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Love, Bears, and Other Surprises: A Monster Brides Romance
Newly released from prison and hiding from his past, Jack isn’t looking for trouble when he arrives in Prairie Grove — just a quiet place to start over and a chance to finally meet the woman who’s been writing him letters for two years.
Sylvia isn't expecting the giant on her doorstep. Up till now, Jack's only ever been words on a paper, and she isn't sure she's ready to deal with the very real man in front of her. When Jack's treated unfairly by the local sheriff, Sylvia impulsively claims they're engaged.
Now, Jack and Sylvia must pretend to be a couple, navigating small-town curiosity, suspicious law enforcement, and Sylvia’s furry bodyguard, Samson. It would all be manageable if Jack didn’t also come with a complicated past, a lingering reputation, and the unusual ability to shift into a bear.
As fake feelings start to feel real and odd things begin happening around town — with Jack as the most convenient suspect — their fragile peace starts to wobble. While Sylvia learns to accept what Jack is, Jack must decide how much of his past he’s willing to share… and whether love is worth the risk.
Monstrous grooms and beastly brides? Don't be afraid of falling in love... it's super-natural! Explore the entire Monster Brides series, one tantalizing happily-ever-after at a time!
Sylvia isn't expecting the giant on her doorstep. Up till now, Jack's only ever been words on a paper, and she isn't sure she's ready to deal with the very real man in front of her. When Jack's treated unfairly by the local sheriff, Sylvia impulsively claims they're engaged.
Now, Jack and Sylvia must pretend to be a couple, navigating small-town curiosity, suspicious law enforcement, and Sylvia’s furry bodyguard, Samson. It would all be manageable if Jack didn’t also come with a complicated past, a lingering reputation, and the unusual ability to shift into a bear.
As fake feelings start to feel real and odd things begin happening around town — with Jack as the most convenient suspect — their fragile peace starts to wobble. While Sylvia learns to accept what Jack is, Jack must decide how much of his past he’s willing to share… and whether love is worth the risk.
Monstrous grooms and beastly brides? Don't be afraid of falling in love... it's super-natural! Explore the entire Monster Brides series, one tantalizing happily-ever-after at a time!
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2026
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 17, 2026
Thank you to Rachel Abernathy for the e-ARC of this book.
I loved the chemistry between Sylvie and Jack. Jack is such a gentleman, and it truly shows in the way he cares for and protects Sylvie. And Sylvie is a sweetheart, but also protective in her own human ways. I really enjoyed that she didn't care that Jack was a bear-shifter. She embraced him for who he was, even as an ex-con. This book was a beautiful slow burn of penpals who become lovers.
I think there were so many cute side characters and stories. Like Abe and Shirlene, can we please get their story?? lol
Also the young boys who needed Jack's help, that was such a cute way to include Jack into the community and show he isn't a threat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good, the storyline was amazing, and I will definitely read another book by this author.
I loved the chemistry between Sylvie and Jack. Jack is such a gentleman, and it truly shows in the way he cares for and protects Sylvie. And Sylvie is a sweetheart, but also protective in her own human ways. I really enjoyed that she didn't care that Jack was a bear-shifter. She embraced him for who he was, even as an ex-con. This book was a beautiful slow burn of penpals who become lovers.
I think there were so many cute side characters and stories. Like Abe and Shirlene, can we please get their story?? lol
Also the young boys who needed Jack's help, that was such a cute way to include Jack into the community and show he isn't a threat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good, the storyline was amazing, and I will definitely read another book by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a good book, omg. I'm not sure what I would do if my prison pen pal showed up on my doorstep unannounced with a very clear secret on display and told me he needed my help but let me tell you I LOVED learning exactly what Sylvia would do in that situation. 😍😍😍
Listen, I'm not saying there's a wrong way to go about this, I'm just saying the way my girl went was definitely a right way. Doesn't matter if the Sheriff is pissed because he wanted to be with her. Doesn't matter if the owner of the diner and the Queen of town gossip thinks something is up. Doesn't matter if they find themselves in a fake engagement that they both aren't sure how to admit they wish were real. The only thing that matters is Jack proving to Sylvie that he's just as good a man as she says he is, his prison record and the world's preconceived notions about Others be damned.
I laughed so many times from the banter these two had with each other, with the Sheriff, and with the other people in town. Having lived in the south for the last 20 years it was a whole experience reading that kind of banter, snark, and southern "charm" wrapped into these characters. They had me outright laughing, giggling like a teenager, swooning for the connection, sad at the realizations, worried for the outcome, and completely invested from start to finish. This is the beginning of a series that certainly has my attention. Prairie Grove, here I come!
Special shoutout to Samson and Abe, absolutely loved both of them 😂
Listen, I'm not saying there's a wrong way to go about this, I'm just saying the way my girl went was definitely a right way. Doesn't matter if the Sheriff is pissed because he wanted to be with her. Doesn't matter if the owner of the diner and the Queen of town gossip thinks something is up. Doesn't matter if they find themselves in a fake engagement that they both aren't sure how to admit they wish were real. The only thing that matters is Jack proving to Sylvie that he's just as good a man as she says he is, his prison record and the world's preconceived notions about Others be damned.
I laughed so many times from the banter these two had with each other, with the Sheriff, and with the other people in town. Having lived in the south for the last 20 years it was a whole experience reading that kind of banter, snark, and southern "charm" wrapped into these characters. They had me outright laughing, giggling like a teenager, swooning for the connection, sad at the realizations, worried for the outcome, and completely invested from start to finish. This is the beginning of a series that certainly has my attention. Prairie Grove, here I come!
Special shoutout to Samson and Abe, absolutely loved both of them 😂
February 21, 2026
Another good writer
I love it when I kind good indy authors.
I’m going to look by other books by her, but if she hasn’t yet, I could see this as the start of a series.
I love it when I kind good indy authors.
I’m going to look by other books by her, but if she hasn’t yet, I could see this as the start of a series.
February 24, 2026
Shifter romance? Sign me up. This was a great story. Pen pals from jail and when he gets out he instantly wants to find her. The town sheriff wants her and hates “others” so those added some run twists.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews