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Pride #7
Bear Meets Girl
He's big, burly, and way smarter than your average shapeshifting bear. He's also about to get trapped by own his game. . .
Lou Crushek is a reasonable, mellow, easygoing kind of guy. But once someone starts killing the scumbags he works so hard to bust, that really gets under his fur. Especially when that someone is a curvy she-tiger with a skill set that's turning Crush's lone-bear world upside down--and bringing his passion out of hibernation. . .
As a member of an elite feline protection unit, Marcella Malone has no problem body-dropping anyone who hunts her kind. But Crush is proving one major pain in her gorgeous tail. The only reason she's joined forces with him is to track down the wealthy human who's got her entire species in his ruthless sights. It sure isn't because Crush's stubborn and contrary attitude is rubbing Cella in all the right ways. .
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 27, 2012
About the author
Shelly Laurenston
48 books7,966 followersOriginally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A. Aiken's dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 760 reviews
May 8, 2017
3 pretend boyfriend Stars
Ok I'm gonna keep this one short. This book just didn't really do it for me. I don't think it was a bad read, but it was a slower read and I didn't really connect with the main characters. Both Crush and Cella felt flat and one dimensional. I didn't really feel their relationship, what little one they had, and there was a serious lack of romance in this book. They seemed to dislike and or annoy each other almost the whole book. They didn't really hang around each other a lot unless they were having sex. This book was not very funny, a few laughs maybe, but not funny. Which is weird because most all of Shelly Laurenston books are hilarious. It was just a okay read for me. I did enjoy the characters from past books and that helps save the book. Oh well they can't all be hits I guess :)
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Ok I'm gonna keep this one short. This book just didn't really do it for me. I don't think it was a bad read, but it was a slower read and I didn't really connect with the main characters. Both Crush and Cella felt flat and one dimensional. I didn't really feel their relationship, what little one they had, and there was a serious lack of romance in this book. They seemed to dislike and or annoy each other almost the whole book. They didn't really hang around each other a lot unless they were having sex. This book was not very funny, a few laughs maybe, but not funny. Which is weird because most all of Shelly Laurenston books are hilarious. It was just a okay read for me. I did enjoy the characters from past books and that helps save the book. Oh well they can't all be hits I guess :)
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
February 5, 2025
Books by Shelly Laurenston are always guaranteed to be fast-paced, fun, and filled with a cast of entertaining characters and hilarious dialogue.
Bear Meets Girl is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite in her Pride series. I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve re-read this book.
It’s hard to put into words why I’m so drawn to Shelly Laurenston’s bears—especially Crush and Novikov—but I’ll try. Crush is a polar bear at heart: reasonable, easygoing, and a no-nonsense cop who enjoys his quiet life outside of work. He definitely doesn’t want anything to do with the “insane” naked feline (Cella) who has decided to use him as a pillow after too many “jelly shots.” And he certainly doesn’t know what to make of the way Cella slowly starts turning his carefully controlled polar bear life upside down.
I have a soft spot for grumpy, taciturn heroes, and Cella definitely brings out that side of Crush. She makes his life interesting (and a little crazy). His no-nonsense, direct approach to everything leads to plenty of LOL moments, and watching him get introduced to the chaos of the shifter world is as entertaining as it is hilarious.
The banter between Crush and Cella is a highlight. Their dynamic is funny, full of sharp character moments, and their back-and-forth kept me hooked. I also loved the unlikely friendship between Crush and Novikov—it added an extra layer of humor, and reconnecting with old characters made the book even more fun to read.
I’ve always been a fan of books that feature ice hockey—whether it’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars, Rachel Gibson’s Chinook Hockey series, or Deirdre Martin’s New York Blades. So reading about a full-blown hockey shifter team was a total dream come true.
This book gets 5 stars from me, no question. It’s a definite keeper!
Bear Meets Girl is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite in her Pride series. I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve re-read this book.
It’s hard to put into words why I’m so drawn to Shelly Laurenston’s bears—especially Crush and Novikov—but I’ll try. Crush is a polar bear at heart: reasonable, easygoing, and a no-nonsense cop who enjoys his quiet life outside of work. He definitely doesn’t want anything to do with the “insane” naked feline (Cella) who has decided to use him as a pillow after too many “jelly shots.” And he certainly doesn’t know what to make of the way Cella slowly starts turning his carefully controlled polar bear life upside down.
I have a soft spot for grumpy, taciturn heroes, and Cella definitely brings out that side of Crush. She makes his life interesting (and a little crazy). His no-nonsense, direct approach to everything leads to plenty of LOL moments, and watching him get introduced to the chaos of the shifter world is as entertaining as it is hilarious.
The banter between Crush and Cella is a highlight. Their dynamic is funny, full of sharp character moments, and their back-and-forth kept me hooked. I also loved the unlikely friendship between Crush and Novikov—it added an extra layer of humor, and reconnecting with old characters made the book even more fun to read.
I’ve always been a fan of books that feature ice hockey—whether it’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars, Rachel Gibson’s Chinook Hockey series, or Deirdre Martin’s New York Blades. So reading about a full-blown hockey shifter team was a total dream come true.
This book gets 5 stars from me, no question. It’s a definite keeper!
March 24, 2012
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This is a fun, fast and funny book. This whole series is like that, though; full of fun and great banter.
Lou Crushek is an undercover cop when he gets transferred from NYPD to the shifter division. Crush’s cover has been blown by his former foster mother Peg, who conveniently runs BCP. Crush hates change. It makes him cranky.
Cella is the loud-mouthed KZS operative who also plays professional hockey for the Carnivores. They call her “Bare Knuckles Malone” since she is such a brawler. When she wakes up on top of the grumpy but cute polar bear shifter Crush, she plays with him a little. Crush had one too many Jello shots and woke up with a naked feline shifter who won’t keep her paws to herself.
The attraction, the banter and the romance are so fun and sweet. I liked that they didn’t kiss until about halfway through the book because it was right in keeping with their characters and their slow build up. In fact, I don’t think I could have asked for anything more from these characters-they were so completely different from each other and yet they worked so well together!
I think the suspense plot was awesome, but under-used. I felt like it was completely put on the backburner. The BCP, the KZS, and the Group are all working together on a mission, when the BCP goes crazy shooting at them. Peg is after the guys who are hunting their kind for sport, KZS and the Group are just getting wind of this, and they are not happy, to say the least. Humans hunting shifters? Absolutely unacceptable. There were a few good action scenes and a good fight, but really, that was it. It’s like this part of the plot was only used when it was convenient, rather than being utilized throughout the book. There’s a small part with a human who helps rescue a lion shifter that I really hope becomes the next book, because I think those two are gonna make sparks fly off the pages.
On the whole, this is my favorite in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series and absolutely a book you should read when you’re alone or when no one around you is asleep. I found out the hard way, there were so many parts that I laughed at, and giggled at, and quietly made awful choking noises because I couldn't laugh out loud for fear of waking up hubs and kids
The part where I laughed so loud I woke my dog up was this scene:
“Does Novikov have tusks?” Marly asked.
“They’re not tusks,” Blayne yelled while slowly dragging herself to her feet. “They’re fangs. Like the mighty saber-toothed cat of yore.”
Marly scratched her head. “Yore?”
This part is once scene where Cella keeps calling Crush her pretend boyfriend, because that’s how they start out:
"I need you to keep an eye out for Blayne," she whispered.
“Why?”
"Because I asked you to. God, what kind of a pretend boyfriend are you?"
"A confused and fictitious one?"
"Yeah yeah." she grabbed his hand."Come on."
This part is between Dez and Crush:
"All you owe Cella...is nuzzling. You know, bear love."
"Bear love? Something else you saw on National Geographic?"
"Or Animal Planet. Both are very helpful in dealing with my husband and my new crop of friends that aren't canines."
**ARC provided by Kensington
This is a fun, fast and funny book. This whole series is like that, though; full of fun and great banter.
Lou Crushek is an undercover cop when he gets transferred from NYPD to the shifter division. Crush’s cover has been blown by his former foster mother Peg, who conveniently runs BCP. Crush hates change. It makes him cranky.
Cella is the loud-mouthed KZS operative who also plays professional hockey for the Carnivores. They call her “Bare Knuckles Malone” since she is such a brawler. When she wakes up on top of the grumpy but cute polar bear shifter Crush, she plays with him a little. Crush had one too many Jello shots and woke up with a naked feline shifter who won’t keep her paws to herself.
The attraction, the banter and the romance are so fun and sweet. I liked that they didn’t kiss until about halfway through the book because it was right in keeping with their characters and their slow build up. In fact, I don’t think I could have asked for anything more from these characters-they were so completely different from each other and yet they worked so well together!
I think the suspense plot was awesome, but under-used. I felt like it was completely put on the backburner. The BCP, the KZS, and the Group are all working together on a mission, when the BCP goes crazy shooting at them. Peg is after the guys who are hunting their kind for sport, KZS and the Group are just getting wind of this, and they are not happy, to say the least. Humans hunting shifters? Absolutely unacceptable. There were a few good action scenes and a good fight, but really, that was it. It’s like this part of the plot was only used when it was convenient, rather than being utilized throughout the book. There’s a small part with a human who helps rescue a lion shifter that I really hope becomes the next book, because I think those two are gonna make sparks fly off the pages.
On the whole, this is my favorite in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series and absolutely a book you should read when you’re alone or when no one around you is asleep. I found out the hard way, there were so many parts that I laughed at, and giggled at, and quietly made awful choking noises because I couldn't laugh out loud for fear of waking up hubs and kids
The part where I laughed so loud I woke my dog up was this scene:
“Does Novikov have tusks?” Marly asked.
“They’re not tusks,” Blayne yelled while slowly dragging herself to her feet. “They’re fangs. Like the mighty saber-toothed cat of yore.”
Marly scratched her head. “Yore?”
This part is once scene where Cella keeps calling Crush her pretend boyfriend, because that’s how they start out:
"I need you to keep an eye out for Blayne," she whispered.
“Why?”
"Because I asked you to. God, what kind of a pretend boyfriend are you?"
"A confused and fictitious one?"
"Yeah yeah." she grabbed his hand."Come on."
This part is between Dez and Crush:
"All you owe Cella...is nuzzling. You know, bear love."
"Bear love? Something else you saw on National Geographic?"
"Or Animal Planet. Both are very helpful in dealing with my husband and my new crop of friends that aren't canines."
**ARC provided by Kensington
April 4, 2012
Cella “Bare Knuckles” Malone, the heroine in Bear Meets Girl, is the only girl team member of the shifter only pro hockey team The Carnivores. She also is one valued member of KZS the Cat Shifter agency who protects their own what with her mad sniper skillz and all. Recruited to a fringe task force to catch the people hunting down shifters in the previous entry to this series, along with human cop Dez Macdermitt (The Mane Event) and frenemy Dee-Ann Smith (Big Bad Beast)- crazy and sneaky wolf shifter extraordinaire- PLUS raising her teenage daughter… her plate is full.
After a jello shot overindulgence at Dez’s house- and waking up in a strange man's arms- she meets the bear shifter who will make sense of it all, although she doesn’t know it till she’s already in deep with him, the very bear she insists is only her pretend boyfriend to appease her match making aunts.
Lou "Crush" Crushek’s world is turned upside down when, against his wishes he’s transferred to the same unit that Dez and Cella work for. (He does. Not. like. Change.) However, his move was very much needed, because it seems the person behind the recent goings ons in the shifter world, is none other than the psycho bitch who raised him.
Someone is hunting down shifters, stuffing and mounting them and it will take the combined efforts of wolf, dog, cat and bear to stop them. (Wait did I say that in another review in this series?? Probably cause we kinda been here before.)
Lacking much of the trademark brutal humor I’ve come to love in Shelly Laurenston’s books, this was definitely my least favorite of the Pride series thus far. If it were not for the other characters from the series making an appearance, I would have thrown in the towel.
Still, I really liked Crush- gotta love those logical bears. I just wish we could have gotten more depth from Cella. I never got a sense of her real emotions and that always bothers me. It also really bothered me that she (the author) relegated my Blaynie to a sobbing nutbag, manipulating Bo into doing exactly what she wanted. Sure she’s so that kind of wolf-dog shifter- but this time it just came off as annoying because there was NO REASON FOR IT. Bo and Crush were fantastic together- having Blayne making appearance in her exaggerated form, just to throw the reader a bone? I feel so used.
In the end, I cant get passed the feeling that this one was totally phoned in.
::shrug::
Here’s hopin SL takes a bit more time on the next entry.
After a jello shot overindulgence at Dez’s house- and waking up in a strange man's arms- she meets the bear shifter who will make sense of it all, although she doesn’t know it till she’s already in deep with him, the very bear she insists is only her pretend boyfriend to appease her match making aunts.
Lou "Crush" Crushek’s world is turned upside down when, against his wishes he’s transferred to the same unit that Dez and Cella work for. (He does. Not. like. Change.) However, his move was very much needed, because it seems the person behind the recent goings ons in the shifter world, is none other than the psycho bitch who raised him.
Someone is hunting down shifters, stuffing and mounting them and it will take the combined efforts of wolf, dog, cat and bear to stop them. (Wait did I say that in another review in this series?? Probably cause we kinda been here before.)
Lacking much of the trademark brutal humor I’ve come to love in Shelly Laurenston’s books, this was definitely my least favorite of the Pride series thus far. If it were not for the other characters from the series making an appearance, I would have thrown in the towel.
Still, I really liked Crush- gotta love those logical bears. I just wish we could have gotten more depth from Cella. I never got a sense of her real emotions and that always bothers me. It also really bothered me that she (the author) relegated my Blaynie to a sobbing nutbag, manipulating Bo into doing exactly what she wanted. Sure she’s so that kind of wolf-dog shifter- but this time it just came off as annoying because there was NO REASON FOR IT. Bo and Crush were fantastic together- having Blayne making appearance in her exaggerated form, just to throw the reader a bone? I feel so used.
In the end, I cant get passed the feeling that this one was totally phoned in.
::shrug::
Here’s hopin SL takes a bit more time on the next entry.
December 16, 2022
REREAD MARCH 2019
I don't have the words to say how much I adore this series. This book still remains my fave so far. For readers who started this journey with the Magnus Pack series can vouch for the world building, and addition of memorable characters. The stand out for this series has always been the humor of it all. I've read this book at least half a dozen times, and it still makes me bust a gut every time. I can hear the characters in my head, and they are fucking hilarious. Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone is an epitome of female empowerment. She was a marine sniper, and now she is a government assassin and professional hockey player. She is a ballbuster, and she says what she wants, when she wants. Crush is a police detective who looks like a biker/meth head/serial killer with a heart of gold. He is equal parts ruthless grump and marshmallow fluff. God, I love him!!😍😍 He is so by the book and uptight. They clash so hard, and she drives him batty. I'm off to reread another in this series. It's always a domino effect with this series.
I don't have the words to say how much I adore this series. This book still remains my fave so far. For readers who started this journey with the Magnus Pack series can vouch for the world building, and addition of memorable characters. The stand out for this series has always been the humor of it all. I've read this book at least half a dozen times, and it still makes me bust a gut every time. I can hear the characters in my head, and they are fucking hilarious. Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone is an epitome of female empowerment. She was a marine sniper, and now she is a government assassin and professional hockey player. She is a ballbuster, and she says what she wants, when she wants. Crush is a police detective who looks like a biker/meth head/serial killer with a heart of gold. He is equal parts ruthless grump and marshmallow fluff. God, I love him!!😍😍 He is so by the book and uptight. They clash so hard, and she drives him batty. I'm off to reread another in this series. It's always a domino effect with this series.
August 3, 2024
~ 5 Bear Meets Girl Stars ~
Bear Meets Girl is book seven in the Pride series by Shelly Laurenston. I love the cover for this one.
Lou "Crush" Crushek, is a polar bear who is a cop. He is one sexy bear. I just love bears and reading about them. Crush is pretty laded back and likes things to not change, but his world is about to be turned upside down by one crazy she tiger.
Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone is a tiger who works for KZS (organization that protects shifter cats), she is also a former Marine and a pro hockey player for a shifter team. She is one bad ass chick and I just loved her. She really put Crush through some fun times.
This one was so much fun. It’s quick, light hearted, and enjoyable. I love the characters, the secondary characters, and seeing the other couples come back into play. They enjoy life, family, and protecting those that they care about. The family feel always warms my heart each time I pick up a Pride book. I also can’t forget the one liners that Ms. Laurenston is so good at doing. Malone and Crush worked as a couple, balancing each other out. It was fun to see these two together.
If you love sweet, light heart romances, and humor then the Pride series is right up your alley. I love this series and will be re-reading it over and over.
Note: This series needs to be read in order; especially if it's your first time reading it. I have stated in other reviews that you can read them as standalone. Some you can, but his series is best in order. I love this series and have read it many times, though the first time I read it was in order. I am very particular in that I prefer to read a series in order to get the full effect of the world, characters, and shorelines.
Audio July 2018: I simply adored this one all over again. The audio was so much fun. The narrator did a great job on the voices. I'm so glad I deiced to try out the audiobooks. This is one of my favorite series to re-visit. It's light, quirky, and fun. Just easy to devour and get away from the world. Recommend reading and listening to the Pride series.
Bear Meets Girl is book seven in the Pride series by Shelly Laurenston. I love the cover for this one.
Lou "Crush" Crushek, is a polar bear who is a cop. He is one sexy bear. I just love bears and reading about them. Crush is pretty laded back and likes things to not change, but his world is about to be turned upside down by one crazy she tiger.
Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone is a tiger who works for KZS (organization that protects shifter cats), she is also a former Marine and a pro hockey player for a shifter team. She is one bad ass chick and I just loved her. She really put Crush through some fun times.
This one was so much fun. It’s quick, light hearted, and enjoyable. I love the characters, the secondary characters, and seeing the other couples come back into play. They enjoy life, family, and protecting those that they care about. The family feel always warms my heart each time I pick up a Pride book. I also can’t forget the one liners that Ms. Laurenston is so good at doing. Malone and Crush worked as a couple, balancing each other out. It was fun to see these two together.
If you love sweet, light heart romances, and humor then the Pride series is right up your alley. I love this series and will be re-reading it over and over.
Note: This series needs to be read in order; especially if it's your first time reading it. I have stated in other reviews that you can read them as standalone. Some you can, but his series is best in order. I love this series and have read it many times, though the first time I read it was in order. I am very particular in that I prefer to read a series in order to get the full effect of the world, characters, and shorelines.
Audio July 2018: I simply adored this one all over again. The audio was so much fun. The narrator did a great job on the voices. I'm so glad I deiced to try out the audiobooks. This is one of my favorite series to re-visit. It's light, quirky, and fun. Just easy to devour and get away from the world. Recommend reading and listening to the Pride series.
September 14, 2015
I love paranormal stories and this author writes an amazing dragon shifter series but for me her more contemporary shifter series is a bit hit and miss I'm afraid. Filled with larger than life characters who truly take no prisoners these laugh out loud stories are just something I have to be in the right frame of mind for if honest.
This book starts with the authors typical shock tactics as it's instantly apparent that Cella is going to be a nightmare to deal with. She's loud, she's brash and she has her eyes firmly set on showing Crush the serious polar shifter that life should be fun! Her outrageous behaviour is totally perplexing to the honest Cop but as he becomes more entwined in Cella's world the more he likes it!
Ok now if violent and outrageous behaviour offend you then these books might just shock a little. Ms Laurenstom delights in putting her characters in situations that seem to be almost impossible and then she tweaks and voila, another crazy story has the reader hooked. Her dialogue is humorous, her shifters absolutely bonkers at times and yet if you are looking for a fun story that's always guaranteed to make you smile then these books always deliver. Much as I liked the brave Cella for me the star of the book was Blayne and her adorable and totally OCD fiance Novikov but read it yourself because these books are always such a hoot!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
This book starts with the authors typical shock tactics as it's instantly apparent that Cella is going to be a nightmare to deal with. She's loud, she's brash and she has her eyes firmly set on showing Crush the serious polar shifter that life should be fun! Her outrageous behaviour is totally perplexing to the honest Cop but as he becomes more entwined in Cella's world the more he likes it!
Ok now if violent and outrageous behaviour offend you then these books might just shock a little. Ms Laurenstom delights in putting her characters in situations that seem to be almost impossible and then she tweaks and voila, another crazy story has the reader hooked. Her dialogue is humorous, her shifters absolutely bonkers at times and yet if you are looking for a fun story that's always guaranteed to make you smile then these books always deliver. Much as I liked the brave Cella for me the star of the book was Blayne and her adorable and totally OCD fiance Novikov but read it yourself because these books are always such a hoot!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
July 17, 2014
3.5 stars
A typical Shelly Laurenston with lots of humour, tough, unique shifters and sexy scenes. I loved coming back and seeing old characters, like Bo, Blayne, Dee-Ann and the like. The plot was pretty well developed, but, the ending was, at best abrupt. So my only complaints were:
1)I felt there wasn't enough H/h time and getting to know each other. Other plots and the mystery plus the hockey took too much pages, so they fell too fast for me to REALLY believe.
2)The cover. I don't like it, even though it's faithful to the character descriptions.
3)As I've said, the ending was too abrupt. The action is just done, and they're expressing love at a wedding...Curtain down! Dunno, it bugged me.
4) Maybe there were too many POVs, including the, IMO, the irrelevant one from the car thief and the cat. Setting up the next book?
All in all, great fun, lots of laughs and reminiscing, a good experience!
A typical Shelly Laurenston with lots of humour, tough, unique shifters and sexy scenes. I loved coming back and seeing old characters, like Bo, Blayne, Dee-Ann and the like. The plot was pretty well developed, but, the ending was, at best abrupt. So my only complaints were:
1)I felt there wasn't enough H/h time and getting to know each other. Other plots and the mystery plus the hockey took too much pages, so they fell too fast for me to REALLY believe.
2)The cover. I don't like it, even though it's faithful to the character descriptions.
3)As I've said, the ending was too abrupt. The action is just done, and they're expressing love at a wedding...Curtain down! Dunno, it bugged me.
4) Maybe there were too many POVs, including the, IMO, the irrelevant one from the car thief and the cat. Setting up the next book?
All in all, great fun, lots of laughs and reminiscing, a good experience!
March 26, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
Shelly Laurenston brings readers another fun-filled, outrageously funny and sexy book to add to the Pride series. BEAR MEETS GIRL is the seventh book in this series and it follows Marcella “Cella” Malone, a spirited feline shifter who is a pro hockey player for the Carnivores and is a protective agent the KZS. This means she will fight you bare-knuckled in and out of the ice ring. Hilarious antics ensue when Cella wakes up after a night of too many drinks in Lou “Crush” Crushek’s bed.
Crush, the uptight polar bear can’t remember the events of the night before and doesn’t know what to think when he wakes to find a feline wrapped around him. So he does what any polar bear would do. He kicks her out! And Cella makes it her life’s ambition to get Crush to loosen up a bit.
“Don’t you want my number?” she asked him. “Maybe the next time we could get drunk and then actually have sex. If you’re worried about the kid, I can put a little brandy in her milk bottle and she’ll be out like a light.”
Crush began to speak, but realized he would only say something completely inappropriate and mean, something he simply couldn’t bring himself to do. So instead he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
It’s after this first scene of the book that all the fun stuff starts. Cella teases poor Crush whenever he sees her, curling up on him in front of his co-workers, Detective McDermot and the others. But to really tick him off, she spreads this rumor of Crush being her new boy toy. Hearing this news, Crush is less than estastic, mostly because it’s a complete LIE. But that doesn’t stop Cella at all.
In fact, she asks Crush for a favor, one involving him to attend an Ice Party with her family and pretend to be her boyfriend so that her aunts will stop their merry matchmaking every time she shows up alone. Crush agrees and though the chemistry was undeniable before, it ignites soon after this party.
One thing readers are guaranteed to get with this book (and any book in the Pride series) is the larger than life character interactions and jokes. Laurenston doesn’t hold back when she writes this series, it’s an all-or-nothing kind of thing and I love the outrageous characters and dialogue that are interspersed in this book.
I noticed that in this book, the sexy scenes were a little late. Usually there is some hot sex strewn about in the Pride books, but when you finally get to the sex scenes, they are worth it! Laurenston knows how to spice things up quick!
BEAR MEETS GIRL had me giggling and laughing out loud, leaving a permanent smile on my face even after I flipped that last page. So if that doesn’t entice you enough to pick up this book and read it, I don’t know what else would. With Shelly Laurenston, you are guaranteed a good time!
Shelly Laurenston brings readers another fun-filled, outrageously funny and sexy book to add to the Pride series. BEAR MEETS GIRL is the seventh book in this series and it follows Marcella “Cella” Malone, a spirited feline shifter who is a pro hockey player for the Carnivores and is a protective agent the KZS. This means she will fight you bare-knuckled in and out of the ice ring. Hilarious antics ensue when Cella wakes up after a night of too many drinks in Lou “Crush” Crushek’s bed.
Crush, the uptight polar bear can’t remember the events of the night before and doesn’t know what to think when he wakes to find a feline wrapped around him. So he does what any polar bear would do. He kicks her out! And Cella makes it her life’s ambition to get Crush to loosen up a bit.
“Don’t you want my number?” she asked him. “Maybe the next time we could get drunk and then actually have sex. If you’re worried about the kid, I can put a little brandy in her milk bottle and she’ll be out like a light.”
Crush began to speak, but realized he would only say something completely inappropriate and mean, something he simply couldn’t bring himself to do. So instead he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
It’s after this first scene of the book that all the fun stuff starts. Cella teases poor Crush whenever he sees her, curling up on him in front of his co-workers, Detective McDermot and the others. But to really tick him off, she spreads this rumor of Crush being her new boy toy. Hearing this news, Crush is less than estastic, mostly because it’s a complete LIE. But that doesn’t stop Cella at all.
In fact, she asks Crush for a favor, one involving him to attend an Ice Party with her family and pretend to be her boyfriend so that her aunts will stop their merry matchmaking every time she shows up alone. Crush agrees and though the chemistry was undeniable before, it ignites soon after this party.
One thing readers are guaranteed to get with this book (and any book in the Pride series) is the larger than life character interactions and jokes. Laurenston doesn’t hold back when she writes this series, it’s an all-or-nothing kind of thing and I love the outrageous characters and dialogue that are interspersed in this book.
I noticed that in this book, the sexy scenes were a little late. Usually there is some hot sex strewn about in the Pride books, but when you finally get to the sex scenes, they are worth it! Laurenston knows how to spice things up quick!
BEAR MEETS GIRL had me giggling and laughing out loud, leaving a permanent smile on my face even after I flipped that last page. So if that doesn’t entice you enough to pick up this book and read it, I don’t know what else would. With Shelly Laurenston, you are guaranteed a good time!
March 10, 2022
An easy re-read, not my favourite in the series nor is it one I pick up a ton but Laurenston ensures that when I do it has me smirking a few times although the pacing could be a bit more up-tempo.
March 16, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
The one thing you’re guaranteed to get with any Shelly Laurenston book is a ton of humor centered around many different character interactions. I look forward to revisiting all the series characters with any new book as well as getting to know how our new leads will fit into this crazy world. BEAR MEETS GIRL gives us Cella Malone, a psycho, aggressive, playful at times, feline whose great loves in life are her daughter, her position as enforcer on the hockey team and her job. In that order. And her man is a polar bear shifter, Lou Crushek (Crush), who is just the sweetest bear you’d ever want to know. He hates change and the book opens with Crush hung over after drowning his sorrows in a tray of jello shots, as he frets about his new job transfer that will now partner him up with Dez and her police force. He’s a guy who likes his nice, quiet, simple life. He comes home to a quiet house, with his foster dog and just is. Until Cella sets her claws on him and turns this bear’s life upside down.
The suspense storyline takes a backseat to all the character interactions, but I love it that way. Although, this particular suspense plot involves Crush’s foster mom, and her need to stop Crush from finding out a truth that could and will ruin her. In order to get him off her back, she orders a distraction that impacts Cella and her future. In that sense, the suspense portion plays a big role in the direction Cella’s life is going to take at book’s end.
What I always look forward to most about this series are the characters and their insane personalities. Every single person is different, and I love the mix that Laurenston always gives us. Not only are personalities vastly different but the entire world is filled with many different shifters, and full humans all with jobs and hobbies that intersect in the best ways. This book centers a lot around the hockey team, as Cella is an enforcer for Bo Novikov (who I adore). There’s plenty of Novikov and his anal list making, Blayne popping up all over, and Dee-Ann, who is sort of considered Cella’s friend – although you’d never know it with how many times these woman go at each other.
“At least we have our own cheerleaders,” Crush offered.
“Yeah, Blayne and the Wild Dog-ettes.”
“I must say, your woman has a lot of energy.”
“She’s had eight Shirley Temples. At this point, she’s just out of control.” Novikov sighed.
As much as I enjoyed Cella and her smart-ass, take no crap ways, I had a big soft spot for Crush. He’s just so adorable, but can and would rip the arms off someone if they needed their arms ripped off. He ‘fan-girl crushes’ on all the hockey players, and has moments of losing speech when he meets Cella’s dad who is Crush’s hockey idol. Crush has so many scenes that were just endearing to me and made all the sweeter considering the amount of insanity he’s surrounded by, namely Cella.
[Crush to Cella]: “How do you get rational, well-respected people involved in your insanity? I mean is it something you taught yourself to do or is it part of your sociopathic nature?”
“First off, I’m not a sociopath. I looked closely at that checklist and I’m in the clear.”
“Checklist? You mean the Robert D. Hare Psychopathy Checklist?”
“I don’t know. It was online.”
“But being a sociopath was such a concern for you that you felt the need to check it out online?”
“Once, but I’m in the clear…”
If I had one little issue with the story, it was the romance itself between Cella and Crush. They’re fun together and have nice chemistry, and a couple crazy hot scenes that showed nice guy Crush doing a little naughty role playing, but I just wanted more between them. Much of the story brings the two together as “pretend” dating; Cella needs the big bear to be her pretend boyfriend to get her Aunts off her case and to stop them from setting her up with her cousin. Pretending turns into reality, and I enjoyed their scenes together, but felt like a little more was needed as far as their relationship went.
Cella’s daughter was a breath of normal fresh air. She’s a smart, sane, practical, sane, responsible...did I say sane (?) 18 year old shifter, who loves her mom and likes the influence of Crush in her life. I hope we get a book for her in future. There are a few new characters introduced that will make for great stories later on. Cella’s best friend and doctor, Jai, Jai’s daughter and Hannah, who we’ve met before, gets a bit more page time and I love the story that’s slowly coming out about her.
Fans of the Pride series will enjoy this latest installment. If you love the humor and storytelling from past books, you’ll get more of the same here and personally, I love it. The humor in all of Shelly’s books has me laughing out loud and the fast pace storytelling that switches quickly from different points of view has me feeling like I’m flying through the book. This is another fun edition to the series, and as usual, I’m left with a big smile on my face and anxious to see who’s up next.
The one thing you’re guaranteed to get with any Shelly Laurenston book is a ton of humor centered around many different character interactions. I look forward to revisiting all the series characters with any new book as well as getting to know how our new leads will fit into this crazy world. BEAR MEETS GIRL gives us Cella Malone, a psycho, aggressive, playful at times, feline whose great loves in life are her daughter, her position as enforcer on the hockey team and her job. In that order. And her man is a polar bear shifter, Lou Crushek (Crush), who is just the sweetest bear you’d ever want to know. He hates change and the book opens with Crush hung over after drowning his sorrows in a tray of jello shots, as he frets about his new job transfer that will now partner him up with Dez and her police force. He’s a guy who likes his nice, quiet, simple life. He comes home to a quiet house, with his foster dog and just is. Until Cella sets her claws on him and turns this bear’s life upside down.
The suspense storyline takes a backseat to all the character interactions, but I love it that way. Although, this particular suspense plot involves Crush’s foster mom, and her need to stop Crush from finding out a truth that could and will ruin her. In order to get him off her back, she orders a distraction that impacts Cella and her future. In that sense, the suspense portion plays a big role in the direction Cella’s life is going to take at book’s end.
What I always look forward to most about this series are the characters and their insane personalities. Every single person is different, and I love the mix that Laurenston always gives us. Not only are personalities vastly different but the entire world is filled with many different shifters, and full humans all with jobs and hobbies that intersect in the best ways. This book centers a lot around the hockey team, as Cella is an enforcer for Bo Novikov (who I adore). There’s plenty of Novikov and his anal list making, Blayne popping up all over, and Dee-Ann, who is sort of considered Cella’s friend – although you’d never know it with how many times these woman go at each other.
“At least we have our own cheerleaders,” Crush offered.
“Yeah, Blayne and the Wild Dog-ettes.”
“I must say, your woman has a lot of energy.”
“She’s had eight Shirley Temples. At this point, she’s just out of control.” Novikov sighed.
As much as I enjoyed Cella and her smart-ass, take no crap ways, I had a big soft spot for Crush. He’s just so adorable, but can and would rip the arms off someone if they needed their arms ripped off. He ‘fan-girl crushes’ on all the hockey players, and has moments of losing speech when he meets Cella’s dad who is Crush’s hockey idol. Crush has so many scenes that were just endearing to me and made all the sweeter considering the amount of insanity he’s surrounded by, namely Cella.
[Crush to Cella]: “How do you get rational, well-respected people involved in your insanity? I mean is it something you taught yourself to do or is it part of your sociopathic nature?”
“First off, I’m not a sociopath. I looked closely at that checklist and I’m in the clear.”
“Checklist? You mean the Robert D. Hare Psychopathy Checklist?”
“I don’t know. It was online.”
“But being a sociopath was such a concern for you that you felt the need to check it out online?”
“Once, but I’m in the clear…”
If I had one little issue with the story, it was the romance itself between Cella and Crush. They’re fun together and have nice chemistry, and a couple crazy hot scenes that showed nice guy Crush doing a little naughty role playing, but I just wanted more between them. Much of the story brings the two together as “pretend” dating; Cella needs the big bear to be her pretend boyfriend to get her Aunts off her case and to stop them from setting her up with her cousin. Pretending turns into reality, and I enjoyed their scenes together, but felt like a little more was needed as far as their relationship went.
Cella’s daughter was a breath of normal fresh air. She’s a smart, sane, practical, sane, responsible...did I say sane (?) 18 year old shifter, who loves her mom and likes the influence of Crush in her life. I hope we get a book for her in future. There are a few new characters introduced that will make for great stories later on. Cella’s best friend and doctor, Jai, Jai’s daughter and Hannah, who we’ve met before, gets a bit more page time and I love the story that’s slowly coming out about her.
Fans of the Pride series will enjoy this latest installment. If you love the humor and storytelling from past books, you’ll get more of the same here and personally, I love it. The humor in all of Shelly’s books has me laughing out loud and the fast pace storytelling that switches quickly from different points of view has me feeling like I’m flying through the book. This is another fun edition to the series, and as usual, I’m left with a big smile on my face and anxious to see who’s up next.
March 29, 2012
Lou Crushek is an easy going man, even if he looks like a drug dealer or could kill you on the spot in the blink of an eye. The one thing he values the most is his job as an undercover cop, but that is a thing of the past as he is transferred to another department and has him sparring with the one woman he hoped never to see again, Marcella Malone. Waking up next to her naked body was freakishly out of character for Crush, but he was willing to go with the flow until she opened her mouth and started talking. He didn't know if he should be aroused or appalled. To make matters worse, Cella has decided Crush is her pretend boyfriend and he has just found out that Cella is the "Bare Knuckles" Malone on his favorite hockey team the Carnivores. Every time Crush thinks about walking away, Cella manages to get more under his skin, for a laid back bear who doesn't like changes he is willing to accept them if Cella is involved.
I have been looking forward to this one for awhile and it did not disappoint. This was a bit more unique as Cella is the agressor in the story and poor Crush is her victim. There are two things going for this story that really stood out to me. 1. It is extremely funny. 2. Bo, Bo, Bo and more Bo!!!
I have been looking forward to this one for awhile and it did not disappoint. This was a bit more unique as Cella is the agressor in the story and poor Crush is her victim. There are two things going for this story that really stood out to me. 1. It is extremely funny. 2. Bo, Bo, Bo and more Bo!!!
June 27, 2023
4.5 NAKED CUDDLE-BEAR STARS
This book was hysterical. Lou "Crush" Crushek reminded me a lot of Novikov, but with more personality and more tolerant of other people. But not by much. Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone aka Cella is like Dee-Ann, but as a cat she loves to toy with people and annoy them and boy can torture Crush. He's so uptight that she's able to needle him every time she's around him.
I loved the dynamics of the Malone Pride and the growing friends and family to this really fun series. I laughed a lot. I can't get enough. I'm getting to the last book so far. Shelly has to write faster.
This book was hysterical. Lou "Crush" Crushek reminded me a lot of Novikov, but with more personality and more tolerant of other people. But not by much. Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone aka Cella is like Dee-Ann, but as a cat she loves to toy with people and annoy them and boy can torture Crush. He's so uptight that she's able to needle him every time she's around him.
I loved the dynamics of the Malone Pride and the growing friends and family to this really fun series. I laughed a lot. I can't get enough. I'm getting to the last book so far. Shelly has to write faster.
June 30, 2016
I laughed and grinned the entire way through this book. It's funny from the start to the end. I love the way the tigress kept the polar on the edge. Great book! Definitely want to read the others in the series.
March 4, 2014
March 2-3, 2014: See last year's review. Fanboy Crush is awesomesauce.
March 25, 2013 I LOVE this book. I will never get tired of Crush geeking out. Never ever.
March 19, 2012
Okay, so my best friend (a former Borders merchandising/inventory supervisor) is now a receiver at Barnes & Noble. And you know what Barnes & Noble does different from Borders? Fewer strict on sale dates. And that is why I got this book in my hot little paws eight days before I thought it was coming out.
I'm still riding on the book high (will probably re-read it before bed), but I really, really enjoyed Bear Meets Girl. Even though I am a staunch Laurenston fangirl, I admit to being less than thrilled with Big Bad Beast. Dee-Ann isn't exactly my favorite heroine. But, God, I was kinda sad when this book ended. I'm a Long Island girl so it was a hoot to read about familiar places. Hell, I drive past Hofstra everyday on my way to work. The idea that there are shifters running amok on the Island is simultaneously cool and unnerving.
This is Laurenston's tenth shifter book and when you get to Book 10, there's that danger of getting stale. With Big Bad, I was a little afraid we were reaching that point, but I feel like Laurenston just put her foot on the accelerator and revved up her pen. It felt fresh to me. I mean, this is not a book for someone who's not familiar with the world Laurenston has created (I stand by my position that you need to start with Pack Challenge), but Bear Meets Girl is like downloading a new expansion pack.
The world feels bigger now. There's the entire Malone clan and the Callahan family and a closer look into KGV. Things change for the Carnivores, a Big Bad lurks on the horizon, and the second generation gets a bigger push towards the spotlight. Novikov makes a friend! I have to say, I think that's what tickled me the most, that Crush is such a full-on hockey geek. All of the previous heroes have been these big burly alpha types and here's Crush, this big guy, who just turns into a little girl around his sport idols. It was adorable.
As I said on Twitter, if I am ever forced to choose between Laurenston and Nalini Singh, my soul will die. Yup, I'm going to have to read Bear Meets Girl again tonight. And maybe sleep with it under my pillow. So good.
Edited to say, don't worry, Dee-Ann doesn't actually eat the cat.
March 25, 2013 I LOVE this book. I will never get tired of Crush geeking out. Never ever.
March 19, 2012
Okay, so my best friend (a former Borders merchandising/inventory supervisor) is now a receiver at Barnes & Noble. And you know what Barnes & Noble does different from Borders? Fewer strict on sale dates. And that is why I got this book in my hot little paws eight days before I thought it was coming out.
I'm still riding on the book high (will probably re-read it before bed), but I really, really enjoyed Bear Meets Girl. Even though I am a staunch Laurenston fangirl, I admit to being less than thrilled with Big Bad Beast. Dee-Ann isn't exactly my favorite heroine. But, God, I was kinda sad when this book ended. I'm a Long Island girl so it was a hoot to read about familiar places. Hell, I drive past Hofstra everyday on my way to work. The idea that there are shifters running amok on the Island is simultaneously cool and unnerving.
This is Laurenston's tenth shifter book and when you get to Book 10, there's that danger of getting stale. With Big Bad, I was a little afraid we were reaching that point, but I feel like Laurenston just put her foot on the accelerator and revved up her pen. It felt fresh to me. I mean, this is not a book for someone who's not familiar with the world Laurenston has created (I stand by my position that you need to start with Pack Challenge), but Bear Meets Girl is like downloading a new expansion pack.
The world feels bigger now. There's the entire Malone clan and the Callahan family and a closer look into KGV. Things change for the Carnivores, a Big Bad lurks on the horizon, and the second generation gets a bigger push towards the spotlight. Novikov makes a friend! I have to say, I think that's what tickled me the most, that Crush is such a full-on hockey geek. All of the previous heroes have been these big burly alpha types and here's Crush, this big guy, who just turns into a little girl around his sport idols. It was adorable.
As I said on Twitter, if I am ever forced to choose between Laurenston and Nalini Singh, my soul will die. Yup, I'm going to have to read Bear Meets Girl again tonight. And maybe sleep with it under my pillow. So good.
Edited to say, don't worry, Dee-Ann doesn't actually eat the cat.
June 5, 2023
4.5 out of 5. Loved Cella and Crush and even the sort of slow burn of their romance. Didn’t love the outdated/racist terminology for the Romany. It is addressed but still. On to the next!
March 26, 2012
Shelly Laurenston is one of my absolute favorite paranormal romance authors - her snarky humor and fun take on predatory shifters who are sometimes whiny, often cranky and over-entitled is always entertaining to read. However, 'Bear Meets Girl' wasn't quite as funny IMO as previous books in the 'Pride' series.
While I really did enjoy this book, I felt it just didn't have enough of that spark of snide wit that make Laurenston's books so special. Also, even though I've read (and re-read!) the previous books, some of this story left me confused - especially with regards to Baissier and BPC; it didn't seem to tie in neatly with the "hybrid fight club" issue built up in past stories. Nevertheless, there were still some laugh out loud moments and all in all this was a solidly entertaining book.
Cella "Bare-Knuckles" Malone, Dee-Ann's best "frenemy", was tough, kick-a$$ and fun to read about, but also maybe a teensy bit too trifling and (somewhat) lacking the charm (backwoods or otherwise) that so personifies many of the characters from the 'Pride' series. Given the Irish gypsy/traveling background of the large Malone family some more page time devoted to their crazy antics may have helped Cella in the charisma department. Crush was gruff, grouchy and crankily cute (I really do love the bear shifters!) and totally sweet especially when befuddled and tongue-tied at meeting his all-time favorite hockey heroes. Cella and Crush were a great combination - and I absolutely loved the incredibly HOT handcuff scene - yowza!!!
It was great to read about some of my past favorite characters, most notably Dee-Ann, Ric, Bo and Blayne (especially Blayne!) and I really hope Laurenston continues to build on Hannah's and Abby's characters. Even though we didn't get much Stein, I felt a potential vibe between Hannah and Stein in 'Big Bad Beast' and I'm hoping there's a story somewhere (and don't forget Johnny and Kristen!) for them in the near future....
While I really did enjoy this book, I felt it just didn't have enough of that spark of snide wit that make Laurenston's books so special. Also, even though I've read (and re-read!) the previous books, some of this story left me confused - especially with regards to Baissier and BPC; it didn't seem to tie in neatly with the "hybrid fight club" issue built up in past stories. Nevertheless, there were still some laugh out loud moments and all in all this was a solidly entertaining book.
Cella "Bare-Knuckles" Malone, Dee-Ann's best "frenemy", was tough, kick-a$$ and fun to read about, but also maybe a teensy bit too trifling and (somewhat) lacking the charm (backwoods or otherwise) that so personifies many of the characters from the 'Pride' series. Given the Irish gypsy/traveling background of the large Malone family some more page time devoted to their crazy antics may have helped Cella in the charisma department. Crush was gruff, grouchy and crankily cute (I really do love the bear shifters!) and totally sweet especially when befuddled and tongue-tied at meeting his all-time favorite hockey heroes. Cella and Crush were a great combination - and I absolutely loved the incredibly HOT handcuff scene - yowza!!!
It was great to read about some of my past favorite characters, most notably Dee-Ann, Ric, Bo and Blayne (especially Blayne!) and I really hope Laurenston continues to build on Hannah's and Abby's characters. Even though we didn't get much Stein, I felt a potential vibe between Hannah and Stein in 'Big Bad Beast' and I'm hoping there's a story somewhere (and don't forget Johnny and Kristen!) for them in the near future....
December 20, 2021
I ADORE Crush. I don't know if it's the whole thing where he's often mistaken for a crazed meth dealer, a badass biker, or what, but I got such a kick out of how such an easygoing, upstanding guy could tangle with the worst if needed and come out on top.
Plus, he went all fanboy on his favorite hockey players and I just couldn't resist him after that.
On the other end of the spectrum is Cella. She likes to talk with her fists more often than not and she sends poor Crush into a tailspin whenever she's around. Which is adorable. C'mon, guys, lets all indulge in a collective Awwwww.
So, yeah. They seem like an unlikely pair until you see the sparks that sizzle whenever those two are around. And the whole pretend boyfriend thing? HA! Poor Crush. Cella's brutal with those she likes.
LOOOOVED Crush making friends with Novikov and how he had to put up with the other bear's OCD tendencies. ADORABLE. Also, the way Novikov manages Blayne. OH! And Cella's dad making Crush all tongue tied because he's such a hockey great.
We got to see more of the Dee-Ann/Cella dynamic (HEH! THE RANDOM PUNCHES! LOLOLOL!) and see how some of the hybrids Blayne and Dee-Ann rescued are getting along. Hannah. HANNAH.
I feel like I'm devolving into extreme caps locking, so I'm just going to say... STILL LOVING THIS SERIES HARD!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Plus, he went all fanboy on his favorite hockey players and I just couldn't resist him after that.
On the other end of the spectrum is Cella. She likes to talk with her fists more often than not and she sends poor Crush into a tailspin whenever she's around. Which is adorable. C'mon, guys, lets all indulge in a collective Awwwww.
So, yeah. They seem like an unlikely pair until you see the sparks that sizzle whenever those two are around. And the whole pretend boyfriend thing? HA! Poor Crush. Cella's brutal with those she likes.
LOOOOVED Crush making friends with Novikov and how he had to put up with the other bear's OCD tendencies. ADORABLE. Also, the way Novikov manages Blayne. OH! And Cella's dad making Crush all tongue tied because he's such a hockey great.
We got to see more of the Dee-Ann/Cella dynamic (HEH! THE RANDOM PUNCHES! LOLOLOL!) and see how some of the hybrids Blayne and Dee-Ann rescued are getting along. Hannah. HANNAH.
I feel like I'm devolving into extreme caps locking, so I'm just going to say... STILL LOVING THIS SERIES HARD!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 14, 2012
Grade: B- (between 3.5 and 4 stars)...The first half was missing sexual tension, Laurenston's brand of humor, and the characters weren't as interesting as previous h/H's. The second half was much better...funny, hot hand-cuff cop role-playing scene (HOT!!!), interesting new characters (Will the car thief get a book?), and a very nice ending.
April 11, 2012
Every time I pick up a Shelly Laurenston, I know I’m going to laugh. I am so in love with her world of arrogant, over the top shifters. They delight in violent behavior and irritating others. They have no shame and are completely at home in their lust. Really, what’s not to love? Especially when you throw in a large dose of immature humor. ;)
Going into this book, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it quite as much as I have some of the other ones in the series since Cella is friends with Dee-Ann, the heroine of Big Bad Beast, who I did not like very much. I didn’t get to see that much of Cella in BBB, but I was afraid that she would be similar to Dee-Ann since they were friends. Luckily that wasn’t the case. In fact, Dee-Ann and Cella are the kind of friends where it’s hard to tell if they actually like each other or not. They grate on each other and get into honest to God fist fights. At one point Cella tells Crush
I’ve seen Crush infrequently during the series but I never knew much about him beyond the fact that he’s a polar bear. It was so fun getting to know him! He was so orderly and resistant to change, and his obsession with hockey was downright adorable—especially because the players he worshipped did not include Cella, much to her irritation. Poor Crush finds himself moved to the special shifter division of the police and partnered with Dez, from The Mane Event, much to his despair—like I said, the poor guy doesn’t like change. His chemistry with Dez is great and it was fun getting to see them snipe at each other. Plus, it gave us a nice chance to discover some previously unknown information. Who knew that polar bears would become so angry over being offered a honey bun? :P
After waking up naked with Crush in the beginning of the book (a hilarious scene), Cella becomes determined to loosen him up. Just like any cat with a secret attachment, she delights in annoying Crush and burdening him with her presence. She torments him in front of his coworkers and likes to tell everyone that they’re dating, even when they’re not.
But that’s just Cella for you. She just slowly works her way under your skin until one day you realize you’re in love with her. Of course, sometimes it takes a while to get to that point. Until then you’re just stuck being put into awkward situations and being conned into pretending to be her boyfriend.
I absolutely loved how completely unimpressed Crush was by Cella’s antics. He was flustered and befuddled at times, but for the most part he regarded her as something he was determined to escape.
It was fun watching him be so relentlessly cornered. His irritation with her also gave us a nice opportunity to watch their friendship slowly develop before they did anything about their attraction. Speaking of friendships, we also got to see Novikov (from Beast Behaving Badly) get a friend. Shocker, I know. :D Novikov and Crush’s unlikely friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book. It was just so unexpected and adorably awkward. I mean, Novikov is not the easiest guy to get along with, yet both Crush and Cella do. That right there tells me that they were made for each other.
The only thing that kept this from being an A book was the suspense portions of the book. I didn't really care about those parts and was more interested in getting back to the humor and drama of the other characters. But that's just me. I'd rather just read about the antics of the shifters without all the rest of it getting in the way. Maybe that's why I loved The Beast in Him so much. Regardless, I had a blast reading the book and can't wait for the next one.
Favorite Quote:
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
*For a sneak peek, check out my Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen*
Going into this book, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it quite as much as I have some of the other ones in the series since Cella is friends with Dee-Ann, the heroine of Big Bad Beast, who I did not like very much. I didn’t get to see that much of Cella in BBB, but I was afraid that she would be similar to Dee-Ann since they were friends. Luckily that wasn’t the case. In fact, Dee-Ann and Cella are the kind of friends where it’s hard to tell if they actually like each other or not. They grate on each other and get into honest to God fist fights. At one point Cella tells Crush
”Don’t try to understand our friendship,” she said to Crush without looking up from her paper. “Just accept it.”and I think that’s good advice. Actually, that’s good advice for a lot of the friendships in this series. :)
I’ve seen Crush infrequently during the series but I never knew much about him beyond the fact that he’s a polar bear. It was so fun getting to know him! He was so orderly and resistant to change, and his obsession with hockey was downright adorable—especially because the players he worshipped did not include Cella, much to her irritation. Poor Crush finds himself moved to the special shifter division of the police and partnered with Dez, from The Mane Event, much to his despair—like I said, the poor guy doesn’t like change. His chemistry with Dez is great and it was fun getting to see them snipe at each other. Plus, it gave us a nice chance to discover some previously unknown information. Who knew that polar bears would become so angry over being offered a honey bun? :P
After waking up naked with Crush in the beginning of the book (a hilarious scene), Cella becomes determined to loosen him up. Just like any cat with a secret attachment, she delights in annoying Crush and burdening him with her presence. She torments him in front of his coworkers and likes to tell everyone that they’re dating, even when they’re not.
”Why don’t you just say you don’t know how to deal with a nice guy?”
“I know I don’t know how to deal with a nice guy. That’s why I’ve been torturing the man every time I’ve seen him. But I don’t feel like torturing him at the moment. I feel like shooting him in the head.”
“Do you ever have small emotions, Cella? Little ones? That don’t involve either sex or death?”
“I’m a tiger. I’m either fucking or killing something. I can’t be all sitting up in a tree, lounging around like you people.”
But that’s just Cella for you. She just slowly works her way under your skin until one day you realize you’re in love with her. Of course, sometimes it takes a while to get to that point. Until then you’re just stuck being put into awkward situations and being conned into pretending to be her boyfriend.
I absolutely loved how completely unimpressed Crush was by Cella’s antics. He was flustered and befuddled at times, but for the most part he regarded her as something he was determined to escape.
"I'm trying to figure out if you're just a dick or if you're really an uptight, overthinking good guy?"
"How about I make the decision for you."
Crush stepped around her and walked out, determined to get away from this insane feline. And, as the door closed behind him, Crush heard her bark, "Well I guess it's just you being a dick then, huh?"
It was fun watching him be so relentlessly cornered. His irritation with her also gave us a nice opportunity to watch their friendship slowly develop before they did anything about their attraction. Speaking of friendships, we also got to see Novikov (from Beast Behaving Badly) get a friend. Shocker, I know. :D Novikov and Crush’s unlikely friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book. It was just so unexpected and adorably awkward. I mean, Novikov is not the easiest guy to get along with, yet both Crush and Cella do. That right there tells me that they were made for each other.
The only thing that kept this from being an A book was the suspense portions of the book. I didn't really care about those parts and was more interested in getting back to the humor and drama of the other characters. But that's just me. I'd rather just read about the antics of the shifters without all the rest of it getting in the way. Maybe that's why I loved The Beast in Him so much. Regardless, I had a blast reading the book and can't wait for the next one.
Favorite Quote:
"KZS is made up of cats. In general, we're a lazy species. So we don't do what you'd call actual"--she made air quotes with her fingers--"'investigations'."
"Then what do you do?"
"Someone says, 'I'm thinking they're a problem'...and then they send one of us in to eliminate the problem."
Scowling, the bear demanded, "You do that for every situation? Even nonlethal ones?"
"Oh, God, no! Of course not. If you just irritate us, then we just come to your house and pee all over everything." She shrugged. "Sometimes shit in your shoes." When the bear only stared at her with his mouth open, Cella quickly added, "Not me, though. I've never done that. Not ever. Because it's...it's..." She thought a moment. "It's 'morally' wrong." She smiled, proud of herself for remembering the phrase.
"Did you just air quote morally?"
Not sure how to answer that, she said, "Just for clarity?" Probably would have sounded more believable without making it a question, but God, the bear had so many damn rules! How was she supposed to keep track of so many damn rules?
"I don't think I want to hear any more," he said.
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
*For a sneak peek, check out my Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen*
December 27, 2022
Finally, Crush had to ask, "Who are you?"
"If I wasn't still hungover, I'd give you my most sultry smile and tell you 'your dream come to life'. But, eh. I'm just too tired to bother and, honestly, does one have to really put in that much effort for a bear?"
"Are you always this insulting?"
"Insulting? This is me being nice."
2019 3rd re-read Cella and Crush…an odd, but very enjoyable pair. Usually I like these couples equally, but I have to say I liked Cella more. Not that there's anything wrong with Crush, he's not boring or annoying or anything…just maybe a little flat compared to some of the other males. But it doesn't really matter because this is still a good addition and I like their story.
"Define normal?"
"Not you!" He dropped his hands, his black eyes scowling. "Your world of brawling with old people is not normal. Verifying from the psychopath checklist that you're not a psychopath is not normal. Coming to my house on a random Sunday to bribe me to be your boyfriend is not normal!"
"You wouldn't be my boyfriend, just my pretend boyfriend."
The other thing that's different about this book, compared to the others, is there's not a whole lot of scenes of Cella and Crush together as a couple. I'm not even just talking about sexy times, although I am, but also just them alone. Almost all of their relationship develops around the other situations going on in the book. Like their romance is really taking a backseat to the investigation, hockey, and everything else. It's not a bad thing, just different.
"And hello to you, too," Jai said. "Is something wrong?"
"That man is hung like a donkey."
"Oooookay."
"I will need all night to work that shit. And I will work it."
Jai sat back in her chair and her eyes briefly closed. Oh, and there was a sigh.
"Explain to me why you can't just say 'he's really cute, I think I like him, I can't wait to get to know him better'? Why can't you say that?"
"Because I'm freaking out."
"Freaking out about what?"
"I like my pretend boyfriend. Which is just weird."
"Honey, calling a man your pretend anything is weird."
Cella chuckled. "I like calling him that. It annoys him." Cella threw her hands up. "You see? I enjoy annoying him."
"Sweetie," Jai leaned over, took Cella's hand. "You enjoy annoying everyone."
Cella thought on that a moment and finally admitted, "You might have a point."
And there are two things about this one that bug me. First off, KZS. In this book, KZS stands for Katzenhaus Securities. In the last one, it was Katzenhaft Security. It's not a huge deal, and honestly if I hadn't just read Big Bad Beast again I wouldn't have noticed. . The other is that cover. It's awful! I'm not a fan of any of the covers for this series, but this one's pretty bad. Though I will at least say it's accurate. Cat with black hair with white streaks and bear with short white hair. But there's a scene in the book, where Crush needs to get a haircut, and Blayne tells him if he cuts off too much he'll look like a mass murderer. Well she was absolutely right because the guy on the cover looks like a fucking mass murderer…or a serial killer…there's a difference, ya know, but he could be either.
"KZS is made up of cats. In general, we're a lazy species. So we don't do what you'd call actual"-she made air quotes with her fingers-"'investigations'."
"Then what do you do?"
"Someone says, 'I'm thinking they're a problem'…and then they send one of us in to eliminate the problem."
Scowling, the bear demanded, "You do that for every situation? Even nonlethal ones?"
"Oh, God, no. Of course not. If you just irritate us, then we just come to your house and pee all over everything." When the bear only stared at her with his mouth open, Cella quickly added, "Not me, though. I've never done that. Not ever. Because it's…it's…" She thought a moment. "It's 'morally' wrong." She smiled, proud of herself for remembering the phrase.
"Did you just air quote morally?"
Not sure how to answer that, she said, "Just for clarity?" Probably would have sounded more believable without making it a question, but God, the bear had so many damn rules! How was she supposed to keep track of so many damn rules?
~
They sat silently for several long moments until Crush said, "Cella?"
"Uh-huh?"
"I guess I should tell you…I'm in love with you."
"Pretend in love with me?"
"No, smart-ass. Really, seriously, madly in love with you. Borderline desperate but with enough personal fortitude to keep it under control."
"Oh. Okay." They fell silent again, Crush glad he'd gotten that off his chest
…
"All right fine!" She snapped. "I'm in love with you. There. I said it. Now get over yourself."
"You know, I think those are the words written on the Taj Mahal: 'I said it. Now get over yourself.' Some of the greatest love stories have started with those words."
"If I wasn't still hungover, I'd give you my most sultry smile and tell you 'your dream come to life'. But, eh. I'm just too tired to bother and, honestly, does one have to really put in that much effort for a bear?"
"Are you always this insulting?"
"Insulting? This is me being nice."
2019 3rd re-read Cella and Crush…an odd, but very enjoyable pair. Usually I like these couples equally, but I have to say I liked Cella more. Not that there's anything wrong with Crush, he's not boring or annoying or anything…just maybe a little flat compared to some of the other males. But it doesn't really matter because this is still a good addition and I like their story.
"Define normal?"
"Not you!" He dropped his hands, his black eyes scowling. "Your world of brawling with old people is not normal. Verifying from the psychopath checklist that you're not a psychopath is not normal. Coming to my house on a random Sunday to bribe me to be your boyfriend is not normal!"
"You wouldn't be my boyfriend, just my pretend boyfriend."
The other thing that's different about this book, compared to the others, is there's not a whole lot of scenes of Cella and Crush together as a couple. I'm not even just talking about sexy times, although I am, but also just them alone. Almost all of their relationship develops around the other situations going on in the book. Like their romance is really taking a backseat to the investigation, hockey, and everything else. It's not a bad thing, just different.
"And hello to you, too," Jai said. "Is something wrong?"
"That man is hung like a donkey."
"Oooookay."
"I will need all night to work that shit. And I will work it."
Jai sat back in her chair and her eyes briefly closed. Oh, and there was a sigh.
"Explain to me why you can't just say 'he's really cute, I think I like him, I can't wait to get to know him better'? Why can't you say that?"
"Because I'm freaking out."
"Freaking out about what?"
"I like my pretend boyfriend. Which is just weird."
"Honey, calling a man your pretend anything is weird."
Cella chuckled. "I like calling him that. It annoys him." Cella threw her hands up. "You see? I enjoy annoying him."
"Sweetie," Jai leaned over, took Cella's hand. "You enjoy annoying everyone."
Cella thought on that a moment and finally admitted, "You might have a point."
And there are two things about this one that bug me. First off, KZS. In this book, KZS stands for Katzenhaus Securities. In the last one, it was Katzenhaft Security. It's not a huge deal, and honestly if I hadn't just read Big Bad Beast again I wouldn't have noticed. . The other is that cover. It's awful! I'm not a fan of any of the covers for this series, but this one's pretty bad. Though I will at least say it's accurate. Cat with black hair with white streaks and bear with short white hair. But there's a scene in the book, where Crush needs to get a haircut, and Blayne tells him if he cuts off too much he'll look like a mass murderer. Well she was absolutely right because the guy on the cover looks like a fucking mass murderer…or a serial killer…there's a difference, ya know, but he could be either.
"KZS is made up of cats. In general, we're a lazy species. So we don't do what you'd call actual"-she made air quotes with her fingers-"'investigations'."
"Then what do you do?"
"Someone says, 'I'm thinking they're a problem'…and then they send one of us in to eliminate the problem."
Scowling, the bear demanded, "You do that for every situation? Even nonlethal ones?"
"Oh, God, no. Of course not. If you just irritate us, then we just come to your house and pee all over everything." When the bear only stared at her with his mouth open, Cella quickly added, "Not me, though. I've never done that. Not ever. Because it's…it's…" She thought a moment. "It's 'morally' wrong." She smiled, proud of herself for remembering the phrase.
"Did you just air quote morally?"
Not sure how to answer that, she said, "Just for clarity?" Probably would have sounded more believable without making it a question, but God, the bear had so many damn rules! How was she supposed to keep track of so many damn rules?
~
They sat silently for several long moments until Crush said, "Cella?"
"Uh-huh?"
"I guess I should tell you…I'm in love with you."
"Pretend in love with me?"
"No, smart-ass. Really, seriously, madly in love with you. Borderline desperate but with enough personal fortitude to keep it under control."
"Oh. Okay." They fell silent again, Crush glad he'd gotten that off his chest
…
"All right fine!" She snapped. "I'm in love with you. There. I said it. Now get over yourself."
"You know, I think those are the words written on the Taj Mahal: 'I said it. Now get over yourself.' Some of the greatest love stories have started with those words."
March 24, 2012
Reading a Shelly Laurenston novel is always a hoot. I’m beyond addicted to her Pride series. She has every type of shift changing animal in these books from lions, tigers and bears (oh my). I never thought I would enjoy a romance featuring a bear shifting hockey loving, anal retentive cop and a over the top spunky, hockey playing tiger chick who loves to drive said cop wild. Shelly’s latest release, Bear Meets Girl is beyond wacky, so much so you may get whiplash from the overabundance of characters and their loony antics. you’ll have a big smile on your face while you read.
Lou “Crush” Crushek is usually a very laid back guy. But he makes the mistake of having one too many Jell-O shots at a co-worker’s party and wakes up next to a naked She-Tiger. The She-Tiger freaks him out because she continues to snuggle with him and makes him believe she left her toddler daughter alone to fend to herself. Marcella “Bare Knuckles” Malone works as a protective agent for the KZS and plays professional hockey. Her father is mega big icon in that sport. Crush is a huge hockey fan but has no idea at first that the She-Tiger who rubbed him the wrong way is the daughter of the greatest hockey player ever. Since Cella and Crush come into contact with one another again, or rather she flirts with him purposely to embarrass him and asks him to be her pretend boyfriend to get her crazy family off her back, he gets to know her and they begin a very interesting relationship. Cella’s daughter is a high school senior and the exact opposite of her mother. She likes Crush and thinks he’s a good influence on Cella who has residual guilt for leaving her daughter Meghan alone for extended periods of time growing up. But for the most part, Meghan is well adjusted and wants Cella to be happy.
Soon enough Crush has been accepted into the Malone clan, including Cella’s fellow hockey player buddies. He still feels out of his element because these various animal shifters will fight and beat up one another just for fun. Crush feels more comfortable working undercover and dealing with thugs and drug dealers. Even though he’s been taken off undercover duty, he’s involved in stopping a powerful criminal woman, who coincidentally was his foster mother when he was growing up, and one he still can’t stand. Not only does he have to watch his back, but also Cella’s who now has a big bulls eye on her and has been targeted as revenge against Crush.
Bear Meets Girl brings forth the loony to the max. Cella at first drives Crush crazy. You really think they’ll never get together because for the most part Crush can’t seem to stand Cella. But then as they interact more, and she introduces him to her world and her family, he gains insight on why she acts the way that she does. From that he falls in love with her.
Shelly pretty much sticks to a formula that for the most part works. I really don’t know how she keeps track of all her characters because they arrive on the page and take over. Also, the conversations can be hard to follow because you don’t know who’s speaking unless you read carefully. But what I do know, and get a big kick out of, are the insults thrown around and the jaw dropping dialogue, especially the lines that come out of Cella’s mouth. There's one scene where Cella and Crush kiss, and she finds out how much heat Crush is packing in his pants. And no, I don’t mean his gun. Before she can jump his bone, she sees her friend Jai to complain about Crush and his big cock:
“That man is hung like a donkey. I will need all night to work that shit. And I will work it.”
This line had me in hysterics because this is exactly what you come to expect from a Laurenston novel.
If you’re looking for some fun time reading that will have you stitches, do pick up Bear Meets Girl. There’s more than a barrel of laughs in between the cover.
Lou “Crush” Crushek is usually a very laid back guy. But he makes the mistake of having one too many Jell-O shots at a co-worker’s party and wakes up next to a naked She-Tiger. The She-Tiger freaks him out because she continues to snuggle with him and makes him believe she left her toddler daughter alone to fend to herself. Marcella “Bare Knuckles” Malone works as a protective agent for the KZS and plays professional hockey. Her father is mega big icon in that sport. Crush is a huge hockey fan but has no idea at first that the She-Tiger who rubbed him the wrong way is the daughter of the greatest hockey player ever. Since Cella and Crush come into contact with one another again, or rather she flirts with him purposely to embarrass him and asks him to be her pretend boyfriend to get her crazy family off her back, he gets to know her and they begin a very interesting relationship. Cella’s daughter is a high school senior and the exact opposite of her mother. She likes Crush and thinks he’s a good influence on Cella who has residual guilt for leaving her daughter Meghan alone for extended periods of time growing up. But for the most part, Meghan is well adjusted and wants Cella to be happy.
Soon enough Crush has been accepted into the Malone clan, including Cella’s fellow hockey player buddies. He still feels out of his element because these various animal shifters will fight and beat up one another just for fun. Crush feels more comfortable working undercover and dealing with thugs and drug dealers. Even though he’s been taken off undercover duty, he’s involved in stopping a powerful criminal woman, who coincidentally was his foster mother when he was growing up, and one he still can’t stand. Not only does he have to watch his back, but also Cella’s who now has a big bulls eye on her and has been targeted as revenge against Crush.
Bear Meets Girl brings forth the loony to the max. Cella at first drives Crush crazy. You really think they’ll never get together because for the most part Crush can’t seem to stand Cella. But then as they interact more, and she introduces him to her world and her family, he gains insight on why she acts the way that she does. From that he falls in love with her.
Shelly pretty much sticks to a formula that for the most part works. I really don’t know how she keeps track of all her characters because they arrive on the page and take over. Also, the conversations can be hard to follow because you don’t know who’s speaking unless you read carefully. But what I do know, and get a big kick out of, are the insults thrown around and the jaw dropping dialogue, especially the lines that come out of Cella’s mouth. There's one scene where Cella and Crush kiss, and she finds out how much heat Crush is packing in his pants. And no, I don’t mean his gun. Before she can jump his bone, she sees her friend Jai to complain about Crush and his big cock:
“That man is hung like a donkey. I will need all night to work that shit. And I will work it.”
This line had me in hysterics because this is exactly what you come to expect from a Laurenston novel.
If you’re looking for some fun time reading that will have you stitches, do pick up Bear Meets Girl. There’s more than a barrel of laughs in between the cover.
April 6, 2012
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I think this is my favorite book yet from the Pride stories. It combined humour, suspense, and silliness in a really enjoyable mixture that just 'worked'. I really liked the main characters, Crush and Cella and it was fun to see so many characters from previous books working together.
One thing I liked in this book was, although there was obviously a budding romance between the two main characters, there wasn't a focus on their sexual attraction like there is in a lot of the other books in the pride and pack series. The humour and zaniness along with the romance keeps me coming back to this author.
I think this is my favorite book yet from the Pride stories. It combined humour, suspense, and silliness in a really enjoyable mixture that just 'worked'. I really liked the main characters, Crush and Cella and it was fun to see so many characters from previous books working together.
One thing I liked in this book was, although there was obviously a budding romance between the two main characters, there wasn't a focus on their sexual attraction like there is in a lot of the other books in the pride and pack series. The humour and zaniness along with the romance keeps me coming back to this author.
March 29, 2012
I enjoyed this book, I really did, it was full of favorite characters and general craziness and I loved Crush, he was such a bear and the complete opposite of Cella. The book introduced some very interesting characters Sophie, Callahans, Cell's friends etc
The only complaint I have is that the ending was too abrupt and the romance was hardly given space, it seemed like an afterthought. These two don't even share a kiss till more than half of the book.
But beyond that I loved the book as an ensemble.
The only complaint I have is that the ending was too abrupt and the romance was hardly given space, it seemed like an afterthought. These two don't even share a kiss till more than half of the book.
But beyond that I loved the book as an ensemble.
July 29, 2020
This is another of my favorite stories in this series. I love Crush and Cella and the humor. A really terrific read!
November 11, 2014
This was sooo good.
July 7, 2019
This series makes me laugh every single time and I adore it. Oh those so logical bears! I absolutely loved every minute of Crush and Novikov's interactions. It is true only these two and their absurd logic could manage to become friends. Crush was just such a doll. I loved how truly honorable he was about things. He takes his position as a cop seriously. I smiled at every attempt of Cella's to needle him. Their "pretend boyfriend" routine could have easily bugged me as a overdone trope, but it worked so well here because they both took it so irreverently. It was so easily a joke more than a reality.
The ending of the sports side of this story was pretty predictable, but still was exactly what I wanted to happen so I was really satisfied there. But on the other hand the mystery side certainly opened up some new avenues to go do from the law enforcement side. I can't wait to see more craziness going on here. Oh and Hannah is just adorable by the way. I'm expecting great things from her and her new foxes. ;) She can have a couple years though since she's still so young.
Love this series! More please!
The ending of the sports side of this story was pretty predictable, but still was exactly what I wanted to happen so I was really satisfied there. But on the other hand the mystery side certainly opened up some new avenues to go do from the law enforcement side. I can't wait to see more craziness going on here. Oh and Hannah is just adorable by the way. I'm expecting great things from her and her new foxes. ;) She can have a couple years though since she's still so young.
Love this series! More please!
Did Not Finish
February 17, 2024DNF at 11%.
It's the writing. This style of banter just feels too much. I've tried this author but they just don't work for me.
It's the writing. This style of banter just feels too much. I've tried this author but they just don't work for me.
November 26, 2014
I think I'm just going to write one review for every single book in this series. It will work because it's essentially the same book written nine different ways.
When I read the prequel to this series, Howl For It, I thought to myself, Well, this could be interesting. I really liked reading about Darla and Eggie. The backwoods redneck theme made me a bit leery, but Laurenston wrote the characters with such unapologetic frankness that I found myself liking even the loudest, brashest southerners in the mix. Which is saying something because I can't really stand that kind of thing in real life. Laurenston has a way with characters and dialogue, and there's a wit in these stories that's sadly missing from a lot of modern romances. Her pacing is good, her sex scenes are enjoyable, not over-the-top or full of purple prose, but also not so dirty they'd throw some readers off. They're a sort of middle ground, I suppose. Which can be good or bad, depending on your taste. I personally can handle far raunchier sex scenes, but I don't need them, and I think the level of sensuality in these books is fitting to the sense of the stories overall. The characters are likable and irritating all at the same time, and that creates a tension while reading that's surprisingly enjoyable. You find yourself unable to put the book down, but not just because you love it. There's a desire to see what idiot things the characters will do next. A lot of them are the kind of people we love to hate and hate to love.
As an author, Laurenston is capable of crafting characters with charisma. You may not like them, you may disapprove of their life choices, but damn it, you find them intriguing.
The only negative thing I have to say about these books is that they're just too damn similar. In every book, the heroine is reluctant and bitchy, slightly hysterical and irrational, and the men are the ones who have to convince them they're fated to be together. I don't mind that in a story, but after nine full installments and two novellas, that formula got to be a little annoying.
When I read the prequel to this series, Howl For It, I thought to myself, Well, this could be interesting. I really liked reading about Darla and Eggie. The backwoods redneck theme made me a bit leery, but Laurenston wrote the characters with such unapologetic frankness that I found myself liking even the loudest, brashest southerners in the mix. Which is saying something because I can't really stand that kind of thing in real life. Laurenston has a way with characters and dialogue, and there's a wit in these stories that's sadly missing from a lot of modern romances. Her pacing is good, her sex scenes are enjoyable, not over-the-top or full of purple prose, but also not so dirty they'd throw some readers off. They're a sort of middle ground, I suppose. Which can be good or bad, depending on your taste. I personally can handle far raunchier sex scenes, but I don't need them, and I think the level of sensuality in these books is fitting to the sense of the stories overall. The characters are likable and irritating all at the same time, and that creates a tension while reading that's surprisingly enjoyable. You find yourself unable to put the book down, but not just because you love it. There's a desire to see what idiot things the characters will do next. A lot of them are the kind of people we love to hate and hate to love.
As an author, Laurenston is capable of crafting characters with charisma. You may not like them, you may disapprove of their life choices, but damn it, you find them intriguing.
The only negative thing I have to say about these books is that they're just too damn similar. In every book, the heroine is reluctant and bitchy, slightly hysterical and irrational, and the men are the ones who have to convince them they're fated to be together. I don't mind that in a story, but after nine full installments and two novellas, that formula got to be a little annoying.
January 3, 2019
2nd read: April 2014
Buddy read with Jo
Favorite Quote:
“I guess I should tell you ... I’m in love with you.”
“Pretend in love with me?”
“No, smart-ass. Really, seriously, madly in love with you. Borderline desperate but with enough personal fortitude to keep it under control.”
“Oh. Okay.” They fell silent again, Crush glad he’d gotten that off his chest. But it was when he looked over his shoulder to see if he could figure out which doorway led to the men’s bathroom that he felt Cella Malone suddenly rub her head over his arm and across the left side of his face and neck.
By the time he’d turned back around, she was sitting in her chair, staring straight ahead, composed and completely unruffled.
“Did you just rub up against me?”
She blinked, looking at him as if he’d suddenly appeared. “Huh?”
“I said did you just mark me?”
She pursed her lips, shrugged her shoulders, and finally started blaming everyone else in the room.
“Look, if I’m going to stay at your house for the next couple of ... whatever, I just thought it was prudent to make sure I warned off all these bitches who’ve been circling you since the reception started.”
“Uh-huh.”
“It’s temporary.”
“Sure.”
“Just making sure things are clear.”
“Of course, you are, brave Malone of the traveling Malones.”
“All right fine!” she snapped. “I’m in love with you. There. I said it. Now get over yourself.”
“You know, I think those are the words written on the Taj Mahal: ‘I said it. Now get over yourself.’ Some of the greatest love stories have started with those words.”
Cella laughed so hard that Crush finally lifted her up and placed her in his lap, his arms loose around her waist.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I panicked. Besides, are you supposed tell a guy you love him when you’re at your daughter’s father’s wedding? And you’re not saying it to your daughter’s father?”
“I think it would only be wrong if he wasn’t actually marrying someone else. So I think morally, you’re in the clear.”
1st read: November 2012
Buddy read with Maru.
Buddy read with Jo
Favorite Quote:
“I guess I should tell you ... I’m in love with you.”
“Pretend in love with me?”
“No, smart-ass. Really, seriously, madly in love with you. Borderline desperate but with enough personal fortitude to keep it under control.”
“Oh. Okay.” They fell silent again, Crush glad he’d gotten that off his chest. But it was when he looked over his shoulder to see if he could figure out which doorway led to the men’s bathroom that he felt Cella Malone suddenly rub her head over his arm and across the left side of his face and neck.
By the time he’d turned back around, she was sitting in her chair, staring straight ahead, composed and completely unruffled.
“Did you just rub up against me?”
She blinked, looking at him as if he’d suddenly appeared. “Huh?”
“I said did you just mark me?”
She pursed her lips, shrugged her shoulders, and finally started blaming everyone else in the room.
“Look, if I’m going to stay at your house for the next couple of ... whatever, I just thought it was prudent to make sure I warned off all these bitches who’ve been circling you since the reception started.”
“Uh-huh.”
“It’s temporary.”
“Sure.”
“Just making sure things are clear.”
“Of course, you are, brave Malone of the traveling Malones.”
“All right fine!” she snapped. “I’m in love with you. There. I said it. Now get over yourself.”
“You know, I think those are the words written on the Taj Mahal: ‘I said it. Now get over yourself.’ Some of the greatest love stories have started with those words.”
Cella laughed so hard that Crush finally lifted her up and placed her in his lap, his arms loose around her waist.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I panicked. Besides, are you supposed tell a guy you love him when you’re at your daughter’s father’s wedding? And you’re not saying it to your daughter’s father?”
“I think it would only be wrong if he wasn’t actually marrying someone else. So I think morally, you’re in the clear.”
1st read: November 2012
Buddy read with Maru.
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