Bear: A Motorcycle Club Romance

by Cora Day

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!

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Novella

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2025

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[BobbiJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Brandy Mainwaring · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 🥰🥰

[BiblioDarling · Rating 4 out of 5]

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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[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Maelle C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear was a great introduction to a new author for me — and a really enjoyable surprise.

This is definitely an instalove story with a fast-paced rhythm, but it works. The relationship develops quickly, yet it never feels empty or rushed because there’s a solid plot behind it. And honestly? I didn’t fully see everything coming, which I loved. Some elements were a bit predictable, but that’s probably because I read a lot of MC romance — and it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all.

The writing is smooth, easy to read, and very engaging. Cora Day has a fluid, natural style that makes the story flow effortlessly. I never felt bored or disconnected, and the pages turned quickly.

I really enjoyed Bear and Lexie together. Watching them navigate their relationship — their insecurities, their growing trust, and the way they open up to each other — felt genuine and satisfying. Their dynamic balances sweetness and intensity really well, and Bear’s protective instincts paired with Lexie’s quiet strength made them a couple I was easy to root for.

What stood out to me is how well this book delivers everything you expect from a solid MC romance: emotion, tension, danger, a real storyline, touches of humor, and secondary characters that instantly make you curious about their own stories.

All in all, Bear was a fun, engaging, and emotionally satisfying read.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the rest of the Exiled Reapers MC series — this is a world I’m excited to return to.

[Valerie Charron · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 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.

[Michele Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[VagabondBooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amiya · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Book Nook Kitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janice Kellam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Amanda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Teleri Anoram · Rating 4 out of 5]

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…

[Jaedin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger, traitors, secrets, chaos , spice, found family, action, drama, that's just some of the things in their book.

Bear a sexy MC enforcer, Lexie a girl just trying to get her carter business to grow. They cross paths and life isn't the same after that.

It's such a crazy rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, that will have you on the edge of your seat. , great characters, storyline and plot.

Highly recommend

[Bobbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single thing of this book. Bear was sexy, and when he met his match he treated her like gold and made her feel safe for the first time in her life. The action was non-stop and left you guessing what was going to happen. I loved how Lexie was strong in her very own way and it made her the perfect match for Bear. I so cannot wait to read more from this author!!!

[LittleGiraffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Janet Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear & Lexie

Oh..Lexie has secrets. They all work out in the end but I was rooted to my seat with this book in my hand til The End. I can't wait for more of the Exiled Reaper MC. These character are great. I love the banter and the found family vibes. This is also a new to me author but I will be looking for a backlist.

[Rebecca Pickett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended up being a pretty well put together story. I read a couple reviews that said the story “jumped forward” too much and too much was left out. I didn’t feel the same way. I felt like it was a pretty good complete story. It was short but well thought out. I loved that in the end Lexie and Bear took Michael in to give him a home.

[Cmb_15live.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

Loved this book great story and a great love can’t wait to read the next one so happy to read a good book in one sitting not over two or three books I hate that amazing author definitely recommend