Laid Bear

Laid Bear #1

by Marina Maddix

Curvy girl Bethany Mills can't believe her good fortune when her new neighbor turns out to be devastatingly hot. But someone that gorgeous could never fall for someone like her...could he? A charming personality and appreciation for sappy music aren't the only things Maximilian Pearce is hiding, and just when Bethany thinks she might get her very own happily ever after, a shocking revelation forces her to make a heartbreaking choice.

A 26,000-word novella from Marina Maddix

Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00DUYBF9I.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Novella

126 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2013

About the author

Marina Maddix is a romantic at heart, but hates closing the bedroom door on her readers. Her stories are sweet, with just enough spice to make your mother blush. She lives with her husband, cats and chickens near the Rocky Mountains, and loves to hear from her fans.

Subscribe to her mailing list at http://list.marinamaddix.com or connect with her at marina@marinamaddix.com, @marinamaddix on Instagram, or on Facebook at www.fb.me/authormarinamaddix.

Reviews

[Shurrn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Shifter Romance Boxed Set It was a quick read, your standard M/F Paranormal shape-shifter romance. It was nice, but ultimately it was nothing special... I'm thinking 2.5 stars and marking it as 3.

Bethany is kind of awkward - she's a tall curvy girl, and doesn't have a very high opinion of herself through the first half of the book. I was getting a little peeved by the self-loathing she surrounded herself with, so I'm glad her friend Paul stepped in to talk some sense into her:

"You've got all this going on, yet you settle for the shittiest of shittheads. You practically beg them to treat you badly and then are surprised when they do. It's not that you only attract assholes, but for some reason you think those are the only guys who could possibly be attracted to you. It's not true and you need to get over that."

But she's got a quirky sense of humor, so that was nice

She'd grown up with three older brothers who taught her how to be tough... on the outside. Inside, she was as soft as her ample ass.

So a new neighbor moves in next door, Max. And obviously he's super, extra, want-to-lick-him attractive. And shirtless, because aren't they all?

She had - hands down - the BEST reaction to discovering a shape shifter I think Ive ever read... Partily because it seems reasonable (she even mentions that she nearly wet herself) and mostly because it was amusing as hell!

"What the fuck was that?" she whispered. Her brain tried to make sense of it but the circuits weren't connecting. It was impossible and didn't make sense. She felt like a robot who'd been given contradictory information: Does. Not. Compute. She started giggling hysterically at the robotic voice in her head, understanding she was quite possibly losing her mind, but more probably in shock.

Oh by the way, Max invites Bethany over for a little back yard cook out. And He grilled salmon... His specialty... I see what you did there Marina Maddix...

So Max tells Bethany he's a werebear.
And they hook up.
Decent sexy-time antics. Sweet, not super hot.

I found myself grinning at the part where Bethany's friends are drunkenly (and graphically) interrogating about Max.

Everything was going well with Bethany and Max (and with the book in general in my opinion), but then Scumbag Landlord/Max's Uncle shows up. He has a little heart to heart with Bethany. She realizes that there are added complications to having a relationship with a Werebear and she's faced with a choice - the family she's been hoping for, or the love of her life.

But here's the thing, I didn't but Chet's story for a second, and I had a hard time believing that Bethany could either. Chet was a douche bag to her constantly, even before she met Max. But I suppose that's neither here nor there... She did believe him.

So now we have the overplayed "misunderstanding" climax in a romance novel that drives the characters apart.

And that's where the book lost me. I felt like I knew everything that was going to happen from then on out, and I was right. Complete with HEA.

Aside from the humor and the fact that the main character had an atypical body type, this book was predictable, formulaic, and really nothing special. If you buy it as part of the boxed set, I'd say its worth it.

***I received and ARC of Shifter Romance Boxed Set in exchange for an honest review***

[Marina Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Author's note**

I started writing Laid Bear as an erotic short story but, as my stories have a tendency to do, it turned into a romance. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

PS: Am I the only one who loves to dance around my living room to Copacabana?

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about a plus size girl who also has a plus size inferiority complex due to the fact that she doesn't fit into the 'standard' size. Bethany is funny, quirky, witty and intelligent as well as being curvaceous - what isn't to love about her?!

The main man, Max, is super hot, new in town and Bethany's new next door neighbour. Oh, he also just happens to be a Bear Shifter. He couldn't possibly be interested in Bethany now could he?

This story is an excellent start to what I hope will be a new series. It is written exceedingly well, the characters are believable and very likeable. And it is very nice to read a shifter story that isn't about a wolf or big cat.

Definitely recommended for all paranormal romance readers (18+)

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. I love werebears and can't wait to read more about them.

This was a short and hot book and I liked it. Bethany Mills isn't your skinny woman. She has curves and then some and then she always picks the worst men ever to hook up with. She thinks any sexy man wouldn't want her but she finally starts listening to her friend Paul and decides to put the moves on her new neighbor Max.

Max is a bear shifter. He has feelings for Bethany from the time he first sees her and wants to have a relationship with her. Only problem is that he has to tell her about himself and get past his uncle who doesn't want any mixed blood.

I really liked this book and the author did a great job. I got so into the story and never wanted to reach the end. I hope there will be more stories like this one.

[Amanda Muller · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 stars. Only due to wishing it was a longer read. LOVED the story, knowing where Bethany is coming from with self esteem issues. Happy she over came it with Max' help. My first werebear read and loved it!!

[t'irla ~The Bookslayer~ aka Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick Review

Description:

Curvy girl Bethany Mills can't believe her good fortune when her new neighbor turns out to be devastatingly hot. But someone that gorgeous could never fall for someone like her…could he? A charming personality and appreciation for sappy music aren't the only things Maximilian Pearce is hiding, and just when Bethany thinks she might get her very own happily ever after, a shocking revelation forces her to make a heartbreaking choice.

Quick Thoughts,

Had potential to be so much more. I liked the concept and most of the story but it was too short, we needed more words to make this story come full circle. There were so many loose ends at the end that when it finished I just sat there looking for more pages. So Disappointing.

Type: Novella
Stars: 2
Series: None
Recommend: No

There are better bear shifter books out there...Like Rosanna Leo's Gemini Island series.

t'irla
tirlastalk.blogspot.ca

[Tara Dorough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laid Bear by Marina Maddix is the first book in her Werebear Shifter Romance series. This is also the first book of Marina's that I've read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Max is the extremely hot neighbour that is moving into the duplex apartment next to Bethany. Bethany has self esteem issues because she is a little bigger than some women. She immediately falls in lust with Max. Max is the nephew of the complex owner Chet. He is intrigued by Beverly from the moment he lays eyes on her. There's a problem though, he's a werebear. Laid Bear is full of laughs thanks to Beverly and her quirky set of friends. Each one of her friends is interesting in their on way, one is a gay man, one a sex hungry Barbie doll, the other a wife. The humor, sex, laughter, fear, love and danger in the book set it apart from similar books in the genre. It's simple a great read.

[Che-che · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my review,

This was a very Hot and quick read. I love the idea of shifter-bears, and when you make the guy who turns into a bear amazingly hot and into plus size women, what more can you ask for LOL

This is a story about a woman who loves in an duplex that is owned by a man that doesnt want her there and one day she gets a really hot neighbor who turns out to be the owner's nephew( I know what you might be thinking but o no, this is the neighbor you want LOL)

This was a good read and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to my friends

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet short romance.
Bethany has a hot new neighbor and when they meet there's an connection. Max has a big secret but the feeling he has for Bethany help him tell her the truth. Although there are some speed bumps their love helps them overcome the difficulties and pave the way to a happily ever after. With some steamy sex to sweeten the pot!
Loved the supernatural element to this romance. This was my first book by this author can't wait to read more in the future.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall it wasn't bad. Bethany got on my nerves a bit- there are several times she screams/almost screams and faints/almost faints. Come on, I like my heroines of a stronger constitution. I did like how her confidence grow as she realized she did have things to offer. Max brought out her best.
I thought this was well-paced given the length. Nice surprise.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, sweet read with bear shifters and a plus sized heroine who never knew the nature of her landlord or her new neighbor.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an addictive, fun & sexy short read that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good shifter romance.

[Tonya Boutwell Hauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read. Bethany and Max make a great couple. This could be a great series.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

short story, but oh so very sweet!
the new guy next dooris way out of her league, she reckons. little does she know whats going on in his mind!
loved it!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty cute but typical curvy girl doesn't think she's good enough for the hot buff shifter

[Susan Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 Stars!

Not a bad start to a series. Interesting characters (could have had a bit more depth to them - but not bad). Not too cheezy and pretty good story line. All-in-all, I enjoyed it.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read.
Quick Read.
The romance happened right away and although part of the "were bear" culture it was difficult for the female character to adapt. The steps that she underwent seemed valid and true to life. I'm not sure why authors are starting to tell us more what is in the heads of the characters instead of showing us through action and deeds building character depth. To me this makes the characters either Heroine or Hero more interesting. Too much head talk stalls the story. Still, the story of the first couple carries through to the second book. There is some suspense, decent villians, and some mystery to each of the series so I would rate it 3.5 stars overall.

If I like a book enough to finish it then I consider it a decent read. A good read means that I really liked the book and the character and world building were well done. An excellent read means that it was superbly written, plot was well laid, and overall the world building (if needed) and character depth were stellar.

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I like Max, and Bethany learned to like who she was. But really Chet, he still ticked me off, and the fact that he wasnt proactive about Crystals pregnancy. Get I am sure there would have been information that other communities could have shared, and see the doctor, argh that situation really aggravated me.

[poppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little read perfect for a quiet half hour first ive read in the series will be reading the rest

[Ishieta Chopra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read - interesting. I could relate with: fat girl...who is a day-dreamer! & a nosy interfering uncle!

Part of the - Fall in Love - Shifters in Love: Romance Collection

[Brenda Hook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

It was a great read. You should give it a try. g you like stories of bbw please read this book

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but really good small Drama with big love

This book hit something close to home for me and I really enjoyed the small parts of drama but it was not over done

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read

I liked the characters, the ending left alot to be desired for me. I felt rushed and could have been better.

[Alexis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shallow characters and only one POV.

[Anne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Malinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

This was a pretty good story. Bethany and Max were likable and their story was short but enjoyable.

Bethany is a BBW who has self image issues, never believing that the good guys really like her and only letting the bad guys in. She lives in one side of a duplex and she loves it because of the woods out back. When a hot guy moves in next door, Bethany can't help but drool a little but wont let herself hope that he might be interested in her.

Max is a bear shifter and works in International relations for the Bear Clans. Max's parents were killed when he was a kid and the killer was never found. Max moves in to half of a duplex his Uncle owns and is very attracted to the woman next door. He's determined to go after her regardless of some shifters frowning on sifter/human couples (including his uncle).

The story begins when Max moves in next door to Bethany. The attraction is strong for them both right off but Bethany's image problems make her feel like she doesn't have a chance with him. Max doesn't waste too much time making it clear to her that he wants her in return. He admits what he is though, wanting her to accept him for what he is so there's no issues between them. After some initial shock and awe she does accept him and they proceed to get hot and heavy for the next few weeks. Bethany feels it's deeper than sex though because Max seems to actually want to get to know her and make her happy. Soon both are feeling some strong emotions for each other but trouble comes when Max has to go out of town for business. A jealous wanna-be mate and an intruding uncle almost split Bethany and Max up but fortunately things get fixed before they go too wonky. Bethany and Max end things with a sweet HEA.

This was an enjoyable shifter romance. It's a bit of an insta-love feel but with it being a shirt story and also a PNR that's to be expected. I really liked both Max and Bethany. Regardless of her image problems Bethany was cool. She didn't go overboard and get annoying about it so it worked for me. I'm planning to read the next book in the series. I'd recommend this story for anyone in the mood for a quick, sweet PNR. :D

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The female lead in Laid Bear, Bethany, is someone I immediately felt bonded with. A tall, "big" woman Bethany has friends and family who love her, and a 'good enough job, but she still feels a crushing insecurity about her size. That insecurity leads her to make bad choices in men, and to blow off the encouragement of her friends who try to tell her that, instead of being unappealing, her curves actually are both lush and desirable.

Her problems with her self-esteem aren't helped by the new landlord who buys the duplex she lives in. She could move, but the woods behind her house are her safe place, the place where she walks and sits and listens to the birds. A place she loves. So, in spite of her nasty landlord, Bethany hangs in there.

Then, one day, her new 'duplex-neighbor' moves in. And is her neighbor ever H.O.T. Oh, yea, baby, the man is a hunk. And what happens after that is a cute story of a woman coming out of her shell, betrayal, adversity, and lots and lots of good friends being just what good friends should be.

I actually would have loved more story to the story, if you get my meaning. At 176 pages, the book was pretty standard for this type of light tale, but the characters were likable enough that I would have loved to have learned more about them. I would even say that I would be pleased to see another volume with these characters. Especially with the ending few pages opening up doorways that could very well lead to new places.

Overall, if you are looking for a nice, enjoyable read, a bit of spice without going overboard, and an interesting group of characters, you can't go wrong picking up this book.

Recommended for lovers of cozies, shifter fantasy and books that don't encourage the idea that the only way to be lovable is to be a size two!

[Jodean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short novella that is a fast and easy read. I ended up enjoying the story more than I thought I would. The best thing about the book is one of the main characters Bethany. It was great to see her transformation into a confident woman. We all have insecurities and it has been with the love and support of our friends and romantic partners that we have gotten the ability to see glimpses of how we look from their eyes. One of the best things is to see someone realize they are more than the weight of their body, but that all of the gifts and worth we have is the character of our essence. To see Bethany transform from an insecure woman who thought her extra few pounds were holding back to realize it was only her own insecurities that held her back was wonderful to see. Confidence came from inside and when she finally realized how great she was as a person and really loved and accepted herself was she ready to find true love. This is true to life itself, if we do not love us, how can we expect others to love us? My only criticism of the story was that we never got to see anything from the main male character's eyes, Max. I always like to see the male viewpoint of a romance in stories and it was missed to see his thoughts about meeting and getting to know his romantic partner. Other than that I would recommend this book and look forward to seeing what other books the author has to offer readers.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, man! Nothing is quite as embarrassing as meeting your hunk of burning love neighbor with ice cream smeared across your face. LOL! I will say that Bethany bounced back from that nicely. Sure, there were a few bumps along the road (namely that she didn't think a hottie like Max would go for a curvy girl like her) but EVERYTHING TURNED OUT OKAY!

This book was fun. Bethany has plenty of insecurities and unfortunately someone who *thought* they were doing the right thing played off them. Frankly, when the stage was set for that scene, I was making crazy eyes at her and telling her to GET OUT BECAUSE NOTHING GOOD COULD COME OF WHATEVER WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!

However, everything was smoothed out in the end and Max and Bethany settled into blissful sexy times. You know, if you ever go bear... uhh, wait. I don't actually have any way of ending that suggestively.

Fun with a side of steamy. There. That's what I was trying to say.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

Laid Bear was a free Kindle book I downloaded on 07/12/13 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.