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Last True Vampire #0.5
Stripped Bear
Get lost in the powerful, sexy novella by Kate Baxter where one alpha shifter will do whatever it takes to claim the woman he can *bearly* resist...
Caden Mitchell is the ultimate alpha. Known to most as a smoldering hot billionaire, his secret weapon- the ability to shapeshift into a strong and deadly bear- allows him to be the most ruthless enforcer of the Sotari, a paranormal organization tasked with keeping the course of Fate on the right track. But when the ailing health of his grandmother leads him back home, the luscious curves of his childhood nemesis will be too much to resist...
Leah Ridgeway never expected Caden to give her the time of day. With his abs cut from stone and powerful, strong arms, she knows there's no chance he's interested in her handful of curves. But Caden is tormented by thoughts of her beautiful body. And when evil threatens Leah's very life, Caden will stop at nothing to keep her safe...and claim her as his mate...
Caden Mitchell is the ultimate alpha. Known to most as a smoldering hot billionaire, his secret weapon- the ability to shapeshift into a strong and deadly bear- allows him to be the most ruthless enforcer of the Sotari, a paranormal organization tasked with keeping the course of Fate on the right track. But when the ailing health of his grandmother leads him back home, the luscious curves of his childhood nemesis will be too much to resist...
Leah Ridgeway never expected Caden to give her the time of day. With his abs cut from stone and powerful, strong arms, she knows there's no chance he's interested in her handful of curves. But Caden is tormented by thoughts of her beautiful body. And when evil threatens Leah's very life, Caden will stop at nothing to keep her safe...and claim her as his mate...
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2015
About the author
Kate Baxter
33 books326 followersKate Baxter is a die-hard romantic with a thing for Shakespeare. She lives in the great northwest where she hides away to write about all things fanged, furry, and undead.
http://facebook.com/AuthorKateBaxter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 6, 2016
4 - "I should be calling the cops right now, not spreading my legs for you." Stars!
Kate Baxter is an author new to me, and Stripped Bear left me with a smile on my face at the end of its reading. I have found a new author, who’s writing style ticks all of my boxes. Funny, engaging, likeable and sexy characters, a storyline that was easy to get immersed in and the beginning of a new series set in the PNR realm.
”It doesn’t matter who you belonged to before tonight. You’re mine now.”
Leah and Cade haven’t seen each other for 16 years; he disappeared from her life due to their age difference amongst other things. Now after a little underhanded subterfuge by his meddlesome Grandmother, they are very much back in each other’s lives, not to mention Leah has unwittingly laid claim to him, with the simple shake of their hands… Cade isn’t one to give up without a fight, even if Leah is engaged to be married to another man!
This novella hits the ground running in all aspects, fast paced but still well developed it offers the reader a small glimpse into Kate Baxter’s new True Vampire series. Book one The Last True Vampire is due for release early June, and I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
”I knew… I always knew you were the one.”
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Kate Baxter is an author new to me, and Stripped Bear left me with a smile on my face at the end of its reading. I have found a new author, who’s writing style ticks all of my boxes. Funny, engaging, likeable and sexy characters, a storyline that was easy to get immersed in and the beginning of a new series set in the PNR realm.
”It doesn’t matter who you belonged to before tonight. You’re mine now.”
Leah and Cade haven’t seen each other for 16 years; he disappeared from her life due to their age difference amongst other things. Now after a little underhanded subterfuge by his meddlesome Grandmother, they are very much back in each other’s lives, not to mention Leah has unwittingly laid claim to him, with the simple shake of their hands… Cade isn’t one to give up without a fight, even if Leah is engaged to be married to another man!
This novella hits the ground running in all aspects, fast paced but still well developed it offers the reader a small glimpse into Kate Baxter’s new True Vampire series. Book one The Last True Vampire is due for release early June, and I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
”I knew… I always knew you were the one.”
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
August 18, 2015
Caden left town so many years ago and comes back because he thinks his grandma’s ill. But it’s really to get him to touch his destined mate, Leah. She confessed her feelings for Caden all those years ago and he completely shut her down. She’s moved on and is getting married in a week. Does that matter? Of course not, since romance happens.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
- Novella length : it’s only 94 pages, so it was a super quick read.
- Insta-love, shifter style : One touch and he’s yours forever - now that’s insta-love. They knew each other all their lives but he left town when she was 14 because he couldn’t be with her. Completely understandable. The sexy times were hot and smutty enough for my taste and the little matter of her fiance was dealt with so quickly you never even see him. For the purposes of this story, and the aggressive OTT alpha possessiveness, it worked.
- Intrigued by the ‘verse : The strongest part of this story was the ‘verse. I really didn’t get to know Caden that well, and his history as an enforcer for the Sortiari? Well, I was more intrigued with that and the seeming differences between this and the usual supernatural lore. Why were they trying to decimate vampires? What exactly did Caden do as an enforcer? I had more questions than answers, so that part was frustrating. But it did lead me to seek out the full length novel that’s coming out, so I think this did its job.
The Bottom Line
I liked it, even if I enjoyed the idea of the ‘verse more than this particular romance. If you like your insta-love shifter romances with a possessive alpha bear, you may enjoy this.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
- Novella length : it’s only 94 pages, so it was a super quick read.
- Insta-love, shifter style : One touch and he’s yours forever - now that’s insta-love. They knew each other all their lives but he left town when she was 14 because he couldn’t be with her. Completely understandable. The sexy times were hot and smutty enough for my taste and the little matter of her fiance was dealt with so quickly you never even see him. For the purposes of this story, and the aggressive OTT alpha possessiveness, it worked.
- Intrigued by the ‘verse : The strongest part of this story was the ‘verse. I really didn’t get to know Caden that well, and his history as an enforcer for the Sortiari? Well, I was more intrigued with that and the seeming differences between this and the usual supernatural lore. Why were they trying to decimate vampires? What exactly did Caden do as an enforcer? I had more questions than answers, so that part was frustrating. But it did lead me to seek out the full length novel that’s coming out, so I think this did its job.
The Bottom Line
I liked it, even if I enjoyed the idea of the ‘verse more than this particular romance. If you like your insta-love shifter romances with a possessive alpha bear, you may enjoy this.
to-read-maybe-maybe-not
January 21, 2020DNF 47%, I just really can't sink into this short read. It's starting to annoy me.
October 15, 2016
It's been sixteen years since Caden last saw Leah and he broke her heart then by walking away from her after she told him she loved him. To be fair she was only 14 at the time and since he was 21 there's no doubt he made the correct decision but he could have been a bit nicer in the way he handled things. The two are thrown back together now because Caden's grandmother has decided to do a little meddling, she's always known the two would make a perfect couple and since Leah is now engaged to someone else she's decided to act before it's too late. The moment they meet again Caden realises that Leah is his destined mate but since she doesn't even know that he's a shapeshifter he's going to have a lot of explaining to do before she accepts it.
I've already read the first three books in Kate Baxter's Last True Vampire series but for some reason I seem to have skipped over the prequel novella, something that's not like me at all since I'm usually a stickler for reading series in order. Anyway, I thought it was about time I fixed my mistake so I'm completely up to date before the next book releases. I have to admit I was a little confused when I saw who the main characters were, I could be wrong but I don't remember either of them making an appearance in the books I've read so they seemed a weird place to start the series, especially since most of the character's we've had contact with so far have been vampires. I always love a good shifter story though so it didn't put me off reading.
I know this is a novella and things have to happen quite quickly but I never managed to connect with either of the characters as much as I hoped to. They had great chemistry and we do learn about their history but I never felt as invested in them as I should have and that made the novella fall a little flat. There was nothing particularly wrong with their romance but it just wasn't all that memorable either. Another disappointment was the lack of world building, I'm obviously familiar with the world but one thing I was really hoping for was more information on the Sortiari since Caden works for them as an enforcer and they've always been a bit of a shadowy organisation in the rest of the series.
I guess was just looking for some extra background information or something to tie this story to the other books but I didn't get it so the whole novella feels a bit superfluous. I'm really enjoying the series as a whole though so if you weren't the biggest fan of Stripped Bear don't let that put you off continuing the series, if you did enjoy this story then you're bound to love the full length books even more.
I've already read the first three books in Kate Baxter's Last True Vampire series but for some reason I seem to have skipped over the prequel novella, something that's not like me at all since I'm usually a stickler for reading series in order. Anyway, I thought it was about time I fixed my mistake so I'm completely up to date before the next book releases. I have to admit I was a little confused when I saw who the main characters were, I could be wrong but I don't remember either of them making an appearance in the books I've read so they seemed a weird place to start the series, especially since most of the character's we've had contact with so far have been vampires. I always love a good shifter story though so it didn't put me off reading.
I know this is a novella and things have to happen quite quickly but I never managed to connect with either of the characters as much as I hoped to. They had great chemistry and we do learn about their history but I never felt as invested in them as I should have and that made the novella fall a little flat. There was nothing particularly wrong with their romance but it just wasn't all that memorable either. Another disappointment was the lack of world building, I'm obviously familiar with the world but one thing I was really hoping for was more information on the Sortiari since Caden works for them as an enforcer and they've always been a bit of a shadowy organisation in the rest of the series.
I guess was just looking for some extra background information or something to tie this story to the other books but I didn't get it so the whole novella feels a bit superfluous. I'm really enjoying the series as a whole though so if you weren't the biggest fan of Stripped Bear don't let that put you off continuing the series, if you did enjoy this story then you're bound to love the full length books even more.
May 18, 2015
I have been waiting on pins and needles for the release of Kate Baxter's novel, The Last True Vampire, for months now so when I saw that she was releasing a novella set in the True Vampire world I may have squealed just a tiny bit. Truth? It was probably more than a tiny bit, but that can be our little secret.
Stripped Bear is about a bear shifter named Cade who goes home after way too long away under the pretenses that his grandmother is ill. Imagine his surprise when Leah, the reason he fled home all those years ago, shows up and sparks the mate bond with just a single touch.
Poor Leah. Cade broke her heart when he belittled her and left town when she was fourteen, and now that she's finally getting her life on track and is getting married in less than a week, Cade shows back up and throws a huge bear-sized wrench in her plans.
I absolutely adored both Cade and Leah and thought they were perfect for each other. Cade is your typical growly alpha shifter who will do whatever it takes to claim his mate... Even if it means kidnapping her the day before she's supposed to marry another man.
And Leah... She's feisty and a bit stubborn but realized pretty quickly that there was no point in fighting what was between them. And let me tell you, what was between them was smoking hot. I mean seriously, there is nothing sexier than an alpha claiming his mate and Cade did not disappoint in that regard.
There was a bit of action towards the end that definitely left me salivating for the rest of the books in this series, and I'm really hoping we get to see more of Leah and Cade in the future. My only complaint? I really wish it were longer!! Definitely a must read for fans of shifter romances.
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stripped Bear is about a bear shifter named Cade who goes home after way too long away under the pretenses that his grandmother is ill. Imagine his surprise when Leah, the reason he fled home all those years ago, shows up and sparks the mate bond with just a single touch.
Poor Leah. Cade broke her heart when he belittled her and left town when she was fourteen, and now that she's finally getting her life on track and is getting married in less than a week, Cade shows back up and throws a huge bear-sized wrench in her plans.
I absolutely adored both Cade and Leah and thought they were perfect for each other. Cade is your typical growly alpha shifter who will do whatever it takes to claim his mate... Even if it means kidnapping her the day before she's supposed to marry another man.
And Leah... She's feisty and a bit stubborn but realized pretty quickly that there was no point in fighting what was between them. And let me tell you, what was between them was smoking hot. I mean seriously, there is nothing sexier than an alpha claiming his mate and Cade did not disappoint in that regard.
There was a bit of action towards the end that definitely left me salivating for the rest of the books in this series, and I'm really hoping we get to see more of Leah and Cade in the future. My only complaint? I really wish it were longer!! Definitely a must read for fans of shifter romances.
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2015
At fourteen, Leah Ridgeway's heart was shattered when Caden Mitchell rejected her and walked away. Over a decade later, and with a little manipulation from his grandmother, Caden is back and has the nerve to say Leah now belongs to him. As if she would let him back into her life, especially a week before her wedding. Yet her body begins to betray her with each touch and seductive promise from Caden. Leah can feel a connection growing between them but doesn't know if it's worth risking her heart again.
Caden is a bear shifter and seven years older than Leah, both valid reasons for rejecting the affections of a teenage human completely oblivious to the paranormal world around her. Could he have been more sensitive in his handling of the situation? Absolutely, but that's Caden. He's an alpha a-hole to his core and I really like his unapologetic honesty and complete dominance. There's not much else to his character although for a novella, there's enough development to keep me interested in what he's doing.
With bear shifters, it's the females that claim their mates. Leah unknowingly chooses Caden and now he's not leaving. Leah refuses to bend to Caden's demands that she end her engagement. She has an attitude and stubbornness I could have really grown to like, only if she would use her big girl brain and acknowledge Caden did the right thing by rejecting her as a teenager. HELLO, she was 14 and he was 21. What kind of relationship would they have when he's in jail? She keeps bringing up how he broke her heart (which at 14, I'm sure it felt that way) and refuses to admit he makes her feel a passion her current fiance can't hold a candle to. I wanted to like her but her actions kept it from happening.
Caden works as an enforcer for the Satori, a secret paranormal organization that keeps the balance, or something like that. Are they a good organization? A bad one? Not really sure. On the surface it seems like they are there to keep the balance but there's something shady going on and you get a taste of it when Caden refuses an assignment because of his pursuit of Leah and another enforcer is sent to get him back in line. I want to both dive in and know more and want less because I'm not sure I want Caden associated with an organization that may turn out to be evil.
Overall, Stripped Bear is pretty good. Leah does nothing for me yet I like Caden because he's upfront and honest with what he wants. The romance is not nearly as passionate as the erotic teasing and sexy times and the Satori has certainty peeked my interests. It's a standard paranormal romance novella and though I won't be rereading it, I don't feel it was a waste of time to try out this new to me author.
- Stephanie
Caden is a bear shifter and seven years older than Leah, both valid reasons for rejecting the affections of a teenage human completely oblivious to the paranormal world around her. Could he have been more sensitive in his handling of the situation? Absolutely, but that's Caden. He's an alpha a-hole to his core and I really like his unapologetic honesty and complete dominance. There's not much else to his character although for a novella, there's enough development to keep me interested in what he's doing.
With bear shifters, it's the females that claim their mates. Leah unknowingly chooses Caden and now he's not leaving. Leah refuses to bend to Caden's demands that she end her engagement. She has an attitude and stubbornness I could have really grown to like, only if she would use her big girl brain and acknowledge Caden did the right thing by rejecting her as a teenager. HELLO, she was 14 and he was 21. What kind of relationship would they have when he's in jail? She keeps bringing up how he broke her heart (which at 14, I'm sure it felt that way) and refuses to admit he makes her feel a passion her current fiance can't hold a candle to. I wanted to like her but her actions kept it from happening.
Caden works as an enforcer for the Satori, a secret paranormal organization that keeps the balance, or something like that. Are they a good organization? A bad one? Not really sure. On the surface it seems like they are there to keep the balance but there's something shady going on and you get a taste of it when Caden refuses an assignment because of his pursuit of Leah and another enforcer is sent to get him back in line. I want to both dive in and know more and want less because I'm not sure I want Caden associated with an organization that may turn out to be evil.
Overall, Stripped Bear is pretty good. Leah does nothing for me yet I like Caden because he's upfront and honest with what he wants. The romance is not nearly as passionate as the erotic teasing and sexy times and the Satori has certainty peeked my interests. It's a standard paranormal romance novella and though I won't be rereading it, I don't feel it was a waste of time to try out this new to me author.
- Stephanie
May 16, 2015
This is an okay romance story that could have worked just as well without the shifter/paranormal element. Leah has been in love with Caden all her life, but when she declared her undying devotion to him as a fourteen-year-old, he broke her heart and ran away. Then again, he was twenty-one at the time, so at least he didn’t court a prison sentence instead.
And that is pretty much the plot. He ran away when they were younger, now his grandmother has interfered to bring them back together again. He decides he wants her, she’s determined not to let him hurt her again. He’s pushy, she’s attracted but angry, there’s a bit of token resistance and alpha idiot-behaviour… oh, and he’s a shapeshifter.
There was nothing particularly wrong with this book, it just didn’t grab me all that much. Caden is a typical alpha hero, all possessive and protective, grabbing hold of his mate because he knows she’s attracted to him and ignoring the words she’s saying because clearly it’s all irrelevant. While Leah is confused and still heartsore and angry that he broke her teenage heart. Admittedly, he acted badly back then but that doesn’t mean he was wrong to leave.
As for the supernatural elements, well, to be honest right up until the end they didn’t really need to be there at all. Yes, Caden works for a shady company dealing with Fate, but it could as easily have been a shady company dealing with money. The whole final section felt a bit tacked on, having more to do with linking this novella to the first book of the series than tying up this romance. As for the big reveal to Leah about the paranormal world… kind of disappointing. In all it’s an okay read, quick and easy, but there’s nothing here that made me want to find out more and in all I found it fairly forgettable.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
And that is pretty much the plot. He ran away when they were younger, now his grandmother has interfered to bring them back together again. He decides he wants her, she’s determined not to let him hurt her again. He’s pushy, she’s attracted but angry, there’s a bit of token resistance and alpha idiot-behaviour… oh, and he’s a shapeshifter.
There was nothing particularly wrong with this book, it just didn’t grab me all that much. Caden is a typical alpha hero, all possessive and protective, grabbing hold of his mate because he knows she’s attracted to him and ignoring the words she’s saying because clearly it’s all irrelevant. While Leah is confused and still heartsore and angry that he broke her teenage heart. Admittedly, he acted badly back then but that doesn’t mean he was wrong to leave.
As for the supernatural elements, well, to be honest right up until the end they didn’t really need to be there at all. Yes, Caden works for a shady company dealing with Fate, but it could as easily have been a shady company dealing with money. The whole final section felt a bit tacked on, having more to do with linking this novella to the first book of the series than tying up this romance. As for the big reveal to Leah about the paranormal world… kind of disappointing. In all it’s an okay read, quick and easy, but there’s nothing here that made me want to find out more and in all I found it fairly forgettable.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
December 15, 2017
I confess I was rather confused about why a bear shifter story would be the prequel to the start of a series about vampires but as I was reading it, I saw it set up the world where the last true vampire existed and he's mentioned in passing as a part of the story.
This is a sizzling hot story right from the get go. It's also about fated mates and I do adore a good fated mate story.
Cade and Leah have a history together. In fact, Leah when she was very young proclaimed her love for Cade and because she was too young then, he left. Now Cade is back and Leah has unwittingly claimed him as her mate. What follows is a very alpha Cade pursuing Leah and catching her.
Cade is everything I love about alpha males, bear shifter alpha males. He's all burly sexy muscles and he's all "Mine, mine, mine" once he's been claimed. Leah may have done the claiming but Cade is definitely the one in charge and I love a guy who is in charge. It was lovely to see Cade proclaim his feelings for Leah and explain why he left after all the growling and actual claiming got done with, and let me just say, the claiming was dang sexy.
I liked Leah a lot. She was sassy and stubborn, and she wouldn't let Cade push her around, which as we all know, these shifter alpha males all tend to do. I liked she stood up to him and even tried resisting him until he got smart, stopped growling and did a little wooing, though not much, after all ... did I mention alpha male bear shifter?
This story is all about Leah and Cade but it also sets up the first book in the series, aptly titled The Last True Vampire. I'm looking forward to reading that too.
See more from Deanna's World
This is a sizzling hot story right from the get go. It's also about fated mates and I do adore a good fated mate story.
Cade and Leah have a history together. In fact, Leah when she was very young proclaimed her love for Cade and because she was too young then, he left. Now Cade is back and Leah has unwittingly claimed him as her mate. What follows is a very alpha Cade pursuing Leah and catching her.
Cade is everything I love about alpha males, bear shifter alpha males. He's all burly sexy muscles and he's all "Mine, mine, mine" once he's been claimed. Leah may have done the claiming but Cade is definitely the one in charge and I love a guy who is in charge. It was lovely to see Cade proclaim his feelings for Leah and explain why he left after all the growling and actual claiming got done with, and let me just say, the claiming was dang sexy.
I liked Leah a lot. She was sassy and stubborn, and she wouldn't let Cade push her around, which as we all know, these shifter alpha males all tend to do. I liked she stood up to him and even tried resisting him until he got smart, stopped growling and did a little wooing, though not much, after all ... did I mention alpha male bear shifter?
This story is all about Leah and Cade but it also sets up the first book in the series, aptly titled The Last True Vampire. I'm looking forward to reading that too.
See more from Deanna's World
October 29, 2017
Stripped Bear by Kate Baxter is a funny, fast, and sexy novella that really had me interested from start to finish.
Caden Mitchell returns home after being gone a long time to see his grandmother who is ill. To his surprise, he sees the woman who proclaimed her love for him at the tender age of fourteen, Leah Ridgeway as well. The moment they touch, Cade is a goner as Leah claims him and his werebear as their mate. For Leah, she is completely in the dark about his shifter ways and is even engaged to be married in a week.
And that is where the story really gets started and we get to see Cade be the possessive alpha werebear that he is. The moment he knows Leah is his mate, she's his.
I loved Cade and I really liked that Leah did not just fall to her knees for Cade especially after he broke her heart those years ago. She has a life and is engaged to be married. Though she is attracted to Cade, she knows he can't just waltz in as if nothing happened.
Not only is there romance and humor in this novella, there is action. Caden works for an organization called the Sortiari, and when Leah's life is in danger, he fights to protect her. I loved that the author showed Cade and Leah working together, and not having Leah just being a damsel in distress.
This was a great novella that I very much recommend. I can't wait to read more by Ms. Baxter. My only complaint would be that I wish it were longer. I hope the author revisits these two in another book or gives them a second one.
(Thanks to Kate Baxter, St. Martin's Press - Paperbacks, and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of Stripped Bear for an honest review.)
Caden Mitchell returns home after being gone a long time to see his grandmother who is ill. To his surprise, he sees the woman who proclaimed her love for him at the tender age of fourteen, Leah Ridgeway as well. The moment they touch, Cade is a goner as Leah claims him and his werebear as their mate. For Leah, she is completely in the dark about his shifter ways and is even engaged to be married in a week.
And that is where the story really gets started and we get to see Cade be the possessive alpha werebear that he is. The moment he knows Leah is his mate, she's his.
I loved Cade and I really liked that Leah did not just fall to her knees for Cade especially after he broke her heart those years ago. She has a life and is engaged to be married. Though she is attracted to Cade, she knows he can't just waltz in as if nothing happened.
Not only is there romance and humor in this novella, there is action. Caden works for an organization called the Sortiari, and when Leah's life is in danger, he fights to protect her. I loved that the author showed Cade and Leah working together, and not having Leah just being a damsel in distress.
This was a great novella that I very much recommend. I can't wait to read more by Ms. Baxter. My only complaint would be that I wish it were longer. I hope the author revisits these two in another book or gives them a second one.
(Thanks to Kate Baxter, St. Martin's Press - Paperbacks, and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of Stripped Bear for an honest review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2015
As a fan of paranormal romance, specifically shapeshifters, I always love finding new-to-me authors in the genre. I was excited to read this upcoming release by Kate Baxter because I enjoy stories about bear shifters. They are among my favorites of the shifter lot. Although I enjoyed "Stripped Bear" overall, I just felt that it was missing that special something that would have allowed me to love it. I suppose it is because of the brevity of the story and not being able to "know" about the characters. Sure, we hear the author telling us about how they came to be where they were in their relationship but I think I would have felt a stronger connection with the story if I had had the benefit of reading at least a brief progression or flashback of their lives. Caden's reason for leaving, although valid, just didn't feel authentic to me. The story appears to be connected to "The Last Vampire", at least loosely, so perhaps future readers should read that one first, prior to reading "Stripped Bear." I definitely felt as if it (the story) or I was missing something. However, the story was not wholly unenjoyable.
August 1, 2015
This novella is well written in a personal style that makes you feel as if you’re at home with the characters. I enjoyed Baxter’s different take on mating. The choosing and what comes after was refreshing. Fate gives you a choice, to a certain extent. Not to mention the fact that this was all wrapped up in a steamy package that will leave you drooling.
Baxter populates this story with well-developed characters that you feel as if you really know by the end. I appreciate how Baxter lets us get to know the main characters on the inside and on the outside. Leah being stuck between a man who doesn’t truly care for her completely and the man who’s made for her leads to some intriguing decisions. Cade’s need for Leah while trying to be caring and a gentleman really shows you a lot about the kind of man that he is.
As a whole, this was a great, hot, novella that is a brilliant escape from the everyday. Baxter has created a fantastically shifter induced, drool worthy story that I’d recommend to all shifter enthusiasts out there.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Baxter populates this story with well-developed characters that you feel as if you really know by the end. I appreciate how Baxter lets us get to know the main characters on the inside and on the outside. Leah being stuck between a man who doesn’t truly care for her completely and the man who’s made for her leads to some intriguing decisions. Cade’s need for Leah while trying to be caring and a gentleman really shows you a lot about the kind of man that he is.
As a whole, this was a great, hot, novella that is a brilliant escape from the everyday. Baxter has created a fantastically shifter induced, drool worthy story that I’d recommend to all shifter enthusiasts out there.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2015
Whenever I see a new book and a new novella from the same author, I assume a connection. This one, the connection is hard to find at first, and I almost think that these are going to be two series going hand in hand!
Caden Mitchell is a bear shifter and a millionaire who is an enforcer with the Sortiari. If you have read The Last True Vampire, you are probably thinking... um... the bad guys? Yup. Caden works for the guys who think to control Fate by eliminating the vampires. But Caden is not happy with the people he works with. They all take his abilities for granted and his abilities are superior to most of his. But he kept himself in the loop for reasons of his own and for now, that is working for him. But when his grandmother is ill, he returns home to an unexpected surprise.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2015/0...
Caden Mitchell is a bear shifter and a millionaire who is an enforcer with the Sortiari. If you have read The Last True Vampire, you are probably thinking... um... the bad guys? Yup. Caden works for the guys who think to control Fate by eliminating the vampires. But Caden is not happy with the people he works with. They all take his abilities for granted and his abilities are superior to most of his. But he kept himself in the loop for reasons of his own and for now, that is working for him. But when his grandmother is ill, he returns home to an unexpected surprise.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2015/0...
June 28, 2015
**3 1/2 stars**
I enjoyed this introduction to the Last True Vampire series, liked the fact that the two main characters had a history, having grown up together...it made the romance a little bit more believable especially when this was novella length and it's typically hard to feel a true connection with a couple when the story is so short. My only gripe would be that it ended rather abruptly. I thought at first that my kindle had skipped so i kept going back to the page i'd read last...but nope...that was the end! It definitely could have used a little bit more about how things work out for this couple. All in all though it was a good and steamy bear shifter romance.
I enjoyed this introduction to the Last True Vampire series, liked the fact that the two main characters had a history, having grown up together...it made the romance a little bit more believable especially when this was novella length and it's typically hard to feel a true connection with a couple when the story is so short. My only gripe would be that it ended rather abruptly. I thought at first that my kindle had skipped so i kept going back to the page i'd read last...but nope...that was the end! It definitely could have used a little bit more about how things work out for this couple. All in all though it was a good and steamy bear shifter romance.
August 5, 2015
BASICS
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: -3 stars
Review
A good story for a quick read. :)
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: -3 stars
Review
A good story for a quick read. :)
August 30, 2015
Too much sex, not enough story. :(
October 15, 2015
It could have been better than the standard shifter sex schtuff. I wanted to know more about Cade. *sighs*
February 8, 2017
If I'd of read this one first I probably wouldn't have continued with the series. Its a short that's long on sex, which if there is enough plot to back it up is fine, but there isn't.
November 22, 2021
Leah Ridgeway was 14 when bear Cade Mitchell shredded her heart and walked away. It’s almost 20years later and Leah’s wedding is a week away when they’re both summoned to his ailing grandmother, Luanne’s, bedside for her final hours. But Luanne isn’t as bad off as all that and tricks the pair into starting the claiming ritual.
Despite his work of plucking the more dangerous of the supernaturals from society, Cade’s only goal is to claim his mate and somehow explain his world to her. That won’t be so easy even though the mate call is working through them both but Leah’s still butt hurt from Cade walking away all those years ago, she’s human and has no idea about Cade world and she’s getting married in a week.
I wanted to like this short more than I did though using the genre playbook Leah’s looking for an escape clause while Cade’s in a hurry to get to the claiming and the rest of their lives. For having zero preparation or knowledge of shifters, berserkers, vamps, etc., Leah didn’t even blink hard.
Rating: 3.75stars
Despite his work of plucking the more dangerous of the supernaturals from society, Cade’s only goal is to claim his mate and somehow explain his world to her. That won’t be so easy even though the mate call is working through them both but Leah’s still butt hurt from Cade walking away all those years ago, she’s human and has no idea about Cade world and she’s getting married in a week.
I wanted to like this short more than I did though using the genre playbook Leah’s looking for an escape clause while Cade’s in a hurry to get to the claiming and the rest of their lives. For having zero preparation or knowledge of shifters, berserkers, vamps, etc., Leah didn’t even blink hard.
Rating: 3.75stars
October 11, 2018
I actually have read a few books in The Last True Vampire series before reading this one. During those other books, I constantly wondered what Caden's, the bear shifter's, backstory was. This short story reveals a lot about who Caden is, what his backstory is, and how he's involved in the supernatural world. Throughout the course of the story, I absolutely fell in love with Caden! He's such a great guy and is completely devoted to his mate, Leah. The only thing I was a bit puzzled about was that this story was advertised as a BBW romance, but I didn't find any reference to the female lead being plus size. Otherwise, this is a fantastic book I couldn't put down!
May 21, 2018
This was a novella, which may account for the speed with which some of it moved, but the basic plot goes: the hero knows that the heroine is his fated mate, so he hits on her aggressively - despite the fact that she's engaged - and finally kidnaps her to his New York penthouse so she can accept the fact that they're going to be together. She's wearing her PJs so she can't escape. This is a creep level I couldn't get past - there is alpha, and then there is arrest-worthy - so I stopped reading.
September 5, 2017
I ave not read Kate Baxter before & this is a great 👍 intro to her series 'Last True Vampire'! I wasn't sure what shifters had to do with it, but that mystery has been solved & I'm off to book 1; 'The Last True Vampire' ! I foresee many happy reading hours!!!
August 17, 2017
Sexy start to the series. Moving on to the next book!
March 24, 2018
Page turner
Im new to kate baxter , found her in an eve langlais and mina carter trio, so tried this book , couldnt put it down ,but need more plz as its the begining
Im new to kate baxter , found her in an eve langlais and mina carter trio, so tried this book , couldnt put it down ,but need more plz as its the begining
Read
September 3, 2020This was not my favourite shifter book. I found it a little slow paced with not much of a storyline.
March 15, 2017
Well written short story but just about finding each other.
May 19, 2015
STRIPPED BEAR: A BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance
by Kate Baxter
May 19, 2015
St. Martin's Paperbacks
approx 94 pages
#Romance: #Paranormal > #shifters, #novella, #Contemporary
** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an HONEST Review **
-- MY THOUGHTS --
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Trouble with a capital T... look at the smirk on that man's face. I know, it's one of the last things you noticed as he's stripping with a big ol' bear behind him, right? *wink* - Nice colors, eye catching. The synopsis sounds a little more serious than the shifter novellas from Milly Taiden and I'm trying to branch back out into the paranormal sub-genre again.
Looking Deeper:
Caden's a total BEAR, in more ways than one. He's a stone-cold enforcer, an alpha male, and is just an overall dominating force to contend with. Leah grew up with Caden and loved him endlessly, until he ruthlessly blew her off and left her behind 16 years ago. Now, a week before she's to marry some boring fool, meddling hands bring them together and activate the mating bond. He doesn't have time to take it slow, his solution is simple: You're Mine. End the engagement. She has no clue what he is, other than mouth-wateringly sexy and arrogantly unBEARable. These two will have to find a way to make it work, and fast, as threats are looming on the horizon!
The characters were well-written are rather enjoyable. I like the slightly different approach that Ms Baxter takes on the supernatural world. Leah's a breath of fresh air. Strong, stubborn and sassy, she does not wilt at the slightest hint of danger. The secondary characters were great. Interaction was amusing as they fought their attraction and bond, then sizzling hot once they surrendered. Dialogue seemed a little repetitive for a while, but smoothed out as they became reacquainted. The plot kept me interested and felt rather full for being a novella under 100 pages, and it flowed quite smoothly. The conflict was barely there with such a simple resolve as the result of a lifetime knowing one another can only manage. There was very little - almost no - predictability. The conclusion implies a happily ever after, but it also leaves much to be answered for. I'd say it's mostly a complete story, but can be added upon. Not bad. Solid; sassy, sexy, and exciting!
------------------------
Heat Level: 4.25
------------------------
Score: 3.9
Stars: 4
-----------------------
-- BUY it NOW --
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JSfmvU
BN: http://bit.ly/1JSfoUA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1PsTf5T
iTunes: http://apple.co/1EVlGiT
-- ABOUT the AUTHOR --
Kate Baxter is a die-hard romantic with a thing for Shakespeare. She lives in the great northwest where she hides away to write about all things fanged, furry, and undead.
-- STALK the AUTHOR --
http://authorkatebaxter.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/AuthorKateBaxter
https://twitter.com/KateBaxterBooks
https://plus.google.com/1062849303517...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
-- REVIEWER INFO --
Tina J / Happily Ever Chapter
This review can be found, in it's entirety or reformatted by myself to fit the guidelines imposed, at any or all of the following locations (determined by availability): Happily Ever Chapter, Tangled Hearts and Boxer Briefs, Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews, Goodreads, Netgalley, Edelweiss, Amazon, BN, Kobo, iTunes. Copies may also be distributed to the publishers, authors and/or promoters - depending on requirements at the time.
by Kate Baxter
May 19, 2015
St. Martin's Paperbacks
approx 94 pages
#Romance: #Paranormal > #shifters, #novella, #Contemporary
** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an HONEST Review **
-- MY THOUGHTS --
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Trouble with a capital T... look at the smirk on that man's face. I know, it's one of the last things you noticed as he's stripping with a big ol' bear behind him, right? *wink* - Nice colors, eye catching. The synopsis sounds a little more serious than the shifter novellas from Milly Taiden and I'm trying to branch back out into the paranormal sub-genre again.
Looking Deeper:
Caden's a total BEAR, in more ways than one. He's a stone-cold enforcer, an alpha male, and is just an overall dominating force to contend with. Leah grew up with Caden and loved him endlessly, until he ruthlessly blew her off and left her behind 16 years ago. Now, a week before she's to marry some boring fool, meddling hands bring them together and activate the mating bond. He doesn't have time to take it slow, his solution is simple: You're Mine. End the engagement. She has no clue what he is, other than mouth-wateringly sexy and arrogantly unBEARable. These two will have to find a way to make it work, and fast, as threats are looming on the horizon!
The characters were well-written are rather enjoyable. I like the slightly different approach that Ms Baxter takes on the supernatural world. Leah's a breath of fresh air. Strong, stubborn and sassy, she does not wilt at the slightest hint of danger. The secondary characters were great. Interaction was amusing as they fought their attraction and bond, then sizzling hot once they surrendered. Dialogue seemed a little repetitive for a while, but smoothed out as they became reacquainted. The plot kept me interested and felt rather full for being a novella under 100 pages, and it flowed quite smoothly. The conflict was barely there with such a simple resolve as the result of a lifetime knowing one another can only manage. There was very little - almost no - predictability. The conclusion implies a happily ever after, but it also leaves much to be answered for. I'd say it's mostly a complete story, but can be added upon. Not bad. Solid; sassy, sexy, and exciting!
------------------------
Heat Level: 4.25
------------------------
Score: 3.9
Stars: 4
-----------------------
-- BUY it NOW --
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JSfmvU
BN: http://bit.ly/1JSfoUA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1PsTf5T
iTunes: http://apple.co/1EVlGiT
-- ABOUT the AUTHOR --
Kate Baxter is a die-hard romantic with a thing for Shakespeare. She lives in the great northwest where she hides away to write about all things fanged, furry, and undead.
-- STALK the AUTHOR --
http://authorkatebaxter.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/AuthorKateBaxter
https://twitter.com/KateBaxterBooks
https://plus.google.com/1062849303517...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
-- REVIEWER INFO --
Tina J / Happily Ever Chapter
This review can be found, in it's entirety or reformatted by myself to fit the guidelines imposed, at any or all of the following locations (determined by availability): Happily Ever Chapter, Tangled Hearts and Boxer Briefs, Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews, Goodreads, Netgalley, Edelweiss, Amazon, BN, Kobo, iTunes. Copies may also be distributed to the publishers, authors and/or promoters - depending on requirements at the time.
May 19, 2015
Awesome short-novel, just the kind of story that I love when it comes to shapeshifters and mating-bond.
Caden and Leah are an amazing and very hot couple. He's a bear shapeshifter and Leah is a normal girl. Their attraction, the dominant character of him and his ways a bit caveman style, who doesn't want to allow anything and nothing to get between him and his mate and the stubbornness of her, with her sharp tongue, are the strength of this story.
Leah is human but subconsciously, since she was only a teenager, she fell in love with Caden, but because of their age difference he rejected her badly, hurting her feelings, but fate, and his " sweet Granny" remedying the damage done by him, although Leah is anything but condescending.
I'm sorry only for its brevity, it would have deserved a real novel, giving them more space, I really like how this author writes.
I'm very curious about Sotari, the organization Caden works for and I absolutely want to read the story of the last vampire that Sotari wants to kill at all costs.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the kind preview.
Fantastica short-novel, proprio il tipo di racconto che adoro quando si tratta di shapeshifters e mating-bond.
Caden e Leah sono una coppia veramente stupenda e hot. Lui un orso shapeshifter e lei una normale ragazza. La loro attrazione, il carattere dominante di lui e i suoi modi un po' da cavernicolo, che non vuole permettere a niente e nulla di mettersi tra lui e la sua mate e la testardaggine di lei, con le sue risposte sempre pronte, sono la forza di questo racconto.
Leah è umana ma inconsciamente, sin da quando era solo un'adolescente, si sentiva spinta verso Caden, ma lui visto la differenza di età l'aveva allontanata in malo modo, ferendo profondamente i suoi sentimenti, ma il destino, e la cara "nonnina" di Caden rimediano al danno fatto da lui, anche se Leah è tutt'altro che condiscendente.
Mi è solo dispiaciuto per la sua brevità, avrebbero meritato una vera novella in modo da potergli dedicare più spazio, mi piace molto come scrive questa autrice.
Mi incuriosisce molto anche la Sotari, l'organizzazione per cui lavora Caden e voglio leggere la storia dell'ultimo vampiro che la Sotari vuole eliminare a tutti i costi.
Ringrazio Netgalley e la St. Martin's Press per la gentile anteprima.
May 22, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Cade pulled into Mitchell Estates. He was a bear shifter, one of the last of his line. His grandmother is on her deathbed and lived in his childhood home. Cade had taken a job with Sortiari. Cade had a brutal strength and ruthlessness that most cowered to. He only answered to the director of Sortiari. His assignments from the director were as secretive as the organization, but paid well. Cade's grandmother was the only family he had. She had raised him. When he got to her room, he found she wasn't on her deathbed at all. Leah Ridgeway's dad was Cade's grandmother's attorney for many years. Leah hadn't been close to her for 16 years. She was to be married in one week. Leah and Cade shook hands and it confirmed she was his mate. Through her simple touch, the mate bond had been established and couldn't be severed. Leah was 14 and Cade was 21 when he left. They had been close friends for years. As she got older, Cade's attraction had grown for her, but he was too old for her. So when she told him how she felt, Cade did what he thought was right. Leah had always been unafraid and defiant and the most stubborn woman Cade had ever made.
I found Cade to be physically and mentally strong and in control, until he touched Leah's hand. He's very smart, goal-oriented and determined. He does whatever he has to do to achieve his goal. Leah can be very stubborn and determined. She's also loyal and true. She takes life on. She's caring and loving and an enjoyable character.
This was a great story and plot. I recommend it.
Cade pulled into Mitchell Estates. He was a bear shifter, one of the last of his line. His grandmother is on her deathbed and lived in his childhood home. Cade had taken a job with Sortiari. Cade had a brutal strength and ruthlessness that most cowered to. He only answered to the director of Sortiari. His assignments from the director were as secretive as the organization, but paid well. Cade's grandmother was the only family he had. She had raised him. When he got to her room, he found she wasn't on her deathbed at all. Leah Ridgeway's dad was Cade's grandmother's attorney for many years. Leah hadn't been close to her for 16 years. She was to be married in one week. Leah and Cade shook hands and it confirmed she was his mate. Through her simple touch, the mate bond had been established and couldn't be severed. Leah was 14 and Cade was 21 when he left. They had been close friends for years. As she got older, Cade's attraction had grown for her, but he was too old for her. So when she told him how she felt, Cade did what he thought was right. Leah had always been unafraid and defiant and the most stubborn woman Cade had ever made.
I found Cade to be physically and mentally strong and in control, until he touched Leah's hand. He's very smart, goal-oriented and determined. He does whatever he has to do to achieve his goal. Leah can be very stubborn and determined. She's also loyal and true. She takes life on. She's caring and loving and an enjoyable character.
This was a great story and plot. I recommend it.
August 12, 2016
A nice little novella, though it had quite a lot of love scenes. Since the characters had a previous history, though, I didn't mind that as much as I normally would've. I liked the heroine Leah, who was stubborn, strong, and protective of those she loved. She refused to let the hero, Cade, boss her around. I liked Cade too, but he didn't really stand out among all the other alpha shifter heroes to me. The plot was all about Cade and Reah's reunion after Cade's grandmother set them up. Cade had left home sixteen yeears ago because of the age difference between himself and Leah, who was fourteen at the time and had a crush on him. When the book started though, Cade's grandmother got him to visit by faking being sick. Then, knowing that when Leah touched Cade that Leah would claim Cade as her mate, his grandmother orchestrated a handshake between the two. The rest of the book followed Leah and Cade as Leah struggled with the fact that Cade had left all those years ago and insulted her feelings. Cade had to win Leah over, as well as let her in on the fact that he was a shifter.
I liked the setup for this story. It did a good job with the friends-to-lovers and second chance tropes. The world was interesting, and I'm curious how I'd like a full novel set in it. I could've done without some of the repetitive writing in the love scenes, and I wish Cade had stood out more as a character. However, I did like this story, and recommend it to paranormal romance fans looking for a quick read.
I liked the setup for this story. It did a good job with the friends-to-lovers and second chance tropes. The world was interesting, and I'm curious how I'd like a full novel set in it. I could've done without some of the repetitive writing in the love scenes, and I wish Cade had stood out more as a character. However, I did like this story, and recommend it to paranormal romance fans looking for a quick read.
June 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If this prequel is any indication of how the series will go - sign me up! This book was filled with sexy alpha male sizzle and managed to jam a lot of story into a quick read. I would like more of this world now, please.
Caden rushed home to visit his grandmother when he heard she was very ill. His work might have devoured his life, but he still made time for the only family he had left. Of course, his grandmother knew this, and orchestrated beautifully so he would run into the one woman he didn't want to see - Leah. They grew up together, but were of two different worlds. Caden is a bear shifter and Leah was never told about his secret world. When Leah confronted him with her feelings (at waaaaaaaay too young an age), Caden ran away. He might have thought he was doing the right thing, but when he greets her with a handshake upon his return, he knows that she's his mate.
Leah was scheduled to get married that weekend and Caden somehow managed to turn her world on its head. Sure, she still held out hope of his return, but she didn't want to be thrown away again. These two had a lot of baggage to get over, but luckily the mate bond smashed through it all with undeniable attraction. These two sizzle right off the page and give you warm and fuzzy feelings with their HEA. I can't wait to see what happens next in this neat little world.
If this prequel is any indication of how the series will go - sign me up! This book was filled with sexy alpha male sizzle and managed to jam a lot of story into a quick read. I would like more of this world now, please.
Caden rushed home to visit his grandmother when he heard she was very ill. His work might have devoured his life, but he still made time for the only family he had left. Of course, his grandmother knew this, and orchestrated beautifully so he would run into the one woman he didn't want to see - Leah. They grew up together, but were of two different worlds. Caden is a bear shifter and Leah was never told about his secret world. When Leah confronted him with her feelings (at waaaaaaaay too young an age), Caden ran away. He might have thought he was doing the right thing, but when he greets her with a handshake upon his return, he knows that she's his mate.
Leah was scheduled to get married that weekend and Caden somehow managed to turn her world on its head. Sure, she still held out hope of his return, but she didn't want to be thrown away again. These two had a lot of baggage to get over, but luckily the mate bond smashed through it all with undeniable attraction. These two sizzle right off the page and give you warm and fuzzy feelings with their HEA. I can't wait to see what happens next in this neat little world.
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