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Bears are solitary creatures... until they're not. Because when the perfect mate exists, why be alone?
Cedric has always had his twin brother nearby, and his older brother as well. He enjoys their company and sharing the territory with them, and can always find his own solitude when need be, wandering off into the mountains or the plains whenever he so desired. Companionship wasn't in the cards for a bear, and it's only the human side of themselves that allows their animal sides to share their space.
Still, every time he heads into town, Cedric can't help but to wander towards the bar and watch the beautiful blonde with the big eyes and bigger smile, laughing and flirting her way around the space. Jealousy was never supposed to be part of his nature, and yet, any man who catches her eye for a few seconds has him wanting to rip their throat out, or at least leave a bear treat on their doorstep.
But when Owen finally makes a move on a newcomer in town, Cedric can't resist her any longer, wanting to find companionship and maybe something more with beautiful Bethany. And when Owen shacks up with Cordelia, wanting her to become a permanent fixture in his life...
It's not normal, for a bear to choose a mate, but Cedric knows without a doubt a doubt that Bethany is the perfect one for him.
His plan is crazy, almost as crazy and wild and fun as Bethany is, but with a proposition to give her the one thing she wants more than anything and a promise to bother her for only the winter season, he makes his move, ready to cart her off to his cabin before they become snowed in permanently.
If only he could figure out how to be honest with what he truly wanted, and winter never came to an end.
The second book in a series of paranormal romances featuring plus-size heroines and the bear shifters who fall in love with them.
Cedric has always had his twin brother nearby, and his older brother as well. He enjoys their company and sharing the territory with them, and can always find his own solitude when need be, wandering off into the mountains or the plains whenever he so desired. Companionship wasn't in the cards for a bear, and it's only the human side of themselves that allows their animal sides to share their space.
Still, every time he heads into town, Cedric can't help but to wander towards the bar and watch the beautiful blonde with the big eyes and bigger smile, laughing and flirting her way around the space. Jealousy was never supposed to be part of his nature, and yet, any man who catches her eye for a few seconds has him wanting to rip their throat out, or at least leave a bear treat on their doorstep.
But when Owen finally makes a move on a newcomer in town, Cedric can't resist her any longer, wanting to find companionship and maybe something more with beautiful Bethany. And when Owen shacks up with Cordelia, wanting her to become a permanent fixture in his life...
It's not normal, for a bear to choose a mate, but Cedric knows without a doubt a doubt that Bethany is the perfect one for him.
His plan is crazy, almost as crazy and wild and fun as Bethany is, but with a proposition to give her the one thing she wants more than anything and a promise to bother her for only the winter season, he makes his move, ready to cart her off to his cabin before they become snowed in permanently.
If only he could figure out how to be honest with what he truly wanted, and winter never came to an end.
The second book in a series of paranormal romances featuring plus-size heroines and the bear shifters who fall in love with them.
Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
32 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Elle M. Drew
12 books414 followersElle M Drew is an avid writer and reader of spicy fantasy and paranormal romance. Her career began with fanfiction and took off from there. Elle infuses a touch of magic into all of her work.
When she isn’t busy writing, Elle lives with her husband and two children after recently moving to the Upstate of South Carolina from Okinawa, Japan. She always has iced coffee and a stack of bullet journals on hand for impromptu writing and plotting sessions, and she always has instrumental music playing.
After twenty steamy and extraordinary years of writing fanfiction, she’s finally publishing her own books where a magical blend of fantasy and the paranormal mix with dark romance… with an adult, sexy spin, of course.
READER BIO IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING:
I'm a very easy to please reader - I read to escape. I read to enjoy. I'm a mood reader. I'm a binge reader. I love a book if it sparks a little joy and it turns pages.
My Star Chart:
★ I finished it. I wish I hadn't. You will not see this rating very often if ever.
★★ I finished it because FOMO. I'm glad it's over. You will rarely see this.
★★★ It's a read. I'll give the most thoughts on this, to help other readers decide if they want to read.
★★★★ Sparks joy, would not reread.
★★★★★ Sparks joy, gives serotonin, would read again.
When she isn’t busy writing, Elle lives with her husband and two children after recently moving to the Upstate of South Carolina from Okinawa, Japan. She always has iced coffee and a stack of bullet journals on hand for impromptu writing and plotting sessions, and she always has instrumental music playing.
After twenty steamy and extraordinary years of writing fanfiction, she’s finally publishing her own books where a magical blend of fantasy and the paranormal mix with dark romance… with an adult, sexy spin, of course.
READER BIO IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING:
I'm a very easy to please reader - I read to escape. I read to enjoy. I'm a mood reader. I'm a binge reader. I love a book if it sparks a little joy and it turns pages.
My Star Chart:
★ I finished it. I wish I hadn't. You will not see this rating very often if ever.
★★ I finished it because FOMO. I'm glad it's over. You will rarely see this.
★★★ It's a read. I'll give the most thoughts on this, to help other readers decide if they want to read.
★★★★ Sparks joy, would not reread.
★★★★★ Sparks joy, gives serotonin, would read again.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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May 1, 2024I found both main protagonists rather exhausting because of their lack of communication - my AuDHD ass needs to talk everything through and now I know why these tropes make me so uncomfortable.
+ Plus Size Rep
+ PCOS Rep
+ Menstruation Rep
+ He's a keeper
- Non/Miscommunication
- Repetitions
- Gareth
I'm not really getting into these bear shifters and probably sit the next one out.
+ Plus Size Rep
+ PCOS Rep
+ Menstruation Rep
+ He's a keeper
- Non/Miscommunication
- Repetitions
- Gareth
I'm not really getting into these bear shifters and probably sit the next one out.
Read
April 24, 2024It is time to return to Bear Valley on April 26th!
TROPES
⇢ Paranormal Erotic Romance
⇢ Love/Lust at First Sight
⇢ Bear Shifter
⇢ Human Chosen Mate
⇢ Plus Size Heroine
⇢ Snowed In with One Bed
⇢ Spice Level : 5/5
⇢ Stand Alone Romance with an Overarching Series
CONTENT WARNINGS
⇢ Heavy Sexual Content
⇢ Breeding + Biting Kink
⇢ Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
⇢ PCOS Representation
⇢ Desire to be Pregnant w/ NO PREGNANCY
⇢ Fears of Infertility
⇢ Discussions of Parental Alienation
⇢ Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
When will the Paperback release?
It has been submitted to Amazon and will be available as soon as Amazon says YES!
How many books are left in the series?
Just one more! Gareth will be coming out sometime in the next year.
Will there be an audiobook?
Eventually! But in the meantime, you can listen to Owen again!
TROPES
⇢ Paranormal Erotic Romance
⇢ Love/Lust at First Sight
⇢ Bear Shifter
⇢ Human Chosen Mate
⇢ Plus Size Heroine
⇢ Snowed In with One Bed
⇢ Spice Level : 5/5
⇢ Stand Alone Romance with an Overarching Series
CONTENT WARNINGS
⇢ Heavy Sexual Content
⇢ Breeding + Biting Kink
⇢ Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
⇢ PCOS Representation
⇢ Desire to be Pregnant w/ NO PREGNANCY
⇢ Fears of Infertility
⇢ Discussions of Parental Alienation
⇢ Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
When will the Paperback release?
It has been submitted to Amazon and will be available as soon as Amazon says YES!
How many books are left in the series?
Just one more! Gareth will be coming out sometime in the next year.
Will there be an audiobook?
Eventually! But in the meantime, you can listen to Owen again!
April 24, 2024
If you like bear shifter romances but are frequently frustrated with how short they usually are (sometimes an insta-love novella hits the spot, but sometimes I need more yk?), which means you don't get a lot of detail on HOW the characters move from falling in lust to falling in love - Cedric is the perfect book for you.
While it's definitely insta-lust/love for Cedric when he sees Bethany for the first time (I LOVE the descriptions of how she smells to him) and they get VERY hot and heavy VERY soon after meeting, their love story takes time to grow and evolve.
So, you get the best of BOTH worlds - insta-lust with ALL the VERY spicy scenes you could possibly want AND a beautiful love story of two people who are trying their very, very best to work through their own issues to be the best version of them for the other.
I loved how safe and protected Bethany felt with Cedric and how patient and loving Cedric was with Bethany while still holding them both accountable for their words and actions.
It's a adult love story featuring adults who actually act like adults, and I loved every minute of it!
While it's definitely insta-lust/love for Cedric when he sees Bethany for the first time (I LOVE the descriptions of how she smells to him) and they get VERY hot and heavy VERY soon after meeting, their love story takes time to grow and evolve.
So, you get the best of BOTH worlds - insta-lust with ALL the VERY spicy scenes you could possibly want AND a beautiful love story of two people who are trying their very, very best to work through their own issues to be the best version of them for the other.
I loved how safe and protected Bethany felt with Cedric and how patient and loving Cedric was with Bethany while still holding them both accountable for their words and actions.
It's a adult love story featuring adults who actually act like adults, and I loved every minute of it!
April 15, 2025
This one was on the spicier side compared to Owen's book.
However, I felt like the last third of the book was difficult to get through. It got a little repetitive with what happened in each others POV and it was like rereading the chapter before it. Which I understand it was to get the other persons side. But it kind of fell flat for me.
The epilogue was cute though.
However, I felt like the last third of the book was difficult to get through. It got a little repetitive with what happened in each others POV and it was like rereading the chapter before it. Which I understand it was to get the other persons side. But it kind of fell flat for me.
The epilogue was cute though.
Read
May 2, 2024This one just wasn't it for me. I wasn't a fan of either Mc for some reason and I felt it was dragging a bit after the halfway mark. It was mostly Bethany pushing Cedric away because all men can't be trusted. Girl, I get it but come on.
Normally I know what I'm getting with this author because the spice IS the plot but I found myself skipping almost all of the spicy time because there was a LOT.
What I did like was as always the amazing body positivity. Bethany's size or weight is never shown in a negative light. She is worshipped and loved by Cedric and that's always fun to read.
So if you love bear shifters, lots and lots of smut and a plus size fmc who's independent and confident in her body, this one is for you! It just wasn't it for me.
Normally I know what I'm getting with this author because the spice IS the plot but I found myself skipping almost all of the spicy time because there was a LOT.
What I did like was as always the amazing body positivity. Bethany's size or weight is never shown in a negative light. She is worshipped and loved by Cedric and that's always fun to read.
So if you love bear shifters, lots and lots of smut and a plus size fmc who's independent and confident in her body, this one is for you! It just wasn't it for me.
April 29, 2024
This book was honestly so freaking cute! A much needed read this month, I feel head over heels in love with Cedric in this book. I missed reading Elle books so I'm so glad I got this one early, because she fed us so well with Cedric's story.
Can't wait for more Bear Valley books!
Thank you for an eARC Elle, had so much fun reading this one!
Can't wait for more Bear Valley books!
Thank you for an eARC Elle, had so much fun reading this one!
April 26, 2024
Very high on spicey but a little lacking on plot. I love her writing style but this fell a little flat for me. Fmc was strong character but mmc didn't feel right to me can't really put my finger on it. If u want the spice it's great tho and it does live up to he "fat girl getting railed"
April 24, 2024
Cedric is book 2 in The Shifters of Beat Valley and it does follow along the same timeframe as the first book, Owen.
This book has Bethany - cousin to Cordelia from the 1st book and Cedric - brother to Owen and Twin 1 (from Gareth). Bethany is a vibrant, plus-size bartender, that loves having fun with the guys that are just passing through Bear Valley. She has commitment issues, because she's used to the men just coming through the season and moving on. So, it was really hard for her to let her guard down when Cedric continued to show up for her.
Cedric somewhat like his brother knowing that bears don't have soul mates was somewhat hesitant, but I was happy to see he didn't hold Bethany off too much and was actually eager to create a life with her. When Bethany confessed one night that she really wanted children, Cedric "kidnapped" her to his cabin, no worries, she went very willingly with plenty of bags packed. However, he then had to take his time to convince Bethany that she could trust him, he was the right man for her, and wanted to be in their future children's lives. Bethany's walls stayed strong and did not falter until the end, but the book does have a HEA.
My only complaint is that if you don't like the miscommunication trope, then this book will be tough. They both had difficulties sharing their feelings and just hoping for the future. The minute one would start to talk feeling the other would somehow stop the conversation or they were suddenly in bed... naked. The communication was so bad that Bethany called Cedric the wrong name for over the first quarter of the book. With the miscommunication trope aside, I truly enjoyed the book and all the other tropes that were involved (please check trigger warnings before moving forward). I always love the wholesome love stories by Elle and she certainly didn't disappoint with Cedric. I look forward to Gareth's book and seeing all the brothers happy with their women.
This book has Bethany - cousin to Cordelia from the 1st book and Cedric - brother to Owen and Twin 1 (from Gareth). Bethany is a vibrant, plus-size bartender, that loves having fun with the guys that are just passing through Bear Valley. She has commitment issues, because she's used to the men just coming through the season and moving on. So, it was really hard for her to let her guard down when Cedric continued to show up for her.
Cedric somewhat like his brother knowing that bears don't have soul mates was somewhat hesitant, but I was happy to see he didn't hold Bethany off too much and was actually eager to create a life with her. When Bethany confessed one night that she really wanted children, Cedric "kidnapped" her to his cabin, no worries, she went very willingly with plenty of bags packed. However, he then had to take his time to convince Bethany that she could trust him, he was the right man for her, and wanted to be in their future children's lives. Bethany's walls stayed strong and did not falter until the end, but the book does have a HEA.
My only complaint is that if you don't like the miscommunication trope, then this book will be tough. They both had difficulties sharing their feelings and just hoping for the future. The minute one would start to talk feeling the other would somehow stop the conversation or they were suddenly in bed... naked. The communication was so bad that Bethany called Cedric the wrong name for over the first quarter of the book. With the miscommunication trope aside, I truly enjoyed the book and all the other tropes that were involved (please check trigger warnings before moving forward). I always love the wholesome love stories by Elle and she certainly didn't disappoint with Cedric. I look forward to Gareth's book and seeing all the brothers happy with their women.
April 19, 2024
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say Cedric is even better than its predecessor Owen. The story is very angsty, emotionally slow burn but the spice hits from the go. As with all of Elle’s books, the spice hits hard and doesn’t stop.
Bethany has abandonment issues, but otherwise knows what she wants: a baby. She’s tough, smart, and well versed in what it takes to live on the edge of nowhere in Bear Valley. She’s not a damsel in need of being rescued. Cedric is a resigned bear shifter. He and his twin brother enjoy their solitary lives. However when Cedric meets Bethany, he is instantly smitten with her. Their chemistry is explosive, thus the copious amount of spice. But neither Cedric nor Bethany will admit to the other, and themselves, their growing feelings for one another.
The back and forth between POV builds and actually reaches a point of frustration before the grand gesture and the sweet HEA.
Triggers: CW / Heads up (available on author's website)
-Explicit Sexual Content
-Breeding Kink
-Biting Kink
-Overload of Orgasms
-Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
-PCOS Representation
-Desire to get Pregnant
-Trying to get Pregnant
-Fears of Infertility (They do not get pregnant in this book)
-Discussion of Parental Alienation
-Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
Trope: soulmates. If this were a movie, I’d rate it NC17. Definitely for adults only. Five out of five stars overall, four out of five for romance, three out of five for violence, and five out of five for the copious amount of spice. I will definitely recommend.
Bethany has abandonment issues, but otherwise knows what she wants: a baby. She’s tough, smart, and well versed in what it takes to live on the edge of nowhere in Bear Valley. She’s not a damsel in need of being rescued. Cedric is a resigned bear shifter. He and his twin brother enjoy their solitary lives. However when Cedric meets Bethany, he is instantly smitten with her. Their chemistry is explosive, thus the copious amount of spice. But neither Cedric nor Bethany will admit to the other, and themselves, their growing feelings for one another.
The back and forth between POV builds and actually reaches a point of frustration before the grand gesture and the sweet HEA.
Triggers: CW / Heads up (available on author's website)
-Explicit Sexual Content
-Breeding Kink
-Biting Kink
-Overload of Orgasms
-Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
-PCOS Representation
-Desire to get Pregnant
-Trying to get Pregnant
-Fears of Infertility (They do not get pregnant in this book)
-Discussion of Parental Alienation
-Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
Trope: soulmates. If this were a movie, I’d rate it NC17. Definitely for adults only. Five out of five stars overall, four out of five for romance, three out of five for violence, and five out of five for the copious amount of spice. I will definitely recommend.
April 21, 2024
Ok first things first the pacing of this book is everythingggg. I love that Cedric and Bethany’s love story is written in tandem with Owen’s. Seeing what happened behind the scenes of the first book really made this a full circle kind of book. It makes your heart happy and full to view the previous books MCs from a new angle while falling head first for new characters.
Now on to this books MC’s -Cedric and Bethany really are the definition of opposite attraction. While he’s reserved she’s outgoing. He is a decision-maker and she hem and haws. They are so swoon worthy together and fit perfectly and there love story shows that.
I was hesitant to read this book at first because of the infertility warnings. I’m not one to get spooked by triggers but that one can def be one to do me in. That being said I LOVE Elle’s writing style and the love story’s she pumps out so I pushed through and read it anyways 😅. I’m so glad I did. While there were certain moments that hit a little too close to the reality I like to escape in my reading I lovvved the way she normalized I fertility which occurs in 1 of 8 couples. The hopefulness of it and having a supportive partner was amazing and had me swooning even though my eyes were misty.
Note: while I read this knowing it was one of my hard lines, make sure to look into your own trigger and decide for yourself if reading this is best for you. Never be afraid to DNF something if it’s hitting too close to home. Even if it’s an author you love. Your mental health is more important.
Now on to this books MC’s -Cedric and Bethany really are the definition of opposite attraction. While he’s reserved she’s outgoing. He is a decision-maker and she hem and haws. They are so swoon worthy together and fit perfectly and there love story shows that.
I was hesitant to read this book at first because of the infertility warnings. I’m not one to get spooked by triggers but that one can def be one to do me in. That being said I LOVE Elle’s writing style and the love story’s she pumps out so I pushed through and read it anyways 😅. I’m so glad I did. While there were certain moments that hit a little too close to the reality I like to escape in my reading I lovvved the way she normalized I fertility which occurs in 1 of 8 couples. The hopefulness of it and having a supportive partner was amazing and had me swooning even though my eyes were misty.
Note: while I read this knowing it was one of my hard lines, make sure to look into your own trigger and decide for yourself if reading this is best for you. Never be afraid to DNF something if it’s hitting too close to home. Even if it’s an author you love. Your mental health is more important.
May 2, 2024
What to Expect
🐻 Plus Size FMC
🐻 Loyal MMC
🐻 PCOS Representation
🐻 Miscommunication
🐻 Instalove/lust
This is book 2 in the Shifters of Bear Valley series, and despite my usual dislike for the miscommunication trope, I found myself engrossed in Cedric. We are briefly introduced to our soon-to-be couple, Bethany and Cedric, in Owen. Bethany's sass and charm were endearing, while Cedric was more of a mystery, and we got just enough of them to pique interest in what was going on there. It becomes clear that the beginning of their love story takes place right alongside the first book, which I enjoyed.
Cedric is in from the start, even if he doesn't understand everything that he's feeling. If these brothers have anything in common, it's that they were not taught how to manage or recognize certain feelings. He has some amusing moments, one of which is consistently mentioning that Bethany is calling him the wrong name but not verbally correcting her. Ultimately, he's a big softie, and I loved watching him learn what he needed to do to make Bethany comfortable in the relationship.
As I said, Bethany is full of sass and charm, and while it's definitely a big part of her personality, it's also something she uses as a shield to protect herself from heartbreak. She doesn't want a relationship, but she also quickly drops the bomb on Cedric, saying that she wants to have kids, and then runs away. The PCOS issues hit me in the feels because I can 100% relate to the struggle she faces, and those moments were a little more challenging to read than others because of that.
Elle always delivers on spice, and this marks the second book this year that has made me think of the "vampire" scene in Saltburn. Is it something I want to experience personally? Probably not, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make for a good scene!
If you enjoy reading about "Fat Girls Getting Railed" (I love Elle's tagline so much), this book is 100% for you. If you don't, then steer clear of this author in general. I, for one, love the representation and will continue to read and enjoy it!
🐻 Plus Size FMC
🐻 Loyal MMC
🐻 PCOS Representation
🐻 Miscommunication
🐻 Instalove/lust
This is book 2 in the Shifters of Bear Valley series, and despite my usual dislike for the miscommunication trope, I found myself engrossed in Cedric. We are briefly introduced to our soon-to-be couple, Bethany and Cedric, in Owen. Bethany's sass and charm were endearing, while Cedric was more of a mystery, and we got just enough of them to pique interest in what was going on there. It becomes clear that the beginning of their love story takes place right alongside the first book, which I enjoyed.
Cedric is in from the start, even if he doesn't understand everything that he's feeling. If these brothers have anything in common, it's that they were not taught how to manage or recognize certain feelings. He has some amusing moments, one of which is consistently mentioning that Bethany is calling him the wrong name but not verbally correcting her. Ultimately, he's a big softie, and I loved watching him learn what he needed to do to make Bethany comfortable in the relationship.
As I said, Bethany is full of sass and charm, and while it's definitely a big part of her personality, it's also something she uses as a shield to protect herself from heartbreak. She doesn't want a relationship, but she also quickly drops the bomb on Cedric, saying that she wants to have kids, and then runs away. The PCOS issues hit me in the feels because I can 100% relate to the struggle she faces, and those moments were a little more challenging to read than others because of that.
Elle always delivers on spice, and this marks the second book this year that has made me think of the "vampire" scene in Saltburn. Is it something I want to experience personally? Probably not, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make for a good scene!
If you enjoy reading about "Fat Girls Getting Railed" (I love Elle's tagline so much), this book is 100% for you. If you don't, then steer clear of this author in general. I, for one, love the representation and will continue to read and enjoy it!
April 27, 2024
Bear Shifter romances are always one of my top picks! I have been lucky enough to be apart of Elle M Drew's ARC team for this book and I was blown away by it.
We get a teaser of each leading character in this book his “Owen”. So getting to see our Sassy Bethany and Loyal Cedric together on screen was amazing.
I will be adding the tropes/ content warnings into my review at the bottom as these do play some BIG rolls in the book.
The insta-love hits Cedric like a truck and he deeply wants his girl. Scared that the “bear” within might scare her off (as shown in Owen). It was great to see him getting his girl.
Bethany inner struggles can feel like they pull on your heart if you struggle with some of the content warnings yourself. She is a strong woman that can do shit on her own.
The two leads find themselves with a world of miscommunication issues because of their pasts. It was hard to not want to yell at them to keep some layers on so they can talk all this out.
I really did love the book overall and the spice was top notch!
I received this book as an ARC and my thoughts are my own.
TROPES
⇢ Paranormal Erotic Romance
⇢ Love/Lust at First Sight
⇢ Bear Shifter
⇢ Human Chosen Mate
⇢ Plus Size Heroine
⇢ Snowed In with One Bed
CONTENT WARNINGS
⇢ Heavy Sexual Content
⇢ Breeding + Biting Kink
⇢ Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
⇢ PCOS Representation
⇢ Desire to be Pregnant w/ NO PREGNANCY
⇢ Fears of Infertility
⇢ Discussions of Parental Alienation
⇢ Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
We get a teaser of each leading character in this book his “Owen”. So getting to see our Sassy Bethany and Loyal Cedric together on screen was amazing.
I will be adding the tropes/ content warnings into my review at the bottom as these do play some BIG rolls in the book.
The insta-love hits Cedric like a truck and he deeply wants his girl. Scared that the “bear” within might scare her off (as shown in Owen). It was great to see him getting his girl.
Bethany inner struggles can feel like they pull on your heart if you struggle with some of the content warnings yourself. She is a strong woman that can do shit on her own.
The two leads find themselves with a world of miscommunication issues because of their pasts. It was hard to not want to yell at them to keep some layers on so they can talk all this out.
I really did love the book overall and the spice was top notch!
I received this book as an ARC and my thoughts are my own.
TROPES
⇢ Paranormal Erotic Romance
⇢ Love/Lust at First Sight
⇢ Bear Shifter
⇢ Human Chosen Mate
⇢ Plus Size Heroine
⇢ Snowed In with One Bed
CONTENT WARNINGS
⇢ Heavy Sexual Content
⇢ Breeding + Biting Kink
⇢ Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
⇢ PCOS Representation
⇢ Desire to be Pregnant w/ NO PREGNANCY
⇢ Fears of Infertility
⇢ Discussions of Parental Alienation
⇢ Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
April 15, 2024
I have never been so simultaneously in love and frustrated to the point of strangulation with a book couple as I was with Bethany and Cedric.
Bethany, our strong independent baddie has serious trust/abandonment issues. I relate to our girl a little too much in this regard and now I have some reflecting to do lol.
Cedric is a literal teddy bear and had my heart the whole time while also making me want to knock some sense into him.
Zero external conflict, we are deep deep in their feels and there were a couple times I wondered if I should be asking Elle M. Drew for an invoice for the therapy session I was in.
But Lord have mercy, the spice. The spice was spicing and it was copious *vigorously fans self*.
Overall I adore these two and they are so adorable. They're the couple that are so obviously in love with each other it'd make you nauseous if you hung out with them too long. I'm really looking forward to Gareth's story, he seems like he'll be a wild one.
CW / Heads up (available on author's website)
-Explicit Sexual Content
-Breeding Kink
-Biting Kink
-Overload of Orgasms
-Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
-PCOS Representation
-Desire to get Pregnant
-Trying to get Pregnant
-Fears of Infertility (They do not get pregnant in this book)
-Discussion of Parental Alienation
-Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
Bethany, our strong independent baddie has serious trust/abandonment issues. I relate to our girl a little too much in this regard and now I have some reflecting to do lol.
Cedric is a literal teddy bear and had my heart the whole time while also making me want to knock some sense into him.
Zero external conflict, we are deep deep in their feels and there were a couple times I wondered if I should be asking Elle M. Drew for an invoice for the therapy session I was in.
But Lord have mercy, the spice. The spice was spicing and it was copious *vigorously fans self*.
Overall I adore these two and they are so adorable. They're the couple that are so obviously in love with each other it'd make you nauseous if you hung out with them too long. I'm really looking forward to Gareth's story, he seems like he'll be a wild one.
CW / Heads up (available on author's website)
-Explicit Sexual Content
-Breeding Kink
-Biting Kink
-Overload of Orgasms
-Menophilia (oral during menstruation)
-PCOS Representation
-Desire to get Pregnant
-Trying to get Pregnant
-Fears of Infertility (They do not get pregnant in this book)
-Discussion of Parental Alienation
-Physical Violence by FMC against a side character
May 15, 2024
This book has made me fall in love with bear shifters. Like I love me some wolves but this bear has my whole heart. I remember reading Needed in Garoureve and finding out I had a breeding shmink and this book only verified that I truly do have one because my lord lol. Cedric was not playing games when it came to his woman haha.
Now I loved Bethany but there were moments when I just wanted to shake the crap out of her. She was way to much in her head and she was frustrating the hell out of me. I love how head strong and independent she is but she was also burned to many times by men and that made her have this single minded thought when it came to Cedric. She was holding him accountable for things that men did to her past and she wasn't fully opening herself to Cedric.
Now Cedric....bless that bear because he was perfect in my eyes. He is sweet, kind, protective and lord help me when it came to the bedroom haha. I love the passion he has for Bethany and even though it took her a minute I loved how she was wit Cedric.
Now the passion and the spice was *chefs kiss*
I had to go sit in front of the AC to cool off from some of those scenes haha.
Loved his story and I can't WAIT for the third one.
Now I loved Bethany but there were moments when I just wanted to shake the crap out of her. She was way to much in her head and she was frustrating the hell out of me. I love how head strong and independent she is but she was also burned to many times by men and that made her have this single minded thought when it came to Cedric. She was holding him accountable for things that men did to her past and she wasn't fully opening herself to Cedric.
Now Cedric....bless that bear because he was perfect in my eyes. He is sweet, kind, protective and lord help me when it came to the bedroom haha. I love the passion he has for Bethany and even though it took her a minute I loved how she was wit Cedric.
Now the passion and the spice was *chefs kiss*
I had to go sit in front of the AC to cool off from some of those scenes haha.
Loved his story and I can't WAIT for the third one.
April 27, 2024
This is a steamy, steamy, steamy, shifter romance. Cedric is a bear who prefers his solitary life and isn’t looking to settle down with anyone. Until he meets Bethany. There is something about her that draws him in. But she’s used to guys just leaving when they’re done and never keeping their promises.
Over time Cedric is more and more convinced she is the woman for him and determined to be there for her anyway she will let him. Bethany is convinced that at any moment Cedric will decide he no longer wants what he has been offering and she will be kicked out and devastated.
This book takes a lot of time to fully dig through and realize their issues as well as fighting for ways to move past them. The whole book is filled with different spots of conflict. But also a lot of spice and sweetness. It talked very explicitly about women’s health and menstruation. So be mindful of that.
I enjoyed this story. It was worth the read. I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Over time Cedric is more and more convinced she is the woman for him and determined to be there for her anyway she will let him. Bethany is convinced that at any moment Cedric will decide he no longer wants what he has been offering and she will be kicked out and devastated.
This book takes a lot of time to fully dig through and realize their issues as well as fighting for ways to move past them. The whole book is filled with different spots of conflict. But also a lot of spice and sweetness. It talked very explicitly about women’s health and menstruation. So be mindful of that.
I enjoyed this story. It was worth the read. I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 21, 2024
Ooof, what a mess. There is only a sliver of a "plot", but it was still a rollercoaster of emotions. At various times I was bored, annoyed, horrified, grossed out, and confused. Please check the content warnings!
If you don't like the miscommunication trope, skip this book. The two main characters can't have a full conversation, ever. If you don't like the insta-love trope, skip from this book. If you don't like repetition every chapter, run from this book. It is structured to be dual perspective narrative, but dual pov isn't repeating the exact same scene with the exact same dialogue and only changing tiny things like who is smiling. Makes you think you got stuck in a time loop and kept reading the same chapter over and over again.
The FMC is intolerable. Why does the MMC like her? She smells good. Brace yourself for page after page of smell descriptions. Ack!
Overall this was not a good experience. Skip this book.
If you don't like the miscommunication trope, skip this book. The two main characters can't have a full conversation, ever. If you don't like the insta-love trope, skip from this book. If you don't like repetition every chapter, run from this book. It is structured to be dual perspective narrative, but dual pov isn't repeating the exact same scene with the exact same dialogue and only changing tiny things like who is smiling. Makes you think you got stuck in a time loop and kept reading the same chapter over and over again.
The FMC is intolerable. Why does the MMC like her? She smells good. Brace yourself for page after page of smell descriptions. Ack!
Overall this was not a good experience. Skip this book.
April 25, 2024
I got an ARC of this book and had a blast reading through it!
I read book 1, Owen, last year and absolutely loved it, so I have been champing at the bit waiting for Cedric and Bethany's story. As always, Elle delivered.
I was gobsmacked by how sweet and devoted Cedric was - from the peeks of him in book 1, it was so unexpected. He is the ultimate book boyfriend, and I would like to know where I can get one of him, please.
Bethany's inner struggles also took me by surprise after seeing her through Cordelia's eyes in book 1. The pair of them have an uphill battle, but I was heartened to watch them fight for their love.
The spice was frequent and delicious, the dialogue was snappy, and the plot was low stakes - all adding up to a winner in my book.
Can't WAIT for Gareth's story in book 3!
I read book 1, Owen, last year and absolutely loved it, so I have been champing at the bit waiting for Cedric and Bethany's story. As always, Elle delivered.
I was gobsmacked by how sweet and devoted Cedric was - from the peeks of him in book 1, it was so unexpected. He is the ultimate book boyfriend, and I would like to know where I can get one of him, please.
Bethany's inner struggles also took me by surprise after seeing her through Cordelia's eyes in book 1. The pair of them have an uphill battle, but I was heartened to watch them fight for their love.
The spice was frequent and delicious, the dialogue was snappy, and the plot was low stakes - all adding up to a winner in my book.
Can't WAIT for Gareth's story in book 3!
April 27, 2024
ARC REVIEW ⭐4 🌶️4/5
Spicy as hell, charmingly cozy and with a lot of angst and breeding kink😌😉
Honestly, I spent half of the book very frustrated with Bethany's attitude, which I completely understood and empathized by the end of the book since she has commitment issues from past experiences. And the lack of communication has also frustrated me a little, although that has caused a slow burn of the romance that in the end was heartwarming.
Bears don't have soulmates but Cedric knows for sure that Bethany is his from the beginning. I loved how patient and sweet he is with her.
The smut is SO good and the strong connection between them makes it even better!
PS: I still love Cordelia & Owen, they're the best. And I have the intuition that Gareth's story is going to break me, he is a wild bear but there's a lot to unpack there🥺
Spicy as hell, charmingly cozy and with a lot of angst and breeding kink😌😉
Honestly, I spent half of the book very frustrated with Bethany's attitude, which I completely understood and empathized by the end of the book since she has commitment issues from past experiences. And the lack of communication has also frustrated me a little, although that has caused a slow burn of the romance that in the end was heartwarming.
Bears don't have soulmates but Cedric knows for sure that Bethany is his from the beginning. I loved how patient and sweet he is with her.
The smut is SO good and the strong connection between them makes it even better!
PS: I still love Cordelia & Owen, they're the best. And I have the intuition that Gareth's story is going to break me, he is a wild bear but there's a lot to unpack there🥺
May 3, 2024
Reading Cedric reminded how much I enjoy Elle's writing, I'd previously read the Garoureve series and her novella; Vampire In A Bookstore. Having not read Owen - the first book in the series - I wasn't sure if I'd be missing a lot of context but it wasn't an issue and I was able to get a glimpse of his story too.
This book is VERY spicy, which I'm absolutely here for, but I'd say this was a dominant part of the writing, more so than the Garoureve series, so it might not be for some folks. I also enjoyed that a majority of the character development was in human form, sometimes my mind struggles to visualise paranormal stories - especially shifters. I will say Cedric is a man of few words, and that was frustrating but it didn't negatively impact the read for me.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read an ARC of the book!
This book is VERY spicy, which I'm absolutely here for, but I'd say this was a dominant part of the writing, more so than the Garoureve series, so it might not be for some folks. I also enjoyed that a majority of the character development was in human form, sometimes my mind struggles to visualise paranormal stories - especially shifters. I will say Cedric is a man of few words, and that was frustrating but it didn't negatively impact the read for me.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read an ARC of the book!
April 29, 2024
If you aren’t quite ready to let go of winter or need a book to keep you cool on the beach, “Cedric” by Elle M. Drew could be for you! It is the second book in her spin-off series “The Shifters of Bear Valley”. I do recommend that you read the first book in the series, as I reread “Owen” myself before starting the new one. However, I do believe you could read “Cedric” alone, but it helps to provide more context.
Throughout this novel, both characters have to grow in order to make the relationship work. Cedric is a bear shifter who lives a life of solitude and hyper independence. Bethany is self reliant and a former romantic - as heartbreak has shaped her approach to relationships. This makes for a roller coaster of a relationship!
Also, this series is very heavy on spice, so I suggest you read the trigger warnings. One of the triggers listed is that the female main character, Bethany, has Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and this novel shows some of the challenges that come with the chronic illness. I appreciate Elle’s effort to explore issues like this in her books. For instance, a character in “One Night in Garoureve” had endometriosis. I hope she continues to represent and familiarize the general public with these conditions!
Overall, I rooted for the couple from beginning to end, even when they frustrated me, and if nothing else, it definitely made me miss winter, cuddles and fireplaces!
[Disclosure] I was given an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout this novel, both characters have to grow in order to make the relationship work. Cedric is a bear shifter who lives a life of solitude and hyper independence. Bethany is self reliant and a former romantic - as heartbreak has shaped her approach to relationships. This makes for a roller coaster of a relationship!
Also, this series is very heavy on spice, so I suggest you read the trigger warnings. One of the triggers listed is that the female main character, Bethany, has Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and this novel shows some of the challenges that come with the chronic illness. I appreciate Elle’s effort to explore issues like this in her books. For instance, a character in “One Night in Garoureve” had endometriosis. I hope she continues to represent and familiarize the general public with these conditions!
Overall, I rooted for the couple from beginning to end, even when they frustrated me, and if nothing else, it definitely made me miss winter, cuddles and fireplaces!
[Disclosure] I was given an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2024
The long awaited second book in the Shifters of Bear Valley series is here!
Cedric is a gruff bear shifter who falls fast and hard for Bethany. The thing he loves most about her, her independence, is also the thing that makes him doubt he can keep her, because she doesn't NEED him. Over the course of the book, we watch these two work to figure out their issues and come to the realization that even though Bethany doesn't NEED Cedric, she WANTS him desperately. Her past has made her afraid to trust.
There was so much spice in this book, including breeding kink and menophilia. I freaking love that these bears can smell any hormonal shift in their women. Romance reasons, people.
Please read and enjoy the genius of Elle M Drew!
4.5/5
Cedric is a gruff bear shifter who falls fast and hard for Bethany. The thing he loves most about her, her independence, is also the thing that makes him doubt he can keep her, because she doesn't NEED him. Over the course of the book, we watch these two work to figure out their issues and come to the realization that even though Bethany doesn't NEED Cedric, she WANTS him desperately. Her past has made her afraid to trust.
There was so much spice in this book, including breeding kink and menophilia. I freaking love that these bears can smell any hormonal shift in their women. Romance reasons, people.
Please read and enjoy the genius of Elle M Drew!
4.5/5
April 23, 2024
4.5
'I Lose Control' by Teddy Swims was on repeat in my head while I read this book - it is a very fitting anthem for poor Cedric and his complete inability to control himself when it comes to Bethany.
Bethany has been damaged by the men of her past and Cedric thinks bears are meant to be solitary, so they make quite the pair of messy feelings. I really enjoyed reading their journey to actually communicating their feelings to one another.
I really have a feeling all of their assumptions about bears are not factual. I have no proof of this, lol, all feels. I think (hope) Gareth is going to be discovering some interesting information on his current walk-a-bout.
'I Lose Control' by Teddy Swims was on repeat in my head while I read this book - it is a very fitting anthem for poor Cedric and his complete inability to control himself when it comes to Bethany.
Bethany has been damaged by the men of her past and Cedric thinks bears are meant to be solitary, so they make quite the pair of messy feelings. I really enjoyed reading their journey to actually communicating their feelings to one another.
I really have a feeling all of their assumptions about bears are not factual. I have no proof of this, lol, all feels. I think (hope) Gareth is going to be discovering some interesting information on his current walk-a-bout.
June 30, 2024
Elle M. Drew does it again with her latest installment of The Shifters of Bear Valley! The main characters are lovable, fun, flawed, human (mostly). Bethany and Cedric's love story unfolds in a steamy and angsty way and I was here for it! I love how relatable all of Elle's female characters are, they deal with real life issues, PCOS, endometriosis, body image issues etc but they are all such bad asses who (usually) know what they want! While this book contained some more serious topics, it was also fun and sexy! Kept me laughing throughout! You can't go wrong with this one! Can't wait to read the next installment of The Shifters of Bear Valley!
April 29, 2024
4 ⭐️ & 3 🌶️
** ARC REVIEW**
Such a perfect continuation to The Shifters of Bear Valley series! I loved Owen but I’ll have to admit…. I think Cedric is my favorite of the two 🤭
I’m also now dying to read Gareth’s book
The spice in this was exactly what I needed and I appreciated that there was no surprises with the breeding shmink lol
I may be the odd one out when I say this but I personally like my books to relatable… shifters aside 😂
So even though at times I wanted to give Bethany a piece of my mind, I understood where she was coming from because I would have done some of the same things and behaved in the same way.
Overall this was another great shifter book with some good spicy moments that just may make you sweat a bit 🥵🥵
** ARC REVIEW**
Such a perfect continuation to The Shifters of Bear Valley series! I loved Owen but I’ll have to admit…. I think Cedric is my favorite of the two 🤭
I’m also now dying to read Gareth’s book
The spice in this was exactly what I needed and I appreciated that there was no surprises with the breeding shmink lol
I may be the odd one out when I say this but I personally like my books to relatable… shifters aside 😂
So even though at times I wanted to give Bethany a piece of my mind, I understood where she was coming from because I would have done some of the same things and behaved in the same way.
Overall this was another great shifter book with some good spicy moments that just may make you sweat a bit 🥵🥵
May 1, 2024
Bear shifters are the best!!!!
These two drove me crazy. I was screaming at the book wanting to get the characters to stop being stupid. I need to clarify, the writing was great, the story was great the characters being frustrating is just a side effect of being complex, more "human" more interesting characters. They weren't perfect, they f.ed up and dealt with it.
As usual Elle knows how to bring the spice and this was turedvup to 100. It's a lust to lovers, with hormones heightening everything.
Just a great bear shifter book.
My heart broke for Gareth so I'm excited for his HEA.
These two drove me crazy. I was screaming at the book wanting to get the characters to stop being stupid. I need to clarify, the writing was great, the story was great the characters being frustrating is just a side effect of being complex, more "human" more interesting characters. They weren't perfect, they f.ed up and dealt with it.
As usual Elle knows how to bring the spice and this was turedvup to 100. It's a lust to lovers, with hormones heightening everything.
Just a great bear shifter book.
My heart broke for Gareth so I'm excited for his HEA.
May 3, 2024
I have read several of this author’s books and am always impressed how, despite using common tropes and premises, the stories are not common at all.
I enjoy her writing style, as well as the fact that her paranormal universe is so unique and different. I have looked forward to the 2nd book in this series.
One of the things I really appreciate is that the body types of her character, despite being “fat” are not all the same type of “fat” or “curvy”.
I highly recommend this author and her series.
I enjoy her writing style, as well as the fact that her paranormal universe is so unique and different. I have looked forward to the 2nd book in this series.
One of the things I really appreciate is that the body types of her character, despite being “fat” are not all the same type of “fat” or “curvy”.
I highly recommend this author and her series.
April 25, 2024
I loved this book! It caught and kept my attention. I laughed , cried and smiled. The story was amazing. I loved the characters and it was fun to catch up with characters from the first book. Now - honestly - after watching Owen and Cedric fall in love I can't wait to watch the last domino fall! Brother number three is bound to be better than the first two and I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books!
April 26, 2024
This is the second book in a standalone series but you do see other characters from book one. Cedric is not only Owen’s brother he is also a twin with Gareth. I cant wait for his book either. But back to Cedric when he meets Bethany all he knows is he wants her. All Bethany wants is a baby. These two just work together was the road bumpy of course it was but in the end it was just an amazing read. I cant wait for more from Elle.
May 15, 2024
I love this author’s wolf shifter series Garoureve, but I just have a hard time getting into this bear series. This book was very insta-love but also infuriating because the fmc is extremely emotional and ‘broken’ and doesn’t trust it. Both of them were awful communicators. Breeding kink is a meh trope for me but it didn’t do it for me here. If you’re on the fence, go read the Shifters of Garoureve series instead.
June 13, 2024
Overall it's a meh from me
Sooo this was good enough to keep me reading until the end but honestly I wanted to strangle the FMC about 85% of the time and not in a fun way. She needs a crap ton of therapy.... I seriously almost threw my kindle across the room at her idiocy at least 4 different times. The MMC had communication issues but he was actually trying so he got a pass from me.
Sooo this was good enough to keep me reading until the end but honestly I wanted to strangle the FMC about 85% of the time and not in a fun way. She needs a crap ton of therapy.... I seriously almost threw my kindle across the room at her idiocy at least 4 different times. The MMC had communication issues but he was actually trying so he got a pass from me.
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