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The Marked #1
A Bear In Need
Bear shifter Brandon Mitchell is cursed. Destined to lose the woman he claims as his mate, he's lived the life of an arrogant, cocky playboy to keep from getting his heart broken. But deep down, Brandon wants what he can never have: A family of his own, with a few cubs and a curvy goddess of a woman to keep him in line.
He never thought he'd find her in a feisty witch from his past, and now he'll stop at nothing to break his curse and claim her as his mate.
There's just one problem: The woman he wants--the woman he's doomed to lose--is the only witch who can help him, and if he wants to protect her, he'll have to find a way to resist her first.
Liz Malone just can't catch a break. After promising to secure her grandmother's spellbook, she's back in her old hometown and faced with confronting the dark, powerful figure who still holds sway over her life.
If that wasn't bad enough, she gets drawn in by the charm and confidence of her old high school crush.
She never wanted to go back to Star Lake, and yet here she is, setting aside her own problems to help Brandon break a curse so he can take a mate. A mate she just knows isn't her.
How could it be when the only thing between them, after all this time, is a one-night-stand?
A Bear in Need is a complete, standalone novel with a HEA ending and NO CLIFFHANGER.
Content Warning: Explicit love scenes and smokin' hot werebears. Adult only bear shifter romance!
He never thought he'd find her in a feisty witch from his past, and now he'll stop at nothing to break his curse and claim her as his mate.
There's just one problem: The woman he wants--the woman he's doomed to lose--is the only witch who can help him, and if he wants to protect her, he'll have to find a way to resist her first.
Liz Malone just can't catch a break. After promising to secure her grandmother's spellbook, she's back in her old hometown and faced with confronting the dark, powerful figure who still holds sway over her life.
If that wasn't bad enough, she gets drawn in by the charm and confidence of her old high school crush.
She never wanted to go back to Star Lake, and yet here she is, setting aside her own problems to help Brandon break a curse so he can take a mate. A mate she just knows isn't her.
How could it be when the only thing between them, after all this time, is a one-night-stand?
A Bear in Need is a complete, standalone novel with a HEA ending and NO CLIFFHANGER.
Content Warning: Explicit love scenes and smokin' hot werebears. Adult only bear shifter romance!
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2015
44 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 13, 2016
Quickshot Review
Brandon and his brothers, a trio of werebears, are cursed by a witch because of reasons we aren’t fully aware of. Liz went to school with Brandon, and there’s always been a connection but the mate connection doesn’t come instantaneously into play. Flash forward ten years later, and Liz is back to collect her grandmother’s spellbook (yep, she’s a witch), sees Brandon again, and well it’s complicated but romance does happen. Brandon is possessive and caring, Liz is a tad insecure and wary of Brandon’s manwhore ways, and I was engaged straight through to the end.
The Bottom Line
I really enjoyed this. I think this has a very good story and solid characterizations which elevate this beyond the usual BBW shifter romances. I highly recommend for those into shifter romances and who love their BBW heroines. It’s free on Amazon and I just bought the rest of the series because I liked it so much.
Brandon and his brothers, a trio of werebears, are cursed by a witch because of reasons we aren’t fully aware of. Liz went to school with Brandon, and there’s always been a connection but the mate connection doesn’t come instantaneously into play. Flash forward ten years later, and Liz is back to collect her grandmother’s spellbook (yep, she’s a witch), sees Brandon again, and well it’s complicated but romance does happen. Brandon is possessive and caring, Liz is a tad insecure and wary of Brandon’s manwhore ways, and I was engaged straight through to the end.
The Bottom Line
I really enjoyed this. I think this has a very good story and solid characterizations which elevate this beyond the usual BBW shifter romances. I highly recommend for those into shifter romances and who love their BBW heroines. It’s free on Amazon and I just bought the rest of the series because I liked it so much.
February 16, 2016
Better than any bear shifter story I've read thus far. But still, overall this one was just a solid 3* read for me.
Read
September 21, 2016DNF @ 7%.
I was hoping for more fun bear shifter stuff. But this book is so aggressively sexual in a really predatory way?? They flat out call the two "predator" and "prey" regularly, describe it as hunting, and saying shit like "she's lucky he had as much control as he did or this would be an entirely different conversation" and she's getting off on how threatened she is by him.
Really not my thing?? This is scary? lol it's giving me secondhand anxiety. do not wannnnttttt.
I was hoping for more fun bear shifter stuff. But this book is so aggressively sexual in a really predatory way?? They flat out call the two "predator" and "prey" regularly, describe it as hunting, and saying shit like "she's lucky he had as much control as he did or this would be an entirely different conversation" and she's getting off on how threatened she is by him.
Really not my thing?? This is scary? lol it's giving me secondhand anxiety. do not wannnnttttt.
July 2, 2015
What sacrifice is too much in the name of love?
Home for the unfavorable task of settling her grandmother’s estate, Liz decides to drown her sorrows after a frustrating day of packing. And why should her trip to the local bar be any better? All she wants to do is avoid her old high school tormentors. Who should walk in? None other than Brandon, the guy she had the biggest crush on and he’s looking right at her. Figuring Brandon is a hot commodity and still out of her league she attempts to avoid him. But that’s just not happening.
Enticed by her witchy powers and a scent he can’t resist Brandon approaches the woman at the bar only to discover its Lizzie and he definitely wants some of that. A few drinks later and he’s walking her back to her hotel where things get hot and heavy between the two. No one knows that there is a reason why Brandon is the king of one night stands. He’s cursed. When he wakes and realizes Liz is his mate he slinks out the door. Unless he can find a cure for his curse no good can come of his mating Liz. Having a mate brings it all home for him and lights a fire under him to find that cure now.
Liz wakes to find him gone and figures it’s for the best. She’s a witch with problems of her own. First and foremost she needs to find her grandmother’s spell book before it possibly gets into the wrong hands. Things come full circle when Brandon shows up on her grandmother’s door step looking for the most powerful witch from the local coven to help him break the curse only to find that she was Liz’s deceased grandmother. Liz is attacked. Deals are struck. Their mutual enemy is in hot pursuit. Interwoven is the deepening bond between the two and hard choices that need to be made.
While the above sets the stage it by no means conveys the challenges these two face. The sexual tension, hot sex, violent pursuit and inner turmoil these two face sets an even pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to Bear in Hiding, the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Home for the unfavorable task of settling her grandmother’s estate, Liz decides to drown her sorrows after a frustrating day of packing. And why should her trip to the local bar be any better? All she wants to do is avoid her old high school tormentors. Who should walk in? None other than Brandon, the guy she had the biggest crush on and he’s looking right at her. Figuring Brandon is a hot commodity and still out of her league she attempts to avoid him. But that’s just not happening.
Enticed by her witchy powers and a scent he can’t resist Brandon approaches the woman at the bar only to discover its Lizzie and he definitely wants some of that. A few drinks later and he’s walking her back to her hotel where things get hot and heavy between the two. No one knows that there is a reason why Brandon is the king of one night stands. He’s cursed. When he wakes and realizes Liz is his mate he slinks out the door. Unless he can find a cure for his curse no good can come of his mating Liz. Having a mate brings it all home for him and lights a fire under him to find that cure now.
Liz wakes to find him gone and figures it’s for the best. She’s a witch with problems of her own. First and foremost she needs to find her grandmother’s spell book before it possibly gets into the wrong hands. Things come full circle when Brandon shows up on her grandmother’s door step looking for the most powerful witch from the local coven to help him break the curse only to find that she was Liz’s deceased grandmother. Liz is attacked. Deals are struck. Their mutual enemy is in hot pursuit. Interwoven is the deepening bond between the two and hard choices that need to be made.
While the above sets the stage it by no means conveys the challenges these two face. The sexual tension, hot sex, violent pursuit and inner turmoil these two face sets an even pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to Bear in Hiding, the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2015
Good but confusing
I did enjoy the book and the two characters. But there was just so many unanswered questions and I guess you won't know until the next two books. Like -- why did Gemma not fix the curse when she kicked out Alana 10 years ago? Why did Alana try to kill Liz? There was really no good reason in this book . And what happened to Bryce and Alana and why did she curse all the brothers ? And why would the Brothers not insist on knowing what happened between Bryce and Alana from Bryce? My goodness he caused a curse on all the brothers! So to me this really was not a standalone book but shows there is a cliffhanger if you really want to understand the whole story. I love the two characters Brandon and Liz but the backstory was not fleshed out well. There was not a backstory for Liz and her recent life --- all you here is that she lived in VA. you get enough information about high school and before but she really was a blank slate.. This is a promising start of this book but it was convoluted and way too many unanswered questions. ( The word standalone apparently means different than what I think of the word standalone). I probably will not read the other two books anytime soon. I read this using the Kindle unlimited program and thank goodness because I would not pay the list price.
I did enjoy the book and the two characters. But there was just so many unanswered questions and I guess you won't know until the next two books. Like -- why did Gemma not fix the curse when she kicked out Alana 10 years ago? Why did Alana try to kill Liz? There was really no good reason in this book . And what happened to Bryce and Alana and why did she curse all the brothers ? And why would the Brothers not insist on knowing what happened between Bryce and Alana from Bryce? My goodness he caused a curse on all the brothers! So to me this really was not a standalone book but shows there is a cliffhanger if you really want to understand the whole story. I love the two characters Brandon and Liz but the backstory was not fleshed out well. There was not a backstory for Liz and her recent life --- all you here is that she lived in VA. you get enough information about high school and before but she really was a blank slate.. This is a promising start of this book but it was convoluted and way too many unanswered questions. ( The word standalone apparently means different than what I think of the word standalone). I probably will not read the other two books anytime soon. I read this using the Kindle unlimited program and thank goodness because I would not pay the list price.
June 15, 2015
Gifted in exchange for an Honest Review - Loved it!
I am always keeping an eye out for new authors to add to my favourites list and I am happy to say Christa Kelley ticks all the boxes for me.
Original storyline - Tick!
Well defined character construction - Tick!
Hot and sexy in all the right places - Tick,Tick Tick!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. I would recommend 'A Bear in Need' to fans of Paranormal Shifter Mates.
This review is my personal opinion and I was not paid for a single word or exclamation mark.
I am always keeping an eye out for new authors to add to my favourites list and I am happy to say Christa Kelley ticks all the boxes for me.
Original storyline - Tick!
Well defined character construction - Tick!
Hot and sexy in all the right places - Tick,Tick Tick!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. I would recommend 'A Bear in Need' to fans of Paranormal Shifter Mates.
This review is my personal opinion and I was not paid for a single word or exclamation mark.
June 17, 2022
Love me some shifters!
I have been in such a reading slump! I haven’t been able to finish a book in a while. However, Liz and Brandon lit that spark! I love the way things wove together and made me just want to “read one more chapter “.
I have been in such a reading slump! I haven’t been able to finish a book in a while. However, Liz and Brandon lit that spark! I love the way things wove together and made me just want to “read one more chapter “.
March 10, 2017
awesome
January 26, 2020
Interesting start
Interesting shifter story.
Brandon is cursed, thanks to his brother. Liz is his mate he can't claim.
Loved the twists in this story.
Interesting shifter story.
Brandon is cursed, thanks to his brother. Liz is his mate he can't claim.
Loved the twists in this story.
June 17, 2015
A Bear in Need: BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance: The Marked: Book 1Christa Kelley
Reviewed by SFF Dragon
Love can overcome so many obstacles, and in this wonderful book, it does. Bring on the next one.
'A Bear In Need', is the first book in The Marked Series by Christa Kelley and I was given this copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I've read by Christa and it certainly won't be the last. For a first book in the shape-shifter genre, it's fantastic. I loved it and can't wait for the next one. I just couldn't put it down.
Brandon Mitchell is a cursed werebear, so are his brothers, Bryce and Brian, thanks to his oldest brother, Bryce, and all are destined to lose their mates when they find them. The trouble is, Brandon has known his true mate all his life and his bear has known who since they were 16 years old. If Bryce hadn't got involved with the witch, Alana, none of this would have happened. Brandon longs for his mate and a family, he is so lonely and sick of one night stands, but that's all the curse will allow him. He goes to McCleary's bar looking for a drink and tonight's one night stand, and is drawn to the redhead sitting at the bar.
Elizabeth Malone, known as Liz to all but Brandon Mitchell, who calls her Lizzie, is a witch and, to herself at least, not a very strong one. She is back in Star Lake after ten years to deal with her Grandmother's estate and then she's going back to Virginia just as fast as she can. The problem is, she's still here. She thought she'd be gone by late afternoon, but she'd promised her Grandmother, the most powerful witch in New England, that she'd find and safeguard her spell-book. But she hasn't found it yet. In need of a drink to round off a bad day, she is sitting at the bar in McCleary's when Brandon Mitchell arrives.
What was supposed to be a one-night stand with Lizzie turns Brandon's world upside down. She is his true mate and now he wants the curse broken so he can claim her. He goes looking for the strongest witch he can get to help him, but finds Liz instead. And then the trouble really starts....
I won't give any more spoilers. This is a terrific book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are varied and complex and the story grabbed me from beginning to end. It has everything you want or expect in an action packed paranormal romance. Humour, steamy bits, plot twists to follow, bad guys to fight, HEA and so much more. It is well written, but there are a few bits where extra words have been left behind when a sentence was re-written, and one continuity error where Brandon is referred to as Brian, but it doesn't detract from the story and despite this, I still given it 5 stars. It's well worth reading and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
Reviewed by SFF Dragon
Love can overcome so many obstacles, and in this wonderful book, it does. Bring on the next one.
'A Bear In Need', is the first book in The Marked Series by Christa Kelley and I was given this copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I've read by Christa and it certainly won't be the last. For a first book in the shape-shifter genre, it's fantastic. I loved it and can't wait for the next one. I just couldn't put it down.
Brandon Mitchell is a cursed werebear, so are his brothers, Bryce and Brian, thanks to his oldest brother, Bryce, and all are destined to lose their mates when they find them. The trouble is, Brandon has known his true mate all his life and his bear has known who since they were 16 years old. If Bryce hadn't got involved with the witch, Alana, none of this would have happened. Brandon longs for his mate and a family, he is so lonely and sick of one night stands, but that's all the curse will allow him. He goes to McCleary's bar looking for a drink and tonight's one night stand, and is drawn to the redhead sitting at the bar.
Elizabeth Malone, known as Liz to all but Brandon Mitchell, who calls her Lizzie, is a witch and, to herself at least, not a very strong one. She is back in Star Lake after ten years to deal with her Grandmother's estate and then she's going back to Virginia just as fast as she can. The problem is, she's still here. She thought she'd be gone by late afternoon, but she'd promised her Grandmother, the most powerful witch in New England, that she'd find and safeguard her spell-book. But she hasn't found it yet. In need of a drink to round off a bad day, she is sitting at the bar in McCleary's when Brandon Mitchell arrives.
What was supposed to be a one-night stand with Lizzie turns Brandon's world upside down. She is his true mate and now he wants the curse broken so he can claim her. He goes looking for the strongest witch he can get to help him, but finds Liz instead. And then the trouble really starts....
I won't give any more spoilers. This is a terrific book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are varied and complex and the story grabbed me from beginning to end. It has everything you want or expect in an action packed paranormal romance. Humour, steamy bits, plot twists to follow, bad guys to fight, HEA and so much more. It is well written, but there are a few bits where extra words have been left behind when a sentence was re-written, and one continuity error where Brandon is referred to as Brian, but it doesn't detract from the story and despite this, I still given it 5 stars. It's well worth reading and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
May 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Let me first say that the author said this is her first shifter book – all I can say is wow. Just wow. I’ve read a lot of shifter novels and this story was just so well-written and well-thought out. I was pleasantly surprised and couldn’t put the story down until I read “The End”. It is the start of a series of stories about “The Marked”, something we learn about almost at the very beginning of A Bear In Need. Brandon is one of The Marked and is a [and I’m quoting the heroine here because it just cracked me up!] “lunk-headed douche-canoe” who also happens to be a bear shifter. Elizabeth aka Lizzie (as Brandon has always called her) or Liz (as she has always been known), is back in town after years away to get her recently passed grandmother’s house up for sale. She also needs to pack up her grandmother’s belongings because Liz is the last of a long line of witches in her family and her grandmother’s house has much that is magical that needs to be taken out.
The author spent time to help us understand background of the story to set up the rest of the series, at least IMHO. Both Liz and Brandon have “beings” after them and it is only when they work together that they can hope to achieve their HEA. It takes a while for them to build trust in one another and that is the best part of the book, at least for me. They have so much to conquer before they can accept that they are “fated mates”, especially since shifters and witches don’t exactly get along… These two have scorching chemistry – turns out they always have – and I highly recommend this story. I know I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
The author spent time to help us understand background of the story to set up the rest of the series, at least IMHO. Both Liz and Brandon have “beings” after them and it is only when they work together that they can hope to achieve their HEA. It takes a while for them to build trust in one another and that is the best part of the book, at least for me. They have so much to conquer before they can accept that they are “fated mates”, especially since shifters and witches don’t exactly get along… These two have scorching chemistry – turns out they always have – and I highly recommend this story. I know I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 21, 2015
Elizabeth (Liz) Malone is not thrilled to be back in the hometown she ran from ten years ago, especially to handle her Grandmothers estate. She hits the bar after a hellish day of trying to find her Grandmothers spell book that she promised to protect and who else but her High School crush Brandon Mitchell should walk in, the one that wanted nothing to do with her. Her day just went from bad to worse. Surprisingly he locks gazes with her and walks over, even more surprisingly he stays and talks his way right into her bed. Mind-blowing is the only way to describe it, not only the sex but the fact that he didn’t dress and run the second the condom came off, no he stayed and cuddled and fell asleep. Unfortunately reality set in soon enough and as much as Brandon wanted to claim Liz and stay with her forever he couldn’t, not with the curse. He sneaks out and she wakes up alone feeling stupid for thinking there was more to it than a hook-up. Brandon is on a mission though he calls his contacts to find a powerful witch to lift the curse in the hopes that he may yet be able to Liz and have the life he wants, that mission brings him to the door of the most powerful witch in New England but the witch that answers the door is not who he expects, it’s Liz answering her deceased Grandmothers door. In the process of ripping Brandon a new one, he saves her from a witch hunter and they make a deal, he protects her and she sees about breaking his curse. This leads them down a trail revealing they are more connected then they ever knew, not only as mates but by betrayal, magic, life history and passions; ending in a sacred magical place where both sacrifice everything for the other. Truly awesome story and characters! Highly recommend it!!
June 25, 2015
I love shifter romance stories and Christa Kelley has given us some awesome entertainment. There is witches, bear shifters, hunters OMG what a storyline I couldn't put it down. I have to just say WoW I just couldn't get enough I'm in love I can't get over Brandon I like when I get to smile and laugh and of I love big guys with curvey women it's just made to love. This is one book that I know I will read again and again. If you love a compelling, sexy and steamy hot book. This is my first book to read from Christa Kelley and she is a writer that has written a book for shifter lovers like us. This storyline is so creative and well written. Ms. Kelley gave us background to help us understand the story of A Bear in Need.
Elizabeth Malone and Brandon Mitchell attended High School together, but Brandon gave Liz a nickname that he thought was special but it only made the others tease her. Liz alway had fantasies about Brandon but not knowing he felt the same.
Liz is only back in town to pack up her Grandmother house and meets Brandon at a bar after being away. Brandon is known as the charming playboy who wants to sleep with all the women. But no one knows about “The Marked it looks like a tattoo but a mark of a curse. Brandon is one of the cursed ones he and his brothers are bear shifters. Because of the Elder brother they are marked. After their encounter Brandon is looking to break the curse. Elizabeth known as Liz grandmother was a powerful witch. I don't want to give the story away but I know this is a good teaser but this a awesome story. These two have lots of sparks its scorching HOT!!
I recommend this book. It's so fantastic I am looking forward to this series. I received this book to read and to give a review.
I rated it 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elizabeth Malone and Brandon Mitchell attended High School together, but Brandon gave Liz a nickname that he thought was special but it only made the others tease her. Liz alway had fantasies about Brandon but not knowing he felt the same.
Liz is only back in town to pack up her Grandmother house and meets Brandon at a bar after being away. Brandon is known as the charming playboy who wants to sleep with all the women. But no one knows about “The Marked it looks like a tattoo but a mark of a curse. Brandon is one of the cursed ones he and his brothers are bear shifters. Because of the Elder brother they are marked. After their encounter Brandon is looking to break the curse. Elizabeth known as Liz grandmother was a powerful witch. I don't want to give the story away but I know this is a good teaser but this a awesome story. These two have lots of sparks its scorching HOT!!
I recommend this book. It's so fantastic I am looking forward to this series. I received this book to read and to give a review.
I rated it 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2015
Very good first book in this series. Brandon is a bear shifter who, along with his brothers, is under a curse. They were cursed by a former girlfriend (who's a witch) of Brandon's oldest brother, Bryce, after he broke her heart. They are destined to be alone unless they can find a way to break the curse.
Liz is a witch who grew up with Brandon and always crushed on him. Rather than stay in town and watch Brandon with other girls, she leaves after high school with no intentions of returning. Her plan works until her grandmother passes away and she has to return to deal with her estate and, mostly, to find her spell book. She runs into Brandon on her first night and the attraction she always felt returns (just as strong as it was before) and she ends up taking Brandon back to her hotel room.
The next morning Brandon realizes he has feelings for Liz but because of the curse he thinks nothing can come of them so he leaves without saying goodbye. Liza was not happy when she woke up alone and decides to get her grandmothers, find her spell book, and then get out of town. Things don't go according to plan as Brandon shows up at her grandmother's and then so does a witch slayer.
This book has so much going on...romance, sexy-times, shifters, witches, curses....it's action-packed! I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*An ARC was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review*
Liz is a witch who grew up with Brandon and always crushed on him. Rather than stay in town and watch Brandon with other girls, she leaves after high school with no intentions of returning. Her plan works until her grandmother passes away and she has to return to deal with her estate and, mostly, to find her spell book. She runs into Brandon on her first night and the attraction she always felt returns (just as strong as it was before) and she ends up taking Brandon back to her hotel room.
The next morning Brandon realizes he has feelings for Liz but because of the curse he thinks nothing can come of them so he leaves without saying goodbye. Liza was not happy when she woke up alone and decides to get her grandmothers, find her spell book, and then get out of town. Things don't go according to plan as Brandon shows up at her grandmother's and then so does a witch slayer.
This book has so much going on...romance, sexy-times, shifters, witches, curses....it's action-packed! I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*An ARC was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review*
October 17, 2015
Title : A Bear in Need
Author : Christa Kelley
Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Can you imagine this cute little cuddly bear
all soft and furry? Then he grows up and he is Big ole Grizzly Bear that can stand straight up to where he's over 6 ft tall only to see him change into this naked well endowed, muscle-building , most beautiful man you ever seen smiling at you. Well there are three Mitchell Brothers living at Star Lake they worked in the woods guarding " The Hollow " just like their dad before them.
Brandon Mitchell was a skirt chaser he do anything to take his mind off the burn on his arm. Him and his brothers were cursed by a witch. Liz short for Elizabeth Malone never thought she would come back to this town.
She had to come back to settle her grandmother's estate she'd been packing and looking for the book all day, guess she was staying another day. She just had to find it, then she would be on her way back to Virginia where she belonged. Than Liz saw Brandon and all the old feelings came back, she had such a crush on him in high school. This is a great book I loved it, not to many books you don't know what happening next it fantastic.You have Adventure, Betrayal, Fear , Rage and of course my favorite Hot Sex. I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
Author : Christa Kelley
Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Can you imagine this cute little cuddly bear
all soft and furry? Then he grows up and he is Big ole Grizzly Bear that can stand straight up to where he's over 6 ft tall only to see him change into this naked well endowed, muscle-building , most beautiful man you ever seen smiling at you. Well there are three Mitchell Brothers living at Star Lake they worked in the woods guarding " The Hollow " just like their dad before them.
Brandon Mitchell was a skirt chaser he do anything to take his mind off the burn on his arm. Him and his brothers were cursed by a witch. Liz short for Elizabeth Malone never thought she would come back to this town.
She had to come back to settle her grandmother's estate she'd been packing and looking for the book all day, guess she was staying another day. She just had to find it, then she would be on her way back to Virginia where she belonged. Than Liz saw Brandon and all the old feelings came back, she had such a crush on him in high school. This is a great book I loved it, not to many books you don't know what happening next it fantastic.You have Adventure, Betrayal, Fear , Rage and of course my favorite Hot Sex. I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
June 18, 2015
Review for A BEAR IN NEED
I received this as an ARC for an honest review
Elizabeth Malone, a witch, has a history with Star Lake…one she would rather forget. Being the chunky girl in school left her open to a lot of teasing and jokes when she was younger. Her best friend, Alana, stuck by her, until the day she was forced to leave by Gemma Yardley…Liz’s grandmother. One person Liz never forgot though was Brandon Mitchell. She had a crush on him for years and if the truth be told, she still does. When Brandon shows up at the bar she is in, he doesn’t recognize her immediately…not until she tells him she already knows who he is. They eventually end up back at her hotel and the inevitable happens, but he sneaks away in the morning, taking his secret with him. In a comic twist, Brandon shows up looking for her grandmother, not knowing Liz is related to her. That is when the secret of his curse comes out. He is hoping Liz can now help him break it. It is at this point, the Witch Hunter tries to kill Liz and Brandon saves her, takes her to his house to keep her safe….Until the Hunter shows up again and they are forced to go to The Hollow…a magical nexus that his family protects. This is when the real magic happens and I promise you will not be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC for an honest review
Elizabeth Malone, a witch, has a history with Star Lake…one she would rather forget. Being the chunky girl in school left her open to a lot of teasing and jokes when she was younger. Her best friend, Alana, stuck by her, until the day she was forced to leave by Gemma Yardley…Liz’s grandmother. One person Liz never forgot though was Brandon Mitchell. She had a crush on him for years and if the truth be told, she still does. When Brandon shows up at the bar she is in, he doesn’t recognize her immediately…not until she tells him she already knows who he is. They eventually end up back at her hotel and the inevitable happens, but he sneaks away in the morning, taking his secret with him. In a comic twist, Brandon shows up looking for her grandmother, not knowing Liz is related to her. That is when the secret of his curse comes out. He is hoping Liz can now help him break it. It is at this point, the Witch Hunter tries to kill Liz and Brandon saves her, takes her to his house to keep her safe….Until the Hunter shows up again and they are forced to go to The Hollow…a magical nexus that his family protects. This is when the real magic happens and I promise you will not be disappointed.
June 18, 2015
From its opening paragraphs, I was pulled deeply into this story of hardship and loss blended perfectly with hope, love, and triumph. This inaugural entry into the world of the Marked Ones finds Brandon and Liz, its hero and heroine, being held down by strongholds from the past that leave each of them fairly certain that they will never have the desires of their hearts. Yet almost in spite of themselves, destiny drives these true mates towards each other even in the face of reason trying to keep them apart. Things seem grim at times, but in a true testament to its nature in its purest form, the love that is shared by Brandon and Liz proves to be both transformative and victorious, and this leads to a satisfying conclusion to this tale!
Action packed moments abound in this narrative married with intensely passionate encounters and driven by well developed characters who have realistic depth to their makeup. This mixture makes for a story that is hard to put down, and if the other two books in the series live up to this one, I will be an extremely happy reader. I highly recommend this novel to lovers of the paranormal, adventure, and romance.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Action packed moments abound in this narrative married with intensely passionate encounters and driven by well developed characters who have realistic depth to their makeup. This mixture makes for a story that is hard to put down, and if the other two books in the series live up to this one, I will be an extremely happy reader. I highly recommend this novel to lovers of the paranormal, adventure, and romance.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2015
A Bear in Need (The Marked, # 1)
by Christa Kelley
Liz is a witch. Picked on in school, she wasted no time leaving Star Lake when she was done. Along with the fact that she and her best friend, Alana, had a hard parting of ways. Liz has come back to Star Lake to settle her grandmother's estate. Who is one of the first people she sees again, Brandon of course, her High School crush, though he didn't know it. She knew that nothing could ever come of it though. So leaving Star Lake was the best thing for her.
Brandon has been cursed by his brother's ex-girlfriend, a witch named Alana. He and his brothers are rangers and have also been tasked with protecting the Hollow, a magical nexus. When he meets Liz in the bar he realizes he has found his mate, but with curse he can never claim her. Even though he knows he should stay away from Liz, he can't help but have one night with her. One night will never be enough though. Things start to heat up more between them. Then Liz is put in danger and Brandon has to make some choices, which wind up being easier then you would think.
There is more then one kind of magic and Brandon and Liz find both.
Looking forward to the next book.
by Christa Kelley
Liz is a witch. Picked on in school, she wasted no time leaving Star Lake when she was done. Along with the fact that she and her best friend, Alana, had a hard parting of ways. Liz has come back to Star Lake to settle her grandmother's estate. Who is one of the first people she sees again, Brandon of course, her High School crush, though he didn't know it. She knew that nothing could ever come of it though. So leaving Star Lake was the best thing for her.
Brandon has been cursed by his brother's ex-girlfriend, a witch named Alana. He and his brothers are rangers and have also been tasked with protecting the Hollow, a magical nexus. When he meets Liz in the bar he realizes he has found his mate, but with curse he can never claim her. Even though he knows he should stay away from Liz, he can't help but have one night with her. One night will never be enough though. Things start to heat up more between them. Then Liz is put in danger and Brandon has to make some choices, which wind up being easier then you would think.
There is more then one kind of magic and Brandon and Liz find both.
Looking forward to the next book.
December 13, 2015
Magical
I picked this up and could not put it down. Loved Brandon and Lizzie's story. There was magic, paranormal and human elements to this tale. There was also humor, passion and selflessness, which I loved.
Brandon Mitchell is what women would call a very hot player. The let's get down to business and disappear in the morning type. What they don't know is... there is a reason for it. On one of his prowls in the local bar he and definitely his bear is drawn like a month to a flame to the redhead sitting at the bar.
Liz Malone is a witch who returns to her hometown to settle her grandmother's estate, but also to keep a promise to her. While there she runs into her high school crush...one of the Mitchell boys at the bar. She notices a strange tattoo and the story begins.
There are hot scenes that make the pages sizzle, but there is a story that keeps you glued to the pages. They are filled with suspense, magic and determination. Loved it!
I picked this up and could not put it down. Loved Brandon and Lizzie's story. There was magic, paranormal and human elements to this tale. There was also humor, passion and selflessness, which I loved.
Brandon Mitchell is what women would call a very hot player. The let's get down to business and disappear in the morning type. What they don't know is... there is a reason for it. On one of his prowls in the local bar he and definitely his bear is drawn like a month to a flame to the redhead sitting at the bar.
Liz Malone is a witch who returns to her hometown to settle her grandmother's estate, but also to keep a promise to her. While there she runs into her high school crush...one of the Mitchell boys at the bar. She notices a strange tattoo and the story begins.
There are hot scenes that make the pages sizzle, but there is a story that keeps you glued to the pages. They are filled with suspense, magic and determination. Loved it!
June 13, 2015
A Bear in Need is the first book in the Marked series by Christa Kelley. It tells the story of Brandon and Liz.
Brandon is a Bear shifter that is cursed to lose his mate by his brother's ex who is a witch named Alana. He and his brothers are rangers and have the task of protecting a magical nexus called the Hollow.
Liz Malone is a feisty witch who's back in her old hometown of Star Lake to get her dead grandmother's spell book and sell her house. As luck would have it she runs into Brandon who just happens to be her old high school crush and in need of her help to break the curse.
To find out what happens next you will need to buy the book. You will be glad you did. It's a good book. The characters are strong, feisty and sexy. The story is well written full of action, a sexy hero and love. I look forward to the next one.
Received ARC copy
L.
Brandon is a Bear shifter that is cursed to lose his mate by his brother's ex who is a witch named Alana. He and his brothers are rangers and have the task of protecting a magical nexus called the Hollow.
Liz Malone is a feisty witch who's back in her old hometown of Star Lake to get her dead grandmother's spell book and sell her house. As luck would have it she runs into Brandon who just happens to be her old high school crush and in need of her help to break the curse.
To find out what happens next you will need to buy the book. You will be glad you did. It's a good book. The characters are strong, feisty and sexy. The story is well written full of action, a sexy hero and love. I look forward to the next one.
Received ARC copy
L.
June 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The heroine is a witch with a big problem. Besides that, her Grandmother has passed away and Liz has come home to find her spellbook and safeguard it. The hero is a bear shifter with a big problem that prevents him from taking his mate, if he finds her. He and his brothers have been cursed. They have a history, but haven't seen each other in years, but when they meet again, Brandon realizes she is his mate--that he can't have. He hopes a witch can break the curse, and asks her for help, but then her problems become bigger and they are running for their lives. This book has action, suspense, mystery, mistrust, a bear shifter fighting an impossible foe, magic, healing. It has everything. It is very good.
I received an ARC copy from the author and this is an honest review.
I received an ARC copy from the author and this is an honest review.
June 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review. I loved the book from start to finish. It was a well written story full of magic, intrigue, and romance. It’s the first book of The Marked series and tells the story of Liz Malone, a witch with spirit and Brandon Mitchell a Bear shifter who come together to try to break a curse which put a mark upon him and his brothers Brian and Bryce back in High School. They have great chemistry together even though they are both fighting it for their own reasons. Will they succumb to their mutual attraction? Will they be able to break the curse? Is there a happy ever after? You’ll have to read to find out! I can’t wait to read “A Bear in Hiding” the next book in the series. I look forward to reading about Brian and Bryce’s story! Great Job Christa Kelley!
June 18, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Christa Kelly. This is book 1 of her series The Marked.
Elizabeth Malone came home to take care of her grandmothers estate and she had hoped to get it done timely but that did not happen because he had not found the spell book and she ran into a sexy shifter,Brandon Mitchell who was her crush in high school. Brandon only wanted 1 night with curvy girl Liz but things did not go as planned when a witch hunter tries to kill her. Now together they will to work together to take care of things.
This book has a great story line and wonderful characters for any reader to enjoy. The author gave the characters very good interaction with each other and created believable drama.
This book is for any paranormal romance book reader who like some drama with their romance.
Elizabeth Malone came home to take care of her grandmothers estate and she had hoped to get it done timely but that did not happen because he had not found the spell book and she ran into a sexy shifter,Brandon Mitchell who was her crush in high school. Brandon only wanted 1 night with curvy girl Liz but things did not go as planned when a witch hunter tries to kill her. Now together they will to work together to take care of things.
This book has a great story line and wonderful characters for any reader to enjoy. The author gave the characters very good interaction with each other and created believable drama.
This book is for any paranormal romance book reader who like some drama with their romance.
June 19, 2015
A Bear in Need
Book 1 of The Marked
Liz is back at her childhood home trying to settle things after her grandmother's death. Hoping to get things done quickly and get out of town without much contact didn't work out for her.
Brandon knows he can't have a mate but he can't keep away from Liz. Even with their less than happy history looming over their heads.
Can a witch and a bear overcome all the obstacles in their way? Or are they fated to lose? I really enjoyed this story. There was enough conflict to pace the story well and the characters were interesting with depth. The way everything happens in the end was a terrific twist. This is a great afternoon read with just the right amount of passion and excitement. I can't wait to read the next couple's story in book two.
Received a copy for an honest review.
Book 1 of The Marked
Liz is back at her childhood home trying to settle things after her grandmother's death. Hoping to get things done quickly and get out of town without much contact didn't work out for her.
Brandon knows he can't have a mate but he can't keep away from Liz. Even with their less than happy history looming over their heads.
Can a witch and a bear overcome all the obstacles in their way? Or are they fated to lose? I really enjoyed this story. There was enough conflict to pace the story well and the characters were interesting with depth. The way everything happens in the end was a terrific twist. This is a great afternoon read with just the right amount of passion and excitement. I can't wait to read the next couple's story in book two.
Received a copy for an honest review.
June 23, 2015
This was a really good introduction for me to Christa Kelley's work. I loved how she set up the romance between Liz & Brandon....it was a little off the usual girl meets boy....girl sleeps with boy and then straight to the HAE. I loved how Liz thought she was just going for a one-time fling with the boy she had crushed on before she left town...never realizing that he actually liked her that way too. It was interesting how they danced around each other afraid of reveling their true natures and thinking they could not be together, even though each one was aware of what the other was without actually telling. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in this series and can't wait to see how they go about bringing Liz's best friend back from the dark side...if this is even possible...since it sounds like she is the true mate of one of Brandon's brothers.
June 9, 2015
LOVED IT!!!!
Liz is a natural witch back home to put her grandmother's things in order, she never thought she'd have to come back to her hometown and much less run into her High School crush. That one nighter hunk of a bear and now he looks even better.
Brandon walks into the bar to get his piece for the night, what he didn't count on was seeing her again after so many years, or still have that reaction to her...His bear is in a huff and he can't stay away from her no matter what his human side thinks! One night will be enough, or will it, it has to be!
So much magic and hot steamy passion between a witch and bear shifter. This is the first of this series and I can't wait to read Brandon's brother Brian's story.
I was gifted this book for an honest review
Liz is a natural witch back home to put her grandmother's things in order, she never thought she'd have to come back to her hometown and much less run into her High School crush. That one nighter hunk of a bear and now he looks even better.
Brandon walks into the bar to get his piece for the night, what he didn't count on was seeing her again after so many years, or still have that reaction to her...His bear is in a huff and he can't stay away from her no matter what his human side thinks! One night will be enough, or will it, it has to be!
So much magic and hot steamy passion between a witch and bear shifter. This is the first of this series and I can't wait to read Brandon's brother Brian's story.
I was gifted this book for an honest review
June 13, 2015
A Bear in Need: BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance: (The Marked: Book 1)
4.0 out of 5 stars A witch and a bear, Charming!, June 12, 2015
This review is from: A Bear in Need: BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance: (The Marked: Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was an delightful, well written story full of magic, mystery and romance. In this first book the author present the story between Liz Malone a sassy witch and Brandon Mitchell a bear shifter with a mark, a curse that him and his brothers got in high school.. This is the first of this series and I can't wait to read more from the Mitchell Brothers Brian's and Bryce!
A Bear in Need is a complete, standalone novel with No cliffhanger.
November 23, 2015
I was given this book to read for an honest opinion
I have to say I LOVED this, It was a great story, I loved Brandon and "Lizzie"
They have such a connection yet neither will admit to it, (But Brandons Bear knows)
Liz and Brandon both have such snarky attitudes and I adore that (kinda reminds me of my husband and I lol)
It is marked as a standalone HEA story but Brian and Bryce I know have such great stories of their own and I cannot wait to read theirs, I can tell Alana is a B#tch, but then again sometimes until you read/know the character you cant decide,
I HIGHLY recommend this book/series to all of my paranormal romance friends!!!
Hot Sex, Hot Bear Shifter, Witches, Magic just love it!!!
I have to say I LOVED this, It was a great story, I loved Brandon and "Lizzie"
They have such a connection yet neither will admit to it, (But Brandons Bear knows)
Liz and Brandon both have such snarky attitudes and I adore that (kinda reminds me of my husband and I lol)
It is marked as a standalone HEA story but Brian and Bryce I know have such great stories of their own and I cannot wait to read theirs, I can tell Alana is a B#tch, but then again sometimes until you read/know the character you cant decide,
I HIGHLY recommend this book/series to all of my paranormal romance friends!!!
Hot Sex, Hot Bear Shifter, Witches, Magic just love it!!!
December 18, 2015
I really liked this! It was the perfect length for what happened, and I think it was written well. The plot wasn't filled with pointless moments and I felt there was enough information to build up a series. I'm eager to see what actually happened between Alana and the eldest brother but that's book three so booey for me, I guess I'll have to read Brian's story first... Not that I mind hehe.
A great bear and witch story, both species I felt were executed nicely. Sometimes with these shifter or even magic based stories its either edited badly, got a ridiculous plot or something or it just has really awkward dialogue and stuff. This wasn't like that, I'm surprised considering it was free on kindle.
A great bear and witch story, both species I felt were executed nicely. Sometimes with these shifter or even magic based stories its either edited badly, got a ridiculous plot or something or it just has really awkward dialogue and stuff. This wasn't like that, I'm surprised considering it was free on kindle.
August 5, 2019
I loved this novella!
This is a great novella, made even better by being on Kindle Unlimited. I am not always a fan of shifter novels but this one has some great twists, combine this with good writing and I enjoyed every page.
Brandon and Liz have this great push/pull/love/hate thing going on, they are firey, funny, sexy, stubborn, wary and completely crazy for each other! They will be totally unstoppable if they can learn to work together, trust each other and admit their feelings. They cannot even admit their feelings to themselves, never mind each other!
I cannot wait to read the next two in the series and see how Brian and Bryce fall – once again these are available on Kindle Unlimited....a complete gift!
This is a great novella, made even better by being on Kindle Unlimited. I am not always a fan of shifter novels but this one has some great twists, combine this with good writing and I enjoyed every page.
Brandon and Liz have this great push/pull/love/hate thing going on, they are firey, funny, sexy, stubborn, wary and completely crazy for each other! They will be totally unstoppable if they can learn to work together, trust each other and admit their feelings. They cannot even admit their feelings to themselves, never mind each other!
I cannot wait to read the next two in the series and see how Brian and Bryce fall – once again these are available on Kindle Unlimited....a complete gift!
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