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Called by the Bear #1

Called by the Bear, Part 1

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*This is a serial. The installments are not novel length.*

I’m Carly Cutler and my dreams predict the future. So why am I dreaming about a sexy beast of a guy, a bear, and a paw print design? I don’t know. A force I can’t fight wants me to find out, and I’m leaving the only life I’ve ever known. With a fresh tattoo of a bear paw and my best friend by my side, I’m on a quest to find a man I’ve never met.

Sierra Steele here, and ready for adventure – We’ve been chosen. The moment I saw Carly’s first tattoo, I felt the undeniable attraction of the guy I’ve been dreaming about. My cautious friend can’t resist the pull either, and we’re off to the mountains to get answers. Something’s calling us, and I’m certain the hunky men are our exciting destiny. They’ll keep us safe from the bear, right?

Part 1 of the Called by the Bear Serial

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2014

62 people are currently reading
465 people want to read

About the author

V. Vaughn

161 books345 followers
Pen name of author Violet Vaughn.

V. Vaughn is also known as Violet Vaughn and is a USA Today Bestselling author. Violet lives on an island in Maine and spends almost every day walking through the woods. She may have seen a bear once or twice....

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5 stars
250 (33%)
4 stars
223 (30%)
3 stars
176 (23%)
2 stars
63 (8%)
1 star
27 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,456 reviews315 followers
May 21, 2015
This was a short quick read that I liked a lot. Carly is curvy, pretty, and smart, woman who is a master tattoo artist. She hasn't had success in the romance department. When she begins having sensual dreams of a forest, a large man with hypnotic eyes, a musky scent and a large fierce, furry animal she doesn't know what to make of them. She decides to leave and follow the call. There's nothing keeping her in California. Where she's going, she doesn't know But she is going, even if she goes alone. Carly and her best friend head across country following the beliefs that come from sexual dreams about hot men and animals they have been having. Signs have been coming from everywhere telling them that this is what their destined to do This is the first book in a new series for me this is also my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in spelling or grammar. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2019
Dream Believers....

Tattoo artist Carly Cutler keeps having a recurring dream every night and a painting of a tattoo, so she drew it and found that her dreams became more intense after she got the tat. She kept dreaming of this guy that turned into a bear. She felt as if the dream had meaning and she needed to listen to what it was saying.

Sierra was having the same dream about the tat and had to have one too. She was having the same problems that Carly was having. After the tat the dreams became more intense.

The girls decide to embark on a journey to see where their dream voices take them. They felt these men calling to them. They never dreamed of the girls they would met along the way. What does this mean, what destiny awaits them?
Profile Image for J.A. Fredericks.
Author 9 books107 followers
April 17, 2015
This is the series that both got me hooked on serials and convinced me I DO like shape-shifters as long as they're incredibly hot men with a sexual appetite like Vaughn's bears. We all know the insta-love thing can be a real eye-roller if not done properly, but the way these women dream of their men before they even meet is both erotic and tantalizing, making me wish I had a hottie doing stuff to me in my sleep! The heroines Sierra and Carly are down-to-earth women that are easy to relate to and tell the story with ease. No spoilers, but the sex scenes just continue to steam up with each installment.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,117 reviews30 followers
April 4, 2017
Part 1 of the Called by a bear by V. Vaughn
Great start to a new writer for me. Carly and Sierra are bff and family they are alone and plodding through life working at a tattoo shop. Both are having sexy dreams about huge sexy man bears that do naughty things to them.
Looking forward to them finding their mates
Profile Image for Carolina.
58 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2015
It started off slow and it just kept it's level of that. I thought it was one long story and didn't realize it was part 1 of 9 books??? 9??

Carly and her friend set out for an adventure after weird things start happening. Carly and her friend begin to dream about men they have never met. Carly being a tattoo artist up and leaves her ex-boyfriends shop and set on the road towards Maine where she is being "called" too. There she meets Annie and right off the bat she knows why those two are there. Then it turns out that the man Carly is dreaming about is Brady who is the brother to Annie (what a coincident.) just when the story is almost picking up, IT ENDS. I'm like what, that's it? Then to read the continuing story you have to get 2-9 and pay like $2.99 for each and they only have about 81 pages?? sorry not paying that much for a book with less than a hundred pages.

I got this book cause it was free, it was an ok book, but not good enough for me to get the rest to find out what happens. Sorry...not worth it.

If you want to kill some time, you can read this book and be left hanging and then have to choose to buy the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Luzmaria Morneault-welton.
691 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2015
For a short read I thought it was well written so you got a good feel for the characters in such a short time frame. You don't find that happen all to often. It wasn't an exciting book but a great start to a mini series. Keep reading, it gets even better.
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,493 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2016
Really enjoyed this story, or what is the beginning of the story. I love the thought of doing a cross country road trip with a good friend. Like the way V. Vaughn is building the plot.

Now I know I like it I will be buying the rest of the sections.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
188 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2020
She never felt like she belonged. Being bigger than most also put a damper in her but when she starts dreaming about a hit guy and leaving her life behind, she feels like she has no other choice than leave. Luckily, her friend has the same dreams and goes with her.

I was hesitant at first, I felt like there was too much of her tome still in California. The journey was more exciting. Meeting the other girls along the way but still not knowing what was calling them to leave.

I really enjoyed the storyline in the book. The clan calling the girls and the conflict among the bears was a ver exciting element to add. However, the connection among the characters felt too rushed. Yes, they are soul mates and I know they have to feel close to each other but It felt too physical and I didn't see the emotional connection between the two main characters at first.

I think the only ones who bother to start getting to know each other first were (bad one and other girl). And we still have to see were that goes.

Her best friend relationship was weird too... see for spoilers

(She was supposed to be someone's soul mate, jumps right into it and then it turns out they aren't! See the problem with the connections, I feel like they had to somehow feel a bit off?)

Like I said, I love the idea of the plot. But at the same time the book has to many pairs and overlapping. I feel like this should have been a shorter book focusing on one pair at the time while moving the plot forward so it could be easier for the reader.

I still enjoyed this very much and I am looking forward to see what happens with the clans.
Profile Image for Meiwilli.
1,636 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2018
Called and controlled...

Too many reasons not to continue this series about Carly Cutler and her friends being drawn to a town of men from their dreams. Dare I say more...

Yes, I dare...

What I really didn’t like about this story is the way the author decided to break it up into a four part series. Frankly this book is not interesting enough to me to continue and spend $9 on the remaking three books.

The pace of the story is slow and a bit juvenile. Carly, despite being overly cautious to the point of irritation, quickly goes all in, accepts every word to be law and marries the so called alpha, Brady La Roux, becomes pregnant and transforms to a bear—I’m not certain about the order, but this is what follows.

Proceed with caution. On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2 stars.
12 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2017
This was one of the fourteen books in the True Love (A Shifters in Love Romance Collection) that I read on NOOK. The beginning of the book starts with Carly and dreams of her future, but she is not the only one that is having these dreams, her best friend/roommate is also having them. They decided to throw caution to the wind and head East. Along the way they meet 2 other females from different areas that are having the same dreams. Oh, you have to have some "special" blood to be able to have these dreams (or so they say). Funny, Sexy and Full on Sex scenes. Not to be missed, you will be hooked and need to read the rest of the Trilogy to see what happens.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2018
Overall rating: 5

The concept of this storyline is unique and refreshing. I found book one of this trilogy to be book nirvana! An exciting concept being driven by outstanding one of a kind characters. Every facet of this tale has been highly entertaining and the mature suggestive content all has been tastefully placed. No HEA as of yet but there is promise of great possibilities. Even the cliffhanger was perfectly placed! This voluntary review is based against an advance copy.
Profile Image for Linda Newbern.
414 reviews5 followers
February 3, 2019
This was my first time reading by this author and she certainly didn't disappoint. Carly was having steamy dreams, tattooed the mark from the dreams and made the choice to follow the path to her dream man. them. Accompanied by her best friend she crosses the country to a tree farm in Maine where she meets Brady, the man from her dreams. What follows is a journey with quite a few surprises. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly follow the series.
5 reviews
May 8, 2017
Wait, what?!?

This proves to be a great start to a wonderful series, but you never even get to the heart of the story... if the second part ends like this, I am not sure I want to read it.
Profile Image for Ms Lady Jones.
225 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2017
Nice story. I liked the fact the women had the choice to walk way. But it got a little boring. I lost interest until we talked about the mate (r) of the girl mind. That was different and I liked the drama it could cause.
861 reviews
October 8, 2017
Wonderful derful story of romance and adventure! Carley and her friend Sierra both have dreams of sexy men. They decide to leave everything behind and travel across the country to see where it leads them. Read on to finish their stories. I think you will be drawn in like was.
1,217 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2019
I love this book I fell sorry for Carlys friend she is getting used by that bad man but Carly and her shifter mate are so good morning together I can't wait to read more books by this author can't wait to read more books in this series
531 reviews
January 1, 2022
I read this days ago and have forgotten most but I DNF at 64%. I’m keen to continue it, but it’s so fluffy and light that nothing hooks you.

The characters are fun, they’re all super nice people.

Really, it’s just a happy story. It’s very sweet :)
1,761 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2017
I enjoyed getting to know Carly and Sienna. I am looking forward to seeing if their dreams come true.
Profile Image for Cindy Hardegree.
1,240 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2018
Intriguing were bear story. Sexy, romantic, and at times sad. Being introduced to werebears is not for the faint at heart in this first part of a trilogy.
Profile Image for Jamie Yu.
287 reviews44 followers
May 7, 2019
I did not realize werebear erotica was a real genre. And the overall rating is higher than my GPA. I am torn between keeping my distance and delving more into the werebear erotica world.
1,108 reviews
June 13, 2021
This is part one of a serial and it starts with a strong storyline and great characters.
Profile Image for Crazypetlady.
462 reviews
Read
February 20, 2022
Did not start when I found out that this is a serial with this first part ending in a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,797 reviews46 followers
January 2, 2015


This is the first book in the series and I will say it a good start. We have a curvy girl who also is a master tattoo artist , a bonus in my books cause I love tattoos. She has the same romance dilemma that most of us have . Until she starts dreaming of a huge sexy man with a body that doesn't stop and eyes that haunt you in your dreams . But there is another aspect to these dreams she just doesn't understand the big ass bear that keeps appearing .Those dreams set Carly and her best friend off on a journey to find their destiny

This book is a the first in the series and sets up the series quite nicely. For me it started out a little slow but picked up speed as you start reading it. The characters are solidly written and you can identify with. They are curvy girls and great friends . I like the way the author has them as strong independent women , who throw away their jobs to follow their dreams. She didn't make them whiny or weepy boohhooooo look at me I am curvy and no man wants me. She gives them a back bone which is good. You can't help but fall in love with Carly and Sienna, they are snarky and trust me you will laugh and cry with these girls . I just can't wait till they get their big bear men and what kind of trouble and how much hot sex they are going to have . I have a feeling these big bear shifters are going to be in for a ride of their lives . I will be there for the ride and I can't wait.

Just a reminder this is the first book in the series so there is a lot of set up for what is to come. It is a great start and you meet some great characters . It is a bit slow at the start but as you read it gets really good and funny , can you say ROAD TRIP. So if you want a different type of shifter book with snarky curvy women and tall sexy men this might be the book for you . Check it out




Profile Image for Shadi ***save your ratings use disclaimers**.
321 reviews181 followers
May 12, 2016
Book Facts: Called by the Bear

Genre: Shifter Romance
Part of a Series/Installment:
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book 1-10:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:

Any Triggers/Warnings:




My thoughts: Skip it

Overall Rating: 1.5
Do You Recommend This Book: No
ReRead: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: No
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,375 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2016
Wow! Another extraordinary version of the paranormal. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book. I love the way the author has brought them all together and intertwined their stories to form what is so far, a beautiful rendition of love and to what lengths we may go to, to not only find it, but to keep it. The story starts with Carly, and her best friend, Sierra, two voluptuous, beautiful women, working and living in California, and both experiencing some extremely erotic dreams with a few wildly obscene parts to them, and afraid to tell the other. When Carly, a tattoo artist by trade, gives herself a tattoo of a bear paw of which she has been dreaming about, Sierra notices it and wants one the same. She tells Carly she’s been dreaming about it also, but when they go to show it to their boss, and Carly’s ex, they realize that they are the only ones who can see it. This is when they know that they are different, and are being called upon. They make a life-changing decision to pack up and leave, following their instincts, on a journey that will bring them to the other side of the country, and on the way, will meet Lily and Taylor, two more women who have answered the call and will join them eventually, on their journey. So much waits for them when they arrive in Bangor, Maine, and life as they knew it, will be forever changed. All they need to do is open their hearts and minds.
An absolute charm of a story, but this is only book one and leaves us hanging from a bit of a cliff. A little disappointing that it wasn’t a complete tale, but still worth the read. Can’t wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
May 15, 2016
I waited a really long time to start reading this series. I wanted to wait until it was finished because I dont like cliffhangers. :) So, I rather wait til its all out before I start a reading project like this. I really wanted to like it. I was actually really disappointed. It was boring this part 1. I get that some things have to be layed out as a series goes along. There has to be something that pulls the reader though and this just doesnt. At all. Took forever to get through it but I wanted to give it a fair chance. Basically we have Carly and Sierra who are best friends but have been having dreams of bears and sometimes sex and sometimes something scary. They get tattoos which Carly does since she is a well known tattoo artist. Thats a problem too. Not much is revealed or touched on there. Thats a big deal right? Her father was a legend and you'd think the set up for this book would somehow be more of a big deal and its like a back burner type of feeling when talking about her tattooing. Honestly there isnt much about Sierra...she's learning tattooing from Carly but really not much on her otherwise. She's a boring character and nothing about her stands out. I dunno. Just didnt grab me. However, I am not giving up just yet. I'm going to give part 2 a try and see how that goes. Hopefully it improves.
571 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2015
This is the third installment of this series and it keeps getting better and better. When we left off Carly has just got married and Sierra was bitten by Victor who is not her mate. Carly finds out about her past and is determined to make her future and the future of her clan better. Sierra by the way feels like she is going crazy because Victor is in her head and she can't get him out Lily and Taylor make their appearance to meet their mates but there is trouble ahead. I loved most of the story, but there are parts when I wanted to scream at the characters and say that's all you are going to do? At times it seems that the clans really didn't care about what happened to Sierra. I really didn't like what is going on with the whole Taylor and Keith thing I was actually pissed about it. Also what Sierra does is just plan STUPID!!! I didn't want this part to end and I just don't want to wait for part 4, but I know I have to. This book does end in a cliffhanger so beware. Also you must read this books in order to understand what is going on.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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