological realities of LION SEX! OR MERMAIDS/MERMEN!!!!
1. The title
2. The fact that the heroine is 5'4" and 170 lbs. and has not become a dysfunctional Bridget Jones about it. Nor is she scarred for life and cowering in her closet, saying "Oh, woe is me!"
3. The fact that the bear in Ty loves Mia the way she is. And he feeds her to show his commitment. In fact, it's the bear that is first attracted to Mia.
4. The world-building was intriguing. It fell apart logically in several places, but the bones were good. Author has room to improve her writing chops, but it wasn't horrible.
5. Speaking of the world-building, I'm intrigued by the fact that Book #4 stars a were-mole. A MOLE?!? How wild is that. I like it when authors throw unusual elements into the mix. Too many UF/Paranormals get samey-samey.
6. The bear cub.
Some things that weren't so great:
1. Lots of continuity problems. Story moved from place to place with no good segues between.
2. As part of that, inferences were made, or things were done that had me saying "What!" Shaking my head and rereading. Some things just came out of the blue and were never explained.
3. The book was way stronger in the beginning for me.
4. I'm not a fan of exhibitionist sex or insta-lust, so those elements were turn offs for me.
5. Why does no one bother to ask the 4-year old what happened to him? Four year olds can talk and communicate pretty well, you know! What's up with that? And shouldn't law enforcement personnel get him to counseling or a child psychologist at the very least?
6. Speaking of which, this author evidently does not like to do research. That was too obvious. UF/PNR authors: Google is your friend! Write the animal behavior INTO your plot. Make your plot conform to known facts as much as possible. Bears, wolves and hyenas* are interesting. It won't kill you to find out more about them. :-)
7. The conflict and the violence made very little logical sense to me. I'll give that a pass, but...
8. This really stood out for me. Almost made me do a little wall-banging.
So, a mixed bag. Haven't decided if I'll continue the series or not.
Cover Art: Okay. I'd prefer a little less eye-liner and hair gel and more of an older more hunky model. (This guy looks too metrosexual for a Georgia country were-bear). But its okay. I'm weirdly picky, I know.
*I am NOT a scientist, nor do I play one on TV. My (minimal) knowledge on hyenas comes from reading this AMAZINGLY enjoyable book Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation. So I may be wrong. But, if that book is true, and those facts were integrated, it would have made for an amazingly more nuanced plot development in this book.
P.S. And don't get me started about the biological realities of LION SEX! OR MERMAIDS/MERMEN!!!!
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