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Broken Hill Bears #1

Bear in the Rough

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New world. New clan. Sexy new bunch of rough and tumble shifters. Are you ready for the Broken Hill Bears to fight for your heart?

Full-length standalone novel ***



Returning military hero Xander Silvester is the new Alpha of the Broken Hill Bears – an infamous wrestling clan. But not everyone’s happy with his father’s choice, least of all his older brother Maximus, who believes he’s been cheated out of his rightful place. Xander is hellbent on proving himself, but when his clan accidentally kidnaps three human females, he’s left with a terrible dilemma that threatens his leadership – especially when one of the women is sexy, feisty and hates as much as she wants him. Xander is torn between what his heart wants and what’s best for the Broken Hill Bears.

Freya Wright is hiking the entire west coast of the USA with two close friends, hoping that the challenge will help her find the inner peace she’s lacked ever since her father abandoned her as a child. Instead she finds herself kidnapped by the terrifying bear wrestlers and told they can never leave. She’s determined to fight it every step of the way, but resisting the muscle-bound Alpha with the smoldering dark eyes proves to be her biggest challenge of all. The longer she’s held captive, the more she sees in the charismatic and powerful Xander. Now, it’s up to Freya to decide where she really belongs. Will she run like hell from Broken Hill, or will she choose a life with a bear in the rough?  

This is a 55,000-word novel (around 275 standard pages)

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2016

243 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Ariana Hawkes

104 books499 followers
USA Today bestselling author Ariana Hawkes writes spicy romantic stories with lovable characters, plenty of suspense, and a whole lot of laughs. She told her first story at the age of four, and has been writing ever since, for both work and pleasure. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two huskies.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Leiah Cooper.
766 reviews96 followers
May 21, 2016
Strong women characters give it a bump “Superstition, bigotry and prejudice, ghosts though they are, cling tenaciously to life; they are shades armed with tooth and claw. They must be grappled with unceasingly, for it is a fateful part of human destiny that it is condemned to wage perpetual war against ghosts. A shade is not easily taken by the throat and destroyed.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables (1862)
 
Humans. As Hugo says, superstition, bigotry and prejudice incarnate. When you are ‘different’ it is hard enough. When you are a Shifter? Well, as Shrek put it, “Grab your torch and pitchforks!” Or, in this case, your cops with riot guns. Cause as much as we would like to think that we should all be able to live together, well. It ain’t happening. The humans love watching Shifters fight, MMA style, in the ring, but they certainly don’t want them in their towns. Of course, the Shifters don’t really care. After all, they worked out some really good financial contracts for their shows – so, who cares, right?
 
When Freya Wright was eight, her father disappeared. Walked out the door to “run a quick errand” and never returned. It destroyed her mother, and left a darkness in her own heart. Her mother took her from Washington and moved them to San Diego, but rather than getting better, she lost herself in a bottle. Now, with her mother dead, Freya has a plan to try to cut the darkness in her heart. She wants to walk the Pacific Coast Trail, the 2,659 mi trail up the coast from Mexico to Canada. While she plans to go alone, a high school reunion adds her friends Eloise and Marin to her trip. It will be hard, harsh and brutal, months of hiking over rough terrain in all sorts of weather. There are ups and downs, literally, but also mentally and emotionally. Then, the worst happens, what all women on their own fear. They see what they shouldn’t. And their lives will never be the same. Now, they are terrified, kidnapped and held prisoner. Life and death hangs in the balance, and is beginning to slide to the right.
 
In a lot of ways, this is a standard PR, but at the same time the strength of the women was pleasing, and the ideas behind human/shifter relations was interesting as well. It kept me interested, and left me satisfied. If you like PR with a ‘shifters in the modern world’ bent, give it a try. Free on Kindle Unlimited, or .99 if you don’t have KU.
Profile Image for Leiah Cooper.
766 reviews96 followers
May 21, 2016
“Superstition, bigotry and prejudice, ghosts though they are, cling tenaciously to life; they are shades armed with tooth and claw. They must be grappled with unceasingly, for it is a fateful part of human destiny that it is condemned to wage perpetual war against ghosts. A shade is not easily taken by the throat and destroyed.”
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables (1862)

Humans. As Hugo says, superstition, bigotry and prejudice incarnate. When you are ‘different’ it is hard enough. When you are a Shifter? Well, as Shrek put it, “Grab your torch and pitchforks!” Or, in this case, your cops with riot guns. Cause as much as we would like to think that we should all be able to live together, well. It ain’t happening. The humans love watching Shifters fight, MMA style, in the ring, but they certainly don’t want them in their towns. Of course, the Shifters don’t really care. After all, they worked out some really good financial contracts for their shows – so, who cares, right?

When Freya Wright was eight, her father disappeared. Walked out the door to “run a quick errand” and never returned. It destroyed her mother, and left a darkness in her own heart. Her mother took her from Washington and moved them to San Diego, but rather than getting better, she lost herself in a bottle. Now, with her mother dead, Freya has a plan to try to cut the darkness in her heart. She wants to walk the Pacific Coast Trail, the 2,659 mi trail up the coast from Mexico to Canada. While she plans to go alone, a high school reunion adds her friends Eloise and Marin to her trip. It will be hard, harsh and brutal, months of hiking over rough terrain in all sorts of weather. There are ups and downs, literally, but also mentally and emotionally. Then, the worst happens, what all women on their own fear. They see what they shouldn’t. And their lives will never be the same. Now, they are terrified, kidnapped and held prisoner. Life and death hangs in the balance, and is beginning to slide to the right.

In a lot of ways, this is a standard PR, but at the same time the strength of the women was pleasing, and the ideas behind human/shifter relations was interesting as well. It kept me interested, and left me satisfied. If you like PR with a ‘shifters in the modern world’ bent, give it a try. Free on Kindle Unlimited, or .99 if you don’t have KU.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
May 23, 2016
Title:  Bear  In The Rough
Series:  Broken Hill Bears
Destination: Book 1, StandAlone, 275 Pages
Author: Ariana Hawkes
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre:  #PNR #BearShifters  #
My Score:   #5stars  ☆☆☆☆☆

♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
Ohhhhh Boy, Ms. Ariana has the makings of one fantastic series that for sure. But then
this is not unusual for this lady.
I sware I was on the edge of my seat screaming "Get up!!!! You can do it!!!! Yes! people around me thought I was crazy... But I couldn't help myself, Ms. Ariana had me from the beginning and to the end in one sitting.
Freya Wright is hiking the entire west coast of the USA with two close friends Marin Carter and Eloise Mathers. Freya and Marin were really into hiking they knew they could make it. Eloise on the other hand just recently divorced, decided she needed a new lease on life and hiking the entire west coast was a start ... Not....even I know for an inexperienced hiker this is to much, but Eloise was doing it. They made it to there scheduled stop and had a hotel room with a real bed and shower. In the lobby Freya met some girls who invited her to a shifter wrestling match, after that HER LIFE WAS NOT THE SAME.
Xander Silvester came home because his father asked him to. This military hero came back home only to find his father was in bad shape. The Alpha waited for Xander to return home where he turned over the reins of Alpha to Xander, which he than died on the spot. Being second born this was truly an honor. So Xander was the new Alpha of the Broken Hill Bears – an infamous wrestling clan. Trust me there is so much more to tell BUT then I'd ruin it for you. Take my word it's an amazing Must Read First Book Of the Series.
I was gifted this book for an honest and truthful review.  You'll be sorry you don't get it.
Profile Image for FromTheLab.
72 reviews
June 15, 2016
Poor character development and I didn't like the main heroine at all! Freya was a bit too cold hearted for my tastes to be honest. When you find yourself actively rooting against the heroine you know you have a problem! Although to be fair at least she didn't fall into the usual TSTL category.

Didn't really like this shifter world and thought the wrestling theme was a bit underdeveloped and contrived. Too much insta-lust/love (although i can love this when done well) and I just didn't feel any connection between the two leads. The secondary characters also felt quite one dimensional but this might improve as the series progresses as these books are short so very little of the book could be used to develop a truly engaging universe.

Might read the next book in the series but only if I get desperate on kindle unlimited but I'll probably just end up re-reading T.S. Joyce.

Profile Image for Bobbi.
731 reviews23 followers
May 15, 2016
Life, love, death, kidnapping, and a little wrestling thrown in makes for an interesting read. Xander just wants to make things right but struggles to do so with his brother Maximus fighting him every step of the way. Then Freya enters his life and things change. Freya and her friends out on a 3000 mile hike to prove to themselves who they truly are happen upon 3 bear shifters and everything turns upside down. When Freya and Xander come face to face things get rocky at the beginning then feelings of the heart start to heat things up to a slow burn. Xander and Freya work together to bring the clan together tighter and he earns their trust along with Freya's. Ariana Hawkes really pulled me into her world and kept me there wanting more.

I received this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Miranda Whore.
937 reviews86 followers
Read
May 23, 2016
Growls bears and feisty humans...

I truly enjoyed this book. If your looking for something with shifters and a bit of insta-lust, you'll like Bear in the Rough. The idea that three women that were looking to find themselves decided to take on the PCT was impressive. The friendship and encouragement was admirable.

On the shifter side of things the world they live in as a clan separate from humans was interesting. It cracked me up how crazy scared humans were of them, especially when most of them were big teddy bears.

I might have given this one four stars, but the author missed a few key things in her research of the words people from the US use. One of my biggest pet peeves.

Three stars and two wet panties.

Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
Profile Image for Country Goose.
1,131 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2016
2.5 Stars

Decent, typical for the Bear Shifter Romances. Good, solid foundation with a decent plot. There were a few errors, and it took a while to figure out who was the leading h when it was set in third person, no discretion as to whose feelings the story should have been shifted towards.

The fighting seemed like it should have played a bigger part than it did, and the rival clan should have been more of a rival than in the fighting arena.

If I have to describe its feel in two words, it was a flat dramatic. No real depth, the characters didn't hold on to my emotions, but there was enough in the conflict to keep me going.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2016
This series seems like it is going to be a fun read. While the situations presented in this story : cage fighting, ascension to Alpha, sibling rivalry, kidnapping were serious, there was enough levity and intrigue to keep the story fun. Xander had a lot of responsibility, but Freya was able help him muddle through even before they officially mated. I can't wait to read the next installment.
792 reviews
July 30, 2017
When there was drama, it was over in 2.5 seconds. It felt like there was very little depth and development.
Profile Image for Courtney.
902 reviews43 followers
July 29, 2020
Xander is a bear shifter who returns home from the military to take over as his clan's alpha from his father. Shortly after, a trio of women are accidentally kidnapped by members of his clan. When Xander sees them, he realizes that one of the women had been at his last wrestling match, and he had had an immediate attraction to her. As the women are stuck in this shifter town, the two start up a relationship.

I've read a lot of self-published shifter books before, and while this one has a few weird plot holes and sometimes the dialogue is a bit stilted and unnatural, I do think it deserves high marks for originality. The author had some interesting world-building ideas here for sure. The wrestling bears idea was definitely different. However, I do think there is a bit of an issue with follow-through on some of the plot points. Any time a bit of drama is introduced, it's wrapped up by the next page, so there's not a whole lot of forward momentum. And most things aren't explained very well. Like, why do the police follow the bear shifters out of the city after matches when they have cars they can drive back in right after? Are they allowed in human cities or not?

While it wasn't my favorite shifter romance, it was a nice read, and I may pick up more in the series some day.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,683 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2020
Intro to the series

Freya has enlisted a couple of buddies to walk the Pacific Coast Trail with her; they all have issues to work through. Xander has a heavy mantle of responsibility, the loss of his father, an insubordinate brother, and a clan under threat to suddenly deal with: talk about issues! It is great seeing the four emerge stronger and more confident, and the pairing of Xander and Freya is spot on, but the story feels a bit rushed. This is a credible start to the series, and I do look forward to enjoying Book Two.
412 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2022
Bear in the Rough

Just imagine that you are a bear shifter who has finally opted out of the military. Life has changed while you were serving, and things don't seem to work out the same way any more. Xander has come home, only to have his father pronounce him to be the next Alpha, and die shortly afterwards. Throw in three human females who were kidnapped by your clan members. And there's your story!
684 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2017
From heartache to happiness.

Bear shifters that wrestling is their income come in contact with 3 ladies who are hiking along the Pacific coast and come into contact with the Broken Hill bears. The ladies are kidnapped because they see a couple of the bears shift and now have to figure out how to escape from the bear shifters. I really like this series.
Profile Image for T.
25 reviews
March 31, 2018
Didn’t meet potential

The writing was decent but the story had big holes in it. There was a lot of potential and I liked the book in the beginning. But then it just drug on. The climax between Xander and Maximus was, well, very anticlimactic. I doubt I read the rest of the series. Maybe if I’m in between other series and I need a quick read.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,353 reviews46 followers
January 22, 2021
Not keen on this shifter world.
Interesting but also a bit dragging.
Found it strange how Marin and Eloise changed their minds so quickly. On being released from Broken Hill they hated the bears but at the end of the hike, they lived Xander.
I had read book two ages ago then saw the box set so grabbed it through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Victoria Williams.
27 reviews13 followers
March 25, 2018
More its lacking. Good for its price, and it had potential but it supremely underdeveloped; plot, and character wise. I was also not very partial to the main heroine and her friends. who leaves a friend to go by themselves to an event in an unknown place????
Profile Image for Susan.
872 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2022
Finding yourself on the way.

The characters have such unique personalities! You will love this super sweet, exciting, funny, suspenseful and steamy hot romance with all the twists and turns.
Profile Image for Bobbie J Galvan.
46 reviews
June 15, 2017
Missing pages

I thought the story was good. That is what I could read of it. But you need to put in the missing pages.
Profile Image for Heidi.
4,328 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2018
Great start to another fantastic series the characters are so relatable and easy to follow I just love the romance it's so brilliant.
353 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2019
I generally enjoy shifter books - but I had to make myself finish the book. I will not be reading the rest in this series
Profile Image for Gina_M_N.
410 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2024
My favorite

I've read many of Ariana's books, I've got to say this is one of my favorites, can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,702 reviews21 followers
May 23, 2016
Bear in the Rough: Bear Shifter Romance
Broken Hill Bears Book 1
by Ariana Hawkes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I must say There is not a book of Ariana Hawkes I haven't enjoyed. First I used to say that I have a new favorite story, but I am not going to say this any longer because they are all my favorites. Ariana's books are Fantastic, but I want whoever read this to know I absolutely love Bear Shifter Romance and if you don't like reading shifter romance stories this will not be the book for you. If you are like me a incurable romantic then you will love reading Ariana Hawkes books. She is a awesome storyteller, she is very creative and the towns within the world's she creates are realistic and they makes you want to move into the town yourself. Her storyline is Magnificent and the characters are strong, sexy, protective and lovable. I love reading her style of writing it's always well written, humorous, will make you cheer for the hero and heroine. This is a fantastic story, the plots flows well, the interpersonal relationships are more involved and adds depth to the storyline. Again she has the creative ability to build fantasy worlds with awesome characters that is great entertainment. The scenes will become so real to you. I am amazed when reading her books. I am always so excited to read a new release from Ariana Hawkes and I always enjoy reading them so much, I'm never disappointed. The next part is a excerpt from the book just to wet your appetite you will want to read the rest of the story

Excerpt From: Hawkes, Ariana. “Bear in the Rough.
“Campo, California
 Eloise Mathers heaved her giant pack onto her back, and promptly fell over, arms and legs flailing. Marin Carter burst out laughing, bent over, gasping for breath and cackling until her round cheeks were bright pink.
“Eloise!” Freya Wright exclaimed, frustration seeping though every pore. “Now do you believe me? You need to cut your possessions in half – at least – or this trip’s going to be hell.” For all of us, she added silently. Not for the first time, she wondered why she hasn’t chosen to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone, instead of with two old friends from high school. It had seemed like a good decision six weeks ago, when they’d all met up at a school reunion.”

This is a must read and I wanted to give you a little of what caught my attention and tell you about Freya and her friends. I know if you read the excerpt you will want to read this book just to know if these woman are going to finish the track. This is a Fantastic Read. If you are looking for a Spectacular paranormal book then you need to read this book. You can't miss this awesome book! This is also a magnificent book to add to your TBR list. I'm felt so good, excited and anxious to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

If you believe in the world of paranormal romance, the possibilities are endless and fascinating!
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
May 15, 2016
I received this for a honest review. Such a great book.

Xander who was son of the Broken Hill Bears had been away in the military. He felt the bear shifters needed to know more about the human race and how better to do that then to live among them as human.

Maximus who was Xander’s older brother really had some issues. Through this book you wonder about the scars and what brought Maximus to the state of mind he was at. Maximus hate humans and as older son he felt it was his right to be Alpha one day.

Freya wanted to go backpacking in the wilderness on this very long trail. Her two best friends wanted to go but in truth her friends were not mental or physical prepared to hand such a long backpacking trip. Freya wanted to see where her grandmother had backpacked long ago. She wanted to find peace and hope that this trip will fill a hole that was deep inside her from her father leaving years ago.

One rule the shifter community had was that human could not see shifters shift. I found this rule funny since the humans knew about shifters. They had wrestling matches between the Broken Hill Bears and the Black Paw Ridge Bears. I can imagine that was some fight to see. This fighting match is were Freya got to see Xander the great for the first time. There was a attraction and a pull between these two.

There was something that some shifters had done that put Freya and her friends in danger. They shifted in front of Freya and her friends. What are these shifters to do, oh I know kidnap the girls. Yip and Xander was so angry. You will see Maximus trying to play the situation to his advantage through out the book. Xander will have some important decisions to make when it comes to his clan, his brother, and Freya and her friends. He has a huge responsibility on his shoulders and it does not help that the clan wants him to take a mate.

Things will get hot and steamy between Freya and Xander. This will confuse Freya for she does not want to have feelings for the one that is holding her captive. Xander wonders if Freya is strong enough to be his mate and this is a inward war going on with him.

Such a great book and can to wait to see what else the series has in store.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
May 16, 2016
I received this for a honest review. Such a great book.

Xander who was son of the Broken Hill Bears had been away in the military. He felt the bear shifters needed to know more about the human race and how better to do that then to live among them as human.

Maximus who was Xander’s older brother really had some issues. Through this book you wonder about the scars and what brought Maximus to the state of mind he was at. Maximus hate humans and as older son he felt it was his right to be Alpha one day.

Freya wanted to go backpacking in the wilderness on this very long trail. Her two best friends wanted to go but in truth her friends were not mental or physical prepared to hand such a long backpacking trip. Freya wanted to see where her grandmother had backpacked long ago. She wanted to find peace and hope that this trip will fill a hole that was deep inside her from her father leaving years ago.

One rule the shifter community had was that human could not see shifters shift. I found this rule funny since the humans knew about shifters. They had wrestling matches between the Broken Hill Bears and the Black Paw Ridge Bears. I can imagine that was some fight to see. This fighting match is were Freya got to see Xander the great for the first time. There was a attraction and a pull between these two.

There was something that some shifters had done that put Freya and her friends in danger. They shifted in front of Freya and her friends. What are these shifters to do, oh I know kidnap the girls. Yip and Xander was so angry. You will see Maximus trying to play the situation to his advantage through out the book. Xander will have some important decisions to make when it comes to his clan, his brother, and Freya and her friends. He has a huge responsibility on his shoulders and it does not help that the clan wants him to take a mate.

Things will get hot and steamy between Freya and Xander. This will confuse Freya for she does not want to have feelings for the one that is holding her captive. Xander wonders if Freya is strong enough to be his mate and this is a inward war going on with him.

Such a great book and can to wait to see what else the series has in store.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
May 10, 2017
BEAR IN THE ROUGH {BROKEN HILL BEARS}-THRILLING & STEAMY ROMANCE

This story focuses on Xander, a strapping, sultry, wise, bear-shifter, and retired special ops engineer; Freya; a sassy, sexy, dark-haired intelligent beauty.

What you'll find in this story; a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters, captivating story-line, picturesque and dynamic scene descriptions, fabulous banter, camaraderie, gut-wrenching moments, action, a bit of drama and danger, gripping suspense, life-threatening moments, spiraling emotions, heart-throbbing sensual romance, and a melt your heart conclusion leaving you wanting more.

After five years of being in the military, Xander comes home to the news that his dad has picked him over his oldest brother Maximus to be the next Alpha of the Broken Hill Bears. Maximus feels betrayed, and bitter towards his brother which trickles down to the clan creating unwanted tension. Freya and her two friends, Eloise and Marin have set out on a three thousand mile hike, each having their own reason for this journey. They believe they are well prepared with the necessities they need, have plotted out all rest stops, but they were certainly not prepared to land smack in Broken Hill Bear territory; and now an unexpected adventure begins.

WOW/ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC-fast paced well written imaginative read by a truly gifted author. The characters come alive with the intriguing plot, action and fantastic dialogue. I absolutely loved Freya and Xander together; Freya’s sassy persona and intelligence blended well with the Alpha’s wit. Their romance is filled with fiery passion and steadfast devotion. This was a most delightful read, as I also enjoyed the other characters and the true friendship between the girls. If you treasure shifter romance this is definitely a terrific book for your library. {I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review}. In the world of shifter romance, the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations, I recommend this book.


74 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2017
A great book

Once I started reading this book I couldn't stop. I locked myself in my room and read it from beginning to the end
596 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2016
Rougher, Wilder and Hotter
Xander has come home after five years in the military; of course, not everyone is happy to see him (his older brother Maximus in particular). The Broken Hill clan fought their greatest rivals the Black Paw Ridge clan in human run wrestling matches. Good money and the opportunity to beat the crap out of their rivals provided the bears a comfortable life for the human half and a good fight for the bear half. Humans of course just liked watching the no holds barred, often brutal matches. Xander’s problems with Maximus would only get worse when the reason their father called Xander back is revealed. Xander soon has to not only deal with the grief of loss, but also three clan mates endanger the clan by kidnapping three human women (it is forbidden for humans to see the bears shift, humans and shifters don’t comingle) causing Xander life and death decisions. Xander is drawn to one of the women (Freya). Though Freya is also attracted to Xander she hates the fact his decision has her kept prisoner. Threats from within and without have Xander questioning his worth as a leader, however, as he and Freya grow closer she gives him observations and advice that help him gain respect and quell the infighting. He knows Freya is his mate, however circumstances being what they are could she ever love him back, or if he let her go would she come back or tell the clans secret location? Though different from Hawkes Shiftr series (which I also love!), I found this to be a very engrossing story with heartfelt characters (love Xander especially) and I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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