Brian Mitchell has been living a double life. To most he's a kind-hearted, gentle man who always goes out of his way to help those less fortunate. Few know that what lurks beneath is a dangerous killer--one that Brian has struggled to repress since a lethal encounter many years ago.
Unlike his brothers, he considers his curse a blessing--it gives him a reason to keep anyone from getting too close. But that all changes when he's tasked with taking care of one very scared shifter.
Emma's life hasn't been a bed of roses. Trapped in an abusive relationship for years, she was sure things couldn't get worse. And then they did. After a strange encounter with a bear, Emma started to change. The next thing she knew, she was waking up in a police station, staring into the gentle eyes of the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen.
As Emma struggles to understand the terrifying new reality of her life, Brian struggles to keep his beast from trying to claim its mate.
A Bear in Hiding 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!
I liked this just as much as book two, it's fairly enjoyable and nothing too wacky like some similar to these tend to do. I love the length and I'm probably going to read book three just to find out what that brother did to Alana haha
Sometimes love helps us find the strength within …
Emma has led a life of abuse. First she survived an abusive childhood watching her father beat her mother regularly then she trusted the wrong man and ended up in an abusive marriage of her own. When it all became too much she divorced his ass and attempted to move on. One bear attack later and she was back in the cross hairs of her ex-husband. A pregnancy scare sees her finally standing up to life even if it is in the form of running for Canada.
Brian is the middle brother of three bear shifters. He’s the one that is called in when a stray is found. He teaches them to transition and find a balance with their animals. What no one knows is he struggles with finding his own sense of balance. Twelve years ago he discovered quite brutally that he didn’t have control so he does whatever it takes to suppress the animal within. Finding his mate and wanting to do whatever it takes to protect her is about to put his control to the test. Being cursed by a witch to eventually lose his mate adds an extra bit of challenge.
At the start of A Bear In Hiding Emma wakes in a jail cell with no immediate memory of why she’s there. She’s nervous and paranoid that her ex will find her. Distrustful of all men she’s reluctant to accept the help Brian offers. But amazingly she finds herself trusting him almost from the get go. She has no clue of her true nature since the bite. It takes Brian’s shocking reveal for her to acknowledge something inside is definitely different. In the ensuing days she will have to come to terms with her duality, her growing attachment to Brian and her need to keep running. They’ll both have to deal with a witch with questionable motivation and an ex on her trail. Emma will need to find the strength within. Brian will need to come to grips with accepting his bear and learning the balance that has eluded him. Both are in need of healing from their pasts. Luckily they have each other to work through the issues.
While this was a good continuation of the series I have to admit to liking the first in the series more. A Bear In Need had just a bit more of a sense of urgency and a stronger sense of the villain. This book was a bit more angst ridden rather than driven by the need to conquer their enemies. Don’t get me wrong I like a book with a bit of angst. I guess I just like that spark of danger a bit more. All in all though I really did enjoy A Bear In Hiding and I’m looking forward to the next in the series, Bryce and Alana’s story.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review. A Bear in Hiding is book two in the Marked series. This book touches on a very sensitive subject of spousal abuse. It’s a fast paced interesting read that had you on the edge of your seat at times! It’s well-written, with strong characters, and an interesting story development. Christa Kelley keeps the reader intrigued by having to read in between the lines in order to catch glimpses of something thrilling to come. I loved the narrations, the chemistry between Emma and Brian, let’s not forget the steamy sex scenes! We were introduced to Brian Mitchell in A Bear in Need, the first book and wanted to know his story on why he was the way he is and it’s explained and a doozy! Brian is a gentle giant who can become a fierce warrior who will do anything to protect those who are in trouble. Emma is running from an abusive past and from something that is inside of her that she can't seem to control. Upon waking up in a jail cell in Star Lake, CT with no memory how she got there she agrees to let Brian talk to her and then teach her how to control the beast that now resides in her. When her past catches up to her she must make a decision. Will she give into her beast and set herself free or let the past destroy her? This book was an awesome read; they keep getting better and better! I can hardly wait to read about the oldest brother Bryce’s story. I highly recommend this book! Great series Christa Kelley!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is book 2 in The Marked series. It was just as intriguing and suspenseful as the first.
Emma is running as fast as she can from a very abusive husband, but she has no idea what has been done to her.. She wakes up in a strange place to discover that she is going to turn into a bear soon.....Can her life get any worse than it has been?
Brian is dedicated to helping those needing to learn about their new shifts and never thought he'd meet his mate in one of them. Having been cursed by his brothers ex, he had no illusions of ever meeting his mate and knows he must let her keep running for her own good, but his bear disagrees with him.
Will these two souls be able to heal each other enough to love?
I can't wait to read Bryce and Alana's story, so looking forward to that one, I'm anxious to find out what happened to earn Bryan the curse.
A Bear In Hiding By Christa Kelley Emma woke up in a cell. Scared he had found her. All her things were gone. The Sheriff unlocked the cell and left her out. Emma bolted, looking to get away, but she ran straight into a solid wall of muscles, Brian. He was there to help her, but the men in her life had only hurt her. She elbowed him and ran for the exit. This story keeps you guessing with twist and turns though out the story. I laugh and cried because the Author pulls you right into the story from beginning till end. When I started this book I was only going to read for a short time, but stayed up and finished it. I couldn't put it down. This is a must read for summer. I can't wait to read the other books in this series, this is book 2 but it is a stands alone. This book was giving to me for my honest review.
This was an ok shifter romance although very typical and predictable. It felt like numerous other shifter reads I've read in the past. nothing original. It won't be a series I personally continue.
I enjoyed this story, Emma was strong without realizing it, as it takes strength to leave the situation she was in. Frank was a bully, jerk etc. Thankfully she gave Brian a chance. I only gave 3 stars, as the series needs better editing, there were times the wrong character name was used in a scene.
What a really great read with a lot of surprises in store. Things aren't always what you think. I loved it. Can't wait for the next one.
'A Bear in Hiding' is the second book in 'The Marked' series by Christa Kelley and I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading 'A Bear in Need', book 1 of the series, and this one is as good, if not better. This paranormal romance follows true mates Brian and Emma as they try to overcome their personal demons. There is some action, a steamy bit or two, lots of surprising twists and turns, and I loved it.
When Emma wakes up in a cell, with no idea how she came to be there, she fears the worst. Her ex-husband Frank has caught up to her and she's going to die, or wish she had. As soon as the cell door opens, she makes a bolt for freedom and runs straight into Brian Mitchell, the wall that stopped her in mid-flight. Emma has a decision to make - stay, discover the truth and learn to live with her new self, or keep running from Frank and potentially hurt someone.
Brian is a gentle man, who works as a forest ranger as well as being a werebear with a curse hanging over his head and a bear who has killed to save a woman from being gang-raped. But he can't forgive himself for the dead man, even if he deserved what he got. He sees the curse as a blessing, preventing him from getting involved with people and ultimately from losing his mate once he finds her. He suppresses his bear side and spends his life trying to help newly turned weres cope with the changes to their lives and control their beasts. Emma is such a person, she's also his mate, but the curse means that he's destined to lose her. He has to let her go even if it breaks his heart to do it.
This book has everything you want from a good paranormal romance. It's not as action packed as book 1, but there is some, as well both good and bad guys in unexpected places. I laughed and I cried while I read this book and my heart broke for both Emma and Brian. But they do get their HEA in the end. There are some really good characters in this story, but they aren't what you'd expect if you read book 1. There are a lot of surprises in store and opinions of some characters, especially Alana, the witch who cursed the Mitchell brothers, may change as you read, mine certainly did, and I can't wait to read book 3.
Received the ARC for an honest review I absolutely love reading bear shifter romance. Christa Kelley has written one the best shifter romance to read. I have fallen in love with her characters are compelling, believable, realistic and sexy. The storyline has real life issues, it's thrilling, has mystery, surprises and a great flowing pace. I was so excited to read A Bear in Hiding and live up to all I expected and more. What find so intriguing about Ms. Kelley books are you get to visit characters from the first book and a hint of the next book that makes you anxious to read whatever she writes next.
Emma awoke without knowing where she was but as she heard foot steps she realize she was in a jail cell and she couldn't remember how she got there. What she did know was she was running from her abusive ex-husband Frank and traveling from Georgia to Canada.
Brian Mitchell volunteer to help shifters adjust to their animals and he was called to pick up Emma. Brian could tell Emma wanted to run and he sensed she had no idea what she was. Brian makes a deal with her that if she would have breakfast with him, he would help her. When he tells her why she couldn’t remember what happened to her, her food craving and the dreams, Emma doesn’t know if she should trust him but she does. Brian offers to show her his bear Emma agrees. She is afraid of her bear once she hurts Brian. Brian feels Emma is his mate! But he can’t do any thing about it because he can’t control his bear and he's afraid he may hurt Emma. Emma and Brian has to accept their bears to fight Frank and win. Two Mitchell brothers have mates and the mark is gone that leaves Bryce.
"Breaking the curse" Oh I love a book that grabs you from the start and this is one of those!. The story line is incredible!. Plus the characters are stunning!. Emma is a spunky curvy young woman. Emma wakes up in a jail cell with out any idea how she got there. The last thing she remembered was being on a bus headed for New York. Emma is headed towards Canada trying to escape an abusive Ex. Frank. At first she wonders if he caught up with her. Only the man who shows up on the other side of the jail cell bars is not Frank. When the Sheriff opens the cell door Emma dives out only to run smack into what feels like a wall. But it turns out to be a big handsome sexy man lol. Brian knows when the beautiful curvy woman ran into him she is his true-mate!. Also she has been recently turned into a bear shifter and does not know it!. Emma evades Brian and heads for the exit only Brian stops her by asking if she wants her belongings lol. He then talks her into having something to eat with him this gives him a chance to find out more about her. Brian finds out she had been recently attacked by a bear only it was not a normal bear but a shifter. Brian offers to help her as this is what he does he helps lost souls who are changed with out knowing what happened to them. But this is his true-mate he feels he can not claim as he and his brothers had been cursed by a witch. Which makes Brian afraid to claim Emma as his mate. Can Brian take the chance with love and can he protect Emma from her ex.?. You will so love this intense,funny,suspenseful, steamy hot Romance!. This is an amazing book and series!. You will love it as it is a must read book!
Emma woke up in a cell without memory of how she got there. She was afraid and suspicious because she was getting far away from Frank, her abusive ex-husband. Brian was called there to pick her up and help her but he sensed something about her. She was his mate! But he can’t do a thing about that. He can’t control his bear and was afraid to hurt Emma. When he told her why she didn’t remember what happened to her Emma didn’t trust him. Brian offered to show her that shifters existed. She wasn’t afraid of him. Instead she felt attracted to Brian and safe but still she has to get away before Frank found her and hurt Brian. Who least was expected was the one to help them when danger reared its face. Both Emma and Brian had to accept their bears to survive. Um, this story has surprises that hint to the next story. Two brothers out of the pot. This book has a good pace, action strong characters and an interesting development. This Mitchel brother’s stories are getting more intriguing about Bryce, the eldest one. The author kept the reader reading between lines and catching hints of something juice to come. Liked the narrations, the chemistry between Emma and Brian characters, the sex and how the author put together the stories. It was very entertaining and I’m eager for the next brother. Received the ARC for an honest review
This book two in the Marked series. This is standalone with a HEA and no cliffhanger. We meet Brian in the first book and wanted to know his story on why he was the way he is and boy do we. He is a gentle giant but beneath all that he is a fierce warrior who will do anything to protect those who are in trouble. Emma is running from an abusive past and from something that is inside of her that she can't seem to control. When she wakes up in jail and not knowing how she got there she agrees to let Brian talk to her and then teach her how to control the beast that noes resides in her. When her last catches up to her she must make a decision in wether to give into her beast and set herself free or let the past destroy her. While this is a standalone we do get revisits Liz and Brandon, the couple from book and one. We also meet Alana, the "villian" from book one and learn that she isn't as evil as we were lead to believe. This was a fast, interesting read that had you on the edge of your seat in some places. This story made you cheer for Emma when she finally comes into her own and overcomes her past to let a new love in and for Brian who feels guilty for something he did in his past and learn that he is worthy of love.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review..
Brian has been suppressing his bear and basically hiding out ever since an incident many years ago left him scarred. He doesn’t mind the curse as he already felt he would be too afraid to hurt a mate should he ever find one. That is until he met Emma, his mate, she was turned and has no idea what she now is so he has taken on the responsibility of teaching her how to become one with her bear and live as normal a life as possible. He has ulterior motives to keep her in Star Lake and he hopes as she accepts her bear she will realize what he is to her and suddenly the curse becomes a concern again. To complicate matters further, despite now being a werebear Emma is on the run from an abusive ex-husband and is afraid to stay in one place, even though she is becoming increasingly attached to Brian; one bad scare sends her running however and she ends up back in the clutches of her Ex. Brian finds aid in getting her back from the Ex in the most shocking of all people! Story continues to hold my attention and love the characters more and more, can’t wait to see how Bryce meets his HEA!! **Book received in exchange for honest review**
Title: Bear In Hiding The Marked Book 2 Author : Christa Kelley Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ I've said in only a few of my reviews that if they gave a 100 stars, that will still be not enough Star's for this Book. When Ms.Kelley wrote this book she wove into her story line a topic that many women hide or are ashamed that they think they are ignorant and weak so they stay in an abusive relationship because they think it's their fault. "Spousal Abuse". Brian Mitchell went to the Jail House that the sheriff's request, just in time to see a beautiful women running smack dab into him. It took all of his strength to hold back his Bear who was raging to get out. What's does a girl have to do? Keep running, she can't stop if she does he could get her and it would be all over, she'd be back in ER, not that she wasn't used to that. BUT still Emma had to keep running, always feeling sick lately it was hard, but she can't be caught. I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Another Hit on Christa Kelley hands in the second book in this series. Each book is a stand alone. I would highly suggest reading A Bear in Need though as it explains some things mentioned in book one and well it is a great book as well. What is not to like about a Big Burly Bear Shifter who rescues a girl in need. This book really touches a lot of bases with me. My family has seen many of the things mentioned in this book and I sure wished we had someone like Brain to shift and take care of business. It also has me thinking about another character that is in book one (also in book two) who i am sure will star in book three. Sorry folks I am not one to give away the story line in my reviews but I will tell you that this book is one sweet read that is hot and it is romantic at the same time. Bravo Christa Kelley for the way you handled a subject that is horrible and made it not only readable but made our girl so strong. Can't wait for Book 3!
Review for A BEAR IN HIDING I received this as an ARC for an honest review Emma is on the run from an abusive ex husband and has absolutely no idea how she ended up in a jail cell in Star Lake, Connecticut. She meets Brian Mitchell there who takes her to get something to eat and then explains to her that she is a bear shifter. Emma has some vague recollections but she is still wary until Brian shows the truth of the matter and then offers to help her control her bear. Emma cannot explain the draw to Brian , but she is desperate and agrees to give him a week to help her…then she will be on her way to Canada where her ex cannot touch her. But things go terribly wrong with the lessons and Brian is hurt by Emma. She leaves to thin k and runs into a witch who offers to help her….Alana. Of course Brian is not keen on Alana helping, but it is Emma’s choice. Brian also learns something about Alana too. But when trouble comes to town and Emma is taken by her ex, it is Alana and Brian who help her escape, but is it enough to make Emma stay??
Brian is the gentle brother, who can calm stressful situations. Hence the reason he helps train new bear shifters learn to deal with their bears. and this is how he meets Emma. Emma is on the run from an abusive ex and she's been feeling very odd and she's not sure what to do when she wakes up in a police Jail cell in a town she has no clue how she got to it. Did her ex find her? Brian knows Emma is skittish and scared and will do whatever it takes to feel protected and safe. Emma has never felt safe or protected with a man but she does with Brian and that scares her the most. With both Brian and Emma fighting their feelings for each other and neither wanting to harm the other how will they ever find happiness. They are both willing to move on to keep the other person safe. They get help from an unexpected person. It's a fantastic love story and shows trusting in yourself and learning to trust others. but most of all standing up for who and what your believe in. I can't wait for the next one/
Brian is the sweet and thoughtful middle brother...the gentle brother. And a bear-shifter who doesn't shift after an incident several years previously. He spends his time helping other shifters get control of their beast.
Emma is on the run from her abusive ex-husband. She wakes up in a jail cell in Star Lake, CT with no memory of how she got there. She meets Brian and instinctively trusts him but knows she can't hang around town in case her ex tracks her down. What she doesn't know is that when she was attacked and bitten days ago it was a bear shifter...and now she is able to shift. Brian wants to help her get control of her bear before she leaves town so no one gets hurt.
Feelings get in the way and suddenly neither wants her to leave but Emma's still afraid...and. as it turns out, she's right to be afraid.
I I really enjoyed this book (and the first one in the series, A Bear in Need) and look forward to reading the last book in the series.
*An ARC was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review*
I received this book as a gift for an honest review.
Book two in the Marked series is a standalone book. We meet Emma who wakes up in a jail cell with absolutely no memory of how or when she got there. She is terrified that her abusive ex husband whom is a cop has somehow found her. Emma is suspicious and terrified and on the run. Enter Brian the gentle bear who helps new shifters get to know their bears and help them move on. The minute his bear sees Emma he knows the word mate. Emma agrees to stay one week with Brian so he can help her with this new knowledge. As she gets to know her bear she trusts Brian more and more. Their feelings grow and Brian reveals a shame he has carried with him. Emma shows him that he has nothing to be ashamed about and his bear is protective and loving. In comes Emma's abusive ex husband. We find out he is a bear shifter as well. Emma and Brian together defeat him. A wonderful addition to the series and a must read.
Emma is on the run from her ex-husband. She is heading to Canada, as he can get to her anywhere in the US. She doesn't know what happened, but she wakes up in a jail cell and the first thing she thinks is that her ex has already found her.
Brian is called in to help a new bear-shifter in need. Only the woman doesn't know she is a bear-shifter. Brian like his brother's was cursed by Alana (a witch), to not be able to keep his mate when he finds her. Well, he has found her in the woman he has been called to help. He knows he can't keep her, but he wants to help her. Now he just has to get her to believe him.
Things go from bad to worse for Emma and now she is afraid she has pulled Brian into her mess. She has made a friend in a witch named Alana and she doesn't want either one of them to suffer because of her. So, it is time to leave. Only it looks like it is too late.
In the second Marked Ones book, Brian meets a scared new shifter in need of training named Emma who he quickly realizes is his mate. However, things are never easy for a couple when you bring an abusive past and a curse into the mix. Although Brian and Emma feel strongly for each other, is their love enough to break through all their issues, or will their personal demons hold each of them back from each other? Reading this well written tales answers that question for you. The beautifully fleshed out personalities fly off the page, and the situations feel so true to life that it seems that barring the paranormal aspect you can easily see them happening to someone you know. Now on to part three and the couple who started it all.
A free copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
Wowzaaaaaaa Omg just when you think it you have read one shifter story can't get any better than look out, Bam! Christa Kelly done fantastic job well done well done well done!!! In A Bear in Hiding: Shifter (The Marked Book 2) we fines Brain is called there to pick Emma up from jail cell but he sensed her bear and she's his mate. It's a fantastic story that his focus on many things from spouses abuse trusting in you as whole and others most of all standing up for what your believe in. All I will tell you is I have read many shifters books and I going to get the first one so read more. I wasn't disappointed my Ms.Kelly as I have said this was and fantastic story and I'm look forward to the next one . I received A Bear in Hiding: Shifter (The Marked Book 2) ARC for an honest review.
I loved the story line. Gavin is a Rakahasa (evil shifter) who was cursed because he had killed so many of the lifemates (Chala's) the only people that the Light Ones (good shifters) can have children with. His curse came from a fate called Prim for killing the last Chala that she was protecting. Throw in a cross dressing fate who is Sydney's protector and a bunch of other Light Ones who are drawn to Sydney and than toss a whole bunch of Rakahasa at them and you have a really interesting read. The only problems that I had was that the ARC copy was not formatted very well. Lines broken and page numbers in the middle of the page but other than that, would recommend this book to anyone and can't wait for the next in the series.
5.0 out of 5 stars It is a must read and I'm looking forward to book three!, June 24, 2015 This review is from: A Bear in Hiding: BBW Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance (The Marked Book 2) (Kindle Edition) I was gifted this ARC in exchange for a honest review. I'm thankful for being a part of Christa Kelley ARC Club. A Bear in Hiding is the second book in The Marked Series that brings us the story of Emma and Brian Mitchell. Both characters are running from their trouble past, a complete standalone novel with No cliffhanger. This was a delightful, well written plot full of drama, romance and a little bit of magic. If you liked the first book, you will love this one. I really love this series cant wait for more on The Mitchell Brothers, next Bryce turn.
A Bear in Hiding is book 2 of The Marked series by Christa Kelley. It tells the story of bear shifter Brian and just turned bear shifter Emma.
Emma is running from her abusive husband and ends up in jail with no clue how she got there. Brian comes to her aid and realizes she's his mate. He commits to helping her learn about being a shifter but believes it's better for both of them if he does not claim her as his mate.
This series is very good. I love the twist of the brothers being the protectors of magic. This book had some surprises that I kind of suspected was coming but wasn't 100% sure of. It definitely left me eager for reading book 3.
This is the second book in this series and while you do not need to read the first one I would recommend it so all the characters in the book are familiar. I got hooked on this series through the first book and was looking forward to the next brothers story. I enjoyed watching how Brian showed Emma how to love her bear even though he really did not like his in the beginning. I also liked watching how they both grew and changed throughout the storyline. I am looking forward to the next story in the series which I hope is even better than this one....it is the story I want to read the most of this series.....the one that started it all and will hopefully also end the curse on the brothers forever!
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Christa Kelley. This is book 2 of her series The Marked.
Emma is running for her life from her ex. When she wakes up in a cell she is not sure how she got there or even where she is but she know she is not safe as long as her ex can find her in the USA.Brian helps newly turned shifters find an equal peace between their beast and their human. Too bad he does not listen to his own advice. When trouble threatens Emma, Brian and his bear find a way to get their mate.
Lots of drama and emotional turmoil in this story but it is very well written. The characters are great and the interaction with others makes the story.
This is for mature paranormal romance book lovers.
This is the 2nd book in the series. In this book we get to know the middle brother, Brian
Brian is the middle Mitchell brother. He meets Emma and learns she is his mate, but cannot claim her due to the curse. Emma has led an abusive life with her father and her ex-husband. She is on the run from her ex-husband, when she meets Brian. She does not realize the bear attack she survived was a shifter and that she is now one. Brian wants to help her learn how to live with her bear, but he must keep his distance. Can Brian help Emma learn to live with her Bear? Will her husband catch-up to her?
This was another great book in the series with a couple of twist.
Book 2 definitely delivers. Emma is on the run from an abusive relationship. When she wakes up in a jail cell, she thinks that she has been caught. She doesn't remember how she ended up in jail, she just knows that she has to get away. Brian is a bear who helps others, but needs help himself. The curse has kept him from letting his bear out, but helping Emma is something he has to do. As her mate, it is his job to help her... even though that means letting her go. Great read from start to finish. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.