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The Projects #2
The Bear Project
When Animal conservationist Emmi Layne meets bad boy Cole Jackson there is no denying the instant lust between them. She has a thing for bears, after all. However, you cannot build a relationship on awesome sex alone, especially when you live on different continents, and have nothing in common. Everything changes when Emmi discovers that their night of passion has left her with more than erotic memories. She has no means of contacting him, even if she wanted to, but she hasn't counted on this bear shifter's determination. Cole is not what he seems, and he will stop at nothing to claim what's his—even if that means breaking all the rules. Can he trust the mating bond to deliver, or will it spell the end of an ancient blood line? With the odds stacked against them, can this unlikely duo find happiness together?
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2014
6 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 26, 2018
This sorry excuse of a book really highlights the worst of the PNR genre. Instalust? Check. Stupid heroine? Check. Creepy overbearing hero? Check. Loads of crappity drama? Check, check, check!
The "heroine" Emmi is one of the most infuriating, bullshit characters I have ever come across. At the very beginning, she pretty much slut-shames the "town slut" and then not two chapters later, she's already getting down and dirty with Mr. Hot Bear. Are you freaking kidding me?!! Talk about major hypocrisy!
And her characterization is horrible. She goes from blissful lust to full-on "you lied to me, you horrible monster!" after some big stupid misunderstanding, and then leaves the hero high and dry and goes back home and DUN DUN DUN she's pregnant! I can't even.
By the time the hero goes chasing after her, she's like "If you loved me, why did it take you so long to come after me?" Um, HELLO, YOU LEFT HIM. Does this woman even have a brain???
That's not to say the hero is any better. I was getting sick of his overuse of "sugar" which just started to sound sleazy. Plus he was way too possessive from the very beginning. His excuse of needing to protect Emmi from the evil weres doesn't cut it. Also, the fact that he never explains anything to her just makes their stupid misunderstandings even more stupid. Why are they even together again? Am I seriously supposed to be rooting for these two?
And this is why instalust does not equal romance.
So why did I keep reading this? Maybe I was still hopeful that I would find some redeeming factor to the story, or that I would be surprised by the ending. Yeah...that never happened.
The "heroine" Emmi is one of the most infuriating, bullshit characters I have ever come across. At the very beginning, she pretty much slut-shames the "town slut" and then not two chapters later, she's already getting down and dirty with Mr. Hot Bear. Are you freaking kidding me?!! Talk about major hypocrisy!
And her characterization is horrible. She goes from blissful lust to full-on "you lied to me, you horrible monster!" after some big stupid misunderstanding, and then leaves the hero high and dry and goes back home and DUN DUN DUN she's pregnant! I can't even.
By the time the hero goes chasing after her, she's like "If you loved me, why did it take you so long to come after me?" Um, HELLO, YOU LEFT HIM. Does this woman even have a brain???
That's not to say the hero is any better. I was getting sick of his overuse of "sugar" which just started to sound sleazy. Plus he was way too possessive from the very beginning. His excuse of needing to protect Emmi from the evil weres doesn't cut it. Also, the fact that he never explains anything to her just makes their stupid misunderstandings even more stupid. Why are they even together again? Am I seriously supposed to be rooting for these two?
And this is why instalust does not equal romance.
So why did I keep reading this? Maybe I was still hopeful that I would find some redeeming factor to the story, or that I would be surprised by the ending. Yeah...that never happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2014
Doris O'Connor is a auto buy for me. I love everything she writes and this book has become a favourite. First of all I love bears. I read anything with bear shifters.
I like all my book boyfriends to be Alpha and Cole is a strong one who was easy to love.
Emmi is strong and sticks to her guns, even when Cole tries to take over. I like this in a heroine.
Cole is sure of what he wants and I love how he is patient and listen to Emmi. This book got better the more I read and has me hanging for the next.
Thanks Doris for the wonderful read.
I like all my book boyfriends to be Alpha and Cole is a strong one who was easy to love.
Emmi is strong and sticks to her guns, even when Cole tries to take over. I like this in a heroine.
Cole is sure of what he wants and I love how he is patient and listen to Emmi. This book got better the more I read and has me hanging for the next.
Thanks Doris for the wonderful read.
April 9, 2014
3.5 stars
A few typos and our gorgeous bear, Cole, who kept referring to our h, Emmi, as "sugar". It became very annoying.
Otherwise, it was a pretty standard shifter/human romance story. Clueless woman, gets stuck in a shifter bar in the middle of nowhere, with no transport, on the full moon. Cole to the rescue. And wonder of wonders, she is his mate.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next book with Maria.
A few typos and our gorgeous bear, Cole, who kept referring to our h, Emmi, as "sugar". It became very annoying.
Otherwise, it was a pretty standard shifter/human romance story. Clueless woman, gets stuck in a shifter bar in the middle of nowhere, with no transport, on the full moon. Cole to the rescue. And wonder of wonders, she is his mate.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next book with Maria.
July 6, 2021
Emmi is an animal conservationist on vacation. She didn’t expect to be left in a small town. Her love for animals, especially bears draws her to the place. But with a full moon, she is in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is she. Cole scented her when she walked into the bar. His mate and she was human. When he rescues her from some wolfs, things heat up. But this can’t work. Emmi is only her for a short time and she will be heading home. Cole has to finish a job he started. But can these two be apart and will it even work? Lots of sex and growling. What happened to Cole’s parents was sad. The mating connections with these two is hot and ferrous. And Cole Jackson happens to be well known with the shifters. You have to love that there are other shifters around Emmi that she didn’t even know about.
June 28, 2018
It was alright. It was better than the first book. :|
July 30, 2020
2.5 stars
May 2, 2014
This book was provided to me at no charge in exchange for an honest review. Please visit sslyblog.wordpress.com for more review!
Well, here I am stuck in a quandary. The Bear Project, the second book in the Projects series, tells the tale of Emmi Layne and Cole Jackson who meet after Emmi’s tour bus takes off without her. As a bear shifter, Cole immediately recognizes his mate, and wastes no time in her seduction. From a purely erotic perspective, this book is a hot, sizzling, smoking five. Hands down.
However, I had a few issues with the storyline. For example, time moves oddly- there is one scene where Emmi is talking to a friend, and then two sentences later, she is consoling said friend who was crying after having some sort of altercation in the yard. What? When was there time for that to happen? I was also unsure of some of the “rules” around shifters- it seemed at some points that humans knew about shifters, and then didn’t in others. Either way, Emmi handled the news that Cole was a shifter without even a blink.
So, for the rating? As I said, the erotic/sex portion of the story is super-hot, a definite five. I had some issues from the story itself, and would give it a 3/5 rating. So, do I average them? I’m not sure, but based on the fact that I am intrigued by the series, and want to read the first one (The Orgasm Project …sounds like fun!) and can’t wait to read Maria’s story (hopefully it will be out soon) I decided a 4/5 was in order. After all, how many books do a good job of making you interested in reading the other characters stories as well?
I’d recommend this novel to those of us who love hot alpha shifter male loving. You know who you are.
5/5 flaming hearts for smoking hotness
Well, here I am stuck in a quandary. The Bear Project, the second book in the Projects series, tells the tale of Emmi Layne and Cole Jackson who meet after Emmi’s tour bus takes off without her. As a bear shifter, Cole immediately recognizes his mate, and wastes no time in her seduction. From a purely erotic perspective, this book is a hot, sizzling, smoking five. Hands down.
However, I had a few issues with the storyline. For example, time moves oddly- there is one scene where Emmi is talking to a friend, and then two sentences later, she is consoling said friend who was crying after having some sort of altercation in the yard. What? When was there time for that to happen? I was also unsure of some of the “rules” around shifters- it seemed at some points that humans knew about shifters, and then didn’t in others. Either way, Emmi handled the news that Cole was a shifter without even a blink.
So, for the rating? As I said, the erotic/sex portion of the story is super-hot, a definite five. I had some issues from the story itself, and would give it a 3/5 rating. So, do I average them? I’m not sure, but based on the fact that I am intrigued by the series, and want to read the first one (The Orgasm Project …sounds like fun!) and can’t wait to read Maria’s story (hopefully it will be out soon) I decided a 4/5 was in order. After all, how many books do a good job of making you interested in reading the other characters stories as well?
I’d recommend this novel to those of us who love hot alpha shifter male loving. You know who you are.
5/5 flaming hearts for smoking hotness
May 18, 2014
If you love bears then this is the book for you. I read the first one and couldn't wait to read this one when it came out. I wasn't disappointed and the only thing that I didn't like was that I am now done with the book. I loved it.
Emmi Layne is a Animal conservationist that loves bears. When she heard about this tour that lets you see wild animals and it just so happens that she might get lucky enough to see the bear that she wants to see. Only thing is she goes to the bathroom and hears a woman getting it on when she hears a woman next door getting it on with a man. She knows she can't go anywhere. She ends up missing her bus and in a bar nursing a drink.
Cole Jackson has a lot of things to do and his mind is on the business until he goes into the bar and this scent meets him. He knows that he should fight it and run as far and as fast as he can. He can't stand how the other shifter's are sniffing her and he knows it won't be long until they will go to her.
This will become one night that will lead to several that will be hard to forget. It will change in just a blink of an eye. The passion between these two is so intense and hot that I was afraid that my kindle would catch on fire. I never thought that bears could be so sexy and have just one mate that will satisfy for the rest of their lives.
I will say that these two are hiding secrets from each other and I love how the author made them come out. I wanted so bad to be involved in this book. I loved the cover and it made it so easy to imagine what Cole looked like. I hope that there will be another one of these books. This series is becoming very addictive.
Emmi Layne is a Animal conservationist that loves bears. When she heard about this tour that lets you see wild animals and it just so happens that she might get lucky enough to see the bear that she wants to see. Only thing is she goes to the bathroom and hears a woman getting it on when she hears a woman next door getting it on with a man. She knows she can't go anywhere. She ends up missing her bus and in a bar nursing a drink.
Cole Jackson has a lot of things to do and his mind is on the business until he goes into the bar and this scent meets him. He knows that he should fight it and run as far and as fast as he can. He can't stand how the other shifter's are sniffing her and he knows it won't be long until they will go to her.
This will become one night that will lead to several that will be hard to forget. It will change in just a blink of an eye. The passion between these two is so intense and hot that I was afraid that my kindle would catch on fire. I never thought that bears could be so sexy and have just one mate that will satisfy for the rest of their lives.
I will say that these two are hiding secrets from each other and I love how the author made them come out. I wanted so bad to be involved in this book. I loved the cover and it made it so easy to imagine what Cole looked like. I hope that there will be another one of these books. This series is becoming very addictive.
January 19, 2014
3.5 Cocktails
Emmi is stranded in a town of shifters, unbeknownst to her, when her tour bus leaves her while she’s stuck in the restroom of the local bar. As she’s debating what to do next, she is cornered by a very sexy and very tall Cole. She takes a chance and goes home with him. The sex is off the freakin’ charts and the chemistry between the two is even hotter.
Cole knew from his first scent of her in the bar that Emmi was his fated mate; but his job on the shifter council takes him all over the world and he’s not sure he wants to be tied down. His bear has other ideas and wants to claim its mate quick, fast and in a hurry.
Emmi explains to Cole why she’s really here and how much she loves bears. Ironically, Cole is a bear shifter and even though he shouldn’t, he claims Emmi as his mate. Emmi accepts the claim without knowing what it all entails. She has a job and a life back in England and doesn’t believe in the whole mating-for-life-he-will-always-come-for-you aspect of it all. Can the two come to terms with their mating and live happily ever after or will stubbornness and hidden threats sink the mating before it has a chance to grow?
The story was entertaining but I just wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as I wanted to. There was a good plot line and the passion between Cole and Emmi was scorching but I just can’t place why my interest started to wane through the book. I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal shifter books though.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
Emmi is stranded in a town of shifters, unbeknownst to her, when her tour bus leaves her while she’s stuck in the restroom of the local bar. As she’s debating what to do next, she is cornered by a very sexy and very tall Cole. She takes a chance and goes home with him. The sex is off the freakin’ charts and the chemistry between the two is even hotter.
Cole knew from his first scent of her in the bar that Emmi was his fated mate; but his job on the shifter council takes him all over the world and he’s not sure he wants to be tied down. His bear has other ideas and wants to claim its mate quick, fast and in a hurry.
Emmi explains to Cole why she’s really here and how much she loves bears. Ironically, Cole is a bear shifter and even though he shouldn’t, he claims Emmi as his mate. Emmi accepts the claim without knowing what it all entails. She has a job and a life back in England and doesn’t believe in the whole mating-for-life-he-will-always-come-for-you aspect of it all. Can the two come to terms with their mating and live happily ever after or will stubbornness and hidden threats sink the mating before it has a chance to grow?
The story was entertaining but I just wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as I wanted to. There was a good plot line and the passion between Cole and Emmi was scorching but I just can’t place why my interest started to wane through the book. I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal shifter books though.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
March 31, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25801
Emmi is an animal conservationist from England on a bus tour in the US that detoured through the wrong town. She managed to miss getting back on the bus and is stranded in this strange town. Emmi is then rescued by Cole in a bar where she tried to drowned her sorrows. Emmi is a strong woman who reactions to Cole and the world of shifters is realistic.
Cole is a bear shifter who was born into the shifter world. At the beginning of the book is very mysterious and does not reveal much until the end. Cole is a hot and sexy shifter who has looked forever for his mate but manages to meet her at the worst time. Cole is trying to clean up the town Emmi stumbled into.
The chemistry between Cole and Emmi is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. Emmi and Cole would not have had half of the issue they did if they communicated with each other. Cole was so set of Emmi being his mate he did not really take the time in the beginning to get to know her. Its no wonder she ran.
The Bear Project is the second book in The Projects series by Dories O’Connor. While this book is part of a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel. I found this book very well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and realistic. The characters seemed to leap off the page and they also had genuine reactions as well. Overall, this was a great book and I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25801
Emmi is an animal conservationist from England on a bus tour in the US that detoured through the wrong town. She managed to miss getting back on the bus and is stranded in this strange town. Emmi is then rescued by Cole in a bar where she tried to drowned her sorrows. Emmi is a strong woman who reactions to Cole and the world of shifters is realistic.
Cole is a bear shifter who was born into the shifter world. At the beginning of the book is very mysterious and does not reveal much until the end. Cole is a hot and sexy shifter who has looked forever for his mate but manages to meet her at the worst time. Cole is trying to clean up the town Emmi stumbled into.
The chemistry between Cole and Emmi is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. Emmi and Cole would not have had half of the issue they did if they communicated with each other. Cole was so set of Emmi being his mate he did not really take the time in the beginning to get to know her. Its no wonder she ran.
The Bear Project is the second book in The Projects series by Dories O’Connor. While this book is part of a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel. I found this book very well written. The main and secondary characters were interesting and realistic. The characters seemed to leap off the page and they also had genuine reactions as well. Overall, this was a great book and I can’t wait to read more from this series.
January 12, 2014
This is one of those hidden gems that comes out of nowhere and surprises you with how good it is. First off, some adjectives I would use to describe The Bear Project: INTENSE, scorching, obsessive, angsty, erotic.
I had some conflicting emotions with this one. I almost felt guilty for enjoying it as much as I did, seeing as Cole is completely and overwhelmingly obsessed with Emmi from the very beginning and after their separation it only magnifies. It is magnified to the point where you ask yourself: If this was a real person, wouldn't I be on the phone calling the cops to get a restraining order? I LOVE how the author mentions that in the book too.
The author has totally mastered the line between alpha, possessive, macho hero. Despite my mixed feelings about Cole, in the end, I still loved the book because it was so dang good I couldn't put this book down, didn't skip one page out of disinterest, I had the characters and the story in my mind for days after finishing, and felt a variety of different emotions.
In my opinion, that is the sign of a great book. Cole and Emmi together were so good together and I just rooted for them to get it right. I think it's definitely worth your time and the price. I was expecting it to be a good book, but I had no idea it would be an incredible book that I couldn't put down. This isn't the first book I've read by the author and it certainly won't be the last! Highly recommend!!
I had some conflicting emotions with this one. I almost felt guilty for enjoying it as much as I did, seeing as Cole is completely and overwhelmingly obsessed with Emmi from the very beginning and after their separation it only magnifies. It is magnified to the point where you ask yourself: If this was a real person, wouldn't I be on the phone calling the cops to get a restraining order? I LOVE how the author mentions that in the book too.
The author has totally mastered the line between alpha, possessive, macho hero. Despite my mixed feelings about Cole, in the end, I still loved the book because it was so dang good I couldn't put this book down, didn't skip one page out of disinterest, I had the characters and the story in my mind for days after finishing, and felt a variety of different emotions.
In my opinion, that is the sign of a great book. Cole and Emmi together were so good together and I just rooted for them to get it right. I think it's definitely worth your time and the price. I was expecting it to be a good book, but I had no idea it would be an incredible book that I couldn't put down. This isn't the first book I've read by the author and it certainly won't be the last! Highly recommend!!
February 11, 2014
A review by author Hazel Gower about this book caught my eye. Reading the blurb reinforced the notion that I would like The Bear Project. Listed at 148 pages, it sounded a little shorter than I prefer my books. It didn't list actual page numbers on my Kindle, but it was misleading because the story had to have been much longer.
The book provides all the elements that PNR readers require. An immediate attraction between the main characters (even if Emmi doesn't understand it), undeniable passion, erotic love scenes, misunderstandings, separation, secrets, a surprise, forces working against the couple...and shifters! And what a yummy bear shifter...I want a 'Cole' for myself.
If you like Bianca D'Arc, Eve Langlais, or Hazel Gower shifter stories, then give Doris O'Connor a read, too. Haven't read any of them? What are you waiting for...check them out right away!
The book provides all the elements that PNR readers require. An immediate attraction between the main characters (even if Emmi doesn't understand it), undeniable passion, erotic love scenes, misunderstandings, separation, secrets, a surprise, forces working against the couple...and shifters! And what a yummy bear shifter...I want a 'Cole' for myself.
If you like Bianca D'Arc, Eve Langlais, or Hazel Gower shifter stories, then give Doris O'Connor a read, too. Haven't read any of them? What are you waiting for...check them out right away!
September 29, 2014
Bear lover (and animal conservationist) Emmi decides to go on a tour she learns about that will allow you to get close to wild animals. But that ends up with her stranded in a town of shifters when the bus leaves without her.
But alas being stranded a continent away from home means she runs into the hot yummy Cole. Of course she has no idea at first that he is a bear shifter.
One hot, amazingly steamy night of sex doesn’t mean its forever, right. But she’s Cole’s mate and despite him telling her that she overhears something that causes her to flee back to London.
But things change when she returns and her life won’t ever be the same. When Cole comes back will the two of them tell each other the secrets they both are hiding?
Doris writes amazing shifter stories and this is no different. I mean who doesn’t love a hot, alpha, bear shifter. This book will probably fog up your eReader so be prepared.
But alas being stranded a continent away from home means she runs into the hot yummy Cole. Of course she has no idea at first that he is a bear shifter.
One hot, amazingly steamy night of sex doesn’t mean its forever, right. But she’s Cole’s mate and despite him telling her that she overhears something that causes her to flee back to London.
But things change when she returns and her life won’t ever be the same. When Cole comes back will the two of them tell each other the secrets they both are hiding?
Doris writes amazing shifter stories and this is no different. I mean who doesn’t love a hot, alpha, bear shifter. This book will probably fog up your eReader so be prepared.
June 5, 2014
The second book in The Projects series is a riveting and sexy read shifter read. The author has created a fantastic world of shifters with some very intriguing elements and captivating characters. This story had a couple of twists thrown in that really takes the reader by surprise and I found the story to be enjoyable and entertaining and although I felt it was a little short, the author managed to pack a lot content is a little package and I really enjoyed the ending with very exciting climax.
4 1/2 STARS
See my full review at:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
4 1/2 STARS
See my full review at:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
August 5, 2015
BASICS
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: +3 stars
Review
You simply can't help but love this possessive, protective hero. The bear project is a quick read, with a sassy h and one hot sexy alpha H.
The reason for 3 stars is that some parts seem a bit fast paced and some seem to drag out. But all in all, it's a good read :)
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: +3 stars
Review
You simply can't help but love this possessive, protective hero. The bear project is a quick read, with a sassy h and one hot sexy alpha H.
The reason for 3 stars is that some parts seem a bit fast paced and some seem to drag out. But all in all, it's a good read :)
January 10, 2015
If you like shifter stories then this is a great one. Cole is a bear shifter and Emmi is a human they meet in an usual way and forces beyond their control change both their lives forever. Fast paced book, but the plot has surprising twist and turns made up with great characters whom you instantly fall in love with! This is book 2 of the series so if you haven't yet, check The Orgasm Project out as well.
December 12, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion and a review.
I Love Doris O'Conner every single book she writes is just magical and breath taking, and this book is just that she has given us everything and more, and some great twists and turns o and hot yummy shifter and even hotter intimacy this series is the best seriously the best i am in awe of her brilliance.
5 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
I Love Doris O'Conner every single book she writes is just magical and breath taking, and this book is just that she has given us everything and more, and some great twists and turns o and hot yummy shifter and even hotter intimacy this series is the best seriously the best i am in awe of her brilliance.
5 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
January 10, 2014
This book was packed with action, suspense and some really HOT sex scenes!! Cole and Emmi were definitely true mates! I'm glad that Emmi had Maria for a friend and was able to help her out. This was such a good story with so much going on I don't want to give it away except to say you need to read this book!
August 11, 2016
So much growling, but what did I expect from that fierce, protective bear.
October 13, 2018
What a great book
I have read some of the other project books but definitely not in the correct order so for me this book was great getting to know the hero and heroine I have met in other books Great Books
I have read some of the other project books but definitely not in the correct order so for me this book was great getting to know the hero and heroine I have met in other books Great Books
April 1, 2015
The ending was sweet. I did not really warm to Emmi's character at all but I liked Cole...except for his over use of "Sugar".
January 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this. I really hope there are more coming for this series ;)
February 11, 2014
I loved the story. It was hot and full of steamy scenes. Cole is one hot Alpha male. I can't wait for Maria's story!
The only reason I didn't give the book five stars is the typos.
The only reason I didn't give the book five stars is the typos.
February 20, 2014
Full review posted at Cocktails and Books blog.
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...
March 1, 2014
See my revise on my blog
September 14, 2014
This was n excellent story.
I likes the characters. I enjoyed the ending.
I would read books by this author again
I likes the characters. I enjoyed the ending.
I would read books by this author again
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews