The Werebear's Unwanted Bride

by Marina Maddix

He didn’t want a wife…but he wanted her.

Bear shifter Katrina Hamilton spent her life obeying her father’s strict rules — and chafing under them. While all her friends were dating, Kat had been forced to watch from the sidelines. So when opportunity falls in her lap in the form of a very sexy stranger, she doesn’t hesitate to follow her heart.

Alex Fairchild just wants one last night of fun before fulfilling his duty to marry a stranger for the good of his werebear clan. He doesn’t expect to fall for his one night stand. He doesn’t expect to take her virginity. And he really doesn’t expect to meet her again…standing at the altar!

Once enemies, now mates, Alex must prove to Kat he’s not the womanizing playboy she believes him to be. But sinister forces lurk in the shadows, ready to do anything to tear the new couple apart. Will their marriage survive? Will they survive?

Part of Celia Kyle’s Howls Romance line.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2017

About the author

Marina Maddix is a romantic at heart, but hates closing the bedroom door on her readers. Her stories are sweet, with just enough spice to make your mother blush. She lives with her husband, cats and chickens near the Rocky Mountains, and loves to hear from her fans.

Subscribe to her mailing list at http://list.marinamaddix.com or connect with her at marina@marinamaddix.com, @marinamaddix on Instagram, or on Facebook at www.fb.me/authormarinamaddix.

Reviews

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is it with women?

The guy picks you up, takes you home, takes your virginity, (she had a good reason for throwing it away, you can't blame her for it) then throws you away like garbage in the cruelest way possible. "That was fun, but I am getting married in a few days, so don't let the door hit you in the backside on your way out." Surprise! The woman you just threw out like Trash? Ha. Jokes on you, dumb-A. She just happens to be the woman the 'rents sold to you to settle that boundary dispute! Ding, ding ding, Jerkwad! You cheated on your fiancee.... WITH your fiancee! Wow. What. A. Loser. Oh, and come to find out....that is exactly the way you have always handled the hundreds of women you have banged over the years. Dip-n-dump. What. A. Prince. Oh, but does Our Dear Heroine dump his skanky self and ride off into the sunset to make her own life? At least until he proves she isn't going to be forced to wonder over the years if the woman across the table at dinner is his most recent lay? Sigh. Why did I think she would show any sort of backbone? My fault for expecting anything different from the thousands of other "he is a jerk of massive proportions, but we are meant for each other so everything is gum drops and pink ponies and let's have lots of sex" ho hum. OK, so he wasn't as bad as a lot of the recent males I have been subjected to lately. But can someone, ANYONE, write a female character with a BACKBONE? PLEASE!

[Cheesecake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Katrina and Alex.
Alex is 'condemned' to marry the daughter of their enemy as part of the peace truce.
For some reason known only to the author, he can't meet her til the wedding.
SO he decides to have one more fling 2 weeks before the nuptials. On his way out of the building he meets Kat and she manages to dodge her body guards, to have a night of passion in Alex's arms.
The next morning he realizes that as much as he wants her, he must go through with the marriage to his unknown bride... You can see where this is going I'm sure as it was dead obvious.

At the wedding they learn the truth and she is super pissed. Then there's a nasty OW...

I was alternately bored and vaguely grossed out.

Safety is meh
As Nadia, his last fling before Kat, points out; every surface of his apartment has had another woman's naked ass on it. So Kat is repulsed. Alex fesses up to being a first class manho who has slept with countless women. I think the author thought she was being sweet by having him get rid of all the furniture (including the kitchen counters), so that Kat may choose her own. But hey, none of them was as desirable as her... *roll my eyes*.
But the kicker for me was when after realizing who she is; "Despite the fact that he'd dated a few Kats in his time, he should have known!" So you can extrapolate from a few Kats how many other Jills, Nadias, Jennifers, Stephanies etc, etc, etc, he has dated. I mean heck, she isn't even his first Kat???

If it were me, I'd want to at least move to a different apartment, if not a different city!
Kat is a virgin who hadn't even KISSED anyone before.

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Meh… this one was a smidge boring. In a nutshell Alex has known he would have to marry for politics so he’s been playing the field… sowing his seeds before getting hitched into a loveless marriage. He meets Kat, and both are TOTALLY into each other so they hook up. In a total HP H move, Alex cruelly rejects her the next morning, because he’s getting married, and it’ll be easier for her if she hates him. He’s that good. (eyeroll) Imagine Alex’s shock when his new bride is the woman he’s been obsessing over all week!! Alex’s is stoked… Kat not so much. The rest is pretty much him trying to convince her he’s a reformed manwhore.

Bottom Line- Plot moves slowly, and there’s not a ton going on. Plus, after all the pushback Kat changes her mind quick as a snap, out of the blue without anything really changing. We did get both POV’s so we were privy to Alex’s thoughts and know he is in fact reformed. I’m rounding up, because this is soapy, and everything doesn’t always make sense, but it’s not the most exciting one out there. **safety** I guess in a way Alex cheated on his fiancé with his fiancé. 😊 Other than that, it’s safe. Small meddling wannabe OW, but nothing big… just snark, and h puts her in her place by the end.

[LIA Kh. · Rating 2 out of 5]

absolutely a weird plot and story!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say Never!

Unwanted, wanted, unwanted, oh make up your mind already! Loved this story, absolutely wonderful, served them both right!

Alex Fairchild is really worked up because he has a week left to fulfill his destiny, how bad could it be he's been knowing this day would come his entire life! That doesn't make it any easier, especially when he bumps, literally bumps into the most enticing creature he has ever seen. And she will be his departure from the world as he has known it and man will she.

Katarina Hamilton has never understood why her father has always been so protective of her, but at least they've let her live her life, if not to the fullest? But when she bumps into that green eyed hunk of a bear, all thoughts of being a good girl for daddy go out the window. She has always heard how mind blowing it could be, but she is ready to find out first hand.

Could fate be more accommodating? What a fun story, couldn't put it down and the passion however lacking, was mindblowing.

[Sometime · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I liked this book and the writing was great, it was a bit too Harlequin-esque for me. There was the OW drama, and the fact that Alex slept with a LOT of women (I'm guessing they were all from his clan, so they'll run into each other constantly. Way to think ahead, Alex). And the fact that he cheated on Kat. I mean he did cheat on her WITH her, but in my book it counts. It makes it hard for me as a reader to ever trust him. He might have done a little grovelling, but I wasn't satisfied. And his lame excuse for sleeping around sounded a lot like every other man's excuse.

In the end, I find him to be weak and I don't trust him.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots here to work with

Alex with the burden of knowing for the past 20 years he was to be married not for love but for duty.
Kat learning just days before her 21st birthday that she was to be married to seal a feud.
Edgar not having what he so badly wanted and then, well lets just say you have to read.
Naomi spiteful and out of her league.

So much in such a quick read.

[Jennifer McGurk Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Howls Romance series by various authors, this one is written by Marina Maddix. This is a new author for me and I would definitely read more of her work. I wasn't really crazy about the h in this book, she was immature and a bit of a spoiled brat. Alex Fairchild is a bear shifter, his Father is the head of their clan. He's also a very wealthy and successful businessman. His whole life he's known that his marriage was arranged when he was still a baby. The Fairchild clan and the Hamilton clan were enemies for many years and many lives were lost because of it. Over twenty years ago Alex's dad and the head of the Hamilton clan signed a peace treaty and they also agreed to have their first born children married to one another. His wedding is in one week and he wants one last night with a woman he actually gets to pick himself. Katrina Hamilton is a bear shifter, an amazing artist and she's been lucky enough to travel the world at such a young age. With all her world traveling she's still never been allowed to date anyone and at a week away from turning 21 she's still a virgin. She's always had constant bodyguards surrounding her so even if she wanted to date she wouldn't have been able to. Alex is leaving Mr. Hamilton's office after having signed the contract for the wedding when he bumps into a beautiful woman in the parking garage. Kat can't believe the gorgeous guy is actually talking to her and when he asks her to meet him later she agrees. Kat didn't expect it to be so easy to sneak out and meet Alex but she's glad she did. They go back to his apartment and have AMAZEBALLS sex. Alex wants nothing more than to tell his father forget it and run away with this amazing woman. But his loyalty to his father and his clan will not allow him to be selfish and think only of his needs. It breaks his heart to do it but he must be cold and indifferent to Kat the next day so she'll leave hating him because he must get married in a week. Kat was devastated when Alex was so cold the next morning. She went home and threw herself into her painting and tried to forget the gorgeous man. Two days before the wedding Kat's parents sit her down and tell her what she must do for the good of the clan. When Alex sees who his bride is he is over the moon happy, Kat not so much. Like I said earlier Kat was immature and I think she made Alex suffer too much and for too long. If I had a choice I would've rather found out two days before like Kat did instead of knowing my whole life like Alex. Kat lived her life oblivious to her future anxiously awaiting the day when she'd fall in love and get married. Alex lived his life knowing if he ever did meet the one or fall head over heels for someone that he couldn't act on it ... ever. That's a pretty big burden to carry on your shoulders for all those years. I just think Kat was a little selfish and should've thought about Alex's situation for a minute.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this is the first book of Marina Maddix’s that I have read, I wasn’t sure on what to expect. After reading the blurb for this book I was intrigued and needed to one click. I liked this book but I didn’t love it. I understood Kat’s stubbornness but I felt like she dragged it on for too long. I wanted to shout at her to give in and forgive Alex. Although I liked the hero and heroine, I didn’t feel a strong connection between them. The majority of this story is Kat being stubborn and not giving in to her attraction. Alex claimed he wanted Kat’s forgiveness and love yet he didn’t seem to put an effort in to gain her trust and forgiveness.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a fairly enjoyable read.

Bear shifter Katrina Hamilton is used to her father stopping her from dating. When she bumps into a handsome man named Alex that asks her out, she decides to disobey her father’s rule and go out with him. Bear shifter Alex Fairchild wants one night of passion before he is forced to marry a stranger for the sake of his clan. Bumping into Kat, he is instantly drawn to her and asks her out. After taking her virginity he pushes her away for the sake of his upcoming wedding and her feelings. Hurt by Alex’s actions Kat is even more outraged when she learns of her upcoming arranged marriage. It isn’t until the wedding day that she learns of who her husband will be. Discovering Alex at the alter, Kat is even more outraged that he cheated on her with her. Alex is ecstatic when he see’s that his bride is Kat, what he doesn’t expect is her anger and cold attitude. Will Alex be able to gain Kat’s forgiveness and live happily ever after married to his mate?

[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Maddix has outdone herself with this tale of love...the hard way. She has taken fated mates to a new level with the story of Alex and Kat.
Knowing he will have to marry a stranger for the good of his kind in a weeks time, Alex decides, for the last time, to seek consolance in the arms of a stranger, hopeful for some memories to tide him over throughout what may be a marriage in name only. When he literally runs into the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on after signing documents that will tie him to a stranger for life, he knows she will be the one. As Kat is literally run down in her father's building, never would she imagine finding the opportunity to finally be able to free herself of her bodyguards and experience what it would be like to be in a man's arms. But what began as a night made in heaven, ended in a morning from hell. These two will have you in tears with a hope unlike any other that they find a way to let loose a love beyond words.
An awesome read!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion

[Latoya Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because...

I gave this story five stars because that's what you do when someone shares a piece of them with you, but I couldn't connect to the story. Not for the lack of drama. Oh no, there's plenty drama, but the characters didn't have a good relationship until they were in bed. The events didn't fit flow for me and weren't relatable. I'd love to ask the author why she chose for Kat's parents to keep her in the dark, and who can make a grown woman stay chaste until her twenties in this day and age? Or why Alex was able to spread himself far and wide while under the weight of his upcoming duty? And how do you cheat on someone you've never met? Like I said, drama aplenty. Didn't add for me, so I need to dwell into the author's mind to dig deeper into her character's. Since that's not going to happen, I give my five stars and a review to ease the questions about this book... somewhat.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first for me of Marina Maddix, and while it wasn't the greatest of books, it wasn't the worst book I've read.

I think my biggest issue with this was that both characters were just so stubborn and determined to get the other to see their side of things that they forgot that marriage/mating is about compromise. Kat also drove me nuts and made me want to pull my hair out because of her views on Alex and his life before her. Just because she was a virgin when they came together doesn't mean she should judge who and what he did before they were married. While she was off touring the world and oblivious to what her future held, Alex knew all along, and heaven forbid he actually have some fun before settling down!

[Barbara Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

He didn't want to wife but he grew up knowing that he was already promised to another clan's daughter. Katrina didn't know that she had been promised to someone from another clan. Her parents didn't want her worrying the whole time. Alex went to sign all the papers and decided that day that he was going to find somebody and have one last affair. Little did he know that the woman that he bumped into you was to be his bride. Now he to show her that he's not a playboy and that he really wants this marriage with her and he wants it forever and for her to bear his children. Not just for peace but for each other.

[Pamelia Grady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making Peace

How can you bring yourself to marry someone you have never met? Alex faced this very problem - what if something is wrong with her? Katrina had bumped into the most handsomest man she'd ever seen - went on the most amazing date, and already dreaming of a life of them together. That is until she spoke with her late and her world came crashing down. Will they be able to face their problems together? This is a good story of overcoming problems and finding the person for you.

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged marriage

To stop the war two clans had promised their firstborns in marriage and that day was coming up. This story centers around this idea and the emotions both children go thru when it comes time to honor that contract. The twist is the son has known his entire life, the daughter finds out two days before her wedding. There's a creepy stalker and a bitter gold digger in the cast too. It's a good read.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new twist, with a good character driven story

I loved the characters, they were easy to understand. The storyline was interesting, I haven't read a contracted marriage done this way before, and I did love the twisty way it played out. I didn't like the ending, I thought it was just too easy, but the story as a whole is full of dramatic love/hate scenarios and some decent busywork between Kat and Alex.

[Missp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series

Each book in this series is improving. In the Werebear's Unwanted Bride, you have a story of two bears marrying to unite their tiers, or clans. After one last fling before the alter, both are surprised to find the other on their wedding day. A series of misunderstandings ensue and Alex has some work to win his bride. Good story, quick read, great editing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a young couple ( early twenties) that have been promised to each other through a arranged marriage since childhood. Alex is a womanizer that decides to have a one night stand before his wedding to Katrina, a woman he has never even met. The morning after, to get rid of the stranger he slept with, he treats her like rubbish. As it turns out that stranger was his brand new wife. It was a good idea that didn't lived up to my expectations. It's a ok story for me. Sorry.

[Karen Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

I really enjoyed ALEX and Kat’s story. An arranged marriage by their parents.... one has always known of their fate while the other doesn’t find out til two days before their wedding. Two people trying to come together and figure it out in order to keep the peace between both of their clans.

[Kristal Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Howl's addition.....

I find these Howl's series books be consistently fabulous! Alex and Kat's story by the wonderful Marina Maddox is another great addition to this series. Plenty of action, and a great storyline. I definitely recommend you give this book a read. Mature eyes only due to mild violence, and of course, hot shifter loving!

[Nathan Forester · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of shapeshifter fiction just seems to be smut with nothing of the hororr or sci fi sort, and I have never gotten into them to be honest. Yeah maybe if you have a fat fetish you can imagine the bear shapeshifters being an overweight male in human form, but as someone who is strictly against yaoi, gay shapeshifting content isn't my cup of tea.

[Jo Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightfully engaging bear shifter story with plenty of sass & alpha sexiness. I loved the idea of an arranged marriage and the coming together of Alex and Kat. Fully was a most excellent BFF too! It has moments to make you smile, sigh and giggle. A really enjoyable story!

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those nights before a wedding can be trouble!

You just never know! Great book with a clever plot. Hot and sexy shifters, sizzling sex. This for me was a fun read and can't wait to read more of Marina Maddix's work.

[Deb B · Rating 4 out of 5]

just read the first eleven books in this set. they are all short, fun and fast and all standalones. can read one or all in any order. each author takes a basic format and expands it how they see fit. there is no deep heavy reading here

[Contina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harelquin Romance for Shifters

Not that is a bad thing but this reminded me of those romance stories. Just add some bears and some erotica. I got my HEA and that's all I needed.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

The whole series has been wonderful but this is at the top of the list. A great well written fast read with a HEA. The characters are real and heartfelt.

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this one is my favorite from the series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had an interesting beginning but I loved it! I really enjoyed the relationship between Kat and Alex. The story was fast paced and well written.

[AudreymlHawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

Love when a man, especially an Alpha, can admit when he's wrong and then apologizes in the most romantic way. Love that Kat grew into her new role and found her confidence.

[gail mollencopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Really really enjoyed this read. Just loved the characters. Love the way they found out they were true mates. Enjoy this really good romance story