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Hades' Carnival #2
Mark of the Bear
When the devil wants a deal, there's no bowing out gracefully.
At twenty-nine, Hollywood scream queen Kellsie Morris is acutely aware the clock is ticking on her career. Luckily, the one big role she needs to pad her retirement fund has just come through-the story of an immortal, shape-shifting warrior trapped in a carnival run by the Devil's minions.
When Kellsie arrives on set, she can't resist climbing aboard an amazingly realistic carousel bear-and finds herself flung into a world where the horror is real. As real as the heat radiating off the half-naked hunk in her arms.
Marko has waited an eternity for the chance to free his goddess, the Lady of the Beasts, and his fellow warriors from an ancient curse. But once he lays eyes on Kellsie, he knows to the bottom of his soul that his purpose is to protect her life.
But in this hellish game, it's the Devil's move. And there's no predicting when and where the final, brutal stroke will fall-and which lover will pay the ultimate price.
Warning: This book contains a heroine who's a screamer-in and out of bed-and a warrior who gives a whole new meaning to "method." After reading, please use caution when standing up. Your knees may be weak.
At twenty-nine, Hollywood scream queen Kellsie Morris is acutely aware the clock is ticking on her career. Luckily, the one big role she needs to pad her retirement fund has just come through-the story of an immortal, shape-shifting warrior trapped in a carnival run by the Devil's minions.
When Kellsie arrives on set, she can't resist climbing aboard an amazingly realistic carousel bear-and finds herself flung into a world where the horror is real. As real as the heat radiating off the half-naked hunk in her arms.
Marko has waited an eternity for the chance to free his goddess, the Lady of the Beasts, and his fellow warriors from an ancient curse. But once he lays eyes on Kellsie, he knows to the bottom of his soul that his purpose is to protect her life.
But in this hellish game, it's the Devil's move. And there's no predicting when and where the final, brutal stroke will fall-and which lover will pay the ultimate price.
Warning: This book contains a heroine who's a screamer-in and out of bed-and a warrior who gives a whole new meaning to "method." After reading, please use caution when standing up. Your knees may be weak.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2013
32 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
N.J. Walters
168 books1,277 followersOnce upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.
One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel and life would never be the same.
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel and life would never be the same.
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 5, 2014
Favorite Lines “Where there was hope there was life. A”
“So he was hot. So what? So he made her body sit up and take notice. So what? He was just a man like any other.”
“He had to believe in her honesty, in her passion. If it wasn’t genuine, he was lost, because there was no way he could ever harm her.”
“My soul isn’t up for grabs. You might kill me but, as we both know, I’m a survivor. I won’t make it easy for you.”
“She moved against him in a slow mating dance that sealed their love once and for all. When they came it was together. There was no huge explosion this time, but a flooding of rightness, a sense of belonging, of love that brought tears to her eyes.”
“Thank you,” he whispered in her ear. “Thank you for giving him his life.”
Man, this author continues to surprise me! Her writing reaches so ething I side of me that very few authors can!
These warriors are proud, amazing, strong, and freaking yummy! They have a loyalty that very few can have!
I will admit when I first found it the main heroine was a "scream queen" I had my doubts but, they were easily put to rest. She's an amazing Character who is strong and loyal. Strong in her beliefs and convictions! Watching her stand up to Hades was such a treat.
I'm dying to know what happens to the rest of the warriors and their lady! I devoured this book like every one of N.J. Walters. She's an amazingly talented author! If you love paranormal romance then this series is for you!
FIVE BEAR FAIRIES
“So he was hot. So what? So he made her body sit up and take notice. So what? He was just a man like any other.”
“He had to believe in her honesty, in her passion. If it wasn’t genuine, he was lost, because there was no way he could ever harm her.”
“My soul isn’t up for grabs. You might kill me but, as we both know, I’m a survivor. I won’t make it easy for you.”
“She moved against him in a slow mating dance that sealed their love once and for all. When they came it was together. There was no huge explosion this time, but a flooding of rightness, a sense of belonging, of love that brought tears to her eyes.”
“Thank you,” he whispered in her ear. “Thank you for giving him his life.”
Man, this author continues to surprise me! Her writing reaches so ething I side of me that very few authors can!
These warriors are proud, amazing, strong, and freaking yummy! They have a loyalty that very few can have!
I will admit when I first found it the main heroine was a "scream queen" I had my doubts but, they were easily put to rest. She's an amazing Character who is strong and loyal. Strong in her beliefs and convictions! Watching her stand up to Hades was such a treat.
I'm dying to know what happens to the rest of the warriors and their lady! I devoured this book like every one of N.J. Walters. She's an amazingly talented author! If you love paranormal romance then this series is for you!
FIVE BEAR FAIRIES
March 29, 2016
2 1/2 stars
There's a reason I usually avoid reading books in a series back to back: sometimes the basic storylines of the books are too similar and I get burned out. In this case, it was worse: the storylines weren't only similar, they were exactly the same. What was new and interesting in the first book became repetitive and predictable in this second book, the only difference being the H/h's names.
Despite that, I'm still interested in finishing the series, because I need to know how the battle against Hades will end. I'll just have to wait and read other books before coming back to it.
There's a reason I usually avoid reading books in a series back to back: sometimes the basic storylines of the books are too similar and I get burned out. In this case, it was worse: the storylines weren't only similar, they were exactly the same. What was new and interesting in the first book became repetitive and predictable in this second book, the only difference being the H/h's names.
Despite that, I'm still interested in finishing the series, because I need to know how the battle against Hades will end. I'll just have to wait and read other books before coming back to it.
January 2, 2014
Wow! This series is crazy. The stories are fairly short, but from the moment the shifter is released, the action never stops. Hades is always one step behind them, and time is running out. Exciting, suspenseful and steamy. Loving this series!
February 1, 2018
I got off to a bad start with this Author and spent years avoiding reading her work because of it. I am so glad I picked up another book by her, because so far I love the worlds she has created and I really like a lot of the characters.
My only nit with this story was the first sexy time came a little too rushed and unrealistic. I felt as if it was put there per some form of writing formula, eg. first sex scene must be in around the first 30% of the story. Because given the situation, and how they felt about each other, them having sex there just felt all kinds of forced and wrong.
That aside I did enjoy the story.
My only nit with this story was the first sexy time came a little too rushed and unrealistic. I felt as if it was put there per some form of writing formula, eg. first sex scene must be in around the first 30% of the story. Because given the situation, and how they felt about each other, them having sex there just felt all kinds of forced and wrong.
That aside I did enjoy the story.
June 15, 2019
Heavy sigh
I think I there could be a great story here, it just missed the mark. The first half of the book was , I've been drugged I'm hallucinating I'm dreaming . The first book in the series, Night of the Tiger was really good this book is just a miss mash of a supposedly tough modern woman using the words dude and bud to show how tough she is. I know this is fiction it's just a little hard to read. It did pull me enough to want to see what happens in the next book.
I think I there could be a great story here, it just missed the mark. The first half of the book was , I've been drugged I'm hallucinating I'm dreaming . The first book in the series, Night of the Tiger was really good this book is just a miss mash of a supposedly tough modern woman using the words dude and bud to show how tough she is. I know this is fiction it's just a little hard to read. It did pull me enough to want to see what happens in the next book.
January 12, 2024
Great continuation of the series
These books keep you locked in. I love reading how the warriors are released and the women who free them. You will not be disappointed with these books
These books keep you locked in. I love reading how the warriors are released and the women who free them. You will not be disappointed with these books
July 30, 2018
2.5 stars for me...same as the first...repetitive...great concept..not so great execution...
April 21, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Absolutely loved this book! Admittedly, in it's basic form, this story follows the same (or at least a very similar) plot that Night of the Tiger had, just with different people. I still, however, enjoyed it because N.J. Waters does a good job still making the story it's own with a new character.
If you didn't guess already (or read the synopsis), Kellsie Morris (the famous horror actress) is the leading lady in this book. She's a pretty cool gal (though I was absolutely frustrated at how stubborn she was about denying Marko's explanation about everything). I can't condemn her as much as I'd like to. As the book points out, we live in a world where technology and science has gone so far that we believe in these magical/mythical explanations that were once ancient society's logical reasoning for everything. Though she was more stubborn than Aimee was about believing, she came to terms about her feelings for Marko a bit faster than Aimee did for Roric (at least I think she did, I can't remember too clearly every single detail from the last book :X).
Overall, I'd say this book is worth the read. If you've read the first book and liked it, you'll probably like this one too unless you hate books that are predictable and sort of repeat itself (although these 2 qualities are only apparent if you remember what happened in the first book). If you're new to the series, I'd say it's worth the read. If you love fantasy romance novels with sexy dominant men who literally are a beast inside, this book is for you (especially if you love seeing these men in action...in bed(;).
Absolutely loved this book! Admittedly, in it's basic form, this story follows the same (or at least a very similar) plot that Night of the Tiger had, just with different people. I still, however, enjoyed it because N.J. Waters does a good job still making the story it's own with a new character.
If you didn't guess already (or read the synopsis), Kellsie Morris (the famous horror actress) is the leading lady in this book. She's a pretty cool gal (though I was absolutely frustrated at how stubborn she was about denying Marko's explanation about everything). I can't condemn her as much as I'd like to. As the book points out, we live in a world where technology and science has gone so far that we believe in these magical/mythical explanations that were once ancient society's logical reasoning for everything. Though she was more stubborn than Aimee was about believing, she came to terms about her feelings for Marko a bit faster than Aimee did for Roric (at least I think she did, I can't remember too clearly every single detail from the last book :X).
Overall, I'd say this book is worth the read. If you've read the first book and liked it, you'll probably like this one too unless you hate books that are predictable and sort of repeat itself (although these 2 qualities are only apparent if you remember what happened in the first book). If you're new to the series, I'd say it's worth the read. If you love fantasy romance novels with sexy dominant men who literally are a beast inside, this book is for you (especially if you love seeing these men in action...in bed(;).
May 21, 2013
NJ, seriously!?! It had to end like that? :( I am so dying for the next book to be out now!!! This was another great read! This series is quickly turning into a favorite for me. It's unique and interesting. The story just sucks you right in and if you’re like I was, you won’t come back out until you’ve read the very last page.
Once again I LOVED the two main characters! There’s always something really special about NJ’s characters that instantly makes me fall in love with them and I think Kelsie may be my very favorite heroine of hers. I mean, she’s the freaking scream queen! Very cool! But then again I’m a horror movie nut, so she’s extra interesting to me. And Marko, well let’s just say there is something VERY appealing about a big cuddly bear that turns into and equally big hunky guy! Best of both if you ask me! ;)
I really like the other characters too! It was nice to get to see Aimee and Roric again. I can't wait to see who is next and I'm kind of more excited about who the next heroine will be. I mean a graphic novelist and the scream queen? These hunky shifters know how to pick 'em! ;)
If you enjoy a fast paced romance with hunky shifters, kick ass heroines and creepy but entertaining villains, this series is for you! You don’t necessarily need to read these in order but I recommend it because you’ll get the full story having read both! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series and pretty much anything else NJ decides to write because her books are always fantastic!
Once again I LOVED the two main characters! There’s always something really special about NJ’s characters that instantly makes me fall in love with them and I think Kelsie may be my very favorite heroine of hers. I mean, she’s the freaking scream queen! Very cool! But then again I’m a horror movie nut, so she’s extra interesting to me. And Marko, well let’s just say there is something VERY appealing about a big cuddly bear that turns into and equally big hunky guy! Best of both if you ask me! ;)
I really like the other characters too! It was nice to get to see Aimee and Roric again. I can't wait to see who is next and I'm kind of more excited about who the next heroine will be. I mean a graphic novelist and the scream queen? These hunky shifters know how to pick 'em! ;)
If you enjoy a fast paced romance with hunky shifters, kick ass heroines and creepy but entertaining villains, this series is for you! You don’t necessarily need to read these in order but I recommend it because you’ll get the full story having read both! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series and pretty much anything else NJ decides to write because her books are always fantastic!
December 16, 2013
Stars: 4
Overall: Hades is at it again and this time he has it in for Scream Queen Kellsie Morris. I loved this book a bit more than the first one. The story was ingenious because the author took it to another level in the horror and love aspect. I also really liked the way the bear claw and Kellsie's tattoo was integrated to the story. For me it made Marko and Kellsie relationship more connected and it felt a lot more real. My only problem is that they have 24 hours to fall in love with each other. I feel like maybe a week would've been a little more realistic, but i didn't make me love the story any less. The ending of the story was my favorite because again Marko like Roric, gave up part of his immortality and now they will be able to spend the rest of their lives together. I can't wait to find out what kind of powers these ladies received.
Characters: Marko & Kellsie
Page Turner: Oh yes!!
Series Cont: YES!!!
Recommend: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK & SERIES!
Overall: Hades is at it again and this time he has it in for Scream Queen Kellsie Morris. I loved this book a bit more than the first one. The story was ingenious because the author took it to another level in the horror and love aspect. I also really liked the way the bear claw and Kellsie's tattoo was integrated to the story. For me it made Marko and Kellsie relationship more connected and it felt a lot more real. My only problem is that they have 24 hours to fall in love with each other. I feel like maybe a week would've been a little more realistic, but i didn't make me love the story any less. The ending of the story was my favorite because again Marko like Roric, gave up part of his immortality and now they will be able to spend the rest of their lives together. I can't wait to find out what kind of powers these ladies received.
Characters: Marko & Kellsie
Page Turner: Oh yes!!
Series Cont: YES!!!
Recommend: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK & SERIES!
March 29, 2014
This book is an intriguing paranormal romance with a refreshingly unique tale involving Hades and a curse. The author has created a fascinating world of wonder and excitement, enchanting characters and a interesting and different storyline that ensures the reader wants to know the rest of the story. The setting and the curse are an awesome addition that adds lots of spice and depth to the story. I was totally engrossed in the story from the prologue and couldn’t put the book down until I read the very last word of the epilogue. I can’t wait to read the other characters stories and I even want to know more about Mordecai’s story.
See my full review at: Night Owl Reviews .com
See my full review at: Night Owl Reviews .com
June 24, 2013
This is the second book of the Hades' Carnival series. This is all about Kellsie, an actress who is set-up to "make a movie" in the infamous carnival. There, she releases Marko, the bear shifter who is trapped five thousand years in his animal form. Anyway, what would I comment is that the flow of the story(not just the 24-hour deadline), but the way the heroine acted is almost the same in the first book. I now get some of Mordecai's motives for doing what he has done, and how he inadvertently helped Kellsie to have immortality. Anyway, this is an enjoyable read.
March 4, 2015
I loved this story. The blend of the supernatural shapeshiftsrs and the acient Greek gods with the modern was great. I loved that this one was focused on the bear and the b lost actress. It was good. I loved that the heroine is independent and brave. I loved how the bear was sensitive to her and how he looked at her. Like he saw into her soul. I'm officially hooked on the series. I look forward to the next one.
June 7, 2013
I can't think of a better follow up to Night of The Tiger than Mark of The Bear. Marko is one sexy shapeshifter and Kellsie is one lucky heroine. Marko is possessive, protective, and everything a woman could want in an alpha hero. The love scenes nearly burned up my ereader! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
January 23, 2014
good read but i was done really quickly. i don't think the cover is anything like the description in the book. the cover is kinda rough looking not chiseled hotness as described in the book... oh the sex is hot!
September 19, 2015
Mark of the Bear is just as good as the first one. There are similarities and I don't know if that can be avoided to be honest not with the set up by the author. Still a solid and sound series and an author to watch out for.
November 12, 2013
I love this serie ... I have to read the next two books :)
of course a lot of romance, huge warrior, hades and his minions and HEA ^^
of course a lot of romance, huge warrior, hades and his minions and HEA ^^
October 20, 2013
I had to force myself to finish this book. I just did not enjoy this installment as much as the first book. I'm hoping book 3 is better.
December 23, 2013
Really tried to get into this series but it was repetitive of the first. Story was just not my thing.
January 10, 2015
Reviewed for RT Book Reviews http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/mark-bear
Web Exclusive Review
Web Exclusive Review
October 27, 2015
Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! I'm moving on to the next book. I really would like to see Hades defeated.
September 2, 2016
I loved this book, it keeps you on edge right to the end. But really, a sward to the back won't kill an immortal, have some commonsense Kellsie.
January 3, 2017
one of my favorites of te series
October 27, 2013
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews