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Laid Bear #3
Bearly Hanging On
Nothing can stand in the way of a werebear and his woman…not even crazed valley girls!
Take a trip in the wayback machine to 1986, when the hair was big and the shoulder pads were even bigger. Yuppie bear shifter Chet Pearce is used to living the high life in L.A. His days (and nights) are filled with hot fashion, hot parties and hot chicks — and not necessarily in that order. So when he’s sent to a podunk British Columbia island to be initiated into his ancestral clan, he bristles under their restrictive rules and lack of awesome parties.
Punk isn’t just a type of music to curvy Crystal Witherspoon, it’s an attitude — and she’s got plenty to spare. Shuttled off to her grandparents after getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, Crystal does her best to fit in with all the ‘normal’ people in Port Numas but her rebellious nature can’t be contained by neon headbands and acid-washed mini-skirts.
Sparks fly when Chet and Crystal first meet, and it doesn’t take long before they realize they’re meant for each other. But their families have other ideas. Will old prejudices force them apart or will their bond be strong enough for them to survive on their own?
Bearly Hanging On is part of the Laid Bear series from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Marina Maddix. It can be read on its own, but fans of the series will recognize Chet from Laid Bear and Laid Bear: The Kodiak Clan.
Take a trip in the wayback machine to 1986, when the hair was big and the shoulder pads were even bigger. Yuppie bear shifter Chet Pearce is used to living the high life in L.A. His days (and nights) are filled with hot fashion, hot parties and hot chicks — and not necessarily in that order. So when he’s sent to a podunk British Columbia island to be initiated into his ancestral clan, he bristles under their restrictive rules and lack of awesome parties.
Punk isn’t just a type of music to curvy Crystal Witherspoon, it’s an attitude — and she’s got plenty to spare. Shuttled off to her grandparents after getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, Crystal does her best to fit in with all the ‘normal’ people in Port Numas but her rebellious nature can’t be contained by neon headbands and acid-washed mini-skirts.
Sparks fly when Chet and Crystal first meet, and it doesn’t take long before they realize they’re meant for each other. But their families have other ideas. Will old prejudices force them apart or will their bond be strong enough for them to survive on their own?
Bearly Hanging On is part of the Laid Bear series from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Marina Maddix. It can be read on its own, but fans of the series will recognize Chet from Laid Bear and Laid Bear: The Kodiak Clan.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2014
82 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Marina Maddix
70 books354 followersMarina Maddix is a romantic at heart, but hates closing the bedroom door on her readers. Her stories are sweet, with just enough spice to make your mother blush. She lives with her husband, cats and chickens near the Rocky Mountains, and loves to hear from her fans.
Subscribe to her mailing list at http://list.marinamaddix.com or connect with her at marina@marinamaddix.com, @marinamaddix on Instagram, or on Facebook at www.fb.me/authormarinamaddix.
Subscribe to her mailing list at http://list.marinamaddix.com or connect with her at marina@marinamaddix.com, @marinamaddix on Instagram, or on Facebook at www.fb.me/authormarinamaddix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 7, 2014
Awesome 80's!!!
At long last we read Chet and Crystal's story... I love those times, the 80's the good old days, what memories...Miami Vice, Disco and the clothes my God.
It was the perfect time for Chet, he was with it, the clothes, the parties and the chicks. It was also time for him to realize that life isn't what it's made out to be and that it's time to man up.
And Crystal was the perfect human girl to show him this and get her act together too. Can't have a punk look cause the hunk does not dig it at all...plus she gets these strange feelings around him and she has no idea what she means to him, or what he really is under all that Miami Vice look clothes
Those weren't easy times for the Were's in America, they were in their element, but still held on to old beliefs and tried to impose it on the young..No mating with humans.
And Chet and Crystal are the ones to show them the errors of their ways. They start it all, but that is all I will say...The story of the two that started it all. It is inspiring and it was fantastic, just like all her books.
I have read all the "Laid Bear series and I have enjoyed every single one, this was no exception. I highly recommend this book to all you Shifter lovers.
Congrats on a great story Marina
At long last we read Chet and Crystal's story... I love those times, the 80's the good old days, what memories...Miami Vice, Disco and the clothes my God.
It was the perfect time for Chet, he was with it, the clothes, the parties and the chicks. It was also time for him to realize that life isn't what it's made out to be and that it's time to man up.
And Crystal was the perfect human girl to show him this and get her act together too. Can't have a punk look cause the hunk does not dig it at all...plus she gets these strange feelings around him and she has no idea what she means to him, or what he really is under all that Miami Vice look clothes
Those weren't easy times for the Were's in America, they were in their element, but still held on to old beliefs and tried to impose it on the young..No mating with humans.
And Chet and Crystal are the ones to show them the errors of their ways. They start it all, but that is all I will say...The story of the two that started it all. It is inspiring and it was fantastic, just like all her books.
I have read all the "Laid Bear series and I have enjoyed every single one, this was no exception. I highly recommend this book to all you Shifter lovers.
Congrats on a great story Marina
September 7, 2014
This was one of my favorite books to write. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but I love all things '80s! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
May 2, 2015
Sexy Little Read
Who says werebears and humans can't be mates? Crystal and Chet that's who. He knows right away that she is his mate... now to get her to realize it.
Who says werebears and humans can't be mates? Crystal and Chet that's who. He knows right away that she is his mate... now to get her to realize it.
February 5, 2022
This was an ok story with a bit of romance and drama and minimal supernatural stuff. It was virtually identical to the first two: bear shifter falls for human, and their cultures conspire to keep them apart. I didn't realize until after I finished that this was a prequel. I had to go back, skim the first story, then read the ending of this one again a couple times before I figured out what happened. If you've read and remember the first story ("Laid Bear") then you know the ending of this one. If you haven't, then this ending will make no sense to you.
January 20, 2021
When Bear shifter Chet meets his fated mate, Crystal, he is immediately smitten. She's strongly attracted, but doesn't know Chet is not totally human. Crystal's stalker, who thinks she is his girlfriend, crashes their party, and Crystal realizes Chet isn't human. But once she finally realizes she is his mate, and he is hers, they begin a process that leads slowly but inexorably to hot, passionate sex lovingly and erotically described.
May 8, 2021
A kids romance in the eighties
It's probably better than the majority of these type of books. The focus on teen hormones makes it slightly better, it's not as offensive as adults that should know better. Teenagers are blinded by hormones and call it love. Adults know that an honest connection is more important than sex.
It's probably better than the majority of these type of books. The focus on teen hormones makes it slightly better, it's not as offensive as adults that should know better. Teenagers are blinded by hormones and call it love. Adults know that an honest connection is more important than sex.
February 24, 2017
Tubbs Forgot Her
This is a read about a couple who meet when they are on their way to an island where their families live. They had a rough start but they are crazy about each other even though it goes against the rules within their family. Enjoy I did.
This is a read about a couple who meet when they are on their way to an island where their families live. They had a rough start but they are crazy about each other even though it goes against the rules within their family. Enjoy I did.
March 12, 2018
Interesting story
I enjoyed the character and thought the author did a nice job with the world building. It was a little slow in the beginning but was good overall.
I enjoyed the character and thought the author did a nice job with the world building. It was a little slow in the beginning but was good overall.
December 1, 2018
Good read
I'm glad I kept reading through those chapters of Chet being awful, almost out the book down because I couldn't take it. But the story actually got better.
I'm glad I kept reading through those chapters of Chet being awful, almost out the book down because I couldn't take it. But the story actually got better.
March 3, 2019
This was fun sorry there is only 3 I wanted to keeping reading
June 8, 2019
I couldn’t really finish this book. Didn’t keep my interest.
December 18, 2017
Dumb, but inoffensive
February 15, 2017
Roar, Growl, Kiss Anthology
After reading one chapter from Chet's judgmental, self absorbed point of view I decided to not continue.
After reading one chapter from Chet's judgmental, self absorbed point of view I decided to not continue.
September 25, 2016
I like it but there is a major plot failure in this series.
I read this book ages ago and liked it but now that I have read book 2. I am not happy. Spoiler ahead.
I really enjoyed this look back in time and loved the relationship as it developed between Chet, a spoilt dude shifter bear and Crystal, a punk human. They have both been sent to their family in the country to sort them out and get Chet to stop being lazy and learn about his history and Crystal away from friends with bad influences.
They rub each other the wrong way at first then these two bond nicely over the summer and when they are told they cannot be together due the bear human factor they head out and forge their own life without family support or help.
I enjoyed this very much when I first read it in an anthology and then I realised it is now book 3 instead of the prequel to this series.
I am not sure what the author is thinking here as this does not make any sense as in book two Chet is an ass and Crystal is dead. Not making for any HEA feeling for me, why would I want to read about someone I know is going to die.
This series needs to be sorted out and book 1 needs to be totally changed and rewritten so that Chet and Crystal are alive.
I read this book ages ago and liked it but now that I have read book 2. I am not happy. Spoiler ahead.
I really enjoyed this look back in time and loved the relationship as it developed between Chet, a spoilt dude shifter bear and Crystal, a punk human. They have both been sent to their family in the country to sort them out and get Chet to stop being lazy and learn about his history and Crystal away from friends with bad influences.
They rub each other the wrong way at first then these two bond nicely over the summer and when they are told they cannot be together due the bear human factor they head out and forge their own life without family support or help.
I enjoyed this very much when I first read it in an anthology and then I realised it is now book 3 instead of the prequel to this series.
I am not sure what the author is thinking here as this does not make any sense as in book two Chet is an ass and Crystal is dead. Not making for any HEA feeling for me, why would I want to read about someone I know is going to die.
This series needs to be sorted out and book 1 needs to be totally changed and rewritten so that Chet and Crystal are alive.
April 11, 2015
Let's start off on a positive note: this is the 3rd in the laid bear series even if this particular story takes place in the 80's focusing on Chet.
If you've read the previous two laid bear story you might be familiar with Chet already.
Okay not the not so positive parts. The setting is in the 1980's focused on a certain Wearbear, Chet, and a human, Crystal. So since this was a blast from the past type story I will admit I am old enough to understand most of the references but not old enough to fully get everything. So due to the generation gap thing some readers may not fully enjoy this story compared to others in the series.
Other than that it was a good read about two 'fated mates' falling in love despite all the obstacles. Especially that big one that humans and Were's can't mate.
I won't spoil anything but it was nice to have Chet's story and the author ends it at a good part.
Got this as a freebie from Amazon I believe. Loved the series, liked the price so I figured I couldn't go wrong.
If you've read the previous two laid bear story you might be familiar with Chet already.
Okay not the not so positive parts. The setting is in the 1980's focused on a certain Wearbear, Chet, and a human, Crystal. So since this was a blast from the past type story I will admit I am old enough to understand most of the references but not old enough to fully get everything. So due to the generation gap thing some readers may not fully enjoy this story compared to others in the series.
Other than that it was a good read about two 'fated mates' falling in love despite all the obstacles. Especially that big one that humans and Were's can't mate.
I won't spoil anything but it was nice to have Chet's story and the author ends it at a good part.
Got this as a freebie from Amazon I believe. Loved the series, liked the price so I figured I couldn't go wrong.
September 7, 2014
I am giving this review for author Marina Maddix. This is part of the Laid Bear series by the author.
This is the story of Chet and Crystal and set back in 1986. Bears and humans do not mix or at least that is what Chet and Crystal are told by their family when they secretly start seeing each other. Chet is from the L.A. area where he has lots of human friends but when he finds himself in British Columbia things are vastly different. Crystal was sent to her grand parents because she was getting into trouble back home but she never expected to fall for Chet.
This story is a very good read and I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. There was no bumps in the road on this story line and it was smooth sailing from start to finish.
This is for any paranormal romance book lover and 1 that is a must for your library.
This is the story of Chet and Crystal and set back in 1986. Bears and humans do not mix or at least that is what Chet and Crystal are told by their family when they secretly start seeing each other. Chet is from the L.A. area where he has lots of human friends but when he finds himself in British Columbia things are vastly different. Crystal was sent to her grand parents because she was getting into trouble back home but she never expected to fall for Chet.
This story is a very good read and I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. There was no bumps in the road on this story line and it was smooth sailing from start to finish.
This is for any paranormal romance book lover and 1 that is a must for your library.
September 3, 2016
I read this story in an anthology, Roar, Growl, and Kiss. It was a fun story--the 80's stuff is front and center, and the worldbulding is different and interesting--the clan of the werebear, as it were.
I'm aware that the primary draw of this genre is the sex, but I find that boring. I guess I'm just more of an urban fantasy reader. The love scenes are well-written, probably some of the best I've read, actually (without the use of the really stupid words that some authors resort to). My biggest problem is that the hero is such a self-centered jerk. I couldn't buy him suddenly turning into marriageable material. I liked the girl, though. She felt genuine to me.
Again, for what it is, this is a well-written book with plenty of entertainment for its target audience. I'm just not that audience, quite.
I'm aware that the primary draw of this genre is the sex, but I find that boring. I guess I'm just more of an urban fantasy reader. The love scenes are well-written, probably some of the best I've read, actually (without the use of the really stupid words that some authors resort to). My biggest problem is that the hero is such a self-centered jerk. I couldn't buy him suddenly turning into marriageable material. I liked the girl, though. She felt genuine to me.
Again, for what it is, this is a well-written book with plenty of entertainment for its target audience. I'm just not that audience, quite.
September 30, 2014
I really liked hearing the back story behind Chet's life. I liked seeing that side of him cause we could all see that he had that soft side that he did want to bear to anyone. And the blast to the past and bring back the 80s was a fun ride. Chet and Crystal were a fun couple to get to know and she sure knew how to put him in his place when he needed it. They were the couple to start it all and go against the clans in the name of destined mates. They knew they belonged together and weren't about to let anything or anyone get in their way.
Thank you Marina Maddix for this glimpse of the past and a better understanding into the series that we have come to love. I have come to love each and every one of these great characters including Chet so this story was just wonderful.
Thank you Marina Maddix for this glimpse of the past and a better understanding into the series that we have come to love. I have come to love each and every one of these great characters including Chet so this story was just wonderful.
September 7, 2014
I have loved this series, since the original Laid Bear book. This one is as great as the two before it. We finally get to read Chet's story and those of us who loved the eighties, get a glimpse back, since Chet and Crystal's story takes place then. It also takes place at a time in Chet's clan, when they do not mix with humans, without great sacrifice on the part of the bear shifter. Anyone who hasn't read the first and second Laid Bear books should do themselves a hugh favor and read them. Better paranormal books you cannot find. Marina Maddix certainly knows how to draw you into a story and I was hooked in only the first few pages. A great love story between a bear shifter and the human love of his life.
September 10, 2014
Rite of Passage
Chet is a styling werebear from L.A., with designer clothes and the arrogance of youth. He's been sent to family in British Columbia to go through the ceremony that officially marks him as a clan member and adult. On the ferry he meets Crystal, a wildchild not up to his standards....and human. She is visiting her grandparents for the summer. Bored and stuck at home with his aunt and uncle, Chet and his younger cousin sneak into town where he meets Crystal again. She's toned down her look to fit in with the local girls. Chet is attracted to her and their relationship begins. The only problem is that bears and humans don't mix....ever! What will happen when Chet realizes that Crystal is his mate? Who will he choose, the clan or his love?.
Chet is a styling werebear from L.A., with designer clothes and the arrogance of youth. He's been sent to family in British Columbia to go through the ceremony that officially marks him as a clan member and adult. On the ferry he meets Crystal, a wildchild not up to his standards....and human. She is visiting her grandparents for the summer. Bored and stuck at home with his aunt and uncle, Chet and his younger cousin sneak into town where he meets Crystal again. She's toned down her look to fit in with the local girls. Chet is attracted to her and their relationship begins. The only problem is that bears and humans don't mix....ever! What will happen when Chet realizes that Crystal is his mate? Who will he choose, the clan or his love?.
September 10, 2014
I have receive this book in exchange for an honest review.
Note: It took a while to get myself psyched about reading this book. I am not a fan of Chet's, even though I felt bad about him losing his mate. This book changed my mind. I'm still not a big fan but I am a little more sympathetic to his pain.
What did I like?
I really liked Crystal's attitude towards Chet. She's all sass and attitude, taking him down a peg.
What did I not like?
I hate the attitudes of the clan, no one should have to choose between the love of their life and their family.
Recommendation:
If you weren't a fan of Chet's in Laid Bear 1 & 2, this is definitely the story to read. I love that it ends before the tragedy, (I hate sad endings). It is a nice glimpse into Chet's psyche.
Note: It took a while to get myself psyched about reading this book. I am not a fan of Chet's, even though I felt bad about him losing his mate. This book changed my mind. I'm still not a big fan but I am a little more sympathetic to his pain.
What did I like?
I really liked Crystal's attitude towards Chet. She's all sass and attitude, taking him down a peg.
What did I not like?
I hate the attitudes of the clan, no one should have to choose between the love of their life and their family.
Recommendation:
If you weren't a fan of Chet's in Laid Bear 1 & 2, this is definitely the story to read. I love that it ends before the tragedy, (I hate sad endings). It is a nice glimpse into Chet's psyche.
September 9, 2014
Love trumps all
Chet may think he’s worldly but when his heart leads him to his human mate and the clan says it a no go will he resist the pull or give it all up for her. When Crystal finds out Chet’s a Werebear she freaks. Can she get over it to be with him? In a time when the Werebear believe it’s not possible to mate a human without destroying the woman in childbirth. That humans are lower class then they are. This is a wonderful HEA that is well written and enjoyable to read. Self-contained story yet part of a series. Take a step back in time and enjoy the ride. I was given a free copy for an honest review.
Chet may think he’s worldly but when his heart leads him to his human mate and the clan says it a no go will he resist the pull or give it all up for her. When Crystal finds out Chet’s a Werebear she freaks. Can she get over it to be with him? In a time when the Werebear believe it’s not possible to mate a human without destroying the woman in childbirth. That humans are lower class then they are. This is a wonderful HEA that is well written and enjoyable to read. Self-contained story yet part of a series. Take a step back in time and enjoy the ride. I was given a free copy for an honest review.
September 9, 2014
Wow now I know. I have wanted to know just what it was that made Uncle Chet the grouchy pain that he was in book 1. Here now in book 3 is the story of Chet & Crystal. I love transformational love stories and this is one. This shows how love of Crystal changed Chet. It also shows how prejudice and intolerance can cause so much damage and fear. If you want to read a story that shows the positive effects of love as well as a look at life in the 80's, then check out Bearly Hanging On book three in the Laid Bear series. You won't be sorry. I can't wait for more.
April 18, 2015
I group up in the 1980's, so reading this book took me right back to that time. I found myself laughing
at the way the characters dressed and their mannerisms. The hero Chet, started off cocky and very
sure of himself, but I ended up really liking him. Crystal had me laughing from the first time Chet sees
her. Again, I kept imagining how they looked and talked. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and
watching them grow together. I loved the ending and their HEA. This was my first Marina Maddix book
and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
at the way the characters dressed and their mannerisms. The hero Chet, started off cocky and very
sure of himself, but I ended up really liking him. Crystal had me laughing from the first time Chet sees
her. Again, I kept imagining how they looked and talked. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and
watching them grow together. I loved the ending and their HEA. This was my first Marina Maddix book
and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
July 4, 2016
Got to love the bears. This one is a bit different from the usual, based upon teenaged shifter/human versus the older characters. This book has a great dose of romance with a bit of "adult pain in the butt" interferance, as well as the normal disobedient teen hormones. This was the second book in this series I have read, and, as with the previous one, I loved it. Marina has a gift of words that keeps you "hanging". Well done and worth reading
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2014
I was lucky to get an ARC copy of this book. I love this series. Chet had me laughing so hard. All the 80's saying and styles had me laughing too. We really did wear and say that stuff. Chet was a spoiled preppy rich kid. Crystal was a middle class punk rocker.
I loved Sandy. She saved the day for Chet and Crystal. My heart broke at the end because I know how it ending. I hope Marina Maddix gives Chet a happy ending down the road.
I loved Sandy. She saved the day for Chet and Crystal. My heart broke at the end because I know how it ending. I hope Marina Maddix gives Chet a happy ending down the road.
September 11, 2014
Before reading the book, thought I wouldn't like it. 5 stars cause I couldn't put it down. I've read so many shifter books that I really don't remember Chet. I have a slight recollection of a grumpy male. This back story shed some light on reasons for Chet's bad attitude. At first I thought there was no way Chet could become a likeable person. As I continued reading, I thought I saw a break in his attitude. His parents sent him away to take part in a coming of age ritual.
January 24, 2015
This is Chet and crystals story.
We met Chet in laid bear. Where he was the over weight slob of a landlord.
We see here, Chet's life as a young bear. He met crystal when he was about 20.
He and crystal met fell in love. Despite the "rumors" of human and WEREBEAR mating being wrong
They got married. This book ends as crystal goes into labor.
It's an interesting retrospect. This sorta ends with a cliff hanger, unless you've read laid bear.
We met Chet in laid bear. Where he was the over weight slob of a landlord.
We see here, Chet's life as a young bear. He met crystal when he was about 20.
He and crystal met fell in love. Despite the "rumors" of human and WEREBEAR mating being wrong
They got married. This book ends as crystal goes into labor.
It's an interesting retrospect. This sorta ends with a cliff hanger, unless you've read laid bear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2015
I'd been on the fence about this author's work going into this book, but this is the book that caused me to abandon the author for good. Chet is a shallow selfish a-hole that doesn't grow out of it for much of the book. If you've read the other books in the series, you know how it ends, but I did like the look at Crystal that we got to see. The book just wasn't that interesting aside from that. Thankfully, it was free, and I've deleted the others from my Kindle Library.
August 12, 2015
This one was way better than it had any business being. Not only was the writing fantastic, but the plotting was perfect and the characters and period really popped. The supernatural elements were handled well and honestly added to the appeal, even though I had never heard of werebears and certainly wasn't looking for a werebear romance. I can't remember the last time I liked a hetero romance novel couple this much, either. I'll be checking out some more of this writer's work, you can be sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews