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Brides for Beasts: Bears #2
Off-Limits Mate
Bestselling authors Candace Ayers and Kym Dillon bring you SHORT "lunchtime quickie" reads—condensed romances intended to be read in under 2 hours!
Welcome to Mystic Hollow where wildest dreams (trust me, they do get wild) come true.
Like a desperate, chubby Cinderella, I'm hoping to land myself a hubby before the clock strikes midnight.
With a secret and a countdown, BfB is my last hope.
So what if the guy turns out to be a cross between Shrek and a granite boulder, sans the charm of either?
He just needs to check three be kind, love kids, and promise not to harm a hair on my head.
Simple, right?
Just my luck, I end up falling for a guy who can smell secrets.
Yep, you heard right. No escaping this guy's super sniffer.
Turns out, he has a secret of his own.
Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire, right?
**This is a short, feel-good, instalove-inspired, fated mates bear shifter romance.**
This book can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order
Welcome to Mystic Hollow where wildest dreams (trust me, they do get wild) come true.
Like a desperate, chubby Cinderella, I'm hoping to land myself a hubby before the clock strikes midnight.
With a secret and a countdown, BfB is my last hope.
So what if the guy turns out to be a cross between Shrek and a granite boulder, sans the charm of either?
He just needs to check three be kind, love kids, and promise not to harm a hair on my head.
Simple, right?
Just my luck, I end up falling for a guy who can smell secrets.
Yep, you heard right. No escaping this guy's super sniffer.
Turns out, he has a secret of his own.
Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire, right?
**This is a short, feel-good, instalove-inspired, fated mates bear shifter romance.**
This book can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 4, 2026
Off‑Limits Mate is the kind of chaotic, feel‑good shifter romance that grabs you by the chin, kisses your forehead, and then immediately throws you into a bear’s arms without warning. Candace Ayers and Kym Dillon clearly said, “What if Cinderella was plus‑size, panicking, and horny, and her Prince Charming was a giant bear shifter with the olfactory sensitivity of a bloodhound on espresso?” And then they delivered exactly that.
Our heroine is out here fighting for her future like a chubby Cinderella with a ticking clock and a secret she’s duct‑taped to her soul. She doesn’t need perfection. She doesn’t need abs. She doesn’t even need charm. She just wants a man who’s kind, loves kids, and won’t murder her. The bar is subterranean, and honestly, relatable.
Enter the bear shifter who is absolutely not supposed to be an option. Off‑limits. Forbidden. The kind of man who could bench‑press a Buick and sniff out a lie before she even thinks it. He’s got a super sniffer, she’s got a secret, and the sexual tension is thick enough to spread on toast.
And because Mystic Hollow thrives on drama, he’s hiding something too. Something big. Something that turns her “oh no” into “OH NO” and then into “well… maybe.” It’s the perfect blend of instalove, fated‑mates destiny nonsense, and two people who should absolutely not be falling for each other but do anyway because the universe loves chaos.
It’s sweet. It’s spicy. It’s fast. It’s the paranormal equivalent of a drive‑thru milkshake that somehow still hits like a gourmet dessert. And the emotional payoff? Chef’s kiss. You’ll finish it in under two hours and still feel like you lived an entire season of a shifter soap opera.
Our heroine is out here fighting for her future like a chubby Cinderella with a ticking clock and a secret she’s duct‑taped to her soul. She doesn’t need perfection. She doesn’t need abs. She doesn’t even need charm. She just wants a man who’s kind, loves kids, and won’t murder her. The bar is subterranean, and honestly, relatable.
Enter the bear shifter who is absolutely not supposed to be an option. Off‑limits. Forbidden. The kind of man who could bench‑press a Buick and sniff out a lie before she even thinks it. He’s got a super sniffer, she’s got a secret, and the sexual tension is thick enough to spread on toast.
And because Mystic Hollow thrives on drama, he’s hiding something too. Something big. Something that turns her “oh no” into “OH NO” and then into “well… maybe.” It’s the perfect blend of instalove, fated‑mates destiny nonsense, and two people who should absolutely not be falling for each other but do anyway because the universe loves chaos.
It’s sweet. It’s spicy. It’s fast. It’s the paranormal equivalent of a drive‑thru milkshake that somehow still hits like a gourmet dessert. And the emotional payoff? Chef’s kiss. You’ll finish it in under two hours and still feel like you lived an entire season of a shifter soap opera.
June 19, 2026
Review warning: The Brides for Beasts: Bears series is composed of five “lunchtime reads” which I feasted upon like a glutton at a five course meal, gobbling one after the other. Be prepared for nearly identical reviews.
…some of these women in the program look like they walked right off the cover of Vogue. Against them, I'm like an adorable penguin stranded in the Sahara.
Picture a mash up of “The Bachelor” with “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and…
🍭🍬The 🍬fictional 🍬equivalent 🍬of 🍬a🍬 bag 🍬of 🍬candy!🍬🍭
What sweetened my day
🍯Character driven.
🍯Humorous.
🍯Two to three steamy scenes per book which never overwhelmed the story.
🍯Bear shifters find their fated mate. Best reason ever for insta-lust.
Book two included a surprising dollop of angst which had me concerned for Baylin and Xandros
🌹My thanks to Jenni. Please seek out her entertaining reviews.🌹
…some of these women in the program look like they walked right off the cover of Vogue. Against them, I'm like an adorable penguin stranded in the Sahara.
Picture a mash up of “The Bachelor” with “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and…
🍭🍬The 🍬fictional 🍬equivalent 🍬of 🍬a🍬 bag 🍬of 🍬candy!🍬🍭
What sweetened my day
🍯Character driven.
🍯Humorous.
🍯Two to three steamy scenes per book which never overwhelmed the story.
🍯Bear shifters find their fated mate. Best reason ever for insta-lust.
Book two included a surprising dollop of angst which had me concerned for Baylin and Xandros
🌹My thanks to Jenni. Please seek out her entertaining reviews.🌹
October 25, 2024
Xandos and Baylin
Baylin is hoping to find a husband to marry and that will help with raising her little bun in the oven.
Xandos is just the person she has been looking for and he doesn't mind raising another mans baby.
Baylin is hoping to find a husband to marry and that will help with raising her little bun in the oven.
Xandos is just the person she has been looking for and he doesn't mind raising another mans baby.
July 7, 2023
"You belong to me. I belong to you."
This was a sweet story of accepting someone no matters their faults. I love how dedicated and obsessed Xandros was towards Baylin after they first met. Even after he discovers her secret, he can't seem to stay away from her and ultimately just wants what's best for her. Their reunion was sweet and just steamy enough to keep you hooked. The ending was left open in order for the shifter to find his mate, and I'm excited to continue on.
Tropes: fated mates, secret baby, playboy hero, heroine with hidden past, small town romance, arranged marriage, slow burn, band of brothers, steamy🔥
March 21, 2025
Baylin is desperate and looking for a husband, which is why she's found herself at a BfB event. What she doesn't expect is to find a super hot Adonis who just happens to smell secrets on her... secrets she doesn't want exposed before said husband can be found. Xandos attends this event not thinking anything of it, until he sees Baylin, and now he only has eyes for her. And so does his bear. Because what could be worse than a girl with a secret than finding out she's his mate?
Super short, a little spicy, this was sweet. He knows her secret right off the bat and tries to convince himself the right thing is to stay away from her, but of course he can't. There's a few cute moments between them, and the moment he reveals he's a bear shifter to her was actually adorable. I, too, would give tummy scritches if a bear rolled over for me. I thought her story for her secret was going to be a little more intense, but for the most part it's not. No high stakes, just sweet romance.
Super short, a little spicy, this was sweet. He knows her secret right off the bat and tries to convince himself the right thing is to stay away from her, but of course he can't. There's a few cute moments between them, and the moment he reveals he's a bear shifter to her was actually adorable. I, too, would give tummy scritches if a bear rolled over for me. I thought her story for her secret was going to be a little more intense, but for the most part it's not. No high stakes, just sweet romance.
July 30, 2023
"I stare down my opponent—a full-length mirror with too much honesty and not enough tact."
Baylin needed a fresh start, and Brides for Beasts came along at the perfect time. She's got her fingers crossed it's truly meant to be.
Xandros is captivated by Baylin at first sight, but he's got some serious soul searching to do as he's reminded there are aspects of life humans and shifters approach differently.
This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read has a great thread about slowing down and trying to see things from someone else's perspective. Baylin, initially can't imagine why the men of Mystic Hollow need help finding wives, and Xandros can't help fearing Baylin will be drawn back to the life she's leaving behind.
Baylin needed a fresh start, and Brides for Beasts came along at the perfect time. She's got her fingers crossed it's truly meant to be.
Xandros is captivated by Baylin at first sight, but he's got some serious soul searching to do as he's reminded there are aspects of life humans and shifters approach differently.
This done in one Kindle Unlimited quick read has a great thread about slowing down and trying to see things from someone else's perspective. Baylin, initially can't imagine why the men of Mystic Hollow need help finding wives, and Xandros can't help fearing Baylin will be drawn back to the life she's leaving behind.
October 15, 2024
Super short fun read with some issues
Why were the first two books not smooshed together? They happened in the same time frame, and the same conversations happen literally word for word. A bit of lazy writing TBH.
Minor spoiler ahead
Also, FMC is not to be admired. Her whole plan is to vamp her way to a insta husband and pass off her pregnancy as his? Yuck. And then when called on it, MMC is like “don’t apologize, you were just trying to survive” double yuck.
She could ‘survive’ by immediately putting her cards on the table: “hey, I’m pregnant by an utter abusive a-hole and I want to get married for protection”. Or you know, since it isn’t 1950, she could move somewhere else and try single parenthood. Just a thought.
Why were the first two books not smooshed together? They happened in the same time frame, and the same conversations happen literally word for word. A bit of lazy writing TBH.
Minor spoiler ahead
Also, FMC is not to be admired. Her whole plan is to vamp her way to a insta husband and pass off her pregnancy as his? Yuck. And then when called on it, MMC is like “don’t apologize, you were just trying to survive” double yuck.
She could ‘survive’ by immediately putting her cards on the table: “hey, I’m pregnant by an utter abusive a-hole and I want to get married for protection”. Or you know, since it isn’t 1950, she could move somewhere else and try single parenthood. Just a thought.
November 6, 2023
Fluffy or Not?!
This book continues the stories of the Brides who have found their mates.....and its a doozy.
Xandros is the 2nd in command and best friend to Silas, the clan leader. Finding his fated mate floors him. He and the other younger bears never really believed in the old tales of finding that one person meant just for them.
Baylin is running away from her old life and hoping to find a new one that will change her luck forever. She has no idea what's waiting for her!!
This book continues the stories of the Brides who have found their mates.....and its a doozy.
Xandros is the 2nd in command and best friend to Silas, the clan leader. Finding his fated mate floors him. He and the other younger bears never really believed in the old tales of finding that one person meant just for them.
Baylin is running away from her old life and hoping to find a new one that will change her luck forever. She has no idea what's waiting for her!!
September 24, 2024
The couple: Xandros and Baylin
Romance trope: shifter
Series: Brides for Beasts: Bears
Length: 100 pages
Plot: Baylin is in desperate straits. She is pregnant and needs to find a husband. Her baby's father has threatened her and she needs protection as soon as possible. But she doesn't realize that her fated mate (which is a thing she didn't know existed) can smell the baby in her and if she'll just tell him the truth and give them a chance, he can be the best protection she ever had.
Commentary: I hate the idea of Baylin trying to trick Xandros into accepting a child as his own, especially since he was always going to know, but I imagine millions of desperate women throughout history have done the same. Probably not with bear shifters though.
Previous book in the series: Unlikely Mate
Next book in the series: Protected Mate
Romance trope: shifter
Series: Brides for Beasts: Bears
Length: 100 pages
Plot: Baylin is in desperate straits. She is pregnant and needs to find a husband. Her baby's father has threatened her and she needs protection as soon as possible. But she doesn't realize that her fated mate (which is a thing she didn't know existed) can smell the baby in her and if she'll just tell him the truth and give them a chance, he can be the best protection she ever had.
Commentary: I hate the idea of Baylin trying to trick Xandros into accepting a child as his own, especially since he was always going to know, but I imagine millions of desperate women throughout history have done the same. Probably not with bear shifters though.
Previous book in the series: Unlikely Mate
Next book in the series: Protected Mate
March 8, 2025
OMG, so good! - Xandros and Baylin's story will set your eyeballs / ears on fire. He's a big flirt who basks in the attention of the possible brides. Until he sees Baylin and his bear stands up. The other ladies have no chance. But Baylin has a secret he sniffed out, making his human back away even as his bear rebelled against rejecting its mate. Of course they work it out, but they both have a lot of explaining to do. A great short read with fiery loving and a setup for the Wolves series. That one was great too. AI narrator can't beat a human but it was a'ight.
February 22, 2026
Xandros e Baylin sono la seconda coppia a formarsi in questa saga di orsi mutanti. Lei è incinta di un altro e tenta di trovare marito in fretta così da far passare suddetto bambino come del nuovo marito. La storia è un mezzo tira e molla, che si alterna a scene di sesso e risoluzione dei conflitti o di qualsiasi senso logico in 0,3 secondi. Again come per la serie dei lupi che manca qualsiasi cosa a questo racconto che gli dia forma e spessore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book. Baylin had her reasons for signing up to find a husband through BfB. I really liked her character. Xandros was a sweetheart that any woman would love. He was very caring - even from afar. Things are beginning to look up for Mystic Hollow.
January 18, 2024
off I limits Mate (Brides for Beasts: Bears Book 2)
The love story of Baylor and Xandros. Baylor has come to Mystic Hollow to find a husband. One problem she is have a baby. Xandros is looking for a mate when he see Baylor he know she is his. Will her having a other man baby stop him from love her? Great story.
The love story of Baylor and Xandros. Baylor has come to Mystic Hollow to find a husband. One problem she is have a baby. Xandros is looking for a mate when he see Baylor he know she is his. Will her having a other man baby stop him from love her? Great story.
June 25, 2023
good read
This was very good. Zandros sounded like a serious playboy or should I say playbear. He wasn’t expecting to find his fated mate and also in the process finds out her little secret. I enjoyed this more than the first. Good read.
This was very good. Zandros sounded like a serious playboy or should I say playbear. He wasn’t expecting to find his fated mate and also in the process finds out her little secret. I enjoyed this more than the first. Good read.
June 25, 2023
Bun in the oven
He's second in command and he just find his mate, but she's already with child so how can it be. She had to get away from the city and her ex boyfriend caused he was taking everything away from her.
He's second in command and he just find his mate, but she's already with child so how can it be. She had to get away from the city and her ex boyfriend caused he was taking everything away from her.
June 27, 2023
Xandros and Baylin
Awe, I’m liking this series. Off-limits mate is just as sweet, charming and entertaining as the first book in this series. Xandros and Baylin are absolutely adorable together. Good story, can’t wait to see what happens next.
Awe, I’m liking this series. Off-limits mate is just as sweet, charming and entertaining as the first book in this series. Xandros and Baylin are absolutely adorable together. Good story, can’t wait to see what happens next.
July 13, 2023
Awesome
Xandros and Baylin are a wonderful couple? I love beautiful love story so much. Finding each other after a look across a room is awesome. Finding a wonderful happy ever after is everything.
Xandros and Baylin are a wonderful couple? I love beautiful love story so much. Finding each other after a look across a room is awesome. Finding a wonderful happy ever after is everything.
August 10, 2023
Cute series
Book two continues the match making series with a couple attracted but keeping apart due to lack of open communication. This, of course, leads to many awkward situations.
Book two continues the match making series with a couple attracted but keeping apart due to lack of open communication. This, of course, leads to many awkward situations.
October 21, 2023
There have been no female babies born 40 years!
Xandros, Grizzly bear and Kaylin is really great, funny love story. I could not get the review screen to come up for the first book but I agree that these short stories are definitely make you feel good!
Xandros, Grizzly bear and Kaylin is really great, funny love story. I could not get the review screen to come up for the first book but I agree that these short stories are definitely make you feel good!
November 30, 2023
I knew it was Insta But..n
Like there's not much to the plot so I thought definitely hig spice right? Not so much. Character reactions aren't realistic and conflict is resolved with no drama. It's just... eh.
Like there's not much to the plot so I thought definitely hig spice right? Not so much. Character reactions aren't realistic and conflict is resolved with no drama. It's just... eh.
September 9, 2024
Enjoyable Read!
I liked this short and sweet story! The characters were likable. I thought what Baylin did was forgiven a bit too easily and they should have resolved the Darrin situation, but a great start to a series! Read it!
I liked this short and sweet story! The characters were likable. I thought what Baylin did was forgiven a bit too easily and they should have resolved the Darrin situation, but a great start to a series! Read it!
March 2, 2025
oh man…this series gets better with every turn of the page…💋
Book 2 keeps the magic going! This story is totally worth your time—you’ll want to read this one right away. I’m on my way to Book 3 now—may stay up all night reading! 💋💋
Book 2 keeps the magic going! This story is totally worth your time—you’ll want to read this one right away. I’m on my way to Book 3 now—may stay up all night reading! 💋💋
March 4, 2025
So cute!
This book is basically book one from Xan and B’s POVs. It’s so cute and I love that her secrets is exposed pretty quickly but Xan takes it all in stride and claims her anyways. The ending is adorable too. Can’t wait to see who’s next!
This book is basically book one from Xan and B’s POVs. It’s so cute and I love that her secrets is exposed pretty quickly but Xan takes it all in stride and claims her anyways. The ending is adorable too. Can’t wait to see who’s next!
July 7, 2026
I found this book to be a bit more interesting than the last one. Still very short and spice level is low however the story is complete. Insta romance no action, no protagonist just a short story about shifters and their mates.
June 25, 2023
Nice
A really nice very short story. This shifter Insta love fated mates series does need more development of the characters.
A really nice very short story. This shifter Insta love fated mates series does need more development of the characters.
July 23, 2023
Harem
I loved this guy thinking about having a harem with all these ladies and then getting his bell rung. I liked sweet Bailyon
I loved this guy thinking about having a harem with all these ladies and then getting his bell rung. I liked sweet Bailyon
August 1, 2023
Loved it🐻
I really enjoyed this short story, it was filled with a little drama, emotions, romance💖 and love💘. What romance reader doesn't love a HEA!
I really enjoyed this short story, it was filled with a little drama, emotions, romance💖 and love💘. What romance reader doesn't love a HEA!
August 2, 2023
Enjoyed it!
It's a nice quick read with a happily ever after ending. Perfect for reading between more serious full-sized novels, at least for me.
It's a nice quick read with a happily ever after ending. Perfect for reading between more serious full-sized novels, at least for me.
August 27, 2023
Good story
I loved all the difference characters in this book series.
I liked that another couple found the love of his life.
I loved all the difference characters in this book series.
I liked that another couple found the love of his life.
September 15, 2023
Great book
Why amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I will never know. I just want to say I enjoyed this book.
Why amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I will never know. I just want to say I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews