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City Shifters #1
Bearly There
Book 1 in the City Shifters series
One surly bear and one bunny boy…what could possibly go wrong?
Jagger Osterman is having a bad day. In fact, he’s not the slightest bit impressed with 2015 at all. His job is on the line, and it’s not like he loves being a marketing wunderkind, but he has to do something to pay the bills. If he had his way, he’d just vanish into the mountains and live out his life as the black bear he yearns to shift into. Unfortunately, Jagger doesn’t have the time to let his beast run. He has responsibilities that he can’t walk away from.
Kevin Kelly could tell Jagger a thing or two about bad days, bad years, and just out and out bad luck. He made the mistake of smarting off to a curandera years ago and hasn’t been able to shake the curse she put on him yet. There’s not an area of his life that hasn’t been screwed up in one way or another. As a pronghorn shifter, he’d be okay on his own in the wild. Sure, there’d be predators, but Kevin had come to realize the worst predators were the human kind.
But he can’t shift. He’s been solidly bound to human form since being cursed.
Two men, both trapped in their own ways. They’re about to find out that freedom comes in many forms.
About Bailey Bradford
A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn't happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey's brain demanding to be let out.
Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey's office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey's presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
6 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Bradford
194 books552 followersA few things about me...
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 15, 2018
3 Stars
This was one of the less enjoyable shifter stories I’ve read by Bradford. There was nothing particularly bad about it; it simply didn’t leave much of an impact.
The Good:
The main characters, Kevin and Jagger, shared a lovely connection. They seemed to balance each other out quite nicely, like they were the missing pieces to each other’s life puzzles.
Their relationship was sweet and plenty sexy, and even though the story moved quickly in terms of relationship development, it still felt like a natural progression and less insta-lovey than many shifter romances I find myself reading.
I liked the shifter pairing and found it quite unique, with Jagger expectedly being a bear shifter and Kevin not-so-expectedly being a .
I liked the idea behind Kevin’s curse and how it made him change for the better, regardless of how unfortunate the curse itself was. I also liked the fact that although Jagger initially didn’t believe that curses were real, he believed that Kevin believed, and as such he wanted nothing more than to support and protect Kevin any way he could.
The not-so-good:
Some of the dialogue was just plain weird and some of the humour seemed quite forced.
I found the side-story with Jagger’s sister really odd. I needed more information regarding why she was traumatized and why no one was really doing anything to assist her in seeking the help she needed to get her life back on track.
The sister herself was a really strange character, too, and she said some super inappropriate stuff to Jagger (her brother) and Kevin (the stranger she just met, who her brother liked). I guess it was meant to be funny, but it was just straight up uncomfortable and weird.
Last, but not least, I hate the name Jagger. Just, no.
Obviously I enjoyed some aspects of this story and others not so much. When comparing this to my past experiences with Bailey Bradford’s stories, I’d say this was certainly on the lower end of the enjoyment scale, but I promise it won’t deter me from reading more.
This was one of the less enjoyable shifter stories I’ve read by Bradford. There was nothing particularly bad about it; it simply didn’t leave much of an impact.
The Good:
The main characters, Kevin and Jagger, shared a lovely connection. They seemed to balance each other out quite nicely, like they were the missing pieces to each other’s life puzzles.
Their relationship was sweet and plenty sexy, and even though the story moved quickly in terms of relationship development, it still felt like a natural progression and less insta-lovey than many shifter romances I find myself reading.
I liked the shifter pairing and found it quite unique, with Jagger expectedly being a bear shifter and Kevin not-so-expectedly being a .
I liked the idea behind Kevin’s curse and how it made him change for the better, regardless of how unfortunate the curse itself was. I also liked the fact that although Jagger initially didn’t believe that curses were real, he believed that Kevin believed, and as such he wanted nothing more than to support and protect Kevin any way he could.
The not-so-good:
Some of the dialogue was just plain weird and some of the humour seemed quite forced.
I found the side-story with Jagger’s sister really odd. I needed more information regarding why she was traumatized and why no one was really doing anything to assist her in seeking the help she needed to get her life back on track.
The sister herself was a really strange character, too, and she said some super inappropriate stuff to Jagger (her brother) and Kevin (the stranger she just met, who her brother liked). I guess it was meant to be funny, but it was just straight up uncomfortable and weird.
Last, but not least, I hate the name Jagger. Just, no.
Obviously I enjoyed some aspects of this story and others not so much. When comparing this to my past experiences with Bailey Bradford’s stories, I’d say this was certainly on the lower end of the enjoyment scale, but I promise it won’t deter me from reading more.
April 30, 2016
4.5 Stars
D'awwwwwwww
This was simply adorable. And a little dirty. And very delicious.
I’m a total sucker for Bailey Bradford’s shifter books. There are always memorable characters and they are generally hot AF. Bearly There fits that perfectly, but in addition to the characters and the hot, it was also adorably charming. This is more of a lighthearted shifter tale and perfect for when you need some low angst, chuckles and delicious dirty.
Jagger is overworked at a shitty job and while he works in the city, not a ton of time is spent in that setting which was fine with me, because I do love a country boy. I thought of this one as more of a suburban shifter tale. Jagger’s sister, Syn, is suffering from some serious issues after a traumatic experience and he supports her as well as himself. His sister is a total kick and I loved their banter. I loved the banter she ended up having with Kevin even more though.
While Jagger is having a rough time, Kevin is having a shit-tastic time. He had a curse placed on him when he was a cocky young punk and is barely getting by as one disaster after another comes his way and tries to knock him down. The two get thrown together in a meet cute that is, of course, disastrous. And adorable. Kevin goes through jobs pretty quick-like and manages to get another one that puts him in contact with Jagger again as well as his family. They had some undeniable heat when they met the first time, but there were way too many witnesses and humiliating moments to make anything of the time.
This second time around they have some time and some privacy to get to know one another, not that Jagger’s sister doesn’t nose her way in to add some color commentary though and it was hilarious. Like I said, her banter with Kevin was so good. As she eavesdrops on the two of them flirting, so very awkwardly, she says,
“Wow, this is like the mating dance of the socially inept . . .
I should film it for a documentary.”
Kevin has absolutely no filter and the times when his brain gets loose are my favorite parts. It really makes he and Jagger work. Jagger isn’t uptight, but he is old fashioned and a little shy for an apex predator, which made him completely my kind of shifter. He’s all quiet and strong and then when he finds what (or who) he wants, he goes and gets his man.
Because Kevin is a bit of a mess anyway, Jagger has a little trouble believing the curse, but he believes Kevin believes it and as the two of them get closer, Jagger will do anything to help Kevin out. Kevin is a typical dude in that he wants to handle it all himself and he gets a little stubborn, but Jagger is determined and he starts researching ways to break the curse so the two of them can have their HEA. Throughout it all, their connection becomes more obvious and I ate up their little moments with the touches and the looks. The “Only you” moment at 73% killed me to death with the feels. I loved it.
Not to mention the sex being fuck hot. Bailey Bradford can write some hot. No doubt. Especially when the dirty talk is coming from the soft spoken alpha hunk of man that is Jagger. Just, damn. Kevin melted into a puddle of goo and I was right there with him.
Jagger strode to the shower and cupped Kevin's chin. "I'm going to wash every inch of your body, then I'm going to lick you and rim you until you come. Then I'll fuck you, once you're ready for round two."
"Round three," Kevin whispered.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved these two together and was not ready to let them go. That would be my only complaint, the ending was a little rushed and I wanted more. I was all, “WHAT, you can’t be over, I’m not done! Get back here and let me love yoooouuuu.” But, it was over and it was all kinds of happy albeit cut too short. I hope the two of them get some more page time in the next in the series, these two have a lot more story in them and I want to read every word of it.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
D'awwwwwwww
This was simply adorable. And a little dirty. And very delicious.
I’m a total sucker for Bailey Bradford’s shifter books. There are always memorable characters and they are generally hot AF. Bearly There fits that perfectly, but in addition to the characters and the hot, it was also adorably charming. This is more of a lighthearted shifter tale and perfect for when you need some low angst, chuckles and delicious dirty.
Jagger is overworked at a shitty job and while he works in the city, not a ton of time is spent in that setting which was fine with me, because I do love a country boy. I thought of this one as more of a suburban shifter tale. Jagger’s sister, Syn, is suffering from some serious issues after a traumatic experience and he supports her as well as himself. His sister is a total kick and I loved their banter. I loved the banter she ended up having with Kevin even more though.
While Jagger is having a rough time, Kevin is having a shit-tastic time. He had a curse placed on him when he was a cocky young punk and is barely getting by as one disaster after another comes his way and tries to knock him down. The two get thrown together in a meet cute that is, of course, disastrous. And adorable. Kevin goes through jobs pretty quick-like and manages to get another one that puts him in contact with Jagger again as well as his family. They had some undeniable heat when they met the first time, but there were way too many witnesses and humiliating moments to make anything of the time.
This second time around they have some time and some privacy to get to know one another, not that Jagger’s sister doesn’t nose her way in to add some color commentary though and it was hilarious. Like I said, her banter with Kevin was so good. As she eavesdrops on the two of them flirting, so very awkwardly, she says,
“Wow, this is like the mating dance of the socially inept . . .
I should film it for a documentary.”
Kevin has absolutely no filter and the times when his brain gets loose are my favorite parts. It really makes he and Jagger work. Jagger isn’t uptight, but he is old fashioned and a little shy for an apex predator, which made him completely my kind of shifter. He’s all quiet and strong and then when he finds what (or who) he wants, he goes and gets his man.
Because Kevin is a bit of a mess anyway, Jagger has a little trouble believing the curse, but he believes Kevin believes it and as the two of them get closer, Jagger will do anything to help Kevin out. Kevin is a typical dude in that he wants to handle it all himself and he gets a little stubborn, but Jagger is determined and he starts researching ways to break the curse so the two of them can have their HEA. Throughout it all, their connection becomes more obvious and I ate up their little moments with the touches and the looks. The “Only you” moment at 73% killed me to death with the feels. I loved it.
Not to mention the sex being fuck hot. Bailey Bradford can write some hot. No doubt. Especially when the dirty talk is coming from the soft spoken alpha hunk of man that is Jagger. Just, damn. Kevin melted into a puddle of goo and I was right there with him.
Jagger strode to the shower and cupped Kevin's chin. "I'm going to wash every inch of your body, then I'm going to lick you and rim you until you come. Then I'll fuck you, once you're ready for round two."
"Round three," Kevin whispered.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved these two together and was not ready to let them go. That would be my only complaint, the ending was a little rushed and I wanted more. I was all, “WHAT, you can’t be over, I’m not done! Get back here and let me love yoooouuuu.” But, it was over and it was all kinds of happy albeit cut too short. I hope the two of them get some more page time in the next in the series, these two have a lot more story in them and I want to read every word of it.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
September 1, 2016
A delightful beginning to a new series. Thank you, Bailey, I enjoyed Jagger and Kevin's story very much. The curse and the curandera was a great plot, plus the seriously hot man on man action!
March 14, 2016
While the tone of ‘Bearly There’ is humorous, with two heroes who both have a quirky sense of what is funny, their story has some serious aspects as well as being scorching. As a result, I found this to be a very entertaining read that made me laugh out loud more than once. Jagger, the grumpy bear, and Kevin, the cursed pronghorn shifter, both stole my heart though, especially when they began to admit they were developing feelings for each other that neither of them expected or welcomed. At first. Once they get going? Hold on to your hats!
Jagger works in marketing, and he is rather good at it, but his biggest client is being difficult. His sister needs help, and he hasn’t had the time to shift into his black bear and run for much too long. Then his colleague decides to get him a singing telegram for his birthday, and Jagger can’t help but feel sorry for the singer. But he is also intrigued, so he goes after “bunny boy” to find out more. Jagger is very interested in more than a one-night stand – which is unusual for him – and he doesn’t believe in curses.
Kevin is a pronghorn shifter who used to be a spoiled brat and a total a**hole. Then he mouthed off to the wrong person and was cursed. As a result, he has the worst luck, trips himself up constantly, and can’t seem to keep a job to save his life. He has, however, learnt a thing or two, so he tries to be nice now. So when Jagger follows him and is clearly interested, Kevin can’t believe it. He also wants to protect Jagger from the effects of the curse by pushing him away, even though he’d like nothing more than to curl up in Jagger’s arms and forget the mess he is in.
Jagger and Kevin are so hot for each other that they can’t stop meeting even though Kevin’s bad luck keeps interfering. Jagger’s disbelief in spells is soon challenged, and even though he can’t believe in the reality of curses, he decides to help Kevin break his. After all, the only thing that counts is what Kevin thinks, right? And then everything changes…
If you like shifters of different species falling for each other, if you prefer your paranormal stories to have a touch of magic, and if you’re looking for a read that is as funny as it is hot, then you will probably like this novella. I hope there will be more in this series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jagger works in marketing, and he is rather good at it, but his biggest client is being difficult. His sister needs help, and he hasn’t had the time to shift into his black bear and run for much too long. Then his colleague decides to get him a singing telegram for his birthday, and Jagger can’t help but feel sorry for the singer. But he is also intrigued, so he goes after “bunny boy” to find out more. Jagger is very interested in more than a one-night stand – which is unusual for him – and he doesn’t believe in curses.
Kevin is a pronghorn shifter who used to be a spoiled brat and a total a**hole. Then he mouthed off to the wrong person and was cursed. As a result, he has the worst luck, trips himself up constantly, and can’t seem to keep a job to save his life. He has, however, learnt a thing or two, so he tries to be nice now. So when Jagger follows him and is clearly interested, Kevin can’t believe it. He also wants to protect Jagger from the effects of the curse by pushing him away, even though he’d like nothing more than to curl up in Jagger’s arms and forget the mess he is in.
Jagger and Kevin are so hot for each other that they can’t stop meeting even though Kevin’s bad luck keeps interfering. Jagger’s disbelief in spells is soon challenged, and even though he can’t believe in the reality of curses, he decides to help Kevin break his. After all, the only thing that counts is what Kevin thinks, right? And then everything changes…
If you like shifters of different species falling for each other, if you prefer your paranormal stories to have a touch of magic, and if you’re looking for a read that is as funny as it is hot, then you will probably like this novella. I hope there will be more in this series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 7, 2016
This is a lovable shifter book! Although there isn't much shifting. It was funny and all the banter between the main characters was loveable!
Jagger is a marketing exec who loves his job, but isn't appreciated at the company he works for. When his co-workers get him a singing telegram, he sees stars when Bunny Boy walks in doing his routine!
Kevin, aka Bunny Boy, jumps from job to job. He has been cursed and no matter how hard he tries, something ends up broken, burnt, or in need of stitches! When he's equally taken with Jagger, he tries to stay away because knowing he's cursed could harm Jagger and he doesn't want that. But neither can stay away so Jagger researches to find ways to break the curse. He's not sure he believes in Kevin's curse, but after witnessing some of the "clumsiness" Kevin endures, he wants to help.
For such a quick book it's packed with a lot of story! I loved how Jagger was skeptical about the curse, but because Kevin believed, he was willing to help him. Kevin had everybody in his life abandon him at some point. The realization that Jagger wasn't going anywhere-curse or not-was the ultimate endearment for Kevin. The book was full of love and tons of laughs. It's a perfect read for in between those long novels or for a quick vacation read by the pool! A great intro to the City Shifters series. I found it to be a fun story and definitely would recommend it!
4 stars/3.5 flames
I was gifted this book by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Jagger is a marketing exec who loves his job, but isn't appreciated at the company he works for. When his co-workers get him a singing telegram, he sees stars when Bunny Boy walks in doing his routine!
Kevin, aka Bunny Boy, jumps from job to job. He has been cursed and no matter how hard he tries, something ends up broken, burnt, or in need of stitches! When he's equally taken with Jagger, he tries to stay away because knowing he's cursed could harm Jagger and he doesn't want that. But neither can stay away so Jagger researches to find ways to break the curse. He's not sure he believes in Kevin's curse, but after witnessing some of the "clumsiness" Kevin endures, he wants to help.
For such a quick book it's packed with a lot of story! I loved how Jagger was skeptical about the curse, but because Kevin believed, he was willing to help him. Kevin had everybody in his life abandon him at some point. The realization that Jagger wasn't going anywhere-curse or not-was the ultimate endearment for Kevin. The book was full of love and tons of laughs. It's a perfect read for in between those long novels or for a quick vacation read by the pool! A great intro to the City Shifters series. I found it to be a fun story and definitely would recommend it!
4 stars/3.5 flames
I was gifted this book by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
March 14, 2016
Kevin was cursed by a curandero (witch) because he was too conceited, now he can’t shift into his pronghorn shape and he’s terminally klutzy. He keeps losing jobs because of said curse and said klutziness , and he’s currently doing a horrible job as a candy-gram singer and that’s where he meets Jagger.
Jagger is stagnating in his current job. He likes it but hasn’t really taken the time to be a bear in awhile and is losing touch with his other half. When Kevin delivers his birthday candy-gram he’s immediately drawn to him, though he’s not his typical “type”. Kevin is injured on the job and loses his job – sort of because of Jagger.
They strike up a “relationship” stemming from attraction – and a little guilt – that quickly becomes something serious.
When Jagger refuses to acknowledge the reality of the “curse” Kevin’s seeming bad luck seems to convince him otherwise. Together they work to find a cure and in the meantime fall for each other.
**
This is a cute little shifter story about finding love, being true to yourself and believing that which cannot be touched.
They don’t really capitalize on the “shifter” part of themselves – which makes this mostly about two guys finding each other and a little magic – but it’s still a sweet story.
Recommended for a light read on a rainy afternoon.
Jagger is stagnating in his current job. He likes it but hasn’t really taken the time to be a bear in awhile and is losing touch with his other half. When Kevin delivers his birthday candy-gram he’s immediately drawn to him, though he’s not his typical “type”. Kevin is injured on the job and loses his job – sort of because of Jagger.
They strike up a “relationship” stemming from attraction – and a little guilt – that quickly becomes something serious.
When Jagger refuses to acknowledge the reality of the “curse” Kevin’s seeming bad luck seems to convince him otherwise. Together they work to find a cure and in the meantime fall for each other.
**
This is a cute little shifter story about finding love, being true to yourself and believing that which cannot be touched.
They don’t really capitalize on the “shifter” part of themselves – which makes this mostly about two guys finding each other and a little magic – but it’s still a sweet story.
Recommended for a light read on a rainy afternoon.
March 5, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a cute romance wrapped up in a paranormal vibe. There were some elements of the plot - Jagger having work problems for example - which vanished, and were unexplained, but the budding relationship between Jagger and Kevin was fun. Clumsy guys really should not try to work in construction ... or in Kevin's case, walk unsupported near rugs, steps etc. I liked that we got to understand a little more about curses, believing in them and the joy of it being removed. I am looking forward to see how the relationship develops, probably as a sideline to someone else's story.
This is a cute romance wrapped up in a paranormal vibe. There were some elements of the plot - Jagger having work problems for example - which vanished, and were unexplained, but the budding relationship between Jagger and Kevin was fun. Clumsy guys really should not try to work in construction ... or in Kevin's case, walk unsupported near rugs, steps etc. I liked that we got to understand a little more about curses, believing in them and the joy of it being removed. I am looking forward to see how the relationship develops, probably as a sideline to someone else's story.
March 25, 2016
Books that are heavy handed with humor, and not sarcastic, snarky humor, but the type that's supposed to make you laugh b/c it's hilarious, just doesn't do it for me. I think I prefer the seriousness of a story, even when it's dealing with shifters and the like. I like this author, but just...this didn't do it for me.
March 7, 2016
Pretty cute for a short.
January 29, 2021
3.5 stars
I've read books from Bailey Bradford and though they were okay I didn't like them enough to jump at the chance whenever she released a new one, mostly because apparently I kept reading her more dramatic stories. So boy oh boy wasn't this a surprise! Smooth plot and writing, freakin' hilarious dialogues (inner and outer) that made me laugh out loud while commuting and just a bit of angst to make everything even better.
The reason why it didn't go for more than 4 stars was because although Jagger met Kenny at his work, afterwards the timeline was kinda messed up and it was like the overworked Jagger never went back at work but had all the time in the world to help Kenny.
I've read books from Bailey Bradford and though they were okay I didn't like them enough to jump at the chance whenever she released a new one, mostly because apparently I kept reading her more dramatic stories. So boy oh boy wasn't this a surprise! Smooth plot and writing, freakin' hilarious dialogues (inner and outer) that made me laugh out loud while commuting and just a bit of angst to make everything even better.
The reason why it didn't go for more than 4 stars was because although Jagger met Kenny at his work, afterwards the timeline was kinda messed up and it was like the overworked Jagger never went back at work but had all the time in the world to help Kenny.
March 8, 2016
4.5 Heart Review by Tammy
Jagger Osterman is having not only a crappy day but a crappy year! He hasn’t had the time to let his black bear out to have a run in months. Now, not only is it his birthday but the big project he has spent months working on has just been rejected by the prospective client! Jagger is a marketing “wunderkind” who successfully dragged this particular client out of debt single-handed and now he doesn’t want to pay full price for his ad campaign which puts Jagger’s job on the line. Jagger’s team member Debbie decides he needs a bit of a boost and orders a singing telegram for him. The first thing Jagger can think of when he sees the “performer” in his miniscule pink shorts and a glittery pink tank top was, Bunny Boy! And that’s exactly what Jagger calls him.
Kevin Kelly is not only having a crappy day he’s having a crappy several years! Several years ago when Kevin was young, arrogant and full of himself Kevin didn’t really care about anything or anyone except for himself. Until he made the mistake of mouthing off to a curandera and she cursed him. Now, he can’t shift into his animal, the pronghorn. Ever since that day Kevin has had nothing but bad luck, his life is now a complete disaster. When Kevin gets the singing telegram job it’s just a way to make the rent until he sees the good-looking man he has to sing for.
When catastrophe known as his singing telegram is over Jagger can’t believe he accidentally tipped the “performer” $300 instead of the amount he was going to! He just feels so bad about the fact that his boss had thrown out and beaten up for his performance. When Jagger leaves work and finds Bunny Boy waiting for him he can’t believe his luck. Kevin can’t believe his luck he’s been fired again! When he finds $300 stuck in his butt crack after his last gig he finds he can’t in good conscience keep it knowing it was a mistake. When Jagger finally comes out of his building that night Kevin still can’t get over how attractive he is.
Both Jagger and Kevin find it impossible to forget the other after that night and when they find themselves thrown together their attraction grows and they can’t find a really good reason not to be together. As time goes by and they get to know each other better Jagger comes to realise how much importance Kevin puts on the curse he makes it his mission find out all he can about curandera’s, curses and how to reverse them.
Bearly There is a different take on shifters with curandera’s, curses and the search to end the curse. It also takes you on a journey of family, the good, the bad and the ugly and just how much energy and effort it takes to maintain family relations. I would definitely recommend Bearly There to all m/m paranormal romance and Bailey Bradford lovers.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Jagger Osterman is having not only a crappy day but a crappy year! He hasn’t had the time to let his black bear out to have a run in months. Now, not only is it his birthday but the big project he has spent months working on has just been rejected by the prospective client! Jagger is a marketing “wunderkind” who successfully dragged this particular client out of debt single-handed and now he doesn’t want to pay full price for his ad campaign which puts Jagger’s job on the line. Jagger’s team member Debbie decides he needs a bit of a boost and orders a singing telegram for him. The first thing Jagger can think of when he sees the “performer” in his miniscule pink shorts and a glittery pink tank top was, Bunny Boy! And that’s exactly what Jagger calls him.
Kevin Kelly is not only having a crappy day he’s having a crappy several years! Several years ago when Kevin was young, arrogant and full of himself Kevin didn’t really care about anything or anyone except for himself. Until he made the mistake of mouthing off to a curandera and she cursed him. Now, he can’t shift into his animal, the pronghorn. Ever since that day Kevin has had nothing but bad luck, his life is now a complete disaster. When Kevin gets the singing telegram job it’s just a way to make the rent until he sees the good-looking man he has to sing for.
When catastrophe known as his singing telegram is over Jagger can’t believe he accidentally tipped the “performer” $300 instead of the amount he was going to! He just feels so bad about the fact that his boss had thrown out and beaten up for his performance. When Jagger leaves work and finds Bunny Boy waiting for him he can’t believe his luck. Kevin can’t believe his luck he’s been fired again! When he finds $300 stuck in his butt crack after his last gig he finds he can’t in good conscience keep it knowing it was a mistake. When Jagger finally comes out of his building that night Kevin still can’t get over how attractive he is.
Both Jagger and Kevin find it impossible to forget the other after that night and when they find themselves thrown together their attraction grows and they can’t find a really good reason not to be together. As time goes by and they get to know each other better Jagger comes to realise how much importance Kevin puts on the curse he makes it his mission find out all he can about curandera’s, curses and how to reverse them.
Bearly There is a different take on shifters with curandera’s, curses and the search to end the curse. It also takes you on a journey of family, the good, the bad and the ugly and just how much energy and effort it takes to maintain family relations. I would definitely recommend Bearly There to all m/m paranormal romance and Bailey Bradford lovers.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
March 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I was quite excited when I learned about Bearly There’s release for two reasons. First, I am a huge fan of Bradford’s various shifter series, so I couldn’t wait to start a new one. Second, I haven’t read many romances featuring bear shifters, so this was a new species of shifter for me. Not surprisingly, Bradford delivered a story I thoroughly enjoyed. What did surprise me was how much I laughed while reading it – not because the author can’t write humor, I just wasn’t expecting it in this book. But laugh I did as I fell in love with Kevin, Jagger and Syn (Jagger’s sister).
Jagger and Kevin’s first encounter is the best kind of story you can’t tell the grandkids. Hired as a singing telegram for Jagger’s birthday, Kevin gets a little too enthusiastic in his performance due to his attraction to Kevin. Now despite them both being shifters, the attraction is the normal physical attraction and not driven by a mating instinct because Kevin hasn’t been able to shift since he was cursed. Because of his repressed shifter gene, Kevin can barely detect that Jagger isn’t human and his own lack of shifter scent means that Jagger doesn’t realize that Kevin isn’t human either – until he bolts like a Bunny Boy. When their paths cross again a few days later, their hormones are only delayed because of Jagger’s sister’s sarcastic mouth and work to be done. But when the work day comes to an end, Jagger decides to show Bunny Boy what it really means to be a bear’s prey. Oh yes, these two are hot together…when they finally get to it, because that curse I mentioned earlier? Yeah, that’s another set of brakes they have to deal with on several levels. And I can’t really talk about them without potentially revealing a spoiler, so mum’s the word on that and the rest of the book, up until they find their happy ending. Now that’s not a spoiler because that’s why I read Bradford’s books. Her characters always get a happy ending (at least in the books I’ve read). What that happy ending looks like, well you’ll have to read for yourself to find out. Bearly There has the City Shifters off to a great start. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and I hope that we get to touch base with Kevin, Jagger, and Syn. I really want to see if Syn is able to overcome her issue, and besides that, she was the one who contributed to a lot of my laughter.
I was quite excited when I learned about Bearly There’s release for two reasons. First, I am a huge fan of Bradford’s various shifter series, so I couldn’t wait to start a new one. Second, I haven’t read many romances featuring bear shifters, so this was a new species of shifter for me. Not surprisingly, Bradford delivered a story I thoroughly enjoyed. What did surprise me was how much I laughed while reading it – not because the author can’t write humor, I just wasn’t expecting it in this book. But laugh I did as I fell in love with Kevin, Jagger and Syn (Jagger’s sister).
Jagger and Kevin’s first encounter is the best kind of story you can’t tell the grandkids. Hired as a singing telegram for Jagger’s birthday, Kevin gets a little too enthusiastic in his performance due to his attraction to Kevin. Now despite them both being shifters, the attraction is the normal physical attraction and not driven by a mating instinct because Kevin hasn’t been able to shift since he was cursed. Because of his repressed shifter gene, Kevin can barely detect that Jagger isn’t human and his own lack of shifter scent means that Jagger doesn’t realize that Kevin isn’t human either – until he bolts like a Bunny Boy. When their paths cross again a few days later, their hormones are only delayed because of Jagger’s sister’s sarcastic mouth and work to be done. But when the work day comes to an end, Jagger decides to show Bunny Boy what it really means to be a bear’s prey. Oh yes, these two are hot together…when they finally get to it, because that curse I mentioned earlier? Yeah, that’s another set of brakes they have to deal with on several levels. And I can’t really talk about them without potentially revealing a spoiler, so mum’s the word on that and the rest of the book, up until they find their happy ending. Now that’s not a spoiler because that’s why I read Bradford’s books. Her characters always get a happy ending (at least in the books I’ve read). What that happy ending looks like, well you’ll have to read for yourself to find out. Bearly There has the City Shifters off to a great start. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and I hope that we get to touch base with Kevin, Jagger, and Syn. I really want to see if Syn is able to overcome her issue, and besides that, she was the one who contributed to a lot of my laughter.
March 31, 2016
Book – Bearly There
Author – Bailey Bradford
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages – 114
Cover – Nice
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Probably
Genre – LGBT, paranormal, gay
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
For me, this was quite a fascinating read. I look forward to more books in the series, but there were a few issues with this one that stopped it from being as fantastic as it could have been.
I loved that we got to see the story both Kevin and Jagger's POV. Kevin is such a sweet guy, so determined and self-sufficient, despite being beat down ever since he was cursed. For all that he's right about Jagger being dense sometimes, and disbelieving of his curse, he's also a good character. Strong, dominant and protective, he's everything Kevin needs. Jagger has a bit of an ego on him, that grated on my nerves sometimes.
For me, the sex was the let down, as were the slightly ridiculous and extreme 'accidents' caused by the curse. I think both were overdone, for such a short story, that it became a little tedious and exaggerated after a while. The sex was secondary to the sizzling emotional, primal chemistry that Kevin and Jagger shared. I could easily have lived without half the sex scenes, which were a little aggressive and rushed for my liking.
As for spelling/grammar, there are a lot of mistakes, though this is an ARC. Still, I always mark up what I see in case it helps. The problems were small, but did affect the flow of the reading:
“left arm put” instead of pit
“strong, wiry and strong”
“see the inside the creepy”
“something on your stomach” instead of in.
Also, using “tits” for a man is a complete no-no for me. Ever! I let it go in this one, purely because it was only used twice in the whole story. It still really put me off, though. As did the last 6% of the story being adverts. I was looking forward to an Epilogue or something, to finalise the story, but the ending came kind of suddenly.
Overall, the story had a really good plot and world building. There are great characters and I look forward to reading more about the series. The curse was a nice, new addition to the shifter world. None of the shifters actually shifted until the very end, which was disappointing, but hopefully each book will deal with that differently.
~
Favourite Quote
“I asked questions and you evaded. If I freeze to death out here waiting for answers, you'll have to live with the guilt.”
Author – Bailey Bradford
Star rating - ★★★★☆
No. of Pages – 114
Cover – Nice
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Probably
Genre – LGBT, paranormal, gay
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
For me, this was quite a fascinating read. I look forward to more books in the series, but there were a few issues with this one that stopped it from being as fantastic as it could have been.
I loved that we got to see the story both Kevin and Jagger's POV. Kevin is such a sweet guy, so determined and self-sufficient, despite being beat down ever since he was cursed. For all that he's right about Jagger being dense sometimes, and disbelieving of his curse, he's also a good character. Strong, dominant and protective, he's everything Kevin needs. Jagger has a bit of an ego on him, that grated on my nerves sometimes.
For me, the sex was the let down, as were the slightly ridiculous and extreme 'accidents' caused by the curse. I think both were overdone, for such a short story, that it became a little tedious and exaggerated after a while. The sex was secondary to the sizzling emotional, primal chemistry that Kevin and Jagger shared. I could easily have lived without half the sex scenes, which were a little aggressive and rushed for my liking.
As for spelling/grammar, there are a lot of mistakes, though this is an ARC. Still, I always mark up what I see in case it helps. The problems were small, but did affect the flow of the reading:
“left arm put” instead of pit
“strong, wiry and strong”
“see the inside the creepy”
“something on your stomach” instead of in.
Also, using “tits” for a man is a complete no-no for me. Ever! I let it go in this one, purely because it was only used twice in the whole story. It still really put me off, though. As did the last 6% of the story being adverts. I was looking forward to an Epilogue or something, to finalise the story, but the ending came kind of suddenly.
Overall, the story had a really good plot and world building. There are great characters and I look forward to reading more about the series. The curse was a nice, new addition to the shifter world. None of the shifters actually shifted until the very end, which was disappointing, but hopefully each book will deal with that differently.
~
Favourite Quote
“I asked questions and you evaded. If I freeze to death out here waiting for answers, you'll have to live with the guilt.”
April 1, 2016
This was try to be a sweet tale of a cursed guy that finally met his match and possible his love in one ill fated birthday sing a gram that went south fast.
Kevin and Jagger have a rocky beginning, between Jagger almost being fired because of the singing tell a gram and Kevin staying away from Jagger from what we later find out is because of a curse he picked up many years prior. These two have a hard time connecting, and so did I, with them and others in the story. Maybe because of the third wheel sister, who is supposed to be a home body recluse because of a hunting accident, but I’ve known several through out my life, and she’s not like any I’ve know. Although I’ve not known and bear shifter ones, so maybe.
Once, Kevin finally tells Jagger and us why he’s so klutzy and why’s he’s pushing him away I was to the point in the story of throwing my hands up and saying enough, with the slap stick comedy, but then the big reveal and all the falling down, running into things, tripping made since, just the reveal to me came too late. I’d lost interest.
The second part, of Kevin and Jagger running around and trying to get the forgiveness of the curandera is a better story and you can see the closeness that these two are forming while dealing with this issue. But over all not one of this authors better books.
I was given a copy a in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
Kevin and Jagger have a rocky beginning, between Jagger almost being fired because of the singing tell a gram and Kevin staying away from Jagger from what we later find out is because of a curse he picked up many years prior. These two have a hard time connecting, and so did I, with them and others in the story. Maybe because of the third wheel sister, who is supposed to be a home body recluse because of a hunting accident, but I’ve known several through out my life, and she’s not like any I’ve know. Although I’ve not known and bear shifter ones, so maybe.
Once, Kevin finally tells Jagger and us why he’s so klutzy and why’s he’s pushing him away I was to the point in the story of throwing my hands up and saying enough, with the slap stick comedy, but then the big reveal and all the falling down, running into things, tripping made since, just the reveal to me came too late. I’d lost interest.
The second part, of Kevin and Jagger running around and trying to get the forgiveness of the curandera is a better story and you can see the closeness that these two are forming while dealing with this issue. But over all not one of this authors better books.
I was given a copy a in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
May 24, 2023
This is a short but sweet shifter book, without much shifting! It is funny and full of quips between the main characters - Jagger and Kevin. I love Jagger's sister, Syn, as she has a warped view and doesn't have any doubts about speaking her mind.
Jagger is stuck in a job he likes but isn't appreciated. Kevin is literally stuck as a human, unable to shift at all, since he has been cursed. Jagger doesn't believe that Kevin has been cursed, but he does believe that Kevin believes it. This is a big distinction to make in a book this short and funny. So many times, things are dismissed just because one person doesn't believe it. That doesn't make it any less real for the person who does believe, so I loved that this had been put there and that Jagger gives Kevin his full support.
Full of warmth, love and laughter, this book was thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait to read more about the City Shifters. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 1, 2016
Jagger is stuck in a job he likes but isn't appreciated. Kevin is literally stuck as a human, unable to shift at all, since he has been cursed. Jagger doesn't believe that Kevin has been cursed, but he does believe that Kevin believes it. This is a big distinction to make in a book this short and funny. So many times, things are dismissed just because one person doesn't believe it. That doesn't make it any less real for the person who does believe, so I loved that this had been put there and that Jagger gives Kevin his full support.
Full of warmth, love and laughter, this book was thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait to read more about the City Shifters. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 1, 2016
June 10, 2016
Kind of weird... I don't feel like it quite made the mark from the blurb. Start out with cursed and all the bad luck entailed with a somewhat quirky character. Moving on to Mr Big Bear, once he hears Kevin is cursed, is consistently thinking that it's just Kevin believing he's cursed and basically setting himself up for mind over body tricks.
Ok so then Kevin gets a longer than average lack of bad luck, in which he's stressing out over when something is going to happen. Once Jagger decides he's going to 'rid' him of the curse, we introduce a healer person who confirms Kevin IS cursed. The dissipation of the curse was kind of weird also.
All in all, not bad.. more like so so ish for me. Definitely didn't feel like something from this author and some of the sex scenes felt a little awkward.. scratch that.. surprisingly realistic less erotic feel. I could easily imagine a real couple within these instances. Like, after some booty play, Kevin tells Jag to wash his hands.
Ok so then Kevin gets a longer than average lack of bad luck, in which he's stressing out over when something is going to happen. Once Jagger decides he's going to 'rid' him of the curse, we introduce a healer person who confirms Kevin IS cursed. The dissipation of the curse was kind of weird also.
All in all, not bad.. more like so so ish for me. Definitely didn't feel like something from this author and some of the sex scenes felt a little awkward.. scratch that.. surprisingly realistic less erotic feel. I could easily imagine a real couple within these instances. Like, after some booty play, Kevin tells Jag to wash his hands.
November 8, 2016
This title was originally reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
If you are a reader who can't get enough shifters, you will certainly want to check out Bailey Bradford's latest, Bearly There. If the title doesn't give it away, one of the shifters is a Bear. The other is a pronghorn, but he can't shift. (Yeah, I totally had to look that one up!) So you have a predator/prey pairing. That makes for some interesting interactions between our two main characters. Add to that dynamic the fact that Kevin (the pronghorn) thinks he is cursed, and that he can't actually shift, the story had enough intrigue to keep me interested.
For complete Review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
March 7, 2016
Two men are trapped by their lives in their own way but they are about to find out that freedom comes in many forms in this captivating paranormal romance. Can you imagine bears running loose in the city…how about sexy ones? Well, Bailey Bradford has done it again and given readers another great shifter romance series and I was completely caught up in the intriguing plot and I can’t wait to for the next City Shifter book.
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
February 12, 2016
I'm a big fan of Bailey Bradford's books, both in their more and less serious iterations, and this one wasn't a disappointment.
It's not very long, there is not much lore involved (it resembles more closely The Vamp for Me series in that regard), and it's quite sweet and funny and sexy (again, similar to the Vamp one).
All in all, an enjoyable and satisfying read for the amateurs of the genre. Bonus points for an obligatory pun in the title :)
It's not very long, there is not much lore involved (it resembles more closely The Vamp for Me series in that regard), and it's quite sweet and funny and sexy (again, similar to the Vamp one).
All in all, an enjoyable and satisfying read for the amateurs of the genre. Bonus points for an obligatory pun in the title :)
April 2, 2016
Bearly There
BY Bailey Bradford
A Funny, Sweet romance!
I enjoyed reading this story, it made me laugh out loud and when I was finished I was left with a huge smile.
Jagger and Kevin are both fun to read about, if you enjoy reading shifters this id perfect for you.
Bearly There, is a cute little story about finding love and being true to one’s self.
#angfriendly
A light afternoon read.
Arc received by Publisher
Ang, PNR Book Lover Reviews
BY Bailey Bradford
A Funny, Sweet romance!
I enjoyed reading this story, it made me laugh out loud and when I was finished I was left with a huge smile.
Jagger and Kevin are both fun to read about, if you enjoy reading shifters this id perfect for you.
Bearly There, is a cute little story about finding love and being true to one’s self.
#angfriendly
A light afternoon read.
Arc received by Publisher
Ang, PNR Book Lover Reviews
November 27, 2016
Bailey Bradford was always one of my go to authors but I'm struggling to read her newer books. I do not like the humour she tries to bring in these books. I don't find them funny in fact I find them boring and not funny at all. I was so disappointed when I finally gave up trying to read this book at 70%. I just couldn't read anymore. I bought both books in the series but I will not be reading any more.
July 14, 2016
I like the direction the book took. Jagger's having a bad year and Kevin's cursed, but the quips between the two kept the book from getting overly serious. It was interesting to read about curses and belief of/in them. I'd like to see how their relationship develops, even if they're just side characters in the next book.
July 2, 2016
I just Love reading stories with Shifters!
April 10, 2016
This was very enjoyable!
April 14, 2016
3.5 stars. This was a really cute read, but the ending felt a bit abrupt.
February 9, 2017
I skimmed like a third because of all the sex scenes. it weird because I was thinking 'if this was erotica would i enjoy it more?'. I think I would because then i would know what it was.
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