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Made Bear

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Gino just got out of prison. He thought he'd done enough time for his Clan. He was wrong. Some rat put dirt on him and cost him five years of his life, but he kept his mouth shut and did his time. Now all he wants is to go straight and live a civilian life, but his Clan won't let him. Gino's primal needs unfulfilled for so long, he's barely able to contain his inner bear when quiet little Carrie walks into his office. One whiff of her scent and he knows he has to have her. Will he claim her and make her his, even if it means he can never leave The Life? Carrie just graduated law school. She never thought it would be the worst day of her life. A sudden tragedy puts a heavy duty on her shoulders, and with no other option she goes to work for the Mafia. And not just any Mafia the Gallo Clan. Freakish Bear Shifters. Buttoned down good-girl Carrie walking into the bear's den, literally. But the six foot tall bad boy looking down at her was not what she expected. His golden eyes slid over her body, blazing as he sensed her fear and...excitement. This standalone Fated Mates Bear Shifter Romance novel has a HEA and absolutely NO cheating and NO cliffhangers.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2016

51 people are currently reading
165 people want to read

About the author

Becca Fanning

452 books581 followers
Becca is an art school student in the greater Chicagoland area. She loves the lake, her lab Lou, and writing saucy smut! She is confident that she's the horniest person she knows, and hopes that comes across in her writing. Sit for a spell and join the fun. She won't tell. ;)

Becca is an art school student in the greater Chicagoland area. She loves the lake, her lab Lou, and writing saucy smut! She is confident that she's the horniest person she knows, and hopes that comes across in her writing. Sit for a spell and join the fun. She won't tell.

She loves hearing from readers: beccafanning87@gmail.com
if you want to get in touch!

Becca wants to send you a starter library of free exclusive book, available only to members of her newsletter. Just copy and paste the following URL into your address bar:

http://authorbecca.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,178 reviews350 followers
August 12, 2016
Made Bear
Mafia Bear Shifter
By Becca Fanning


Carrie Salloway; Graduation from law school was an important day & Carrie had no one there to celebrate her accomplishment with her. Carrie mother die shortly after her birth.. Carrie father had blame her for his lost most her life… Carrie’s brother River was autist , So yeah Carrie was at her own graduation by herself
Carrie’s father had heart attack & left her with unbelieve debt with no way to cover her brother’s health care- she was left with only one option … Carrie was going work as Lawyer for the Italian Shifter Mob

Gino Palermo had just been released from prison after 5 long hard years… He was tired of that life and was going to go straight now, or so he thought… Gino didn’t know if it was good or bad when his old friend Franky picked him up & took him into the mouth of (in this case) Bear- His older brother & the head of his Clan
Geno’s brother had plans for him & since his brother was the head of the Clan it was request that cannot be ignored

Of course there is a lot in between the lines, but I don’t want spoil the book for you. I will say this is very fast pace book & also I will be totally honest … I was somewhat hesitant about reading this book … “C’mon it’s a Mafia & Shifter Romance book.. But somehow Becca Fanning made it work
I would recommend this story to anyone who likes drama, action & Lil a bit of mystery with their romance stories.

**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
1,217 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2018
Loved this book
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
August 12, 2016
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lot longer than her other books. It’s a debut novel for Becca Fanning. I think for her first one she did well. So although there are some things I didn’t like I still enjoyed the story. I’ve read mob stories before they aren’t a favorite of mine. I have to admit the pace was a little slow sometimes. It wasn’t really all that exciting for a mob/crime/shifter book. Mob stories typically have a darker feel to them and this didn't. The conflicts weren't as intense. Not a bad thing. This is a shifter book but the shifter aspect felt more of a small detail than anything else. It wasn’t really that in-depth.

Gino’s fresh out of prison after serving five years for armed robbery. He’s instantly expected to fill his brother, Johnny’s shoes because he’s injured and unable to shift anymore. Johnny will be seen as weak and lose the clan. Gino wants out of the life but feels the guilt and pressure to take over. Carrie…she was a strong independent woman. She’s newly graduated from law school. After the abrupt death of her jerk of a father, everything is up to her and that includes care for her Autistic brother, River. His care is expensive and his caretaker, Audrey needs to be paid so Carrie is desperate. I sympathized with both characters. They are both at a crossroads and take a path neither want but no choice really. Carrie will do what it takes to care for her brother even working for the mob.

When Carrie and Gino first meet it doesn’t go as planned. Gino feels a big attraction to her but Carrie is very insistent things stay professional and platonic. My big issue with Carrie was that she was the one who insisted on professionalism and keeping an employee/employer relationship. However, when they are to meet again for a business dinner she totally freaks and gets butt hurt because he doesn’t show. He’s in the mob and did it not occur to her something came up and he couldn’t control it therefore wasn’t able to notify her right away? She acts like a girlfriend about the whole thing and not an employee which she demanded of him. Gino had every intention of explaining himself when he got a moment. There were times I felt bad for him because she was so hot and cold about things. She really needed to make up her mind whether she was his girlfriend or employee. Otherwise I liked Carrie fine. I wasn’t a fan of Audrey because she really didn’t have much of a bedside manner. She wasn’t mean but kind of had an attitude. I did think the whole thing with the police was too neat and tidy. How could they not have evidence? The body was in her house. She stabbed and killed him. I thought that could have been better explained than it was. It is not a believable scenario. At least for me.
830 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2016
One of Carrie Salloway's greatest days of her life turns sour when instead of graduating top in her class with a law degree she rushes to the hospital in time to say goodbye to her father. Now she has his debts, the expensive care of her autistic brother, River, and no prospects because her job plans dried up with her embarrassing rush out of the auditorium. A minimum wage job won't keep Aubrey, her brother's caregiver for long, so she turns to one of her professors who gives her a name and address.

Gino Palermo, had just spent five lost years in prison and all he wants is to be free. This bear shifter and mafia member wants out, but thing have happened in those years and he finds himself pulled back into the fold. More in a short time, though he at first rejects the idea, he finds himself being made boss. But it is Carrie Salloway that makes life bearable for him ... though he originally sent her away he decides that the family can always use a good lawyer. Pulled in by necessity and a slow building attraction to Gino, Carrie agrees to the law job and starts to date the intriguing shifter.

MADE BEAR is an interesting combo of two of my favorite types of books: paranormal (bear shifters) and the growing popular suspense/crime family. I liked Gino right away and Carrie grew on me easily enough as we get further into the story and see how stand up she is. There are a number of surprises and twists involved and of course a good dose of sweet and steamy romance. There was a good bit of action; meaning some good fighting scenes because after all they are bear shifters and that's what they do. The dialogue was good and seems to fit the personalities that are developing. I think my one complaint would be that I would like to have had a bit more information on the secondary characters, liking and/or disliking them add a lot to my reading enjoyment. All in all a good read with hopefully more like it in the works.

I received this ARC from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2016
Made bear. I received this book as an ARC member in return for an honest review. This book was exciting! I am a fan of Mafia romance books. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took with Carrie and Gino. Carrie was a brave woman to go into that environment not knowing anything. She found a connection with Gino that kept her safe. I enjoyed the love shone to her brother River when he was in trouble. Good read!
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
February 9, 2018
Made Bear by Becca Fanning was a great read. Carrie just graduated from law school when her entire life changes. Caught in a tough spot she goes to Gino for a job. I loved reading Gino and Carrie's story.
531 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2022
This was incredibly boring. The characters had little personality, and 0 chemistry.

I didn’t realise until the end that I’ve DNFed this author not once… but twice!

Why did I do this to myself???
Profile Image for cali.
881 reviews37 followers
August 29, 2022
This was incredibly boring. The characters had little personality, and 0 chemistry.

I didn’t realise until the end that I’ve DNFed this author not once… but twice!

Why did I do this to myself???
Profile Image for Shyla.
717 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2017
Very fast read and enjoyable. The main story is worth reading by itself, but add all the other stories, it becomes epic! 😬
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
July 12, 2017
Made Bear

I always enjoy reading books by this author. I really enjoyed this story and the bonus books. I look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews360 followers
August 13, 2016
Graduation from law school was an important day and Carrie Salloway had no one there to celebrate her accomplishment with her. Her phone kept buzzing, annoying all the other graduates. She finally took it out of her pocket, only to find a text message that her father had had a heart attack and was in the hospital. She stood rooted to the spot in shock! She ran from the ceremony and sped away to the hospital.

While Carrie held her unconscious father’s hand, he passed away. With no job prospect, she would have no way to pay the caregiver for her autistic brother. She would not be able to pay her bills or rent. She had no idea what she should do next. So in desperation, she stopped at the college to see Professor Dyer. The job he strongly encouraged her NOT to take was working on small cases for the Mafia – made up of bear shifters!

Gino Palermo had just been released from prison. He was tired of that life and was going to go straight now. His friend Franky picked him up and told him that things were not good with the Clan. Gino’s brother had big plans for him and he would not be allowed out of the life he was trying to give up. A war was brewing among the shifter clans. Gino was going to be a key player, even if that’s not what he wanted for himself.

I received a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to readers.
Profile Image for Julia Handley.
413 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2016
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Carrie has always been let down but always keeps going. Now she needs to make money quick. Her dad died and even though he wasn't good to her she still loved her. But more importantly she loves her brother River who is autistic and needs carer. She hears of a way to make money which brings her to the clan. Gino just got out of prison and has got pulled back into the family business. It isn't all bad cause something good comes of it..Carrie. These two have been let down in different ways and want freedom in different ways. Together they have what they need. I'm going to be honest.  Of all of Becca fanning books I've read and enjoyed, this is my favourite so far. You can tell how much she put into this book and putting it in both main characters views. I really felt for Carrie on such a good day turns bad. I was nearly crying for her, especially finding out why her dad was the way he was with her.  Gino  in his own way understands in different way. He has Caring family well clan but wanted out the business but gets dragged by his brother. Things get heated with enemy clans causing problems including deaths and betrayal. Such a brilliant book
1,250 reviews23 followers
August 13, 2016
When Carrie's life should be great, her college graduation, everything changes with a text message. Her father is in the hospital after a heart attack, which has her fleeing from the diploma line and rushing to the hospital. When her father passes she finds herself the sole provider for her brother River, who is autistic, and needs to find a way to afford the care that he needs. Which leads to her looking for Johnny Palermo, the Boss of the Gallo Clan, a mob of Shifters, in her town. What she finds when she shows up to the address she was given is Gino Palermo. Gino is fresh out of prison and wants to start a life away from the crime and mob, but when his brother needs his help he can't walk away. Gino finds himself the new Boss of the clan and can't get Carrie of his mind, so he invites her to the barbeque he is having at his house for the clan. Carrie shows up thinking it's about a job, which it is, but also much more. Gino wants to see where things go between him and the woman he can't get out of his thoughts. Carrie goes in with eyes wide open and Gino proves he will do anything to keep her and River safe. I loved this book from Becca Fanning. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2016
This was so differfent and wonderful..Move over John Gotti cause Gino Palermo is here, but in the good way....No polyester for him!

Gino Palermo is a good bad guy..He was raised around a mafia shifter clan, son of the mob boss. A stint in Prison made him rethink his life as he knew it and all he wants is to live life normally when he gets out. Circumtances throw all his plans out the window and now he is the Clan Boss. He meets a woman that might well be all he needs to keep things running smoothly, if he can avoid a mob war.

Carrie Salloway is a lawyer, the same day of her graduation, disaster strikes close to home and she is left with bills and the care of her Autistic older brother. She has no idea how she will be able to support herself and her brothers care, so she decides to offer her services to the shifter mob in hopes of making enough. She never expected to be so attracted to the bosses brother, but she can't help herself and is caught in a whirlwind of violence and a lot of it aimed at her and her brother. Will she run from this life of crime, or will her attraction to Gino be stronger?

Lots of mob violence, passion and a very brave human who will do all she can to protect those she loves,no matter who she has to face. Great heroine!
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,561 reviews55 followers
August 15, 2016
Carrie Salloway is finally graduating as a lawyer but her luck has just ran out. Her job has been taken away from her, her father died from a heart attack and her older brother needs constant care. Where can a girl turn when she needs to make a fast buck? Carrie gets in touch with a former lecturer who did some under the table work for some shady characters.

Gino Palermo just got out after a 5 year stretch for armed robbery. He is determined to find out who told the authorities he was involved. His brother is the leader of the "family" or clan of bear shifter Mafioso. When he ends up having to take over from his injured brother, his oath to get out of the life is gone.

This was an unusual read for me cos I don't usually do "mafia/gangster" type books but due to the paranormal element I gave it a go. There is a strong story arc, showing just what someone will do when they are desperate enough, who your life can sometimes veer in a different direction than you planned. There is romance with our kinda anti-hero, dirty cops, action, adventure, kidnapping, betrayal and strong emotional, family scenes. It's weird to be rooting for the bad guy to get a HEA!!
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2016
Made Bear ( Mafia Bear Shifter Romance) by Becca Fanning 5 Stars

Wow, Fascinating PNR Shifter--Ex-con---Mafia Love Story...Oh and Sexy to boot, SWEET!!!

Meet Gino Palermo, ex-con, bear shifter and soon to be a Mafia boss. He's sexy yet deadly but really has a good heart. Aww he really does.
Meet Carrie Sallway, sole caregiver for her brother who's special, you'll see. She's between a rock and a hard place.

Both of the paths they take will lead to each other. And from there...POW!! lol Murder, Kidnapping, Clans clashing.....But...A Betrayal by someone, psst I didn't see it coming as this person. hehe

I loved the intensity of the book, it gets more and more intense in a lot of ways as the story goes on.

Definite Must Read for PNR readers who love action and grit in their romance novels.
Recommend Mature Audiences 18+. Contains strong language and Hot, Hot, Sexual Escapades.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for an honest review. 5 Sizzling Stars
Reviewer for Nook Books and More
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2016
This has got to be one of the best shift storys I have in a while and the best one i have ready from Becca Fanning so far.
Carrie is a human and her dad died on the day of her graduating from law school. As she was waiting in line she got the text he was in the hospital and instead of gping up when her name was called she ran out to get to him.
As if that wasn't enough his death left her in care if her older brother and that great job she was offered in college didn't happened.
Her new job? Might be working for the shifter mob but what else could she do?
Gino Palermo was finally getting out of Wentworth correctional after 5 years. He wants out but his brother the boss has other plans.
Now he is the boss and all he can think about it he meet Carrie who wants to be his lawyer but he wants more much much more.
OMG WOW this has mystery, a fantastic full story with Awsome characters and amazing action. I am not much of a mob story fan but this pulled me in and kept me. If your a shifter fan and or a mob fan this story will blow your mind. It's got everything.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
August 14, 2016
This is a interesting and intriguing book and I really enjoyed reading it. The story covers Carrie Salloway who is graduating as a lawyer when she receives a text message that her father has had a heart-attack, she rushes out and goes to hospital just in time when he passes away. She is now responsible for the care of her autistic brother and has to make a plan for money. Gino Palermo a bear shifter has just been released from prison and is picked up by a friend and fellow clan member (Franky) and is told of a meeting that has to be attended now. What you will find in this story is drama, suspense, intrigue, action, some twists, a determined woman, mafia bear shifters, a meeting, standing down as boss, Gino to take over, blackmail, want a job, possible cop plant, attractions, a fellow clan member's betrayal, a rival mafia gang, abduction, shooting, police detectives, lust, romance, love and erotic scenes. I would recommend this book to people that like to read shapeshifter books that are interesting and different with a HEA.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
August 12, 2016
Carrie is at her law school graduation when she gets a text message that he father is unexpectedly dying of a heart attack. After his death she is responsible for the care of her autistic brother. With no job and little money, she is desperate enough to contact a shifter mob boss and offer to do legal work for them.
Gino has spent the last 5 years in jail to protect his mafia family. Now that he is out he just wants to go straight but his brother the boss has other plans. Due ton his brother's injury and pressure from a rival gang, Gino feels he must step up to become the new boss.He wants to protect Carrie and her brother. Both Gino and Carrie have to adjust to life in the mafia and protect those they love.
Gino is a strong and protective hero with good intentions.He is boss to save his family and not for the power. Carrie just wants to take care of her brother and be independent. I received an ARC for a honest review.
Profile Image for Destiny Daniels.
Author 1 book5 followers
August 16, 2016
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

I've never read a book were the leading male character was kind of like a bad guy, it just usually never happens, but Becca Fanning did it.

I loved Carrie, she's so strong, caring and straight forward. Her relationship with her brother really hits your feelings too.

Gino was the perfect example of what I'd picture a mafia man to be like. Bossy, manly and alpha.

I really liked the idea for this plot, too. The idea of mixing the mafia with shifter clans is really creative. The detail in the fight scenes were perfect and the sex scenes were wet and steamy.

The only complaint I have is that, I'm still not sure why the main bad guy wanted Carrie? I mean I know she's a lawyer, but he didn't say anything about her working cases for him. Hmm, oh well.

I'm excited to see who the next book will be about.

Going to recommend to friends.

Always,

Destiny
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,189 reviews
August 14, 2016
Carrie just graduated law school. She never thought it would be the worst day of her life. A sudden tragedy puts a heavy duty on her shoulders, and with no other option she goes to work for the Mafia. Gino just got out of prison. He thought he'd done enough time for his Clan. Now all he wants is to go straight and live a civilian life, but his Clan won't let him.

Carrie had a job lined up after graduation but tragedy and people interested in an image took that away from her. She must take care of her disabled brother and care is not cheap. She will do what she must to make sure he is well taken care of, even placing herself in an illegal and dangerous situation. She did not count on Gino being the boss, nor their attraction to one another. The Mafia is dangerous enough, but other Clans are looking for weakness to take over.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,652 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2016
Excellent contemporary Mafia, bear shifter romance. Carrie is at her college graduation from law school when she receives a life changing message. She's struggling to care for her older autistic brother. She has to make some tough decisions immediately. She appeals to the local mafia bear clan boss as a position as their legal counsel in order to support her brother and herself. Gino has spent the last 5 years in prison. He's determined to never go back and free himself from the "family business". The author excells in using words so the reader gate to know how and why the characters are now as well as the emotional struggles. Being a mafia subject means there is violence, suspense and intrigue. It is a standalone story with a HEA. I received a free copy of this book solely in exchange for an honest opinion. I look forward to reading more books by Ms Fanning in the future.
1,097 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2016
I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. I don't usually read mafia books, but I was pleasantly surprised with some of the characters in this story. Carrie is about to receive her law degree diploma. When her phone buzzes for the third time, she answers it and leaves the ceremony to head to the hospital. Her dad is dying. She was going to accept a position at a law firm until they saw how she reacted at the college the day her father died. Now she has no idea where she will find the money to pay Audrey to watch her autistic brother. Then she remembers something one of her professors said about money and dangerous. The professor doesn't want to give her the address but she blackmails him. Then he mentions shifters are involved.
Profile Image for Samantha Ramsey.
159 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this full length novel instead of the quick reads that we are used to from Becca and this didn't disappoint, it was so so good!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was amazing and had me completely gripped from the beginning and what I loved about this book, which I think is missing from some of Beccas other books is that we get some lovin throughout the whole book, which I for one really enjoyed, lol!!
The story, as always was superb me I really hope that we can have some more full length novels soon as this was outstanding.
I would definitely recommend this book and this has moved to my favourite book from Becca so far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Audrey.
302 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2016
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. This is a great start to a new series from Becca Fanning. This isn't my first mafia shifter romance. It is a great story. It has a happily ever after.

Gino has just got out of prison and all he wants us to get away from the Clan and have a fresh start on his own. His brother has other ideas for him, like taking over as Clan Boss. Carrie has just graduated law school and is in devastating debt after the sudden death of her father. Carrie needs a job to support her brother and Gino needs a lawyer to help with Clan business.They will face extreme danger that will test the growing bond between them.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
September 3, 2016
Very good another short book about an ex-con bear shifter Gino Palermo who just wants to go straight but the Mob will not let him as they need him to be head of the mob while Johnny the boss tries to heal or they will lose the clan. Because Carrie a human ran out on her graduation ceremony when she got a text saying her father was dying because of that she was told the job she was promised is no longer hers, she is offered a job with the bear shifter mob. What happens when Carrie and Gino meet?
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2016
Amazing story of one persons struggle against what seems to be insurmountable odds. This writer did not fail in her ability to create these characters quickly and fully immerse us into their struggles. This storyline is about more than just boy meets girl or rather shifter meets girl. The complexities of both their lives makes you impatient to know if everything could actually balance and head them toward an HEA. An easy page turner, this book meets anyone's goals for a PNR! This ARC was given to me for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
August 13, 2016
This book has it all. Shootouts, hit men, a threat of war and bear shifters! This is the world Carrie is a part of by becoming a lawyer for a bear clan. She is working for them so she can take care of her brother. Gino just got out of prison. He wants out of his previous life. Instead he is drawn back in. After they meet they can't stop thinking of each other. Do they dare follow their hearts even though they know the danger? Awesome story! I highly recommend this book. You will love the characters and the story. I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne Moore.
65 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2016
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Got to say i was really impressed with Beccas first attempt at a full length book i really think it was so much better than her other books because she finally had chance to add more to the plots and characters which really was great. The plot was good i admit mafia type books just are not really my thing but she really kept it interesting. I wont put any spoilers as i dont like doing that but its a very worthy read and congratulaions Becca Fanning for this book it was a great read.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,202 reviews34 followers
August 12, 2016
This is story has a lot going on. Mafia, shifters and of course romance. Carrie is a wonderful character. She is strong and is willing to do anything to take care of her brother. But it seems that just as she is graduating and is about to become a lawyer that everything goes wrong. She ends up getting mixed into the mafia just as one clan is trying to destroy the other. With backstabbing and aggressive shifters anything could happen even love.

Received ARC from author for an honest review.
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