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Dark Wing #1
Resisting the Bear
Granger’s hoping his carpenter contract gig on the Dark Wing will turn into a full-time job. Ex-soldier and bear shifter; he is raising a daughter, with a little help from his brother. He’s not willing to mate, ever. After Granger lost both of his parents; first his mother in a freak accident and then his father to the shifter widow illness—he made an oath to never mate. He’s not willing to risk a mating that might leave his little girl alone.
Michele has lived most of her life knowing she’s prophesied to be a sacrifice for her coven. Knowing she’s destined for an early death, she’s been saving money for her dad and living with a string of one or two-night stands—no mate for her. No use planning a future if she doesn’t have one.
Fate has brought them together; so they decide to enjoy the time they have together on the cruise before going their separate ways. No harm no foul, right?
Michele has lived most of her life knowing she’s prophesied to be a sacrifice for her coven. Knowing she’s destined for an early death, she’s been saving money for her dad and living with a string of one or two-night stands—no mate for her. No use planning a future if she doesn’t have one.
Fate has brought them together; so they decide to enjoy the time they have together on the cruise before going their separate ways. No harm no foul, right?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
232 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Pond
48 books205 followersEllie Pond is an author of Paranormal Romance. Ellie’s had many professions, including costume designer, contract archeologist, organic farmer, fabric store owner, and airline gate agent. She’s happy to be a full-time writer now. She lives in New England with her three teenage sons, husband, and father. It’s a lot of testosterone. To combat all the Axe body spray in the house, Ellie likes to travel. You can follow her on social media for her travel adventures, when we can do that kind of thing again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 2, 2023
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
Resisting the Bear was the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I will definitely be back for more. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and charming, along with a solid dose of steamy and complicated as one adorable little girl (bear cub) will overload you with cuteness while her father (bear shifter) and his fated mate (witch) will heat up the pages with their sexiness and some open to interpretation information that they’ve lived with their entire lives.
I enjoy the different lore that authors bring to their paranormal stories, and Granger’s situation was the first time I had read of the consequences of a mate’s death being conveyed this way. And while Michele’s prophetic future seems written in stone, it too is completely open to how one understands that vision from her coming-of-age ceremony. It was a fascinating concept that kept me guessing as to how in the world they’d ever be able to be together in the future beyond this cruise.
I loved the way the secondary characters were woven throughout this story, giving us just enough information about them to want to learn more in future additions to this series. A cruise ship is a very contained location, yet the possibilities seem endless for those characters to find their happiness at some point.
Granger and Michele were such a complicated couple, for good reasons, and watching them navigate that mate bond was both heartbreaking and very sexy at the same time. If they had to put up a relationship status somewhere it would definitely read “It’s complicated”! Yet I was so invested in finding out how they could possibly find a happy ending that the story itself simply flew by. I had a blast here, and that will bring me back to discover what the rest of the series has in store for us.
Just an FYI bit of information; this book was previously published in 2020 as “A Very Beary Christmas Cruise”.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Resisting the Bear was the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I will definitely be back for more. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and charming, along with a solid dose of steamy and complicated as one adorable little girl (bear cub) will overload you with cuteness while her father (bear shifter) and his fated mate (witch) will heat up the pages with their sexiness and some open to interpretation information that they’ve lived with their entire lives.
I enjoy the different lore that authors bring to their paranormal stories, and Granger’s situation was the first time I had read of the consequences of a mate’s death being conveyed this way. And while Michele’s prophetic future seems written in stone, it too is completely open to how one understands that vision from her coming-of-age ceremony. It was a fascinating concept that kept me guessing as to how in the world they’d ever be able to be together in the future beyond this cruise.
I loved the way the secondary characters were woven throughout this story, giving us just enough information about them to want to learn more in future additions to this series. A cruise ship is a very contained location, yet the possibilities seem endless for those characters to find their happiness at some point.
Granger and Michele were such a complicated couple, for good reasons, and watching them navigate that mate bond was both heartbreaking and very sexy at the same time. If they had to put up a relationship status somewhere it would definitely read “It’s complicated”! Yet I was so invested in finding out how they could possibly find a happy ending that the story itself simply flew by. I had a blast here, and that will bring me back to discover what the rest of the series has in store for us.
Just an FYI bit of information; this book was previously published in 2020 as “A Very Beary Christmas Cruise”.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
February 25, 2023
Michele, the witch, meets Granger, the bear shifter, and his cute five year old daughter on a Christmas cruise. Turns out they are fated mates and love sparks fly the first time they set eyes on each other. So, of course, they try to run away from each other and their “fate”.
Michele tried to run because she “knows” she is destined to die young. There was this whole coven thing with a “seer”, whatever. So she doesn’t want to be attached to anybody, human or paranormal, period. She doesn’t want her partner to suffer (or die) after she’s dead.
In this world of paranormals, if one fated mate dies, the other also dies within a couple of days. Sounds romantic if you are both ninety-nine and a half, not so much if you are thirty.
Granger tried to run away from his fated mate because he has an adopted daughter to raise and he doesn’t want to risk losing a mate and triggering his own demise. He lost his parents this way when he was young and was emotionally scarred by it.
Now, fate is having non of this nonsense. So, these two, who think they know better, are taught a few funny and spicy lessons on their way to the very sweet happy ending. I loved the storyline and really liked that it was set during the Christmas season. Highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Michele tried to run because she “knows” she is destined to die young. There was this whole coven thing with a “seer”, whatever. So she doesn’t want to be attached to anybody, human or paranormal, period. She doesn’t want her partner to suffer (or die) after she’s dead.
In this world of paranormals, if one fated mate dies, the other also dies within a couple of days. Sounds romantic if you are both ninety-nine and a half, not so much if you are thirty.
Granger tried to run away from his fated mate because he has an adopted daughter to raise and he doesn’t want to risk losing a mate and triggering his own demise. He lost his parents this way when he was young and was emotionally scarred by it.
Now, fate is having non of this nonsense. So, these two, who think they know better, are taught a few funny and spicy lessons on their way to the very sweet happy ending. I loved the storyline and really liked that it was set during the Christmas season. Highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2023
Michele, the female witch lead, has been received a prophecy that she’ll have to make a great sacrifice for her coven. Assuming that means she’ll die, she has refused to have relationships and she was most distressed to discover she’s supposed to be a bear shifter’s mate. Granger, the male bear shifter lead, saw what his mother’s death did to his father and, as an adoptive father to his niece, he’s determined not to put her in the same position he and his brother were left in. Both are disgruntled to find each other on a cruise where Granger is hoping to secure longterm work and Michele is hiding from Christmas with others. But there’s been research into severing a mate bond that appears promising…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a complex, interesting story with two lead characters who firmly believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good. I enjoyed the personal development of both characters as well as the relationship development between them, and Michele’s relationship with Granger’s daughter. I appreciated the simplicity of the solution to both their concerns and the integration of secondary characters. I look forward to other stories in this setting and am really enjoying this author’s writing, having only found her in the last six months.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is dual POV, well written, and a complex, interesting story with two lead characters who firmly believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good. I enjoyed the personal development of both characters as well as the relationship development between them, and Michele’s relationship with Granger’s daughter. I appreciated the simplicity of the solution to both their concerns and the integration of secondary characters. I look forward to other stories in this setting and am really enjoying this author’s writing, having only found her in the last six months.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2023
Prophecy - getting it straight
Michele had lived her life for years with what she thought was a death sentence. Her life prophecy had foretold of the great sacrifice she would make for her coven. This was the reason she refused to get too close to anyone. Until she joined the cruise on The Dragon Wing ship and met Granger and his adorable, shy daughter Amelia. Drawn to both of them in a way that she feared would leave them hurting when she was gone, she fought her mating call to Granger, a bear shifter. But there was something different about Amelia as well. Granger had told her his daughter was all human, but Michele was a witch and she could see something in Amelia he couldn’t.
On a cruise ship that mixed shifters with humans, romance between shifter and witch, a bit of mystery, intriguing characters and a child’s antics, this tale will take the reader on an enjoyably, delightful journey with some hot nights between mates. Part of a series there is a HEA but I expect some queries not completely answered may flow through other books that follow. Enjoy this one as I certainly did.
Michele had lived her life for years with what she thought was a death sentence. Her life prophecy had foretold of the great sacrifice she would make for her coven. This was the reason she refused to get too close to anyone. Until she joined the cruise on The Dragon Wing ship and met Granger and his adorable, shy daughter Amelia. Drawn to both of them in a way that she feared would leave them hurting when she was gone, she fought her mating call to Granger, a bear shifter. But there was something different about Amelia as well. Granger had told her his daughter was all human, but Michele was a witch and she could see something in Amelia he couldn’t.
On a cruise ship that mixed shifters with humans, romance between shifter and witch, a bit of mystery, intriguing characters and a child’s antics, this tale will take the reader on an enjoyably, delightful journey with some hot nights between mates. Part of a series there is a HEA but I expect some queries not completely answered may flow through other books that follow. Enjoy this one as I certainly did.
February 23, 2023
A Wonderful Storyline
Michelle as a Witch had been told her prophecy when she came of age which meant she would not live long so she would never mate with anyone!
Granger, a Bear Shifter was bringing up his daughter who he thought was human and he would never mate because he didn’t want to leave her alone if anything happened to him!
When two people meet in unusual circumstances and fate throws in her hand to keep them together, what are they to do? Give into fate and mate with each other and it helps that Michelle and his daughter Amelia seem to bond straight away!
I loved the fun aspect of this story, it’s filled with so much emotion and the love Granger feels for his daughter is expressed beautifully. The secondary characters are great and the steamy passion Granger and Michelle have for each other just sizzles on the pages.
A sexy, steamy shifter read with a wonderful HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Michelle as a Witch had been told her prophecy when she came of age which meant she would not live long so she would never mate with anyone!
Granger, a Bear Shifter was bringing up his daughter who he thought was human and he would never mate because he didn’t want to leave her alone if anything happened to him!
When two people meet in unusual circumstances and fate throws in her hand to keep them together, what are they to do? Give into fate and mate with each other and it helps that Michelle and his daughter Amelia seem to bond straight away!
I loved the fun aspect of this story, it’s filled with so much emotion and the love Granger feels for his daughter is expressed beautifully. The secondary characters are great and the steamy passion Granger and Michelle have for each other just sizzles on the pages.
A sexy, steamy shifter read with a wonderful HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own
March 4, 2023
This is another good book by Ellie Pond. I would call this a sweet romance. Both lead characters, Michele and Granger are good people, with a feisty but caring personality and a lot of heat between them. The thing I like about this story is that you genuinely like them. Plus you also like Amelia (Granger’s daughter). I find that kids are written as either tearaways, sickly sweet or super intelligent. Amelia is none of those, she is a normal 5 year, which makes the story flow so much better.
This sets a great scene on the Dark Wing ship which also introduces a lot of other characters, some new and others from previous books. It’s always nice to see previous characters so you can see what has happened since their story ended.
This is a really enjoyable story that you can easily get lost in. 5 stars!
This sets a great scene on the Dark Wing ship which also introduces a lot of other characters, some new and others from previous books. It’s always nice to see previous characters so you can see what has happened since their story ended.
This is a really enjoyable story that you can easily get lost in. 5 stars!
Read
March 5, 2023Michele has delays and lost baggage then on the cruise ship the room gets double booked.
After delayed flights almost missed connections and missing baggage Kira arrives at the Dark Wing cruise ship ready to relax in her cabin. When someone open the door with a wristbandand a bear shifter and his daughter walk in she finds there has been a mix up.. Two people meet meant to be mates but Kira has been prophesied to be sacreficed for the good of the coven and Granger has watched his father suffer since his mother died so have decied against mating they realise they are fated mates but will fight fate all the way. Entertaining paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After delayed flights almost missed connections and missing baggage Kira arrives at the Dark Wing cruise ship ready to relax in her cabin. When someone open the door with a wristbandand a bear shifter and his daughter walk in she finds there has been a mix up.. Two people meet meant to be mates but Kira has been prophesied to be sacreficed for the good of the coven and Granger has watched his father suffer since his mother died so have decied against mating they realise they are fated mates but will fight fate all the way. Entertaining paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Michele interpreted her prophecy wrong and lived life to that. Forced to go on a cruise, she meets Granger and his daughter Amelia. Granger is her fated mate. They try to resist but can't. They plan on breaking their bond but when it comes down to it, neither wants to give up the other. Their fears are put into the background as their love grows. The mix-up with the cabins that led to their meeting and learning about Amelia's true parentage only add to the story. I do wonder if the captain of the Dark Wing had more to do with the events than was revealed.
July 8, 2025
Sweet read with a HEA
This book is perfect if you're looking for a sweet, fated mates HEA with low angst. It was lovely to see two people who've had tough lives get everything they deserve.
I didn't rate it higher because there were more than a few moments where we were presented with irrelevant or overly complicated descriptions that really took me out of the story. It doesn't make it a bad book, but the flow wasn't there. Loved the characters, though, and the overall arch of the story.
Really wish you could rate half stars because it's better than a 3, but not quite a 4 for me.
This book is perfect if you're looking for a sweet, fated mates HEA with low angst. It was lovely to see two people who've had tough lives get everything they deserve.
I didn't rate it higher because there were more than a few moments where we were presented with irrelevant or overly complicated descriptions that really took me out of the story. It doesn't make it a bad book, but the flow wasn't there. Loved the characters, though, and the overall arch of the story.
Really wish you could rate half stars because it's better than a 3, but not quite a 4 for me.
March 3, 2023
What an amazing book! It took me no time to read it, as I couldn't put the book down. I really loved all of the characters and the way that the story was written. The setting - a cruise ship - is unusual enough for a PNR story that it gives an air of originality to the tale. Michele and Granger are so good together, and I like Michele's relationship with Amelia, his daughter. If you enjoy PNR and fated mates, it's very likely you'll love this story as much as I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2023
Fated mates Granger and Michele meet on a Christmas Cruise, but both backstories give them good reason to stay apart. Fate proves fickle though and through entertaining situations, they find out they can not fight it. Wonderful characters, cute adopted daughter Amelia, deep feelings and steam catch your attention quickly. Loved the storyline of living with prophecy and seers interpretations. Such a roller coaster ride at times and the ending was perfect. Can not wait to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2023
Can't run from fate. When Michele and Granger meet on a Christmas cruse, they feel the attraction and know who they are, but what the feel is nothing compared to what they believe.
After a seer tells Michele she will die young, she is determined to keep away from love to save others from hurt. Granger had seen his parent go quickly after each other and refused to do that to anyone else.
This is a fun story with a few lessons that make you smile as Michele and Granger give into fate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After a seer tells Michele she will die young, she is determined to keep away from love to save others from hurt. Granger had seen his parent go quickly after each other and refused to do that to anyone else.
This is a fun story with a few lessons that make you smile as Michele and Granger give into fate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
This is a well written shifter/paranormal romance with strong characters in Michele and Granger. The author starts the series with this sweet and sexy story and does a great job developing the story. She brings an emotional read that had me hooked from start to finish. It moves fluidly with perfectly painted scenes and is a terrific read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 9, 2023
Granger and Michele's story is never to assume that fate doesn't have a plan when it comes to mates. Granger and Michele fought against their mate pull but fell in love instead,. Each was determined to sacrifice their bond for the good of others, but their love was strong and prophecy can be misinterpreted. Enjoyed this story with its drama, hot steam and some romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
This was a wonderful book by Eli pond that I fell in love with on the very first page. It’s Michelle and Granger story, which is a sweet heartwarming holiday shift. A romance story. It’s full of drama danger, romance, humor, steam, angst, hot alpha male and love. I loved them together. It’s a wonderful well written paranormal shifter sexy romance story I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2023
A sweet and intense shifter romance about a cruise liner with a mix of paranormals and humans a cute as can be witch and some really messed up ideas of what the future holds . Part of a series but also very much a stand alone story Perfect for a rainy afternoon / evening or a lazy summer day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2023
This one is just as funny as all the other books. I loved this one because they meet and try to fight it. Will they break the mating or will the experiment work and they will not be mates anymore. You have to read this boo to find out what the future holds for Grander and Michelle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
You really had to feel for these two. Granger and Michele give your emotions and heartstrings a workout as their story unfolds. This romance is a blend of cute and fun, with ample amounts of heart and poignancy flowing throughout. A very good read and an enticing start to this series. This is my biased, unsolicited review.
March 2, 2023
Michele and Grainger meet by accident onboard a holiday cruise. They are mistakenly put into the same cabin together. He works on the ship but has his daughter for the holidays, she's just taking a vacation. They discover they are mates but both refuse to accept that. A very enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2023
. Michelle is a witch, and a prophecy has her thinking she is going to die. So she saves her money so her dad will be taken care of. Granger us ex military turned carpenter fir a cruise ship. He has issues of his own. I can't wait to see who Is next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2025
It was fine, no bear though
Romance was sweet. Dad thing was sweet. Spice was spicy... moderate spicy. Plot was a bit of a stretch. absolutely not satisfied with some of the dropped plotlines.
Biggest complaint overall... am I insane or did the MMC never once shift into a bear? You put a bear on the cover of a book and I expect there to be a bear in the book. You know?
Romance was sweet. Dad thing was sweet. Spice was spicy... moderate spicy. Plot was a bit of a stretch. absolutely not satisfied with some of the dropped plotlines.
Biggest complaint overall... am I insane or did the MMC never once shift into a bear? You put a bear on the cover of a book and I expect there to be a bear in the book. You know?
February 20, 2023
This is an awesome paranormal/shifter romance! I really liked it.. It is sweet and sexy, hopeful and heartfelt..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2023
She believed she's dying her sacrifice for her covering and he don't want to mate cuz he doesn't want to have a widow disease. Will they deny what Fate has said can happen you'll have to read the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2023
A fascinating story with characters that are strong, stubborn, resilient, caring, brilliant and protective. So much fun reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2023
Resisting the Bear is a great recipe for fun and reminders that sometimes fate has plans for us, and usually, we get so hung up on a negative interpretation, we can’t see how things could go right.
Mix one reluctant to love witch with a single bear of a dad, his mysterious, little daughter, and one massive suite of a room on the DarkWing as the only available cabin. Shake gently, don’t stir.
Fun and lighthearted but if you dare to look under the surface, there are deeper topics to reflect upon (like it’s not always the worst case scenario and love IS worth the risk).
Mix one reluctant to love witch with a single bear of a dad, his mysterious, little daughter, and one massive suite of a room on the DarkWing as the only available cabin. Shake gently, don’t stir.
Fun and lighthearted but if you dare to look under the surface, there are deeper topics to reflect upon (like it’s not always the worst case scenario and love IS worth the risk).
March 9, 2023
I love this story - set on a cruise ship for shifters, with fated mates who don't want to be mates, there was humour, heat and a little Christmas magic thrown in. A gem!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the characters and the storyline. I can't wait to read more of this series and more from this author. Great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2023
BOOK ONE IN A NEW SERIES AND GOT OF TO A GREAT START
IF YOU LOVE BEAR SHIFTERS LIKE ME THEN THIS IS FOR YOU
GREAT STORY AND CHARACTERS.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IF YOU LOVE BEAR SHIFTERS LIKE ME THEN THIS IS FOR YOU
GREAT STORY AND CHARACTERS.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2023
Cruise ship
He works on the cruise ship to hopefully get a permanent job so he can bring hid daughter with him, in stead of leaving her with his brother. She tried of being the only single person so she decided to go on a Xmas cruise.
He works on the cruise ship to hopefully get a permanent job so he can bring hid daughter with him, in stead of leaving her with his brother. She tried of being the only single person so she decided to go on a Xmas cruise.
March 2, 2024
Resisting the Bear
I enjoyed this book. I loved Amelia. She is a sweet and sassy five year old. I loved Granger and his determination to protect his daughter. This was a good read and I look forward to book two.
I enjoyed this book. I loved Amelia. She is a sweet and sassy five year old. I loved Granger and his determination to protect his daughter. This was a good read and I look forward to book two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews