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She had the perfect recipe for success—until he added a dash of chaos.
Lexie's learned the hard way that no one hands you a future, you have to fight for it. So when the former foster kid sees a dangerously handsome biker struggling to organize his club’s cookout, she takes a chance and offers her catering services. The fact that her catering business doesn’t technically exist, yet? That's a tomorrow problem.

As enforcer, Bear protects his brothers by any means necessary. Violence and mayhem are second nature. Getting rescued from a mountain of bulk-sized condiments by a sweet, stubborn woman? That’s new.

But what starts as a chance meeting ends with Lexie covered in blood and wearing Bear’s cut. And now, Bear’s ready to burn the world down to keep her safe. The only problem? Lexie has spent her whole life surviving alone, and trusting a dangerous biker might be the biggest risk she’s ever taken.

If you love a sweet heroine and a protective hero, then you’ll love this introduction to the Exiled Reapers Motorcycle Club series. Grab your copy of Bear today to enjoy instalove, slow burn, and of course, an HEA!

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2025

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Cora Day

13 books24 followers

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5 stars
507 (47%)
4 stars
327 (30%)
3 stars
189 (17%)
2 stars
38 (3%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Mairi Swan.
599 reviews46 followers
December 15, 2025
It was good actually but it would have been even better if it was lengthier and the story could unfold more smoothly. It had some goofy moments and suspense.I liked both main characters and I'm eager to read Mav's story in the next book
Profile Image for Joanne Farley.
1,420 reviews36 followers
November 23, 2025
Bear is a club enforcer who is being punished for having his phone with him in church. He is tasked with organising the club cookout. Lexie is fresh out of foster care and use to be on her own. She is wanting to start a catering business so when she overhears Bear on the phone while at Costco he shoots his shot.

I am still calling this instalove because even though Bear didn't realise it he was falling for Lexie from the moment her saw her. There is club drama as well as the usual OWD you get with MC novels.

I really great read and I cannot wait for the next in this series.
Profile Image for Emily.
6,016 reviews561 followers
January 28, 2026
Lexie sees an opportunity when she sees a man in line at Costco talking on the phone planning a barbecue. Lexie talks him into letting her cater the event and has no clue this will be a life altering plan.

Bear knows he is all wrong for the ray of sunshine he has nicknamed Pixie. Lexie can cook, she is a stunner and she has captured his heart. With trouble brewing in his club though can he keep her safe?

A lot of fun. Enjoyed the humor, all the characters in the story and was hard to put down.
Profile Image for BobbiJo.
895 reviews
January 10, 2026
Sweet Quick Read

This was a quick read but don’t let that fool you. It was packed with plot and some sweet/spicy moments.

There is danger, an idiot in love, a couple of big twists, and an instalove romance. It was a great read all around!
389 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2026
Just couldn’t like the fmc

Overall, the story was fine and it was engaging, but there was just something annoying about the FMC. First off I’m not a big fan of Barbie doll archetypes which this girl absolutely was but then you ride a Barbie doll who apparently also has no social life and no friends. If there’s anything that I’ve never met it’s a blonde who’s a home body. There’s a reason all the stereotypes exist, and this girl has an ridiculously bubbly personality and then yet she says she’s all alone. She just was not likable.
Profile Image for PleaseGoAwayImReading.
530 reviews28 followers
November 30, 2025
Funnier than I was expecting

I enjoyed this. The meet cute between Bear and Lexie is one of the better ones I’ve read in several years. I like their chemistry and would love a follow up story on them now that this book’s events are done.
Profile Image for Heather.
705 reviews
December 24, 2025
short and sweet

Very insta love and insta commitment. But it’s a cute and short Motorcycle Club romance. I enjoyed it. If you want a short easy read this is a rec
Profile Image for Brandy Mainwaring.
79 reviews
February 23, 2026
This was one of the best MC books I’ve read in a long time. I love the Reapers family bond and Bear was everything. 🥰🥰
114 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2026
Had Potential

The premise of the book is solid, but the delivery was painfully under developed. It seems like the author had some good ideas of what she wanted to happen in the book, but none of them were fleshed out. Every single thing, including the relationship was rushed, and the book just jumped from one thing to another. I think the author has potential, so maybe down the road after she has some more books under her belt I’ll try again.
Profile Image for Amiya.
35 reviews
January 1, 2026
There was so much potential here. It started off well. But then I quickly realized it wasn’t at all what I was hoping for. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be rushed. The story could have been expanded and developed further. There was so much potential for back stories, character development, and plot twists. But unfortunately it didn’t do any of those things. We get quick facts about a character’s past and it gives you whiplash and then the story continues on without expanding on it or further tying it into the character.

I really wanted to like this book and continue with the second book, however I want satisfied enough with the first. I’m a firm believer in always trying to finish a book you start, and therefore I did. It was also a very short book which made it painstakingly easy to do. But I would not read it again.
Profile Image for LittleGiraffe.
63 reviews
December 17, 2025
Enjoyable, But Too Short

This was an enjoyable read, but too short. There were so many skips forward that would have been brilliant to explore fully.

Great potential, but the brevity of the story hurt it overall.

Would absolutely read again if it was ever released with a longer story
30 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2025
Don't waste your time

Girl meets boy, boy hires girl, boy messes up and can't see girl for a week, girl is mad and doesn't talk to boy for a week, boy comes back ur at 80% progress and they say I love you too each other.
Profile Image for BiblioDarling.
525 reviews100 followers
December 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Kidnapping
🚩Violence

Tropes:
💕Age Gap Romance
💕MC Romance
💕Virgin
💕HEA
💕dad's Friend Romance

Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Quote:
My mom always claimed I was born under a lucky star, but I'd never believed it until now.

Summary:
FMC is a chef who is looking to start a catering business. MMC is the Enforcer of a MC and is being punished by having to set up the next cookout. They meet by coincidence at their local Costco. MMC hires FMC to be the caterer for the upcoming cookout.

This leads to her witnessing a violent act and having to stay at the mc. During this time, she also becomes involved with the MMC. HEA

Review:
If you could call a mc romance "cuddly" this would be it. I absolutely loved how they met. I loved how he was all into her and she was just trying to shop for the cookout. I loved the twists and turns of her family💖 and their involvement with the mc. The writing kept me engaged and made me chuckle at times.

This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more.
*****************************************************************************
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Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,279 reviews122 followers
November 25, 2025
With the first book this good, I’m looking forward to reading the whole series! I think that BEAR had a great blend of plot, heat, romance, and food p rn. I read it and now I’m totally hungry.
Lexie seizes an opportunity to do the catering for the Exiled Reapers’ barbecue when she meets Bear at a well-known, members-only, big box store whose name starts with a C. Instalove over food samples at the store. She then proceeds to make a metric crapton of sides, plus burgers, dogs, and vegetarian options. Don’t read this book on an empty stomach like I did, lemme tell ya. It all sounded delish.
Speaking of delish, there’s Bear, whose very presence makes my Kindle sweat. And the man is absolutely determined that his Pixie will be his ol lady. There’s drama, of course, but not the other-woman kind of drama.
The plot involves a rival MC moving in on the Exiled Reapers’ territory and selling illegal, laced substances causing ODs. And some serious violence against a club member whom Lexie finds bleeding behind a dumpster. There are overarching plot elements, but not a cliffhanger. The plot has some unexpected twists, and there are some excellent side characters who help make the story even better. I enjoyed every minute reading this book, and I can hardly wait until the next one comes out.
Book is SAFE.
Heat is EXPLICIT, and features a VIRGIN HEROINE.
TRIGGERS include violence, blood, threatened SA, language, and discussion of illegal substances.
TROPES include Food Is Love, Found Family, Former Foster Child, Instalove, 1%, and That’s Not My Leg.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,116 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author. I picked this one up through an ARC, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.

Bear, an enforcer for the Exiled Reaper's MC, finds himself getting a punishment of sorts when he does the one thing that he knows he shouldn't have when attending Church. But luckily, heaven must be looking down on him when they sent him an angel in the shape of the cooking Goddess, Chef Lexi.

Lexi finds herself in the right place, at the right time. She can offer her services to this man, help him in his hour of need, and at the same time, hopefully receive good reviews and referrals to kick-start her own business.

Bear soon finds himself thinking that Lexi is his; he needs his brothers to know she is off-limits, as he is drawn to her, and when an incident occurs at the clubhouse, he needs to make sure she is safe, and the best way is to keep her by his side.

Lexi now finds herself pulled into the MC, something that she thought she'd keep away from because of her past. But things are so straightforward for her when her past catches up to the present. Jealousy rears its head and makes a bigger target on her back.

Bear is having to deal with his emerging feelings for Lexi and her safety, but also his commitment to his club and its safety. Which one takes priority now? Or does he have to choose when he knows that his brothers will stand by his side and help protect the one he loves?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Valerie Charron.
295 reviews
April 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — chaotic, protective biker vibes with a twist I did NOT see coming

“4 stars” feels like such a small rating for how much I actually enjoyed this.

Lexie?? I loved her. Girl said “fake it till you make it” with a whole catering business that doesn’t exist yet and just ran with it 💀 Respect. You can really feel her survival instincts from her past, and it made her easy to root for.

And Bear… yeah, I’m sold.
Protective, unhinged when it comes to keeping her safe, but also completely thrown off by this sweet, stubborn woman?? That contrast was so good.

But can we talk about how this went from zero to CHAOS real quick??
One minute it’s a cookout… next thing you know she’s covered in blood and wearing his cut. Like ??? excuse me??

And the plot twist with the Prez and one of the brothers?? I did NOT see that coming either. That caught me off guard in the best way.

Also Michael?? 🥹
Such a good little brother, I loved him. He added that extra heart to the story.

The only reason it’s not a full 5⭐ is I wanted just a bit more depth in some parts, but overall?? This was such a solid MC romance.

Protective biker, strong heroine, found family vibes, and unexpected twists—definitely a win.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,190 reviews21 followers
May 6, 2026
This just didn't do it for me. So many things just didn't sit right with me that I found myself struggling to finish.

First and foremost, this was incredibly rushed. It takes place (90% of it at least) over the course of a week. Within that week, our main characters, Lexie and Bear, interacted for a day before Bear left the state and then communicated with Lexie via text. All with that, we've got proclamations of love and vows of forever on the first night. I'm pretty sure my soul forcefully left my body when the 22 year old FMC told the MMC she was a virgin. Why is this consistently a trope to these?

And I know that Lexie grew up in foster homes and she had been on her own since she was 18, but she was written so childishly. She had no sense of self preservation. Her backstory was just thrown at us and despite being in foster care, it didn't seem to have any impact. She could have had any past and it would have mattered just as much. We got even less for Bear, which was really a failing as well.

This was just far too rushed with not enough substance to make it good. It lacked in pretty much every aspect which is a shame since the premise could have made it great.
3 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2025
This novella left me hungry for more!

This story recommendation came from the Tok. Okay, I said to myself, here’s a quick and tasty treat of some MC and romance yummies! But Bear left me hungry for the main course! The story was brief but chock full of surprises and fun! I’m pretty sure there were many “Easter eggs” placed that lay the groundwork for more stories in this series! The interaction between Lexie the spunky caterer and Bear the gruff MC enforcer was sweet and very believable! My fav place is Costco too— love their fated meeting and how about the kielbasa and electrolyte water! LOL!! The plot was seasoned with a good amount of spice and a twist of the unexpected! Also, loved the use of real locations to enhance the flavor of the story! Cora Day’s writing style is like comfort food- hearty and satisfying! I loved how the story ended but it was too soon!! Wish this novella was more of an entree than an appetizer but can’t wait for the next books in the series!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.7k reviews547 followers
May 19, 2026
There was something about Lexie that you liked right away. She was so positive, when her life wasn't anything all rainbows and puppies. She was doing her best to make due where she was and doing things to make it better. Her chance meeting with Bear, at Costco of all places, was so perfect! Lexie was so serious about things and Bear was just glad to know his punishment wasn't going to be bad, even as he knew Lexie was probably over stating somethings.

It was interesting to see Lexie at the club and seeing MC life. She really took things in stride, even going above and beyond when she found a member that really needed help. From there things kinda spiraled for the club and they had to take care of business. Lexie got pulled into things in more than one way, but it worked out. Her past came out, which was a bit stunning, she ended up with a new "brother" and of course ended up with Bear. Things ended well for her and now she has a ton of people at her back while she goes after her dream.
Profile Image for VagabondBooker.
65 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2026
The book is written in an interesting, sassy way, with good descriptions, and is quick and easy to read.
I would have liked everything even more if it wasn't so rushed.

The book is 163 pages long, and there are too many plot twists and surprises. Everything seems too rushed, too fast, and not fully developed.

At one point, Lexie is an innocent blonde with a naive view of the world, at another she seems like a wise old man.

The same with Bear - at one point he seems like a bad biker, and at another, when he meets a woman he sees for the first time at the Cosco store, he decides that she is his and gives her his vest almost a day later? No biker signs up that quickly..

And no matter how much we want to, a teenager who grew up at 16 with bad parents will not rush to call a stranger sister after a week...

I liked the book, maybe a bit naive, sweet vanilla, but overall it's really not bad.
1,225 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2025
He is stuck planning the MC BBQ when he runs into her at Costco. She is an aspiring caterer and shoots her shot when she sees what he is planning. He takes her up on it more because he wants to be done with it than anything, but he quickly realizes the curvy little powerhouse is going to rock his world. She is everything he never knew he needed. She has been alone for years after aging out of foster care, and with him she finds a sense of family she has never had. This is a quick read but satisfying on many levels. It hits the spice, tension, characters, it gives you MC life and additional brothers, and it gives you a little MC drama all on the way to a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Book Nook Kitten.
707 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2025
Very short, read it in just a couple of hours, getting to 83%, their first bedroom scene, but didn't continue, despite being that close to the end. That really says it all and what it says isn't good. I just didn't care what happens.

Their meet-cute was okay but some of the dialogue etc was very cheesy and cringing. Very short and very lacking. Wasn't made to care about the characters or what happens, because nothing really happens here as it is.

For comparison with other books in the MC genre I've read and throughly enjoyed by other authors, the last four books were 277 pages long, 290, 400 plus and 500 plus pages long, compared to this, which is only 163 pages in length. Review in one word, lacking.
Profile Image for Jite.
1,355 reviews75 followers
May 14, 2026
Cute MC Romance

I really enjoyed this cute, breezy MC romance. Even though there was low drama between the main characters (it was pretty much an “easy love at first sight and not willing to fight”), Lexie and Bear (Gabriel) and what limited relationship angst they had was pretty quickly sorted. Even the tension with the other club was fairly quickly worked out- perhaps so quickly that I’m wondering if there’s a bigger more sinister plot that will run across the series of a secret enemy the Exiled Reapers have in their area that they’re not aware of.

However, this first installment in the series was lovely to read. Not the most memorable book but really a joy to get through and though a little dark, quite soothing and would be a good comfort read if you like MC romance.
Profile Image for Jiminy Cricket.
227 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2026
A wholesome MC story with a TSTL h

Okay, tbf she (h, Lexie) isn't deeply irritating... just a little. Her dumbassery only seemed to ramp up in life and death situations Since most of the book is chockablock with wholesome moments: a Costco trip, a club cookout, a man who insta-loves her, and club brothers that think she's just precious, nothing serious happens. You might like this book if you're seeking MC-lite.

There's a plot twist on the h's orphan origin story

No OW drama. The H (Bear) doesn't like sloppy 2nds (sloppy millionths????) clubwhores, so this former lovers are not on club premises. h is a blushing virgin 🙄.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
1,019 reviews10 followers
March 9, 2026
Good Book

I have really enjoyed this book and Bear and Lexi were a lovely couple, even though he is the massive enforcer for the MC he is a teddybear with Lexi.
I have read loads of MC books and I have to say the lack of bunnies causing so many issues like they normally do was actually refreshing.
I expected the surprise of who her Dad was pretty early on but it didn’t spoil it for me.
I was surprised we didn’t get an outcome to what happened to her original kidnapper and what he said in their home when he broke in as to if the story was true or false.
Looks like Mav is next.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,648 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2025
Bear

An exciting, Reapers MC story, about Bear meeting an unsuspecting young woman who is trying to get her catering business going. These two connect with needing each others help, her finding the ways of an MC club, but something very unexpected happens after her evening of catering. Now there is a possibility of danger, yet not knowing what to expect, she goes about her day to day life. Exciting, yet potential danger lurks ahead for where she least expects it. Amazing story.
119 reviews11 followers
November 24, 2025
I absolutely adored how Lexie's ingenuity led her to snag a catering gig with Bear, and how she so unwittingly drew him to her like a moth to a flame. Bear's fascination with her was a hoot, and their banter was truly fun to read. It was also refreshing to have a male lead that doesn't touch the bunnies at the clubhouse, as that "drama" is overutilized by waaaay too many authors of MC stories.

This was definitely one book that I didn't want to end, and I can't wait to catch up with Bear, Lexie, and the rest of the brothers in the Exiled Reapers in book 2!
Profile Image for Amanda Foster.
89 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! From the funny Costco meeting to the intense danger with the Exiled Reapers, the story pulled me in right away. Lexie is strong and relatable, and Bear is the perfect mix of tough and tender. Their chemistry had me smiling, swooning, and holding my breath all at once.
Cora Day did an amazing job blending romance, suspense, and heart. It’s the kind of story that makes you believe in love showing up when you least expect it. I highly recommend Bear to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, emotional romance you won’t want to put it down.
Profile Image for Teleri Anoram.
475 reviews
December 12, 2025
I devoured this book. There was a captivating storyline. I was so engrossed in what was happening that I didn’t realize how close to the end of this book I was. This MC world has captivated me and I look forward to the next installment.

Characters weren’t bad. I really loved Bear. Lexie grew on me at first it seemed she was ditzy.

But hey you go from a random meet at Costco to an Old Lady for the enforcer of the MC…
Profile Image for Jaedin.
326 reviews
December 17, 2025

This was a fast intriguing read. I loved the meet cute. It was very much insta love and I actually didn’t mind it. I honestly loved Lexie (22), I just found her so adorable. She is the image of innocence, but she also had a hard childhood. I wish the author would’ve went a bit more into it but oh well. Bear (28) is definitely OTT and possessive. He would literally do anything for her. I wish this book would’ve been longer, there were a few things that I would’ve like to see more of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews