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Boys of Brighton #3
Rick's Bear
Clem owns the only diner in Brighton and prefers to be left alone. After growing up around then barely escaping one of the toughest motorcycle gangs in Chicago, Clem just wants peace. Rick has always lived on the outskirts of society, finding it far safer and more comfortable to stay in his library surrounded by the books he loves. These two people who seem to be complete opposites find they have more in common than either of them realize. The tattooed, bear of a biker and the quiet, unassuming librarian show the residents of Brighton that an old bear can learn a few new tricks from the local bookworm.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2017
42 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
M. Tasia
35 books378 followersM. Tasia is an mm romance author who lives in Ontario, Canada. Michelle is a dedicated people watcher, lover of romance novels, 80’s rock, and happily ever afters (once the MCs are put through their paces), who grew up with a love of reading. She’s a firm believer that everyone deserves to have love, excitement, and crazy hot romance in their lives. Love should be celebrated and shared.
To all my readers: Thank you. There’s no escaping the truth – without all of you, there wouldn’t be me, the author. Your support and kind words have taken me from being a new author who was unsure and panicked to an author with over twenty books under her belt. Okay, I’m still unsure and panicked, but I’m a work in progress. (Takes a sip of wine.)
I love sharing my stories with you and hearing how my characters have touched you and how you’ve cheered them on, cried with them, and even wanted to knock some sense into a few. Your encouragement has inspired me to continue on my writing journey. All the late nights, missed events, and looming deadlines have been worth it, knowing these stories have entertained and
stayed with you long after the book was finished.
Michelle XO
To all my readers: Thank you. There’s no escaping the truth – without all of you, there wouldn’t be me, the author. Your support and kind words have taken me from being a new author who was unsure and panicked to an author with over twenty books under her belt. Okay, I’m still unsure and panicked, but I’m a work in progress. (Takes a sip of wine.)
I love sharing my stories with you and hearing how my characters have touched you and how you’ve cheered them on, cried with them, and even wanted to knock some sense into a few. Your encouragement has inspired me to continue on my writing journey. All the late nights, missed events, and looming deadlines have been worth it, knowing these stories have entertained and
stayed with you long after the book was finished.
Michelle XO
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 16, 2024
Oh gosh... poor Jenny 😭
This series is like lil soap operas. I'm hooked! I love this town.
The way Bear held Rick through his panic attacks... The scar show n tell..ugh too cute.
Oh, and that ending!? Juicy! Troubles coming 🫢
This series is like lil soap operas. I'm hooked! I love this town.
The way Bear held Rick through his panic attacks... The scar show n tell..ugh too cute.
Oh, and that ending!? Juicy! Troubles coming 🫢
March 4, 2017
I really wanted to like this. I really, really did.
It has a premise of hurt/comfort that I love and hoped would be set up well, but I had a really tough time with this. I found the characters one dimensional, there were way too many time jumps, situations that could have been set up to pull at the reader's heartstrings and make the reader engage in the story were off page or barely given attention, and the story was mostly tell and no real show.
I liked Bear and Rick at the surface, but that's all we got - surface. I would have liked to have gotten to know the characters better and gotten a good insight into their relationship and romance. This felt like it was on super speed, and I didn't get a good relationship arc.
I also felt like three instances thrown into the story to create drama were ultimately unnecessary. I would have much preferred a love story that focused on the characters.
I really wanted to like this, but I can't say that I did.
It has a premise of hurt/comfort that I love and hoped would be set up well, but I had a really tough time with this. I found the characters one dimensional, there were way too many time jumps, situations that could have been set up to pull at the reader's heartstrings and make the reader engage in the story were off page or barely given attention, and the story was mostly tell and no real show.
I liked Bear and Rick at the surface, but that's all we got - surface. I would have liked to have gotten to know the characters better and gotten a good insight into their relationship and romance. This felt like it was on super speed, and I didn't get a good relationship arc.
I also felt like three instances thrown into the story to create drama were ultimately unnecessary. I would have much preferred a love story that focused on the characters.
I really wanted to like this, but I can't say that I did.
September 25, 2017
Rick's Bear is all about the characters. Rick is so sweet and I love his quirk of spouting off random, obscure facts. His aversion to crowds and attention makes being around others a challenge, but that's something with which Bear is more than happy to help him. Bear is so attentive and caring, putting Rick first and making sure Rick is not uncomfortable. Together they are one of those couples who complement each other perfectly.
I did think the drama that was introduced was a bit over the top, something I've noticed keeps happening in the books from this series. Overall though, I liked Rick's Bear quite a bit more than the first two books of the series.
This story gets 4 stars from me, and those readers 18+ who like sweet with extra drama will enjoy this book.
I did think the drama that was introduced was a bit over the top, something I've noticed keeps happening in the books from this series. Overall though, I liked Rick's Bear quite a bit more than the first two books of the series.
This story gets 4 stars from me, and those readers 18+ who like sweet with extra drama will enjoy this book.
September 6, 2017
Again with the instalove, but I don't care! This series is like crack for me.
April 8, 2017
This definitely opened my eyes to the Boys of Brighton series and its author. The story hits on some very sensitive points such as past domestic abuse, both physical and verbal, its lasting effects, panic attacks, social anxiety and depression. It also focuses on the process of healing. The MC's, Rick and Bear, both have troubled pasts. They both show how much more they are than just the sum of their parts. Their story is full of angst, sweetness, love and passion. The cast of Rick's Bear is well thought out and portrayed, all playing well off of each other. I would have liked to see a little more of Rick & Bear's relationship at the end, before the epilogue. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more from this author. I voluntarily read a free Advance Reader Copy for my honest opinion and review.
April 1, 2017
Bear is the whole package. He is caring, loving and considerate. When he finds out about Rick's social anxiety he reads up on how to help. He's adorable in his kindness towards Rick. I found Rick to be sweet and brave. I liked that as the story progressed, he didn't get magically cured from his anxieties. Too many books like to make mental health issues either easily fixed or disappear all together. I am now wanting to read more in the series. I received a free copy for an honest review.
May 14, 2021
Before Bear came along, Rick's life was really tough.
As a shy librarian, Rick needed someone who not only understood him, but was also sweet and protective. Bear was that perfect match.
One of the most romantically endearing, a little drama, and its fair share of humor. Plenty of love to give you all the book boyfriend feels.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
As a shy librarian, Rick needed someone who not only understood him, but was also sweet and protective. Bear was that perfect match.
One of the most romantically endearing, a little drama, and its fair share of humor. Plenty of love to give you all the book boyfriend feels.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
May 14, 2020
omg this was sooo adorably sweet and fun.. rick and bear made me smile many many times.. they are just adorable... together they are perfection.. apart they are complicated and sweet.. they are so much fun.
April 11, 2018
Review to follow, Word ate it!
June 19, 2020
Rick and Bear are apples and oranges. The former is a shy, calm librarian who is still struggling with the consequences of an abusive relationship. The latter is a former motorcycle gang member who decided to quit that brutal life and now is just a gentle giant who runs a diner. They are head over heels in love with each other, but they don't have courage to take the first step. Unfortunately, when Bear finally gathers his courage, invites Rick to dinner, and their feelings have a chance to expand, fate decides to put them to the series of very hard tests.
Thanks to M. Tasia, we can visit the small but really unique town of Brighton for the third time and check how our charming boys are doing. This time our hosts are Rick and Bear, whom I consider to be the best created characters of the whole series. I admit that I fell in love with them in the blink of an eye, and the fact that they differ from each other so much was the reason my feelings for them were even deeper. There's no doubt that Rick and Bear are multidimensional characters, as in their case the author focused not only on detailed presentation of their present life, but gave us an insight into their turbulent past, beautiful souls, tormented psyche. In "Rick's Bear" the way the characters are portrayed really seems to be different from what we saw in previous volumes, as we look deep into the leading characters of this novella, which is its great advantage. I have no doubt that all of this affects the feelings we have for Rick and Bear, makes them deeper with each page, but I'm sure that even without such a good construction of these two men, they would still conquer our hearts.
The great advantage of "Rick's Bear" are also the emotions that in the story dominate over action. I will be honest, reading this novella I cried several times because the author managed to touch me to such an extent that my heart suffered with the characters. If truth be told, while the previous volumes of the series revolved largely around fast-paced action and danger, this installment of the series goes much deeper, because the main purpose of the events presented in this story is to move the reader, touch them. I admit, there is quite a lot of action and danger in "Rick's Bear" but we look at them through the prism of the characters' emotions and feelings. The most important seems to be how the events shown in this volume affect Rick and Bear not physically, but mentally, emotionally. No wonder that the reader not only reads this story, but also feels it with every every fiber of their being.
Reviewing this volume, I would like to write a few words also on the very characteristic element of "Boys of Brighton" series, which are the inhabitants of the city where our characters live, or more specifically a group of extremely unique people. It so happens that Brighton is relatively small, thanks to which almost everyone knows everyone else, many residents are part of one family, others are friends. Thus, Brighton is a one big found family (with some exceptions, but still). I admit that I like this motif very much, because even when everything falls apart, no one is alone. I really envy our boys life in such a great town. Especially as I realized that I will have no one to help me when my life starts to crumble. I even started thinking about a similar initiative in my hometown, if only I had courage to create such a neighborly community.
To sum up, the third volume of "Boys of Brighton" is undoubtedly the best part of the series. The characters are perfectly and meticulously built, multidimensional, and emotions fill each page of this novella. What's more, the story told in "Rick's Bear" really touches us deeply. To put it simply, there's no way not to fall in love with "Rick's Bear".
_________________________
Rick i Bear są od siebie różni jak niebo i ziemia. Ten pierwszy jest nieśmiałym, spokojnym bibliotekarzem, który wciąż zmaga się z konsekwencjami związku z brutalnym kochankiem. Ten drugi jest zaś byłym członkiem gangu motocyklowego, który postanowił rzucić pełne brutalności życie i teraz jako łagodny wielkolud prowadzi tanią restaurację. Mężczyźni podkochują się w sobie nawzajem, ale nie mają odwagi zrobić pierwszego kroku. Kiedy jednak Bear zbiera się na odwagę, zaprasza Ricka na kolację, a ich uczucia zaczynają w końcu rozkwitać, los postanawia wystawić ich na bardzo ciężkie próby.
Dzięki M. Tasii już po raz trzeci możemy odwiedzić niewielkie, ale naprawdę wyjątkowe Brighton oraz sprawdzić co słychać u naszych czarujących bohaterów. Tym razem naszymi gospodarzami są Rick i Bear, których uważam za najlepiej stworzone postaci całej serii. Przyznaję, że zakochałam się w nich w mgnieniu oka, a fakt, iż są od siebie całkowicie różni sprawił, że moje uczucia stały się tym głębsze. Rick i Bear są postaciami wielowymiarowymi, w przypadku których autorka skupiła się nie tylko na dosyć dokładnym odmalowaniu ich życia teraźniejszego, ale dała nam wgląd w ich burzliwą przeszłość, piękne dusze, udręczoną psychikę. W „Rick's Bear” sposób ukazania bohaterów naprawdę wydaje się różnić od tego, co widzieliśmy w poprzednich tomach, jako że „wnikamy głębiej” w wiodące postacie tej nowelki, co jest jej ogromną zaletą. Niewątpliwie ma to wpływ na nasze pogłębiające się z każdą stroną uczucia względem Ricka i Beara, jednakże jestem pewna, że nawet bez tak dobrej budowy tej dwójki, i tak podbiliby oni nasze serca.
Ogromną zaletą „Rick's Bear” są także emocje, które dominują w tej historii nad akcją. Nie będę ukrywać, że czytając tę nowelkę popłakałam się kilka razy, ponieważ autorce udało się wzruszyć mnie do tego stopnia, że moje serce cierpiało wraz z bohaterami. Prawdę mówiąc, nie sposób ukryć, że o ile poprzednie tomy serii w dużej mierze obracały się wokół szybkiej akcji i niebezpieczeństwa, o tyle ta odsłona serii sięga głębiej, ponieważ głównym zadaniem przedstawionych tu wydarzeń wydaje się być poruszenie czytelnika i jego uczuć. Przyznaję, akcji i niebezpieczeństw w „Rick's Bear” nie brakuje, jednak patrzymy na nie przez pryzmat emocji i uczuć bohaterów. Najważniejsze wydaje się więc być to, w jaki sposób wydarzenia ukazane w tym tomie odbijają się na Ricku i Bearze nie fizycznie, ale psychicznie, emocjonalnie. Nic więc dziwnego, że czytelnik nie tylko czyta tę historię, ale także czuje ją każdą cząsteczką siebie.
Przy okazji tego tomu, chciałabym napisać kilka słów także na temat bardzo charakterystycznego elementu serii „Boys of Brighton”, którym są mieszkańcy miasta, w którym żyją nasi bohaterowie, a dokładniej mówiąc pewna grupa niezwykle wyjątkowych osób. Tak się bowiem składa, że Brighton jest stosunkowo niewielkie, dzięki czemu niemal wszyscy się znają, wielu mieszkańców stanowi rodzinę, jeszcze inni są przyjaciółmi. Tym samym, Brighton jest jedna wielką znalezioną rodziną, z wyjątkami, ale jednak. Przyznaję, że taki motyw niesamowicie mi się podoba, ponieważ nawet w bardzo ciężkich chwilach żaden z bohaterów nie jest pozostawiony samemu sobie. Bardzo zazdroszczę naszym chłopcom życia w tak wspaniałym miejscu. Tym bardziej, że uświadomiłam sobie, że ja nie będę mogła liczyć na podobną pomoc, kiedy w moim życiu będzie ciężko. Zaczęłam nawet myśleć o podobnej inicjatywie w mojej okolicy, gdybym tylko miała odwagę by stworzyć taką sąsiedzką wspólnotę.
Podsumowując, trzeci tom „Boys of Brighton” jest niewątpliwie najlepszą częścią serii. Bohaterowie są doskonale i skrupulatnie zbudowani, wielowymiarowi, a emocje wypełniają każdą stronę nowelki. Co więcej, historia opowiedziana w „Rick's Bear” naprawdę wzrusza. Jednym słowem, „Rick's Bear” się po prostu kocha.
Thanks to M. Tasia, we can visit the small but really unique town of Brighton for the third time and check how our charming boys are doing. This time our hosts are Rick and Bear, whom I consider to be the best created characters of the whole series. I admit that I fell in love with them in the blink of an eye, and the fact that they differ from each other so much was the reason my feelings for them were even deeper. There's no doubt that Rick and Bear are multidimensional characters, as in their case the author focused not only on detailed presentation of their present life, but gave us an insight into their turbulent past, beautiful souls, tormented psyche. In "Rick's Bear" the way the characters are portrayed really seems to be different from what we saw in previous volumes, as we look deep into the leading characters of this novella, which is its great advantage. I have no doubt that all of this affects the feelings we have for Rick and Bear, makes them deeper with each page, but I'm sure that even without such a good construction of these two men, they would still conquer our hearts.
The great advantage of "Rick's Bear" are also the emotions that in the story dominate over action. I will be honest, reading this novella I cried several times because the author managed to touch me to such an extent that my heart suffered with the characters. If truth be told, while the previous volumes of the series revolved largely around fast-paced action and danger, this installment of the series goes much deeper, because the main purpose of the events presented in this story is to move the reader, touch them. I admit, there is quite a lot of action and danger in "Rick's Bear" but we look at them through the prism of the characters' emotions and feelings. The most important seems to be how the events shown in this volume affect Rick and Bear not physically, but mentally, emotionally. No wonder that the reader not only reads this story, but also feels it with every every fiber of their being.
Reviewing this volume, I would like to write a few words also on the very characteristic element of "Boys of Brighton" series, which are the inhabitants of the city where our characters live, or more specifically a group of extremely unique people. It so happens that Brighton is relatively small, thanks to which almost everyone knows everyone else, many residents are part of one family, others are friends. Thus, Brighton is a one big found family (with some exceptions, but still). I admit that I like this motif very much, because even when everything falls apart, no one is alone. I really envy our boys life in such a great town. Especially as I realized that I will have no one to help me when my life starts to crumble. I even started thinking about a similar initiative in my hometown, if only I had courage to create such a neighborly community.
To sum up, the third volume of "Boys of Brighton" is undoubtedly the best part of the series. The characters are perfectly and meticulously built, multidimensional, and emotions fill each page of this novella. What's more, the story told in "Rick's Bear" really touches us deeply. To put it simply, there's no way not to fall in love with "Rick's Bear".
_________________________
Rick i Bear są od siebie różni jak niebo i ziemia. Ten pierwszy jest nieśmiałym, spokojnym bibliotekarzem, który wciąż zmaga się z konsekwencjami związku z brutalnym kochankiem. Ten drugi jest zaś byłym członkiem gangu motocyklowego, który postanowił rzucić pełne brutalności życie i teraz jako łagodny wielkolud prowadzi tanią restaurację. Mężczyźni podkochują się w sobie nawzajem, ale nie mają odwagi zrobić pierwszego kroku. Kiedy jednak Bear zbiera się na odwagę, zaprasza Ricka na kolację, a ich uczucia zaczynają w końcu rozkwitać, los postanawia wystawić ich na bardzo ciężkie próby.
Dzięki M. Tasii już po raz trzeci możemy odwiedzić niewielkie, ale naprawdę wyjątkowe Brighton oraz sprawdzić co słychać u naszych czarujących bohaterów. Tym razem naszymi gospodarzami są Rick i Bear, których uważam za najlepiej stworzone postaci całej serii. Przyznaję, że zakochałam się w nich w mgnieniu oka, a fakt, iż są od siebie całkowicie różni sprawił, że moje uczucia stały się tym głębsze. Rick i Bear są postaciami wielowymiarowymi, w przypadku których autorka skupiła się nie tylko na dosyć dokładnym odmalowaniu ich życia teraźniejszego, ale dała nam wgląd w ich burzliwą przeszłość, piękne dusze, udręczoną psychikę. W „Rick's Bear” sposób ukazania bohaterów naprawdę wydaje się różnić od tego, co widzieliśmy w poprzednich tomach, jako że „wnikamy głębiej” w wiodące postacie tej nowelki, co jest jej ogromną zaletą. Niewątpliwie ma to wpływ na nasze pogłębiające się z każdą stroną uczucia względem Ricka i Beara, jednakże jestem pewna, że nawet bez tak dobrej budowy tej dwójki, i tak podbiliby oni nasze serca.
Ogromną zaletą „Rick's Bear” są także emocje, które dominują w tej historii nad akcją. Nie będę ukrywać, że czytając tę nowelkę popłakałam się kilka razy, ponieważ autorce udało się wzruszyć mnie do tego stopnia, że moje serce cierpiało wraz z bohaterami. Prawdę mówiąc, nie sposób ukryć, że o ile poprzednie tomy serii w dużej mierze obracały się wokół szybkiej akcji i niebezpieczeństwa, o tyle ta odsłona serii sięga głębiej, ponieważ głównym zadaniem przedstawionych tu wydarzeń wydaje się być poruszenie czytelnika i jego uczuć. Przyznaję, akcji i niebezpieczeństw w „Rick's Bear” nie brakuje, jednak patrzymy na nie przez pryzmat emocji i uczuć bohaterów. Najważniejsze wydaje się więc być to, w jaki sposób wydarzenia ukazane w tym tomie odbijają się na Ricku i Bearze nie fizycznie, ale psychicznie, emocjonalnie. Nic więc dziwnego, że czytelnik nie tylko czyta tę historię, ale także czuje ją każdą cząsteczką siebie.
Przy okazji tego tomu, chciałabym napisać kilka słów także na temat bardzo charakterystycznego elementu serii „Boys of Brighton”, którym są mieszkańcy miasta, w którym żyją nasi bohaterowie, a dokładniej mówiąc pewna grupa niezwykle wyjątkowych osób. Tak się bowiem składa, że Brighton jest stosunkowo niewielkie, dzięki czemu niemal wszyscy się znają, wielu mieszkańców stanowi rodzinę, jeszcze inni są przyjaciółmi. Tym samym, Brighton jest jedna wielką znalezioną rodziną, z wyjątkami, ale jednak. Przyznaję, że taki motyw niesamowicie mi się podoba, ponieważ nawet w bardzo ciężkich chwilach żaden z bohaterów nie jest pozostawiony samemu sobie. Bardzo zazdroszczę naszym chłopcom życia w tak wspaniałym miejscu. Tym bardziej, że uświadomiłam sobie, że ja nie będę mogła liczyć na podobną pomoc, kiedy w moim życiu będzie ciężko. Zaczęłam nawet myśleć o podobnej inicjatywie w mojej okolicy, gdybym tylko miała odwagę by stworzyć taką sąsiedzką wspólnotę.
Podsumowując, trzeci tom „Boys of Brighton” jest niewątpliwie najlepszą częścią serii. Bohaterowie są doskonale i skrupulatnie zbudowani, wielowymiarowi, a emocje wypełniają każdą stronę nowelki. Co więcej, historia opowiedziana w „Rick's Bear” naprawdę wzrusza. Jednym słowem, „Rick's Bear” się po prostu kocha.
February 14, 2020
I think, so far, this is my favorite of the series. Yes, I know, there are quite a few more to go, but there’s just something endearing about Bear and Rick that have just left me…..gooey. I can’t get it to too much, because I don’t want to give stuff away, but if you guys haven’t read this series, you are missing out. There’s just a sweetness about these guys, even the harda** ones. The soldiers. They just have something in them all that leaves you wanting more from them. But these two are just my favorite so far. I do want to share one thing, without giving away too much. There is a possible trigger. One MC is beaten almost to death by an ex boyfriend who abused him. There are scars and PTSD, panic attacks and such. So, just be careful if it’s an issue.
Bear just wanted peace and quiet after leaving his MC gang. And it wasn’t easy leaving. He still bears the scars of that. But his quiet life was becoming a tad less quiet, in a sense, when he laid eyes on the beautiful little librarian, Rick. He was warned by the ladies about his past, and Bear was determined to woo this man in the best way he could possibly woo him. But just when things finally seemed to be going their way, the past, the present and the possible future, collided all at once and it wasn’t pretty. Bad things were cropping up everywhere and they had to learn to trust in each others and the community around them to get them through. Because life for either of them was unbearable without the other.
There is just so much I want to share about this book, but..spoilers. So I have to behave. I do want to say one thing for sure though. Part of why these two are my favorites are because Bear being the big man he is, often intimidates people. But even with Rick’s past, Bear was a safety for Rick. He was patient, and careful, even going so far to make himself look smaller at times to make sure he didn’t overwhelm Rick. He didn’t care that Rick had panic attacks, or blurted out weird info when nervous. He cared about every single inch of the man and that included his quirks and all. Unconditional love. And because of it, Rick finally found a chance to be free in a way he’s never been. He’s more confident and happy. And everyone has noticed a change in both.
Now I can’t say anymore than that, or I will definitely give stuff away. Bring tissues, though, for this one. There’s a few tearful moments. But it’s a sweet story, at some points rough, but sweet.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Bear just wanted peace and quiet after leaving his MC gang. And it wasn’t easy leaving. He still bears the scars of that. But his quiet life was becoming a tad less quiet, in a sense, when he laid eyes on the beautiful little librarian, Rick. He was warned by the ladies about his past, and Bear was determined to woo this man in the best way he could possibly woo him. But just when things finally seemed to be going their way, the past, the present and the possible future, collided all at once and it wasn’t pretty. Bad things were cropping up everywhere and they had to learn to trust in each others and the community around them to get them through. Because life for either of them was unbearable without the other.
There is just so much I want to share about this book, but..spoilers. So I have to behave. I do want to say one thing for sure though. Part of why these two are my favorites are because Bear being the big man he is, often intimidates people. But even with Rick’s past, Bear was a safety for Rick. He was patient, and careful, even going so far to make himself look smaller at times to make sure he didn’t overwhelm Rick. He didn’t care that Rick had panic attacks, or blurted out weird info when nervous. He cared about every single inch of the man and that included his quirks and all. Unconditional love. And because of it, Rick finally found a chance to be free in a way he’s never been. He’s more confident and happy. And everyone has noticed a change in both.
Now I can’t say anymore than that, or I will definitely give stuff away. Bring tissues, though, for this one. There’s a few tearful moments. But it’s a sweet story, at some points rough, but sweet.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
March 15, 2017
This is the second story that I’ve read in the Boys of Brighton series but it can most assuredly be read as a standalone.
This time M. Tasia gives us the story of Bear and Rick – the ex-biker and the shy librarian. I loved the match up between these completely different characters, and I appreciated that although the big, more confident Bear did instigate the relationship with the smaller, awkward Rick, he didn’t possess all of the answers to make everything perfect. What he did have was the patience and gentleness to draw out Rick’s character and let us get to know this hesitant man.
This story actually didn’t go the way I expected it to. After reading the previous book in the series and having danger mentioned here in the blurb, I though we were going to have more violence and action than what we actually did. Perhaps in the form of Bear’s ex-motor cycle gang? But that isn’t a complaint. I liked the fact that the author doesn’t seem to have a “type” of story and isn’t stuck only writing one thing. Instead the focus was much more on the two main characters building their relationship and then expanding their family to include Bear’s sister and son. I enjoyed the contrast between the previous book and this one. Whereas that one was sexy, this one is sweet. Although that’s not to say that Rick and Bear aren’t hot together.
There were a lot of time jumps in the story. To be honest I didn’t have a problem with it but I feel the need to mention it because I know that many readers won’t like it.
The ending was great, I was grinning and loving it…all up until those last few sentences. WTF!? Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, and it wasn’t a cliffhanger. It’s just made me too impatient for the next book now! I’m actually really looking forward to continuing this series.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/03/1...
This time M. Tasia gives us the story of Bear and Rick – the ex-biker and the shy librarian. I loved the match up between these completely different characters, and I appreciated that although the big, more confident Bear did instigate the relationship with the smaller, awkward Rick, he didn’t possess all of the answers to make everything perfect. What he did have was the patience and gentleness to draw out Rick’s character and let us get to know this hesitant man.
This story actually didn’t go the way I expected it to. After reading the previous book in the series and having danger mentioned here in the blurb, I though we were going to have more violence and action than what we actually did. Perhaps in the form of Bear’s ex-motor cycle gang? But that isn’t a complaint. I liked the fact that the author doesn’t seem to have a “type” of story and isn’t stuck only writing one thing. Instead the focus was much more on the two main characters building their relationship and then expanding their family to include Bear’s sister and son. I enjoyed the contrast between the previous book and this one. Whereas that one was sexy, this one is sweet. Although that’s not to say that Rick and Bear aren’t hot together.
There were a lot of time jumps in the story. To be honest I didn’t have a problem with it but I feel the need to mention it because I know that many readers won’t like it.
The ending was great, I was grinning and loving it…all up until those last few sentences. WTF!? Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, and it wasn’t a cliffhanger. It’s just made me too impatient for the next book now! I’m actually really looking forward to continuing this series.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/03/1...
October 19, 2017
This is a series that is best read in order, but you can hop around if certain aspects draw/repel you from one story or another.
In general each book is fairly similar: One very “alpha” male (or 2!) finds himself attracted to a more submissive male and the desire to protect and love and care for him drives him to be super adorable, mushy and overprotective!
Of course there is a life threatening danger putting our guys on the line and usually something horrible in the past making them seem even more vulnerable.
There are plenty of hot smexy times but I won’t say that is the focus of the story. There isn’t a lot of humiliation that you sometimes see in uber alpha males and the more submissive guys in these stories all have strong backbones!
I really loved finding this series and hope to see more from this author as well as to continue to enjoy this series in it’s entirety!
I think I loved book one the best (so far) because Gabe just takes over Johnny’s life in this whirlwind and it’s pretty hysterical! There are also some great grannies and really lovable extended family members to keep us all entertained.
Highly recommended for fans of very sappy and sweet Alpha/Omega type romance (nothing paranormal here!) and for fans of romance with humor as well as that hurt/comfort feel.
4.5 of 5 stars for the series
In general each book is fairly similar: One very “alpha” male (or 2!) finds himself attracted to a more submissive male and the desire to protect and love and care for him drives him to be super adorable, mushy and overprotective!
Of course there is a life threatening danger putting our guys on the line and usually something horrible in the past making them seem even more vulnerable.
There are plenty of hot smexy times but I won’t say that is the focus of the story. There isn’t a lot of humiliation that you sometimes see in uber alpha males and the more submissive guys in these stories all have strong backbones!
I really loved finding this series and hope to see more from this author as well as to continue to enjoy this series in it’s entirety!
I think I loved book one the best (so far) because Gabe just takes over Johnny’s life in this whirlwind and it’s pretty hysterical! There are also some great grannies and really lovable extended family members to keep us all entertained.
Highly recommended for fans of very sappy and sweet Alpha/Omega type romance (nothing paranormal here!) and for fans of romance with humor as well as that hurt/comfort feel.
4.5 of 5 stars for the series
May 31, 2020
Rick Johansson is the Librarian in this crazy little town of Brighton. He is recovering from a past relationship that left him physically and psychologically scarred. To his credit, he's managed to carve out a life for himself in this cozy town... he works happily at the library and is even getting slightly used to the attention of Bear.
Bear owns the diner in town. He couldn't' be more different from Rick. Bear used to be an enforcer for a motorcycle club and he too bears scars from his past life. But what's inside Bear doesn't match his burly exterior. He's convinced that he can't date someone like Rick - because how could Rick not be afraid of him?
There are a few false starts for these two ... after all Rick's anxiety and fear really are almost crippling. Once he realizes how comforting Bear's presence is though he gives in to it. They have a lovely relationship. It's slow and gentle... and Bear is very good at reading Rick's anxiety levels.
There's a sad twist in this story as Bear's sister shows up with her nephew... unfortunately, she is ill. I don't want to give all of this away! There's a huge twist about 2/3 of the way through and suddenly Bear and Rick find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation.
This story is full of hurt/comfort AND packed with action!
Bear owns the diner in town. He couldn't' be more different from Rick. Bear used to be an enforcer for a motorcycle club and he too bears scars from his past life. But what's inside Bear doesn't match his burly exterior. He's convinced that he can't date someone like Rick - because how could Rick not be afraid of him?
There are a few false starts for these two ... after all Rick's anxiety and fear really are almost crippling. Once he realizes how comforting Bear's presence is though he gives in to it. They have a lovely relationship. It's slow and gentle... and Bear is very good at reading Rick's anxiety levels.
There's a sad twist in this story as Bear's sister shows up with her nephew... unfortunately, she is ill. I don't want to give all of this away! There's a huge twist about 2/3 of the way through and suddenly Bear and Rick find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation.
This story is full of hurt/comfort AND packed with action!
May 27, 2021
I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.
4.5 stars
This would have been a 5 star read but holy cliffhanger!!! and I hate cliffhangers. I'm hoping there will be some closure in the next book but that's a different couple so I just don't get the reasoning for it. Other than that I loved this just as much as the first if not moreso and I liked it way, way more than the second book.
This can be read as a standalone but if you intend to read the series then read them in order as there's spoilers in this one about the previous books.
Clem aka Bear is an ex MC gang enforcer who now owns the only diner in his town. Rick is a librarian who keeps to himself suffering from extreme anxiety after escaping an abusive ex. They both have scars inside and out and help each other live again.
This was another quick read and I could not put it down. It was low heat and low angst, though it was a rollarcoater of emotions, both happy and sad.The characters were all great. The 2 MCs had great chemistry and complimented each other well. There was great world building and Iam looking forward to reading the other books.
4.5 stars
This would have been a 5 star read but holy cliffhanger!!! and I hate cliffhangers. I'm hoping there will be some closure in the next book but that's a different couple so I just don't get the reasoning for it. Other than that I loved this just as much as the first if not moreso and I liked it way, way more than the second book.
This can be read as a standalone but if you intend to read the series then read them in order as there's spoilers in this one about the previous books.
Clem aka Bear is an ex MC gang enforcer who now owns the only diner in his town. Rick is a librarian who keeps to himself suffering from extreme anxiety after escaping an abusive ex. They both have scars inside and out and help each other live again.
This was another quick read and I could not put it down. It was low heat and low angst, though it was a rollarcoater of emotions, both happy and sad.The characters were all great. The 2 MCs had great chemistry and complimented each other well. There was great world building and Iam looking forward to reading the other books.
May 30, 2021
Wow, I am getting more and more into this series as I read each story. My emotions are getting the better of me as I read this one as there are some pretty sad parts to the story and then there were times I wanted to scream! This is the story of Rick and Bear. Rick is the librarian who has had a rough relationship and tends to have panic attacks when he has to be in large crowds – so he avoids them at all costs and stays to himself. Bear is the owner of the diner and came from Chicago after he got away from the MC he grew up in. He is a big, domineering man who can be scary when he needs to be, but Rick brings out a whole other side to him that is sweet, caring and loving. Bear turns out to be Rick’s safety zone after going years without being able to trust anyone.
There is some tragedy in this story, lots of drama, people from the past coming to take things away, trust, facing your fears and love. I cannot wait to read the next story in this series and see what happens next in this little Texas town. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is some tragedy in this story, lots of drama, people from the past coming to take things away, trust, facing your fears and love. I cannot wait to read the next story in this series and see what happens next in this little Texas town. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2018
The premises sounded so awesome. Shy nerd with an abusive past, a gentle giant trying to slowly court him, a big dash of hurt/comfort. Sadly, the author then went and bogged down the story with increasingly improbably plot lines about.
Because of that the whole book feels rushed and one-dimensional. The book is rather short, but instead of focusing on the romance, it tried to do way too many things and therefore the characters stay flat, there is very little relationship shown, it's all just action and drama.
As if that was not enough the dialog felt stilted, important conclusions are simply delivered by other people ala deus ex machina and the writing is a lot more tell than show. There a lot of time jumps in the book and some key moments are simply left out entirely. It felt more like a basic outline for a much longer book than a book in itself.
What I really wanted was the first third expanded to fill the entire book and I would have been a happy camper.
Because of that the whole book feels rushed and one-dimensional. The book is rather short, but instead of focusing on the romance, it tried to do way too many things and therefore the characters stay flat, there is very little relationship shown, it's all just action and drama.
As if that was not enough the dialog felt stilted, important conclusions are simply delivered by other people ala deus ex machina and the writing is a lot more tell than show. There a lot of time jumps in the book and some key moments are simply left out entirely. It felt more like a basic outline for a much longer book than a book in itself.
What I really wanted was the first third expanded to fill the entire book and I would have been a happy camper.
May 30, 2021
Bear is an Absolute Angel!
“Rick’s Bear,” the third installment in M. Tasia’s Boys of Brighton series of M/M romance novellas had me sucked in just as quickly as the first two titles in the lineup. Diner owner and motorcycle enthusiast Clem “Bear” Mitchell is a dominant yet tender, growly yet seductively sweet, ultra-sexy alpha who has fallen head-over-heels for librarian Rick Johansson. After years of feeling “less than”...well...everything, Rick suffers from crippling anxiety, and even that is not enough to douse the heat connecting these two beautiful men. Bear has the patience of an absolute saint, and Rick is such a sweet soul with a strength that he doesn’t realize he possesses, making these two and the rest of the cast of characters so wonderfully flawed, human, and believable. Add in a wonderful storyline that includes drama, a “tissue box required” subplot that left me a mess, some suspense, and those spicy moments that just make a good romance that much better, and you have another Brighton, TX masterpiece!
“Rick’s Bear,” the third installment in M. Tasia’s Boys of Brighton series of M/M romance novellas had me sucked in just as quickly as the first two titles in the lineup. Diner owner and motorcycle enthusiast Clem “Bear” Mitchell is a dominant yet tender, growly yet seductively sweet, ultra-sexy alpha who has fallen head-over-heels for librarian Rick Johansson. After years of feeling “less than”...well...everything, Rick suffers from crippling anxiety, and even that is not enough to douse the heat connecting these two beautiful men. Bear has the patience of an absolute saint, and Rick is such a sweet soul with a strength that he doesn’t realize he possesses, making these two and the rest of the cast of characters so wonderfully flawed, human, and believable. Add in a wonderful storyline that includes drama, a “tissue box required” subplot that left me a mess, some suspense, and those spicy moments that just make a good romance that much better, and you have another Brighton, TX masterpiece!
May 29, 2021
3.5 stars
There's a lot packed into this novella, and it makes for a bit of a whirlwind read-- there's the romance between Rick and Bear, which is, while hurried, sweet and careful, with the author taking pains to point out how patient Bear is with Rick's anxiety and his traumatic past. There's also a fair amount of danger and drama, some random, some related to Bear's family (vague here to avoid spoilers). It all unfolds quickly, and it can feel a bit rushed, but overall, they're interesting characters and I wanted the best for them. I sometimes struggled with the author's writing style, which leans heaving on telling rather than showing, a feature that makes for some awkward expository dialog at times. Stylistic taste is subjective though, so if the blurb looks intriguing, give this one a shot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's a lot packed into this novella, and it makes for a bit of a whirlwind read-- there's the romance between Rick and Bear, which is, while hurried, sweet and careful, with the author taking pains to point out how patient Bear is with Rick's anxiety and his traumatic past. There's also a fair amount of danger and drama, some random, some related to Bear's family (vague here to avoid spoilers). It all unfolds quickly, and it can feel a bit rushed, but overall, they're interesting characters and I wanted the best for them. I sometimes struggled with the author's writing style, which leans heaving on telling rather than showing, a feature that makes for some awkward expository dialog at times. Stylistic taste is subjective though, so if the blurb looks intriguing, give this one a shot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2021
I’m really loving this series of stories. I enjoy series anyway because I always want to read more about the people in books and that is true even more so with this series as the characters and stories are so engaging. In each book of this series there are different stories layered together, from character’s backgrounds to crimes and protection tales. I also like romance stories like this that have main characters that are opposites in a lot of ways. In this book it’s Bear, who has earned his nickname for his size and disposition and Rick, who is small and has panic attacks because of a previous violent relationship. I like this kind of story where it is the differences between them that allow them to help and heal each other. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2021
It's always the quiet ones. Clem/Bear is content with the ordinary peace of his diner in Brighton compared to his former live in Chicago. He feels like he escaped his life in the motorcycle gang. He keeps his head down. Rick, the librarian can teach class in keeping his head down. He has a little social anxiety and prefers his books. He has been mad crushing on bear almost during the entire year they've known each other. Rick, was abused by an ex and it darn near broke his spirit. Bear is aware and protective. Will Bear get Rick out of his shell? Will Rick ever find his confidence? Who is the creepy guy? Will Rick like Bear's sister Jenny, and her son, Josh? Nice story. It's not all smooth sailing but the author wraps you into the family love. Nicely done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
Nice gay romance
Rick was terribly hurt both physicaly and mentally by a former lover and was afraid to really live. He was very shy and given to panic attacks. Bear is a large man with a crush on Rick but knows he has to move slowly to court Rick. Rick can't figure out why Bear would want him but finally gives in and they fall in love. Bear's sister and her two year old come to visit and tells Bear that she is dying and wants him and Rick to raise Josh and they readily agree. Fear comes into their lives when Josh's father shows up and demands Josh. He only wants the mom's life insurance because he owes big money to the mob. They are willing to take Josh if they can't get the money. Things get scary, as we have shooting, threats and a kidnapping. Read this well written book to find out how shy Rick saves the day.
Rick was terribly hurt both physicaly and mentally by a former lover and was afraid to really live. He was very shy and given to panic attacks. Bear is a large man with a crush on Rick but knows he has to move slowly to court Rick. Rick can't figure out why Bear would want him but finally gives in and they fall in love. Bear's sister and her two year old come to visit and tells Bear that she is dying and wants him and Rick to raise Josh and they readily agree. Fear comes into their lives when Josh's father shows up and demands Josh. He only wants the mom's life insurance because he owes big money to the mob. They are willing to take Josh if they can't get the money. Things get scary, as we have shooting, threats and a kidnapping. Read this well written book to find out how shy Rick saves the day.
May 9, 2018
3.5 stars ★ An adorable story for Rick and Bear. Rick is happier when he let's Bear in at the start but communication is a key for them both. He didn't believe Bear could be interested in him with his faults having emotional and physical scars from his past abusive relationship. I didn't really like the scene where they show and tell scars together as too much cliché storyline. Bear's sister visits with her daughter and news rocks Bear badly. I wasn't a fan of the time jumps but it had a great ending.
Rick worked in the library and tended to have panic attacks. Clem aka Bear was a biker whom Rick was in hots with but hid it and Bear kept giving him gifts but didn't understand why. Bear runs the Diner cafe from a year ago when he moved into town.
Rick worked in the library and tended to have panic attacks. Clem aka Bear was a biker whom Rick was in hots with but hid it and Bear kept giving him gifts but didn't understand why. Bear runs the Diner cafe from a year ago when he moved into town.
June 9, 2020
I never read about a “bear” before, so when the opportunity to read and review this book, I jumped at the chance. Just like the first book I reviewed for the Boys of Brighton series, Gabe, Rick’s Bear gets down to action right away.
Rick is a man who suffers from social anxiety and panic attacks because of something from his past. Bear also has his past sitting in the background. Are they an unlikely pairing? Yes. Bear’s a biker and Rick’s a shy, quiet librarian. And it makes for a great opposites attract trope.
Read more here: https://maggieblackbird.com/2020/06/0...
Rick is a man who suffers from social anxiety and panic attacks because of something from his past. Bear also has his past sitting in the background. Are they an unlikely pairing? Yes. Bear’s a biker and Rick’s a shy, quiet librarian. And it makes for a great opposites attract trope.
Read more here: https://maggieblackbird.com/2020/06/0...
August 22, 2017
Rick's Bear is the third book in the Boys of Brighton series. I think this just might be my favorite one in this series. Clem “Bear” Mitchell owns the only diner in Brighton and Rick Johansson the Librarian both have their issues. They both seems to have feels for each other but it takes a little while for them to get together. This book is full of emotion, greif, fear, suspense, and love. I loved this storyline and am enjoying this series. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait to read the last one.
May 31, 2021
In this story there is the owner of the town's diner and a librarian. Clem "Bear" Mitchell and Rick Johansson each for their own reasons really just want to live peacefully which is difficult for them to do given what is going on in the town that they live in. Sometimes no matter how much you want to go it alone you find you are better off together and that is the case for this pair. Another solid story in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2021
This was a fantastic story that I found hard to put it down. I loved the characters and their growth over the course of the story was fantastic. I loved this work. The plot moved swiftly and smoothly and the ending definitely had it hinting more to come in the future works and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
I give this a five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I give this a five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2017
I'll say right at the start somethings could have been set up better for Rick and Bear. Things moved fast but we must look at it like this. This is a short read. Things need to move fast. Explain the past, protect the present and project a bit of the future. This was some good characters that were opposites finding comfort with each other.
May 10, 2020
Rick's Bear is the third book in the Boys of Brighton series by M Tasia. This is a sweet and wonderful contemporary m/m romance with hurt from the past and healing love between two great characters, Bear and Rick. There is a bit of drama and some humor, and a great dose of love. I adore this couple and the family they create together. Loved it and can not wait to read more in this series.
June 14, 2020
I loved Rick and Bear. Bear was protective of Rick. His kindness streak was off the charts. Rick was a librarian, kind of shy with anxiety. I love M Tasia’s stories, they are sweet, sappy and fluffy.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
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