Bear With Me

The Blood Realm #4

by Jennifer Blackstream

Can be read as a stand-alone.

Betrayal. Redemption.True love.

A PRINCE TRAPPED IN THE BODY OF A BEAR

Torben is a bear shifter struggling to pass a test laid on him by his power-hungry stepmother. Bound into his beast form during the day, able to be human only at night when the darkness hides him, he must find a wife. She can know him only as a bear and a bodiless voice in the night. For one year, she must let him keep his secrets, trust him as a wife should trust her husband. But what woman will climb into bed with a bear and trust it is a man waiting for her?

A BARD LOOKING FOR HER VOICE

After witnessing her mother's murder left her blind, Leta had to put away her sword and her dreams of becoming a bard. Now she is resigned to a calm life where the best she can hope for is a good marriage that will take the burden of her care from her father's shoulders. When her father claims the gods have sent a man to be not just her husband, but perhaps her savior, Leta has to take a leap of faith...and hope she falls in love.

Even a blind woman can see when something is worth fighting for...

Genres: Paranormal Romance

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2017

About the author

Jennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and endless research into mythology and fairy tales. She firmly believes that whether it’s a village witch deciding she wants to be a private investigator, or a single mother having a go at being a full time writer, it’s never too late for a new adventure.

A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.

Jennifer currently has three series going:

BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):

Book 1 – Before Midnight

Book 2 – One Bite

Book 3 – Golden Stair

Book 4 – Divine Scales

Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation

Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:

Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)

Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch

Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)

BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):

Book 1 – All for a Rose

Book 2 – Blue Voodoo

Book 3 – The Archer

Book 4 – Bear With Me

Book 5 – Stolen Wish



BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)

Book 1 – Deadline

Book 2 – Monster

Book 3 – Taken

Book 4 – Corruption

Book 5 – Mercenary

Book 6 – Caged

Book 7 – Betrayal

Reviews

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of these books and the previous series that this one was spun off of and love them all. This story of Leta and Torben is one of the better ones and we get to see a few of the previous hero/heroine combinations in cameo appearances except for Julian and Dominique from Blue Voodoo (The Blood Realm Series Book 2) play a major part in the latter part of this story.

The basic plot is that through some magical maneuvering the evil stepmother (don't you love how so many tales have evil stepmothers?) gets him into a test where he has to marry a blind girl and even if she gets her sight back she can't be allowed to see him. It was complicated and did not turn out exactly as you might have thought it was going to, in fact it had at least 3 major plot twists and a superb ending.

Bottom Line: Great story, great characters and superb writing but at one point around the middle I had to do a very small bit of scanning since it was getting a bit boring IMHO but I still give this 4 Stars and highly recommended.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Blackstream and I'm totally in love with this series, I will have to go back and read the first 3 books in the series. I loved the dynamic between Leta and Torben. Leta suffers a tragedy and is temporarily/permanently blind because of this. She feels like she is a burden to her father and aunt so she agrees to and arranged marriage to Torben.

Torben comes from a dysfunctional family he has a brother and an evil stepmother and stepsister. Even though Charles is the eldest brother The king on his deathbed named Torben his successor. His evil stepmother devises a test to see if Torben is truly deserving of the crown. Torben is forced to marry Leta in his bear form and only take his human form at night in the cover of darkness. Will they be able to pass the test and stay happily married for one year? Will Leta's site return and ruin Torben's chance at the crown?

** I voluntarily read an ARC this book in exchange for an honest review **

[BigComfyChairBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book for one of my favorite authors! My biggest concern is that they had so little time to develop the relationship. They only knew each other like 2 days. This is a common occurrence in Blackstream’s writing. They've spent less than 24 hours together before Leta decides to fight for their marriage.? I don't mind quick romance or love at first sight, but 2 days just isn't enough time for that strong of a relationship to develop. Torben was a strong, sexy, and utterly masculine hero. Leta was sweet, determined, and unique. I thought they were a good match and I loved watching their developing relationship, even if it was too brief. Blackstream is extremely skilled at writing fantasy books that don’t need chapters devoted to world-building. I have read the entire Blood Prince series and now the whole spin-off Blood Realm series. I have enjoyed reading each one as they come out and always eagerly anticipate the next one. They can all be read as stand alone if you skip the prologues and epilogues which I honestly skim through anyways. I really couldn’t care less about the whole “Hidden Kingdom” plot. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-4/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-2/5

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am so happy that I did. Even though this is the 4th book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone, but I will definitely go back and read the first 3 in the series since it does seem to build the characters from the previous books.

This is the story of Leta and Torben and what a story it is...the first thing I thought when I read the synopsis is how much of a fairy tale it seemed...and what a great and unique twist to the fairy tale!!

The author does a wonderful job of sucking the reader in and keeping the interest throughout the book. The world building is spot on and the character development is perfect!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy to read and review. As always absolutely awesome story with brilliant characters
Love the world that Jennifer has created, sooooo can't wait to read more!!!

[Lori Meehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*
This is the first book I've read from this author and I did enjoy it. I look forward to read more in the future. There are some very interesting characters and paranormal beings that intrigued me. Torben a bear shifter and the king of his people must pass a test to rid his family and kingdom of his stepmother Lilith who's a troll and her daughter Sylvi. Should he fail he's to marry Sylvi and be forever bound to there evil, if Lilith doesn't kill him. Torben is to find a wife but she can only see him as his bear and never as a human for a full year. Leta the bard has been blind since her mothers tragic death and being a burden to her father she excepted Torbens offer of marriage and the stipulations. But sensing Torben is hiding something from her she can't fully trust him and the evil magic she feels with in him my lead her to braking her promise. Torben wants nothing more then to protect Leta from his evil stepfamily he over looks how strong she is and that she may be the true answer to his dilemma or he may lose her forever.

This book I think is the fourth book in the series. I would not consider it as a stand alone book. I did feel as if I was missing something while reading. I'm sure it was the world building in the first book so I need to go and start with the first book.

*Book Obsessed Chicks Review team

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beauty and the Beast story. The Beast, Torben is a Medved, a were-bear and the king of Midgard who has made a bargain with his stepmother to find a wife and live blissfully happy with her for one year without letting her see his face. If he wins he gets to keep his throne and prevent a war.

The Beauty is Leta, a young singer/poet who due to tragic experience is temporarily blind and still having panic attacks. They live in a magic house that fulfills all their needs and wishes.

Meanwhile, his handicapped brother Charles is coregent with the stepmother who, with her daughter, plot to hinder Torben as much as they can so the daughter can be queen.

Footnote: 1) I thought the book “All for a Rose’ was the Beauty and the Beast story. Is this a repeat?

Fave scenes: Leta listening to Torben’s heartbeat, Leta’s method of marking the beginning of her sentences, Torben greeting Sylvi and Torben testing Sylvi.

[Lolita Nettles · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again

Torben and Leta are a couple facing challenges from all angles including themselves! Through loss and determination they have to face past hurts, a lifetime of feeling undervalued , a wicked stepmother who is beyond power hungry and cruel. I definitely recommend reading the whole series as the dynamics of some of the characters is built over time and so should not be missed, they will have you stuck within the pages and eagerly awaiting more. Jennifer Blacks team has a true gift of illusion shared with her writing so that you can clearly see the world's she pens!

[Leann Mallow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique one of a kind tale

I like to one click..... What can I say? I read an interesting excerpt and click! A lot of the time I am sadly disappointed, but then there are the few times that I am not. This would be one of those times.
I've never picked up a book by the delightful Ms. Blackwater til this one, and I am most happy to report that I was NOT disappointed. In fact I'll e going back and one clicking on her other books in the Blood Realm Series.
Brava Ms. Blackstream, brava.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I enjoyed this book more than the author's other books. I was hooked and devoured it. I liked Torben and Leta. They had some obstacles to overcome, for sure. I was curious to see how he was going to gain her trust.
We also get to see some old friends.

[Elizabeth Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spin off series, and I love it. If you're looking for hot and heavy sex scenes you will be disappointed. However, the story lines are really interesting in this series, as are the characters. The romantic relationships are layered and charming. I really recommend this, and the original, series.

[Penny Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think these guys can't possibly get any hotter there's a new hottie on the block! Another series that I couldn't get enough of. Then I must take a brake and search out a new big hot and juicy vamp.

[Shawna Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear With Me is book 4 in the Blood Realm series that directly follows the Blood Prince series. None of this series needs be read in any order, though reading the first series will let you understand the final chapters of each better. Also, it's an awesome series: read it!

The book is written in third person omniscient from (primarily) the lead character's points of view. The story is a complete re-imagining of the Grimm tale Bearskin. It's certainly a lesser known story, and with some very dark connotations that ensured it never really got a sparkly remake to show up in modern children's tales. The devil is not in this book, but a rather unpleasant woman who could be compared to him is. That she made the male lead an actual bear shifter was expected but also generally just a fun twist.

Torben was a very relatable character who I very much adored from the first meeting: he's the second son, duty bound to be what his father wants, even if it's not what he wants, protective of his brother, dedicated to his people and his country, a good soldier, but also a generally good person. Throughout the book he shows again and again how full of compassion he really is. No pampered prince here.

Leta is a very interesting character that I was thoroughly impressed with the overall depiction of: a woman who has suffered a mental trauma so horrible she's blind now. Having known several people with PTSD, I can vouch that it shows in different ways, and that the author treated the situation with the gravity it deserved. Her frustrations of the mundane variety were so real it was almost painful for me to read. Extremely well done imagery, no pun intended.

As a couple, I thought the complimented each other rather well. I liked the gradual development of their relationship (in a manner of speaking-it was still very fast, as these things tend to be) and the way they challenged each other. The story was VERY different than the original tale, with barely the bones of the original showing, but the new tale was quite the ride. We even saw some characters from previous books (Blue Voodoo), which is always fun.

If you enjoy fantastical tales of shifters, sorceresses, curses, princes willing to do anything for their people, women who are strong and stubborn, a small dose of steam, and a little bit of action, this is a book you should read!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that I fall for a secondairy pairing more than for the heroine and hero themselves, but here it happened. That pirate! Oh my. And the unlikely but so very fitting lady he lusts after, she was something, alright. On the other hand the blind but not at all broken heroine and her (very male) hero who have their very own problems until she goes on a rampage and owns the story which made me adore her even more... Two awesome stories, perfectly entwined, kept me on the edge and wanting more!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bear shifter desperate to keep his kingdom safe from his evil stepmother and stepsister. A bard rendered blind from the emotional trauma of seeing her mother murdered. A bargain that will ultimately change the course of all of their lives. In Bear With Me, Jennifer Blackstream continues the Blood Realm Series with another wonderful tale from her supernatural world.

Torben was named king on his father's deathbed. He was a warrior, not a politician, and feels ill-equipped to handle the job, especially with his witchy (literally) step-mother and sister trying to wrest control from him. Torben agrees to a challenge to prove himself worthy to rule -- he must stay in his bear form by day and human by night, and get a women to fall in love with him when for a year she can only look upon him when he is a bear. Torben chooses Leta, an incredibly talented bard who he has observed in the past, now sruck blind due to extreme emotional trauma. While Torben is sure he can help Leta get her sight back, it helps that things start out with her unable to see him at all. Leta is deeply suspicious, however, and wavers in her trust for her new husband. If Torben fails this test he must marry his step-sister and be saddled with his step-mother forever.

Will Leta get her sight back? If so will she last the full year without looking upon her husband's face? Well answering that would ruin the story, so you'll just have to read it yourself! Blackstream fills her stories with really interesting sub-characters who keep you guessing on what will happen next. Torben's brother Charles is a particularly compelling character and I hope he shows up again. I also loved the pirate who wants to own the heart of the step-sister. And of course we get an epilogue that brings back the Blood Princes, with some very keen observations from Torben. As is the case with all of Blackstream's works, she creates a vivid picture of a fantastical world of supernatural beings, power struggles, and epic romances. If that interests you st all should read this book!!

An ARC was received with the request for an honest review.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. It was fairytale like with a twist. The stepmonster oh I mean mom was there giving a curse but not to the stepdaughter no to the stepson. the stepson who has a gentle soul but is a soldier. The stepson who gained a throne he didn’t want. The stepson loyal to his family and who loved his brother and kingdom so much he sacrificed alot to keep them safe.

Leta is the girl blinded by tragedy and trying to live. Her love of words is there but her life is a shell now. She is trapped in her fear and it seems she will never escape. She is a smart, caring woman who only needs to face her fears. Torben to me can be that man/bear. Torben though has stipulations on his love right now and that is his curse. or challenge from his stepmom. He is doing something that is bound to fail only because he has guilt and doesn’t believe in secrets. It is his brother that helps him work through some things and show him a way round things.

When Torben and Leta meet for the first time for her it is under strained circumstances. For Torben he was fascinated by her before. Her words and actions on stage drew him in and now he is there claiming her. Only she has changed and it works in his favor. He cares for her and wants to help but she does fight him along the way. The attraction is there. The heat is there but the trust is harder to come by. Torben has so many stipulations that it is hard on him and he has to pull back on things. this doesn’t sit well with Leta but she does learn about him. Even if she doesn’t feel she is. She sees beyond what is there. She sees who he really is and who he is is a kind, loving and caring man. He is sweet and gentle but fierce when needed to be.

I loved the two point of views. We get to see the vulnerabilities, fears and love. We saw the struggles in both their eyes but also the situation. And it was a situation. ONe that was borne with good intentions but mired with guilt and possible failure. I hated to see Torben have to go through this. I did enjoy seeing them fall in love and Leta fight for him and his love.

The story is fun, entertainment, filled with wit, sarcasm, characters you will love. It has characters with honor and strength. We see love and respect amongst them as well. But the story is addictive and just plain sexy with Torben’s gentleness and desire to help Leta and see her beyond what is going on and help her heal. I hated to see the cost of what her mistake and fear was but watching her fight for Torben was awesome. As is his brother. I do hope we get a story for him. A wonderful sexy, entertaining and sweet romance that is fairytale like with the magic and love.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

wtg. love it

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of the earlier stories of this story and this one is a good addition to the series.
Tourben is doing what he believes he must in order to save a kingdom that was never suppose to be his. His evil step mother and evil step sister has made numerous threats against his kingdom and his family so in order to stop the threat of war that will kill many of those who reside in his kingdom he will do a test. Which at the end, if he wins, his stepfamily will leave the kingdom and never return, but if he looses he will have to marry his step sister and give her equal power to rule. The rules of the test are simple. He will have to stay in a marriage where the women trusts him for a year. And she must only ever see him as his bear half during the day and at night when he is a man once again she is not to look upon him. I guess it is a good thing the Tourben was already half in lust with a women who has a bards heart and yet a warrior's mindset.
Leta is a burden upon her family, she does not want to put her father to anymore trouble since she knows that they have had to make a lot of accommodations for her since she lost her sight, as well as her mother. So when Tourben said he could help her regain her sight she wants the chance to be able to see once again.
This was a good paranormal romance, although some of the parts were a bit weird such as being able to get your eyesight back it was an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed how the author managed to tide this story back to the other books in the series and how she crafted the characters so that you could see who the were before this book. Before Tourben was told he would be king and before Leta lost her mother.
There was not a lot of sex in this story, and it was a HEA with no cliffhanger.
~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to this author but she hooked me with Leta and Torbens story


Torbens is a prince but as with most his step mother is a monster and cursed him to stay in his bear form during the day and he needs to find his wife. Without her knowing he is a bear and loving him without any questions


Leta is blind and is lost , she lost her mother and her drive to be a bard  , Can she be what he needs?

Jennifer Blackstream is awesome as an author and I can not wait to read more.