What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blackwood Brothers #1
Blind Date With A Bear
NEED A LITTLE BEAR LOVING?
When Quinn Blackwood thought it was time to go hunting for his mate, he couldn’t believe fate handed her to him on his very first blind date. His family thought it was an hilarious turn of events since the big bear shifter had been looking forward to sowing a few more wild oats before settling down with his one true mate. No one was laughing when Paige got the wrong idea and believed Quinn was just looking for a good time.
Paige Matthews had finally given into the cajoling of her co-worker and agreed to a blind date with the woman’s brother. Paige admired the family of bear shifters and had nursed a secret crush on the oldest Blackwood brother, Quinn, since moving to town. Even though she’d known the odds were against it, she was terribly disappointed that she wasn’t his true mate. She did however, decide to take him up on his offer of a good time, cause this good-girl craved the bear’s sweet loving.
This story contains adult situation and explicit language.
When Quinn Blackwood thought it was time to go hunting for his mate, he couldn’t believe fate handed her to him on his very first blind date. His family thought it was an hilarious turn of events since the big bear shifter had been looking forward to sowing a few more wild oats before settling down with his one true mate. No one was laughing when Paige got the wrong idea and believed Quinn was just looking for a good time.
Paige Matthews had finally given into the cajoling of her co-worker and agreed to a blind date with the woman’s brother. Paige admired the family of bear shifters and had nursed a secret crush on the oldest Blackwood brother, Quinn, since moving to town. Even though she’d known the odds were against it, she was terribly disappointed that she wasn’t his true mate. She did however, decide to take him up on his offer of a good time, cause this good-girl craved the bear’s sweet loving.
This story contains adult situation and explicit language.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2014
94 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 24, 2015
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont Short Paranormal Erotic Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3
★Review★
Really liked the story. Interesting to read a shifter book based in a world where shifters are "out".
Liked both main characters and secondary characters.
A very hot and steamy read.
However, it is let down by needing a decent editor or even beta reader.
Numerous typos or wrong words used, and certain plot lines started confusingly, such that I went back a few pages to see of I had missed something (for example, the entire "break in" storyline etc, starts abruptly, and I was left trying to work out what business Quinn was in for more pages than I liked.)
But, I would happily read more in this series.
Genre : - Cont Short Paranormal Erotic Romance
Series : - 1st in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3
★Review★
Really liked the story. Interesting to read a shifter book based in a world where shifters are "out".
Liked both main characters and secondary characters.
A very hot and steamy read.
However, it is let down by needing a decent editor or even beta reader.
Numerous typos or wrong words used, and certain plot lines started confusingly, such that I went back a few pages to see of I had missed something (for example, the entire "break in" storyline etc, starts abruptly, and I was left trying to work out what business Quinn was in for more pages than I liked.)
But, I would happily read more in this series.
July 8, 2015
Quinn’s set up on a blind date by his sister Deb. Paige is Deb’s co-worker. Quinn’s a bear. There’s alot of sex, all the while avoiding the topic of fated mates. So of course, romance happens.
The Good : Shifter romance, she’s a BBW heroine, he loves all of her. Quinn’s a bear, and sue me, I have a weakness for bear shifters. I blame Shelly Laurenston’s bears in the Pride series. She made me a life-long lover.
The Bad and Everything In Between : “You’re my mate.” That sentence could have saved alot of time. I understand you need some conflict, but there has to be conflict that feels a bit more substantial than this. I didn’t mind the idea of the problems with the jackals, and I would have liked to see that factor into the Big Mis instead of depending on this miscommunication about the fated mate thing.
I liked it, even if it had some silly moments. I’d recommend for those fans of shifter romances with BBW heroines.
The Good : Shifter romance, she’s a BBW heroine, he loves all of her. Quinn’s a bear, and sue me, I have a weakness for bear shifters. I blame Shelly Laurenston’s bears in the Pride series. She made me a life-long lover.
The Bad and Everything In Between : “You’re my mate.” That sentence could have saved alot of time. I understand you need some conflict, but there has to be conflict that feels a bit more substantial than this. I didn’t mind the idea of the problems with the jackals, and I would have liked to see that factor into the Big Mis instead of depending on this miscommunication about the fated mate thing.
I liked it, even if it had some silly moments. I’d recommend for those fans of shifter romances with BBW heroines.
July 11, 2016
I really liked this book. I don't usually like a lot of paranormal books and I have to read them this month for a challenge, but this book was pretty great!
It had the alpha male that I like along with the insta-attraction because, hey, Paige is Quinn's mate. When I do like paranormal books and especially shifter books I do prefer wolf shifters, but now I've changed my mind. I'm hankering for some hot big bear shifters. I've read bear shifters before, but I think that Marie Mason does a good job with giving enough description about bear shifters that now I find them hotter than wolves.
I especially loved the fact that Paige didn't realize that she was Quinn's mate for most of the book even though each was attracted to other right from the start.
I gave this one 5 stars. I can't wait to read more Marie Mason books!
It had the alpha male that I like along with the insta-attraction because, hey, Paige is Quinn's mate. When I do like paranormal books and especially shifter books I do prefer wolf shifters, but now I've changed my mind. I'm hankering for some hot big bear shifters. I've read bear shifters before, but I think that Marie Mason does a good job with giving enough description about bear shifters that now I find them hotter than wolves.
I especially loved the fact that Paige didn't realize that she was Quinn's mate for most of the book even though each was attracted to other right from the start.
I gave this one 5 stars. I can't wait to read more Marie Mason books!
February 21, 2014
Quinn Blackwood, bear shifter, agrees to go on a blind date with a friend of his sister, the very night he decides to start looking for his true mate.
Paige Mathews, human, curvy, insecure, agrees to a blind date with a bear shifter and is disappointed he isn't her true mate, cause he doesn't pick her up and carry her away, the moment he meets her.
Of course we know they are true mates, but everything that can go wrong does and Quinn has a hell of a time convincing Paige she is the one.
NB: Did anyone but me pick up that Paige Mathews is the name of one of the Charmed Ones. LOL.
Paige Mathews, human, curvy, insecure, agrees to a blind date with a bear shifter and is disappointed he isn't her true mate, cause he doesn't pick her up and carry her away, the moment he meets her.
Of course we know they are true mates, but everything that can go wrong does and Quinn has a hell of a time convincing Paige she is the one.
NB: Did anyone but me pick up that Paige Mathews is the name of one of the Charmed Ones. LOL.
January 30, 2015
3-3.5 stars
This was a good story. I liked both Quinn and Paige and their story was enjoyable. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I may try more of her work in the future.
Paige is a nice woman that hasn't had a lot of luck in her life. She lost her parents at an early age and was raised by an elderly aunt that wasn't very loving. Paige is a BBW and likes her body but most men don't and that messes with her confidence. She's only had 2 boyfriends in her life and both treated her badly enough that she had a tough time re-entering the dating scene.
Quinn is a bear shifter and co-owner of a construction company with his 2 younger brothers. Quinn decided to start looking for his mate but he figures it will take some time to find her so he plans to enjoy his last bit of freedom before finding her. That all changes when he walks in to a restaurant to meet a blind date that his sister set him up on. He smells his mate and knows he has to find her, he just hopes his mate and date are the same woman or things could get difficult.
Obviously, Paige does end up being Quinn's mate. In this world, shifters are known about and (after some tough times) accepted by society at large. Quinn makes sure that Paige knows he's a shifter and is ok with it but doesn't think it's wise to tell her that she's his mate right off (even though all he really wants to do is carry her off for lots of sex). Paige knows about shifters and mates and wishes she was Quinn's mate but since he doesn't carry her off for sex right off the bat she decides that she must not be his mate. When Quinn seems interested in seeing her more, Paige passes it off as him wanting a fling with her until he finds his true mate.
There is some confusion between them and unfortunately it doesn't get cleared up right away since Quinn keeps getting called away to handle issues with his construction business. A rival shifter has been sabotaging their business and Quinn's brother can't seem to handle anything without him so Quinn gets called away a number of times, causing Paige to doubt his feedings even more. There is some angst but it's not too heavy and with some time and effort, Quinn and Paige work things out and come together to start their HEA together.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked Quinn and Paige but they both had their faults. Quinn was so smart most of the time but yet he messed up (in stupid ways) with Paige multiple times. Paige mostly just had problems seeing her own worth, not just bodywise but also as a person. It was nice to see Quinn start to give her the love she's been without most of her life. Overall, this was a nice shifter romance. :)
This was a good story. I liked both Quinn and Paige and their story was enjoyable. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I may try more of her work in the future.
Paige is a nice woman that hasn't had a lot of luck in her life. She lost her parents at an early age and was raised by an elderly aunt that wasn't very loving. Paige is a BBW and likes her body but most men don't and that messes with her confidence. She's only had 2 boyfriends in her life and both treated her badly enough that she had a tough time re-entering the dating scene.
Quinn is a bear shifter and co-owner of a construction company with his 2 younger brothers. Quinn decided to start looking for his mate but he figures it will take some time to find her so he plans to enjoy his last bit of freedom before finding her. That all changes when he walks in to a restaurant to meet a blind date that his sister set him up on. He smells his mate and knows he has to find her, he just hopes his mate and date are the same woman or things could get difficult.
Obviously, Paige does end up being Quinn's mate. In this world, shifters are known about and (after some tough times) accepted by society at large. Quinn makes sure that Paige knows he's a shifter and is ok with it but doesn't think it's wise to tell her that she's his mate right off (even though all he really wants to do is carry her off for lots of sex). Paige knows about shifters and mates and wishes she was Quinn's mate but since he doesn't carry her off for sex right off the bat she decides that she must not be his mate. When Quinn seems interested in seeing her more, Paige passes it off as him wanting a fling with her until he finds his true mate.
There is some confusion between them and unfortunately it doesn't get cleared up right away since Quinn keeps getting called away to handle issues with his construction business. A rival shifter has been sabotaging their business and Quinn's brother can't seem to handle anything without him so Quinn gets called away a number of times, causing Paige to doubt his feedings even more. There is some angst but it's not too heavy and with some time and effort, Quinn and Paige work things out and come together to start their HEA together.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked Quinn and Paige but they both had their faults. Quinn was so smart most of the time but yet he messed up (in stupid ways) with Paige multiple times. Paige mostly just had problems seeing her own worth, not just bodywise but also as a person. It was nice to see Quinn start to give her the love she's been without most of her life. Overall, this was a nice shifter romance. :)
March 19, 2014
Favorite Lines “Man, was he obsessing about that or what?”
“Her logical self said he wouldn’t call again. Her romantic self still held on to that small spark of hope”
“Your bear will do what’s right. When the time is right.”
“She knew his threat as he’d put her in the truck hadn’t been an idle one. She had no doubt he would have taken her against the truck with his parents and the whole damn neighborhood watching.”
“I am a selfish bear. I want the person who completes me. Who is the other half of my soul.”
“Why? Because it didn’t matter. You knew, in that deep, dark part of your soul where every negative thought had ever been born, you knew he loved the valley and curves. You knew he loved you.”
So many missed moments I. This amazing book! Quinn misses telling Paige she's his mate, Paige misses telling Quinn how she wants to be his mate. You just wanna smack them both. This was a great read! Quinn is a 7ft tall bear shifter, Paige is a fabulous woman who may not be m"model perfect" but, can make Quinn tongue tied better then an model!
It's takes danger to make him get his act together and OMG the man is sex on a stick!
The story, characters, lovin, and danger are JUST WHAT I NEEDED to finish this book in 3 hrs and praying for this to be a series! Bears are fantabulous!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (Fire&Ice)
FOUR BEAR FAIRIES
“Her logical self said he wouldn’t call again. Her romantic self still held on to that small spark of hope”
“Your bear will do what’s right. When the time is right.”
“She knew his threat as he’d put her in the truck hadn’t been an idle one. She had no doubt he would have taken her against the truck with his parents and the whole damn neighborhood watching.”
“I am a selfish bear. I want the person who completes me. Who is the other half of my soul.”
“Why? Because it didn’t matter. You knew, in that deep, dark part of your soul where every negative thought had ever been born, you knew he loved the valley and curves. You knew he loved you.”
So many missed moments I. This amazing book! Quinn misses telling Paige she's his mate, Paige misses telling Quinn how she wants to be his mate. You just wanna smack them both. This was a great read! Quinn is a 7ft tall bear shifter, Paige is a fabulous woman who may not be m"model perfect" but, can make Quinn tongue tied better then an model!
It's takes danger to make him get his act together and OMG the man is sex on a stick!
The story, characters, lovin, and danger are JUST WHAT I NEEDED to finish this book in 3 hrs and praying for this to be a series! Bears are fantabulous!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (Fire&Ice)
FOUR BEAR FAIRIES
December 29, 2014
There is a lot to like about this solid paranormal story about a bear shifter who discovers his mate via a blind date set up by his sister. Like able characters, a strong sense of family and decent world building all are pluses of this author's style. However, I felt the heroine's mental rejection of the hero's information that she was his mate to be stretching believability - if better groundwork had been laid, say with the knowledge that a previous boyfriend had told her what she wanted to hear and then did an about face, this would have made more sense. As it stands, she's instead essentially calling the hero a nice liar every time she refuses to believe him, and that feels really insulting.
What downgraded my review from a solid three star to a two star was the unforgivable and repeated usage error of confusing dominate and dominant. Considering that one is a verb and the other an adjective, this is not okay. It got to the point where I would flinch upon encountering either word since was that misused.
What downgraded my review from a solid three star to a two star was the unforgivable and repeated usage error of confusing dominate and dominant. Considering that one is a verb and the other an adjective, this is not okay. It got to the point where I would flinch upon encountering either word since was that misused.
March 8, 2014
A sweet and sexy story about how a curvy woman and a bear shifter go out on a blind date only for him to realize she's his mate. Lots of smoking hot sex. I would have preferred a few less misunderstandings about him always not quite telling her that she's his mate. Overall, great story!
not-for-me
September 19, 2015The only reason I dropped this one is because I'm really tired of Hs' who brag about their sexual past, how good they are in bed and what they do to their sex partners! DNF!
May 7, 2014
This is the original review that I did for the book (prior to emailing the author and ending up re-designing the cover for her :D) and since I believe a lot of times your first feelings are the right ones, I'll put here what I put on Amazon on Feb. 19:
"With only a few small hiccups, it is well worth reading... after all, I couldn't stop reading it!"
First let me say that I'll be putting a little spoiler alert later, as there is one thing that I want to mention that did bother me. However, first lets go with the main review.
Lately I've been reading several shifter romances. Since I like a lot of different kinds, they sort of come in waves... And right now, bear shifter stories are my favorite. When I first read the synopsis, it intrigued me enough to start reading the "Look inside" preview. Before I'd even finished reading the sample, I had bought the book and started reading right away.
The story grabs you from the first, and makes no bones about the fact there will be plenty of sex since it's on their brain from the get go. However, unlike some stories I've read, the sex is a part of the story. It isn't something you could edit out and it not make a difference to the storyline. As much as some erotic stories are good, I tend to prefer the ones where the sex moves the story along, not just thrown in there for kicks and giggles. Which is why I liked this book.
Right from the start you are drawn into the characters, groaning out loud even as you see just how 'male' Quinn acts at times. Through out it you cheer for them both and the happy ending you know comes with romances, but it not that clear ending that some have. There are plenty of "how will they get through this" moments so that nothing is predicable.
If you are unsure about it, I suggest that you read the "sample". If you aren't interested by the time that bit ends, then you probably won't like the story. However, I wouldn't doubt it if you actually did like I did, and not even make it through the sample before you are buying it. After I bought it last night, I stayed up reading it until it was done. I couldn't put it down. The end of the story was good, but I must say that I agree with the other 4 reviewers I read. I hope that this new author writes a 'book 2' with the twins. I have a strange feeling that she will, only because of how she built up the twin brothers, and how certain things were said, or left unsaid, about certain things (yeah, trying not to give too many details again. LOL) and thus at the end, there was still a question left unanswered. Which would be the perfect opening for the next one. It will also be interesting to see if she puts the twins together, or they get their own mate. Either way, which ever, I plan on getting it as well.
Now... on to the spoiler stuff. Though if you have read the book, I'd be curious how you feel about the below....
So....
*********SPOILER **************
****DO NOT READ UNDER THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW DETAILS****
*
*
*
Okay... that should be enough room for those who don't want to accidentally catch a glimpse of something...
I ALMOST gave this 4 stars because of one little thing that bothered me, that sort of took me out of the story when I read it. However, since the story itself is really well done, I think it is worth the 5 stars.
Without giving too much away, the part I have an issue with is the first time they do finally have sex. In one other moment when they tried, but got stopped, it is mentioned how he had condoms, and isn't that great. Then when they finally have sex, no condoms are mentioned. In fact, the sex scene is written out in a way that I would guess he couldn't be wearing one, what with all the 'marking' and such he does. Not a bad thing in and of itself until you get to the sex at the end.
This is where the problem arises for me. At the end (still trying to not give too many details so lets just say it's important sex) when they do it, a condom is once again mentioned, one he puts on but then tears it (of course because it is the all important sex) and so he gets rid of it and then the way I read it, it makes it sound like this is the first time that he has been in her without a condom. That he will 'chance' it. However none of this was worried about the first time they did it. So it sort of pulled me out of the story a bit because to me, it was like closing the barn door after the horses had already escaped. Especially seeing how many times it was implied they did it the first time, without a condom.
I am curious if anyone else caught this, or if it is just me. Like I said, I did stay up and read it all night, so I could have missed... something.
With that being said, I still think that this is well worth the read and I hope to see more by the author.
"With only a few small hiccups, it is well worth reading... after all, I couldn't stop reading it!"
First let me say that I'll be putting a little spoiler alert later, as there is one thing that I want to mention that did bother me. However, first lets go with the main review.
Lately I've been reading several shifter romances. Since I like a lot of different kinds, they sort of come in waves... And right now, bear shifter stories are my favorite. When I first read the synopsis, it intrigued me enough to start reading the "Look inside" preview. Before I'd even finished reading the sample, I had bought the book and started reading right away.
The story grabs you from the first, and makes no bones about the fact there will be plenty of sex since it's on their brain from the get go. However, unlike some stories I've read, the sex is a part of the story. It isn't something you could edit out and it not make a difference to the storyline. As much as some erotic stories are good, I tend to prefer the ones where the sex moves the story along, not just thrown in there for kicks and giggles. Which is why I liked this book.
Right from the start you are drawn into the characters, groaning out loud even as you see just how 'male' Quinn acts at times. Through out it you cheer for them both and the happy ending you know comes with romances, but it not that clear ending that some have. There are plenty of "how will they get through this" moments so that nothing is predicable.
If you are unsure about it, I suggest that you read the "sample". If you aren't interested by the time that bit ends, then you probably won't like the story. However, I wouldn't doubt it if you actually did like I did, and not even make it through the sample before you are buying it. After I bought it last night, I stayed up reading it until it was done. I couldn't put it down. The end of the story was good, but I must say that I agree with the other 4 reviewers I read. I hope that this new author writes a 'book 2' with the twins. I have a strange feeling that she will, only because of how she built up the twin brothers, and how certain things were said, or left unsaid, about certain things (yeah, trying not to give too many details again. LOL) and thus at the end, there was still a question left unanswered. Which would be the perfect opening for the next one. It will also be interesting to see if she puts the twins together, or they get their own mate. Either way, which ever, I plan on getting it as well.
Now... on to the spoiler stuff. Though if you have read the book, I'd be curious how you feel about the below....
So....
*********SPOILER **************
****DO NOT READ UNDER THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW DETAILS****
*
*
*
Okay... that should be enough room for those who don't want to accidentally catch a glimpse of something...
I ALMOST gave this 4 stars because of one little thing that bothered me, that sort of took me out of the story when I read it. However, since the story itself is really well done, I think it is worth the 5 stars.
Without giving too much away, the part I have an issue with is the first time they do finally have sex. In one other moment when they tried, but got stopped, it is mentioned how he had condoms, and isn't that great. Then when they finally have sex, no condoms are mentioned. In fact, the sex scene is written out in a way that I would guess he couldn't be wearing one, what with all the 'marking' and such he does. Not a bad thing in and of itself until you get to the sex at the end.
This is where the problem arises for me. At the end (still trying to not give too many details so lets just say it's important sex) when they do it, a condom is once again mentioned, one he puts on but then tears it (of course because it is the all important sex) and so he gets rid of it and then the way I read it, it makes it sound like this is the first time that he has been in her without a condom. That he will 'chance' it. However none of this was worried about the first time they did it. So it sort of pulled me out of the story a bit because to me, it was like closing the barn door after the horses had already escaped. Especially seeing how many times it was implied they did it the first time, without a condom.
I am curious if anyone else caught this, or if it is just me. Like I said, I did stay up and read it all night, so I could have missed... something.
With that being said, I still think that this is well worth the read and I hope to see more by the author.
March 4, 2017
So I liked the whole bear shifter thing. I really like bear shifters. The characters in this book were pretty likeable, even if Quinn sounds like a teenage boy in his head, constantly talking about sex and describing very graphically (okay) but very crudely (not okay) what he'd like to do to his woman. IMHO, it's not so hot for a guy to think, "Every man in the bar wanted to thrust his dick into her." Ew. Easy enough to look past though. I wasn't too sold on the big misunderstanding...how long can you really go with not believing the hero for no reason. She's talking to a BEAR SHIFTER who is insisting she's his mate but she's spouting off all this internet research she's done that says otherwise because that's so much more believable than talking to an actual BEAR SHIFTER! And it drags on for 80% of the book with her not believing him. Went far too long I thought. There needed to be more believable conflict.
What really bothered me about this story was nothing to do with its plot or its characters and everything, I think, to do with editing. Plenty of typos, one laugh out loud grammar mistake in which the hero uses the heroine's hand (instead of his own) to knead her ass as he's carting her over his shoulder. Ah, the comical difference in meaning between "his" and "her." At one point, there's an entire scene that I think was supposed to be their first sexual encounter in an original version, but which then gets pushed back much later and it makes no sense. She's thinking about how she's never had oral sex before and we have graphic evidence that he's already done this. Then everything else in the scene reads like it's their first time, so it felt REALLY out of place.
There's also some confusion about what it means to mark one's mate. Every single time he has sex with her he marks her, but apparently this doesn't mean that they're mated. Or does it? Because then he begs her to let him mark her again and he's mated to her. And then the next time he thinks he's going to mark her until he's hers forever....didn't he just do that? Well, then he does it again and she's supposed to mark him. So at this point I'm looking for a rule book. And the condom usage pretty much had me cringing. The first time, in which they don't actually have sex, he plans to use a condom. The second time (which I think was sort of added at the last minute and was not part of the original storyline, no one mentions a condom and lots of unsafe sex is had. The third time (which I think was the original first time) he puts on the condom, but it rips while he's inside her and he just tosses it out and continues. And he doesn't check with her first and she doesn't ask him to put another one on...um, not considerate, dude. And not smart of her either. Especially given that she continues to disbelieve that she's his mate. Then, finally, he at last makes it her choice.
This story had potential and given a beta reader and a decent editor, I think this could have been great. But without one, it was kind of a mess.
What really bothered me about this story was nothing to do with its plot or its characters and everything, I think, to do with editing. Plenty of typos, one laugh out loud grammar mistake in which the hero uses the heroine's hand (instead of his own) to knead her ass as he's carting her over his shoulder. Ah, the comical difference in meaning between "his" and "her." At one point, there's an entire scene that I think was supposed to be their first sexual encounter in an original version, but which then gets pushed back much later and it makes no sense. She's thinking about how she's never had oral sex before and we have graphic evidence that he's already done this. Then everything else in the scene reads like it's their first time, so it felt REALLY out of place.
There's also some confusion about what it means to mark one's mate. Every single time he has sex with her he marks her, but apparently this doesn't mean that they're mated. Or does it? Because then he begs her to let him mark her again and he's mated to her. And then the next time he thinks he's going to mark her until he's hers forever....didn't he just do that? Well, then he does it again and she's supposed to mark him. So at this point I'm looking for a rule book. And the condom usage pretty much had me cringing. The first time, in which they don't actually have sex, he plans to use a condom. The second time (which I think was sort of added at the last minute and was not part of the original storyline, no one mentions a condom and lots of unsafe sex is had. The third time (which I think was the original first time) he puts on the condom, but it rips while he's inside her and he just tosses it out and continues. And he doesn't check with her first and she doesn't ask him to put another one on...um, not considerate, dude. And not smart of her either. Especially given that she continues to disbelieve that she's his mate. Then, finally, he at last makes it her choice.
This story had potential and given a beta reader and a decent editor, I think this could have been great. But without one, it was kind of a mess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2014
As a fan of shifter stories there was much to enjoy about this first book in the Blackwood Brothers series that had a satisfying HEA but left enticing unfinished business left undone for twin brothers, Ryker and Ryland. From start to finish it was one steamy scene after another as bear shifter Quinn tries to properly claim the somewhat clueless human Paige in humorous yet erotic encounters. Throw in a bit of suspense from other shifter clans and you have moments of tension amidst all the erotic overtones.
Quinn is an immensely likable hero who's super sexy and charming, if a bit domineering. He knows it's time to find his true mate but doesn't expect to find her on a blind date set up by his sister, a proven matchmaker. He's a large man with the tendency to be rough and worries that he'll harm the human chosen by fate as his mate which has him taking his time in claiming her which leaves her doubting her desirability. Like most men he's clueless as to her thoughts and must rely on his family to help him navigate this life-altering relationship.
Paige is a somewhat clueless, sarcastic, curvy girl who's had very little sexual experience when it comes to sex and relationships as her past boyfriends left her disappointed. She's excited by Quinn's sexual intensity and wildness and is more than willing to be his one night stand though he keeps trying to convince her he wants more. She has low self-esteem and in her research she expected him to carry her away at first sight if she was in fact his mate so it's left her feeling lacking. It takes a near death experience and his grand gesture before she's convinced otherwise in a steamy final scene.
Along with a non-stop steamy romance there's a subtle mystery courtesy of a saboteur to the Blackwood Brother's business. The villain is rather obvious with his comeuppance occurring too easily and quickly. There's also mystery surrounding twin brothers Ryker and Ryland as their closeness is starting to fray over secrets being kept and which revolves around forbidden love (a Romeo/Juliet theme perhaps) and has me intrigued by what their futures will bring. Though the heroine annoyed me at times because of her unending disbelief I still found the main couple compelling with great chemistry. The overall shifter mythos was nothing special but on a whole this was an entertaining story and an enticing start to a new series.
Quinn is an immensely likable hero who's super sexy and charming, if a bit domineering. He knows it's time to find his true mate but doesn't expect to find her on a blind date set up by his sister, a proven matchmaker. He's a large man with the tendency to be rough and worries that he'll harm the human chosen by fate as his mate which has him taking his time in claiming her which leaves her doubting her desirability. Like most men he's clueless as to her thoughts and must rely on his family to help him navigate this life-altering relationship.
Paige is a somewhat clueless, sarcastic, curvy girl who's had very little sexual experience when it comes to sex and relationships as her past boyfriends left her disappointed. She's excited by Quinn's sexual intensity and wildness and is more than willing to be his one night stand though he keeps trying to convince her he wants more. She has low self-esteem and in her research she expected him to carry her away at first sight if she was in fact his mate so it's left her feeling lacking. It takes a near death experience and his grand gesture before she's convinced otherwise in a steamy final scene.
Along with a non-stop steamy romance there's a subtle mystery courtesy of a saboteur to the Blackwood Brother's business. The villain is rather obvious with his comeuppance occurring too easily and quickly. There's also mystery surrounding twin brothers Ryker and Ryland as their closeness is starting to fray over secrets being kept and which revolves around forbidden love (a Romeo/Juliet theme perhaps) and has me intrigued by what their futures will bring. Though the heroine annoyed me at times because of her unending disbelief I still found the main couple compelling with great chemistry. The overall shifter mythos was nothing special but on a whole this was an entertaining story and an enticing start to a new series.
June 2, 2014
Originally reviewed at For Your Literary Pleasure
This novel doesn't have the most intricate of storylines but what it lacks in plot it makes up for in steamy hot erotic romance. I'm an avid fan of shifter novels in general, which some of you may already know, but Marie Mason caters to shifter fans similarly to Anya Bast and fantasy erotica. The story is sweet, short and hella sexy. I loved it!
Quinn is a typical male shifter, brawny, protective, totally gorgeous and absolutely oblivious. Paige was a wonderful leading lady slightly insecure about her body. Okay, I have to mention that this is classified as a BBW romance. I've come to understand BBW means curvaceous women but still have no idea what it EXACTLY means... >< I often find it slightly redundant because unless an author specifically states "flat stomach" I usually envision the ladies in books as pretty average women. (The guys are another story ;] )
Anyway... the romance story is pretty typical and again the plot isn't something hugely riveting but I truly enjoyed the dynamic between Quinn and Paige. Plus I adore shifter reads so this was a bunch of fun. The romance was cute and the characters were a barrel of laughs. I'm pretty excited to see the who the twins end up with!
Definitely recommend if you love shifters, like me, and want a light, funny, sexy, short time filler!
xxx Literary George
Follow me on Facebook
This novel doesn't have the most intricate of storylines but what it lacks in plot it makes up for in steamy hot erotic romance. I'm an avid fan of shifter novels in general, which some of you may already know, but Marie Mason caters to shifter fans similarly to Anya Bast and fantasy erotica. The story is sweet, short and hella sexy. I loved it!
Quinn is a typical male shifter, brawny, protective, totally gorgeous and absolutely oblivious. Paige was a wonderful leading lady slightly insecure about her body. Okay, I have to mention that this is classified as a BBW romance. I've come to understand BBW means curvaceous women but still have no idea what it EXACTLY means... >< I often find it slightly redundant because unless an author specifically states "flat stomach" I usually envision the ladies in books as pretty average women. (The guys are another story ;] )
Anyway... the romance story is pretty typical and again the plot isn't something hugely riveting but I truly enjoyed the dynamic between Quinn and Paige. Plus I adore shifter reads so this was a bunch of fun. The romance was cute and the characters were a barrel of laughs. I'm pretty excited to see the who the twins end up with!
Definitely recommend if you love shifters, like me, and want a light, funny, sexy, short time filler!
xxx Literary George
Follow me on Facebook
March 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It's the first time I've read this author, I don't think she's been published long as I can only see two other books by her but after reading this one I definitely want the other two! I also hope there will be another book with these characters as I can sense another story to be told regarding secondary characters.
I loved Quinn and Paige! They were so right for each other but Paige didn't believe she was Quinn's true mate cause he didn't put her over her shoulder and carry her off as soon as he seen her which she thought (due to something she read online) was what shifters did when they met their mates. The catch-22 is that had he done that (as she later admitted) she still wouldn't have believed she was his mate but would have thought he was just after a one-night stand! Poor Quinn, he was trying to reign in his bear so as not to scare her and to win her over so she'd accept him!
I enjoyed the other stories in the book too, such as his business rival (another shifter) trying to sabotage his business and how that was resolved. Like I said though I'd love another book with the same characters cause their was a hint of an (as yet) unexplored plot regarding his younger twin brothers Ryland and Ryker. I think that may have smelt their mate/mates and I'd love that story if they have!
I loved Quinn and Paige! They were so right for each other but Paige didn't believe she was Quinn's true mate cause he didn't put her over her shoulder and carry her off as soon as he seen her which she thought (due to something she read online) was what shifters did when they met their mates. The catch-22 is that had he done that (as she later admitted) she still wouldn't have believed she was his mate but would have thought he was just after a one-night stand! Poor Quinn, he was trying to reign in his bear so as not to scare her and to win her over so she'd accept him!
I enjoyed the other stories in the book too, such as his business rival (another shifter) trying to sabotage his business and how that was resolved. Like I said though I'd love another book with the same characters cause their was a hint of an (as yet) unexplored plot regarding his younger twin brothers Ryland and Ryker. I think that may have smelt their mate/mates and I'd love that story if they have!
October 1, 2016
Good story which I would have really enjoyed except for annoying confusion.
At 95% into the book Paige has done her research to understand bear shifters, been bitten, told she is his mate by others and she is still telling herself that it is temporary and to enjoy it whilst it lasts.
WHAT THE HELL is wrong with her.
To be truthful Quinn has already been told by his mum and sisters to make sure she knows she is his mate but he never takes the time to sit down and plain speak. Stupid male. He calls her mine and other names but never mate.
They are both nitwits. He only tells her straight out she is his mate nearly at the end of the book and then she doesn't believe him. Farce anyone.
Book is at 98% before they get their act together and Quinn mans up.
Enjoyable story but seemed to drag in places with too much self-psychology babble for me.
The mating itself confused me, I was not sure why he said one thing and did another, how many times did he have to bite her and mark her with his seed for her to be his mate.
I liked the story but came away confused a bit. Not how I like to feel when I finish a book.
Will I read more from this author yes, because I liked the actual story, it was funny with likable characters.
As an aside - I have read more in this series and Quinn is used as the example of how not to screw your mating up.
At 95% into the book Paige has done her research to understand bear shifters, been bitten, told she is his mate by others and she is still telling herself that it is temporary and to enjoy it whilst it lasts.
WHAT THE HELL is wrong with her.
To be truthful Quinn has already been told by his mum and sisters to make sure she knows she is his mate but he never takes the time to sit down and plain speak. Stupid male. He calls her mine and other names but never mate.
They are both nitwits. He only tells her straight out she is his mate nearly at the end of the book and then she doesn't believe him. Farce anyone.
Book is at 98% before they get their act together and Quinn mans up.
Enjoyable story but seemed to drag in places with too much self-psychology babble for me.
The mating itself confused me, I was not sure why he said one thing and did another, how many times did he have to bite her and mark her with his seed for her to be his mate.
I liked the story but came away confused a bit. Not how I like to feel when I finish a book.
Will I read more from this author yes, because I liked the actual story, it was funny with likable characters.
As an aside - I have read more in this series and Quinn is used as the example of how not to screw your mating up.
December 17, 2014
Quinn Blackwood is doing his sister a favor by showing up on the blind date she arranged. In and out is his plan, until he smells his mate. When Quinn finds out that his blind date is actually his mate he is elated. The night is going smoothly until he is called away on business and although Quinn thought he made it clear that she was his mate, Paige Matthews thinks he is looking for a one night stand.
This was fun fluff, but I felt like there was some stuff missing in the overall story. Quinn was pure alpha, but very full of himself. Likeable but purely macho male. I liked Paige, she is a bit insecure but grows into herself. Would check out more in this series.
This was fun fluff, but I felt like there was some stuff missing in the overall story. Quinn was pure alpha, but very full of himself. Likeable but purely macho male. I liked Paige, she is a bit insecure but grows into herself. Would check out more in this series.
February 29, 2016
I loved this book. I love reading about shifters, it's my absolute favourite, and this is one of my favourite bear shifter stories I've read so far! I loved Quinn, very alpha male, dominant and possesive. Paige, strong but still submissive. I loved Ryker & Rylan as well, naughty twins full of mischief. As far as I am concerned this is not a shifter story to miss!
April 26, 2014
Not a bad story. I liked the plot overall and the characters. The thing that lowered the rating was Quinn's delay in telling Paige that they were mates. Every time he tried SOMETHING precluded him from doing so. After the third time, I was screaming, "Oh...come on!" Other than that, the story was a quick and fun read.
June 6, 2015
Great story about a bear finding it time to go find his mate and there she is.
They have lots of hot and steamy moments together in this book, but also moments apart because of problems with his business and a misunderstanding between them. Of course it is his fault this misunderstanding is there in the first place, men! ;-)
They have lots of hot and steamy moments together in this book, but also moments apart because of problems with his business and a misunderstanding between them. Of course it is his fault this misunderstanding is there in the first place, men! ;-)
January 28, 2015
2.75 stars
April 5, 2015
Loved the story. Liked the book. Hated the heroine character.
May 15, 2015
review later
August 20, 2020
7 Feet of Sexiness
Okay, I really liked this book. I think that the imagery was on point. I was kind of thrown how it was more than the H/h point of view, at first, but it didn't happen too often and helped build the other characters to a point for future reads.
I wish I could find a story where the BBW was confident in herself and when the man says You are my mate.. she would be like "You are damn right I am.. How could you for one minute think I wasnt" lol.. but really, for some reason her hesitation rubbed me the wrong way.. and I would have liked to have a little more play up of the Blackwood family interactions.. but all in all a great read.
Okay, I really liked this book. I think that the imagery was on point. I was kind of thrown how it was more than the H/h point of view, at first, but it didn't happen too often and helped build the other characters to a point for future reads.
I wish I could find a story where the BBW was confident in herself and when the man says You are my mate.. she would be like "You are damn right I am.. How could you for one minute think I wasnt" lol.. but really, for some reason her hesitation rubbed me the wrong way.. and I would have liked to have a little more play up of the Blackwood family interactions.. but all in all a great read.
December 22, 2020
Mild spoilers
Loved the book, liked their chemistry and there was hot sex. However, the heroine was annoying. She excepted the hero to act as some kind of animal if she was his mate, or else she wasn’t. It was okay at first, but it continued until the end of the book almost. Like... get your shit together. He’s your mate but he’s also a man. He was being considerate trying to let her adjust a bit and not embarrass her or force her. He isn’t obliged to act as her personal fantasy, animal fucking machine to prove anything. Jeez.
Loved the book, liked their chemistry and there was hot sex. However, the heroine was annoying. She excepted the hero to act as some kind of animal if she was his mate, or else she wasn’t. It was okay at first, but it continued until the end of the book almost. Like... get your shit together. He’s your mate but he’s also a man. He was being considerate trying to let her adjust a bit and not embarrass her or force her. He isn’t obliged to act as her personal fantasy, animal fucking machine to prove anything. Jeez.
October 6, 2025
Started out promising but rapidly descended into eye-rollingly cheesy dialogue and repetitive miscommunications.
If I had a shot for every time they said p*ssy, I'd have alcohol poisoning.
Bear shifter or not, the amount of time Quinn had an erection should have triggered a doctor's appointment. Not even the horniest teenage boy could cope with that level of arousal.
Not too mention he acted more like a frat boy, slapping her ass, saying "me likey" (🤢), and his control was as thin as the plot.
Inconsistencies abounded.
If I had a shot for every time they said p*ssy, I'd have alcohol poisoning.
Bear shifter or not, the amount of time Quinn had an erection should have triggered a doctor's appointment. Not even the horniest teenage boy could cope with that level of arousal.
Not too mention he acted more like a frat boy, slapping her ass, saying "me likey" (🤢), and his control was as thin as the plot.
Inconsistencies abounded.
November 13, 2018
Amazon customer
I can't get enough of this author. Loved this story and excited to read the rest. Recommended to my friends.
I can't get enough of this author. Loved this story and excited to read the rest. Recommended to my friends.
September 6, 2019
Could use an editor as there some distracting shifts in point of view. But the story was hot, hot, hot.
December 26, 2020
3.5 Stars
March 5, 2023
blind date plot had potential but i didn’t like it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews