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Finding a kidnapped, runaway bride was the easy part.
Realizing she is your mate who still needs protection is the hard part.


Van

A force to be reckoned with, Van of Clan Rekkr is a giant of a man with a grizzly hidden inside. Being a security specialist with King Security International gives him the excitement his life needs after leaving the military. Satisfying his desire to protect and defend, no job is too big or too small. Van stays busy with life while waiting to hear the mating call and finding the one meant for him. Some things are just beyond his control and he is at peace with that. Well, almost.

Cora

Sitting in a damp warehouse in a dirty wedding dress and held for ransom was not how this was supposed to go. Cora Butler realized she shouldn’t get married but before she could inform her ex-fiance that he was the ex-fiance, two inept kidnappers complicate the situation. When a growly but gorgeous shifter comes to her rescue she thinks all is well. That was before Van tells her she was meant to be his.

Being mate to a Kindred definitely was not in the plans.

The path of fated mates never runs smoothly, and even though Van and Cora are meant to be together, there are forces at work trying desperately to keep them apart. Van will stop at nothing to make sure that his mate is safe. No matter the cost.

Runaway Bride is a thrilling standalone romance set in the world of the Kindred with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed happily ever after.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

243 people are currently reading
207 people want to read

About the author

Moxie North

53 books324 followers
Moxie North loves shifters. Really, she does. A lot. Big burly men mixed with fierce protective animals makes for hunky alpha shifters that will move heaven and earth for their mates.

Her heroines come in all shapes, sizes, personalities and backgrounds. They’re looking for love but want their men to win them over. Together they find their soul mate on their journey to true love.

Moxie lives surrounded by trees, wildlife, and the occasional lumberjack. She loves sci-fi, sugar in any form, and speaking only in movie quotes. Moxie went from an avid reader to a writer and loves being in the romance community. Meeting readers and talking books keeps her writing and loving her job.

Join my newsletter at:
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,819 reviews148 followers
January 2, 2018
One, as a rule, doesn't enjoy being held hostage, especially when the captors don't rush on account of necessary human functions, and after three days of this, Cora is ready to lose her mind. And with all this time to think, Cora begins seeing the magnitude of was wrong in her relationship with Chaz (the name should've tipped her off, right? LOL), her fiance, and that he seemed to view her as an item on a checklist. Plus, there's the one obvious piece of evidence to support her claim that after four years together, he just doesn't care...he hasn't come for her yet.

Van, former military and current employee of King Security, is working a mission with his teammate, Luca. Though the job is routine, he's restless for some reason. Maybe it's his bear, given to him due to being a Kindred. The next day, as he's awaiting his next assignment, he still feels off. When he learns his target is a woman kidnapped five days ago, and her fiance is just calling them, he's ticked. And when he finds her, his usual blunt personality doesn't exactly impress her, though Van is using it as a defense against how she's impacting him.

Thankful to be rescued, Cora is now dreading what comes next...seeing and speaking to Chaz. She wants out of his life completely, but making that into a reality may be a little difficult.

Van knows Cora's fiance needs called, and that she has to go home, but for some reason he's finding it hard to move on like he usually does after finishing a job. But when he hears "the call," showing who she is to him...

“My mating call… for you.” - Van

Now, Van just has to help Cora see she's perfect for him, regardless of her believing she's less than because he's Kindred, for Cora to officially end things with Chaz, discover who kidnapped her and why, and begin their HEA. All easy to do, right? Yeah, I didn't think so either. LOL But Van and Cora make it happen, and we're taken along on their journey.

One-click now and follow along as two people are brought together by fate and embark on their destiny together. On a purely personal note, I absolutely love that once the Kindred reach a certain age they become celibate because they only want their mate.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
June 10, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/10/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Belinda.
398 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. While I love her Rochon bears more, this story was a cute blend of woman who realizes she’s making a mistake, danger, insta-love and fighting for your true insta-love. I liked the story and hope to see upcoming stories in this series for some of the other characters from this story. I also hope to see more of the two main characters in this story in the upcoming stories.
3,424 reviews20 followers
January 1, 2018
Cold feet? Yep. Finally, Cora admitted to herself that this marriage was not the way she wanted to spend her life. Of course, running out of her fitting, in the dress, and being kidnapped wasn't the alternative she was thinking about.

Van got the assignment from his security company to retrieve the bride. When he found out she'd been missing for as long without the groom bothering to do anything his bear was pissed. When he found out just who Cora was to him, he wanted to kill the men who took her and the ex-groom. Ex because he was the new groom. She just didn't know it yet.

Nothing is that easy. There is a bad guy who plans to ruin it all, but this is a romance. Thankfully!

The story is funny, steamy, with characters you love and care about. Big bad Van turns into a man no woman could resist and Cora doesn't try hard enough but still a really good story. I always enjoy the characters the author gives us. You can't help but want them to be happy together. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way
Profile Image for Lory.
3,273 reviews33 followers
January 4, 2018
What a fantastic read and a great start for a new series. I absolutely loved everything about this book the unique swings with the Crones and the mate call and the facts the mates get a mating marks when there claimed. It's also jammed packed with lots of intrigue, action, and of course steamy romance. I'm super excited for the next book in the series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
August 11, 2018
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Runaway Bride begins the 7 Brides for 7 Bears series, and I fell in love with the story, the main characters, the secondary characters and this world very quickly. I have enjoyed falling into Moxie North’s worlds for years and to be frank, this time I fell hard. You’ll find what you need to know about this story in the cover description. What you won’t find there is the intensity, the suspense and the overpowering protectiveness of a bear who has heard his mating call and found his one, his fated mate. The members of KSI are as alpha as you will ever find, defenders of those who need their special abilities. And we see them all in their professional roles and in their private lives as well. Men and women who would take a bullet for a client and will give their lives for their mate’s happiness.

I loved the idea of the “Crones” doing some matchmaking in the background, with some unique visions and ideas of how and why certain people are meant for each other. While there is an attraction between Van and Cora there isn’t really that smack of insta-love that we’ve come to expect from Shifter Romances. Yes, it’s implied – yet Van doesn’t know for certain that Cora is his mate until he hears his mating call. For each Kindred that mating call is different, it could be a smell, a laugh, a kiss, a bit of sass – it varies, but each is unique to the individual and there is no doubting it once felt or heard.

There is another factor that intrigues me about these men and women of KSI – their protectiveness of their mates. Yes, all Shifters are protective of their mates, that’s a given. Yet these couples meet under unusual circumstances. Their mates are already in danger of some sort and in need of the protective services of King Security International. Beyond that, what seems like over-protectiveness is really an intense desire for their mate’s happiness and safety. Not one of the Kindred would stop their mate from holding down a job, making their own career just as important as theirs as long as that decision brings their mate happiness then they are content, but they will be protective, that’s just part of their DNA.

The mate mark adds another level of intimacy for each couple. The Kindred have their mark, once mated their loved one also develops a mark that is an exact duplicate of the uniquely intricate design. By simply touching the mark, each can sense the other. And you have to admit that with the work that the people of KSI do being able to reassure your mate of your safety by a simple touch comes in handy.

There is a lot about this new series that I’m finding fascinating… and that’s even aside from the suspenseful, sexy, intriguing story. You noticed that I didn’t mention Van and Cora much… simple answer. I think you need to experience these stories first hand. They are intense with touches of danger and suspense that you should get from the story. I can say that I loved this couple, their unique personalities blended together and set the stage for the rest of the series. And I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how the rest of this pretty amazing group of shifters find their one, their fated mate. I’d not hesitate to recommend this story and series to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader. I’m hooked, and I believe you will be, too.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for SC.
810 reviews26 followers
January 13, 2018
It's more like 3.5 stars

I saw that this book had been revised at some point since it was first published, which makes me wonder what they changed, and how they still missed so many mistakes. Editors, Betas, PLEASE, help the author out !!!

Anyways, on to the review. To be honest, I had a REALLY difficult time connecting with the female MC in this book. I'm going to hit you with some spoilers now.

I just can't really mesh both sides of her together. One is really spunky and sarcastic and fiery, witty even, and I like that. But the other ? Wow. . She just seemed awfully weak and almost brainwashed, oh she can't possibly wear yoga pants because well, she could be seen. Yeah, that doesn't match up to the IDGAF attitude she throws down.

The male MC. Ok, he's a shifter, ok, she's his mate. All of a sudden it's his responsibility to give her eeeeeeverything she asks for, because that's what mates do. He doesn't care if she gets a job or stays at home polishing her nails. He would be so much better if -instead of perpetuating her previous situation, which incidentally made her very unhappy - he would have encouraged her to aim bigger, do something for herself. I mean seriously, she went from "being a kept woman" by one man, to being that yet again by another.

I did really like how the author made sure they had a connection to each other through their marks, and how the other person would actually know when it was being touched. I liked that there really was no catty other woman, no misunderstandings, just your regular, run of the mill .

Will I read the next book in the series when it comes out ? You know, I think I will. I have enjoyed this author's other books, just not quite sure what happened here.
Profile Image for Arys.
651 reviews34 followers
January 13, 2018
Runaway Bride: 7 Brides for 7 Bears by Moxie North is the first book in a new shifter romance series. Cora Butler was having a bad week, it started out when she was trying on her wedding dress and had a self realization that her fiance viewed her more as a commodity than as a love match, she already had known it deep down, but now she just had to get away. Two days after high-tailing it still wearing the bridal gown from the store, she was kidnapped and held for ransom. Van of Clan Rekkr is a member of The Kindred and a bear shifter. The Kindred interact with humans and bring their special talents to the world. The security agency that Van works for is hired by Cora's fiance to retrieve her and not long after he is treated to her spunk and wit, in spite of her ordeal, he feels The Call, that she is his mate.

Runaway Bride gives a rich dynamic world that is detailed and full of added fantastic details. Though it is based on our contemporary world, the addition of The Kindred gives it that something extra. Both the characters of Van and Cora are complex and fun. I liked how, at no point in the book, Cora ever stopped giving as good as she got. Every rough situation she kept fighting, and even when presented with the revelation that Van was her mate, she didn't give up herself. Van was a huge, grizzly, teddy-bear. The grizzly more for the threats around him and the teddy-bear for Cora.

Overall I had a huge amount of fun with Runaway Bride: 7 Brides for 7 Bears by Moxie North and the characters in it. This is a great beginning to a new series with an additional cast of characters ready to be the next of the 7 Bears/Brides.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,158 reviews23 followers
January 3, 2018
My Everything!!!

Van, a bear shifter of Clan Rekkr who worked at King Security International as a security specialist. His job gave him all the excitement he needed after he left the military. But he was also awaiting his ONE, he made peace with never findidng her. Yet life had different plans for him.

Cora Butler was suppose to get married but she changed her mind at the last minute. Now she was held captivated so when the most gorgeous man (Van) she saw came to her rescue she thought all was well. That was until he informed her that she was destined to be his mate.

"What was a girl to do!?"


Cora was trying to wrap her head about how her life had changed but the protective man didn't make things easy for her. Van knew she was still in danger and he was ready to do anything to keep her safe.

When her ex wanted to punish her for leaving him, Van made sure that she knew that no matter what she would be alright. Cause he was in her corner now and her happiness was his first priority.

Loved the bond between Van, his boss King and the rest of the KSI members. They were more than a clan, they were a family who had each other's backs.

When Cora's past threatened their future, Van made sure that the man was out their lives forever. They got their HEA. I enjoyed the Crones, those ladies are funny.

RUNAWAY BRIDE is the first book in Moxie North's 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BEARS series. It was fascinating, lovely and a must read. Two thumbs up and a recommendation for you guys to grab this book.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,366 reviews46 followers
December 28, 2017
What a fun entertaining read with likeable characters.
Great start for a new series of shifter bodyguards at King Security. An interesting and different take on shifter life, where humans and shifters have lived alongside each other for centuries.
Van is a likeable grizzly shifter who is quite laid back about finding his mate, it will happen when it happens philosophy.
Cora came across as weak, spineless and wishy washy at first. This is due to allowing her life to be maintained for years by someone she does not love and for accepting the easy route and basically being a do nothing socialite.
When she does sort of wake up to the reality that is her existence and future, she has a panic attack and runs away, only to be kidnapped.
Enter Van from King Security to the rescue.
Whilst I did warm up to Cora, I never really liked her, especially when she does the basic TSTL moment and leaves the safe environment where she was put for her protection. Yes, she accepts her stupidity but I do hate when this happens.
The interaction between these two was fun and I loved the absolute belief that these Kindred have for and about their mates.
We don’t interact with too many of the other security team apart from King who is the boss, until nearly the end. Some of the other characters from this firm seem very interesting.
The idiot ex fiancé was a real piece of work.
I will be reading the rest of this series.
This is my honest review of this book.
Profile Image for Christi.
473 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2024
It was fine, an interesting take on fated mates that I'm not 100% sure how I feel about. The Kindred have their mark from birth, but their mate only gets their mark after they have unprotected sex. Oh yeah, and shifter semen is apparently magical and gives anyone they orgasm inside immunity to sicknesses and extended lifespan. This really would have been super easy to tie to the mating mark...not to mention the fact that there are female Kindred so we'll see what she does with that I guess.

Also not too enthused by the pressure to have babies as soon as you're mated. The author decided to drive this home with Kindred only being able to have babies with humans - if there is a Kindred/Kindred mating then the couple either doesn't have kids or they have adopted kids. But apparently those couples are destined for some other great purpose?

There were a couple errors, but easy to overlook. I'll continue with the series for now.
Profile Image for Nikki.
734 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2018
Runaway Bride: 7 Brides for 7 Bears is the first book in this series by Moxie North and is definitely a 5 star read.
I love everything that Moxie writes, her stories always leave a warm, happy feeling in my chest by the time I’m finished reading and this book was no different. Cora had been kidnapped by the worst kidnappers possible and it had given her plenty of time to realise that she wanted to make some changes in her life, in comes bear shifter Van to rescue her and he changes her life for the better, but their courtship is far from easy to start with. Almost the best quote I’ve ever read in a book is in this one and it’s just incredible:- “Everyone else could take a flying f*** at a rolling donut. “ it really made me chuckle!! I’d highly recommend Moxie North and her wonderful feel good books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lynn Vincent.
653 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2018
This was a great read! It contains suspense, kidnapping, rescues and romance. I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the others in the series.
Van is a Kindred of Clan Rekkr and works for King Security International. He is assigned a retrieval job, a piece of cake. This job sets off a series events that will change Van's life forever. He will find his mate.
Cora is the fiancee of Chaz Dillard III, She has runaway from him and the life they had, only to be kidnapped for ransom.
How could one life go so wrong? Will Cora realize Van really is her mate? Will Van be able to save his mate a second time? Who has taken her the second time? It is a 5 star story. "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy without pressure to do so".
Profile Image for Maria .
2,492 reviews23 followers
January 11, 2018
This is book one in the series of Seven Brides for Seven bears and I have to say it was a great start! I have to get used to the term Kindreds now. Van is a bear shifter and at the same time much much more. Cora is human, a redhead and has a feisty mouth which I think goes well with Van. Then works for a security company with the other six bear shifters and he is out on a mission to retrieve a kidnapped bride to be.

There were some grammatical errors and I hope for the next book, someone takes a closer look. I am hoping we don't have to wait too long for the other six stories in this series.
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,389 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2020
Oh my! What a rush! I absolutely loved this tale. From start to finish, there was never a dull moment. The characters are stellar! And the plot is absolutely amazing! What's not to love about a mountain of a bear shifter, especially when he's almost brought to his knees when he realizes he's found his mate? And Cora? Wow! Talk about a strong character! She's golden. The sass that woman has is absolutely genius. It was definitely a pleasure to read this book! If I have the chance to ready anything else from this very talented author, you better believe I'll jump on it! Definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Susan Otto.
832 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2020
Awesome romantic drama about a Kindred bear shifter and mate

Cora has been kidnapped until her fiancee reported her kidnapping to a security agency after a week. Van is a bear shifter went in to retrieve her. On the way back to her apartment, he gets a Mating call. After breaking up with Chaz, she gets kidnapped again. Will Van rescued her in time?

The characters are feisty, snarky, and sexy. This fast paced drama has a surprise in twist. I like the heroine because she is so feisty and snarky, totally harass in my opinion! I can hardly wait for the next book. Highly recommended.

bookwormsuzy
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
November 2, 2020
*WARNING* contains adult situations
Van is a bear shifter that is just doing his job. Cora is a human who has just figured out the she doesn't want to marry Chas.
I like that these shifters aren't actively looking for mates, they just live day by day and let fate happen. I think the Crones are great. Luca is my favorite character. Nadia has me super curious and I'm hoping she gets a story too. The bears seems to be equally sweet and growly. I like that the clans are (positively) involved in the shifter lives.
Profile Image for Julie.
989 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2018
Loved this beginning series! I really enjoy Moxie’s books.
Van is part of an elite force of the Kindreds. He goes to save Cora from a kidnapping and finds out that she’s his mate. Once a Kindred finds its mate they never let go. Cora just wants to start over and lose her Fiance and find herself. But she didn’t know who she was dealing with... a bear that wants it’s mate come hell or high water!

Voluntarily received arc for an honest review
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,793 reviews26 followers
March 31, 2020
Van and Cora

Moxie North has a special relationship with her readers. They count on her to give them exciting adventure with her bears and she knocks us over with not just excitement but romance, in most unexpected ways.

Van is a protector, he just is not expected to go beyond the normal job, until Cora enters the picture.

This is a rescue story, but Van is the one who gets rescued!
Profile Image for Debbie.
151 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2020
Runaway Bride

Just like the title suggest the bride runs away from her fiancé, but runs straight into her destiny. Most books about shifters have them employed in companies such as security, this one is no different, but it is different in the way that Cora in Van Are constantly bantering with each other in such an easy-going way I laughed out loud so many times, I really enjoyed this book
202 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2018
I really enjoyed Van and Cora's story. They were so much fun to read about. She is so spunky once she realized what she wanted and had no problem voicing her opinion. It made for some interesting conversations, haha. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. I received this title for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Angel.
404 reviews32 followers
January 2, 2018
Love, mates and happily ever after

So much to love about the bears of King's Security. This is Fan's story how fate delivers the mate he needs. And his sweet, feisty mate, Cora. Van may rescue her from the bad guys but she rescues him from the loneliness that he has felt. Looking forward to more stories from the bears of King's Security
Profile Image for Pam H.
312 reviews
January 2, 2018
3.5 stars

For anyone that is thinking three stars is not a good rating fuggetaboutit! This is a good, enjoyable read. I always enjoy bear shifter stories and King Security is full of them. I enjoyed Van and Cora’s story and am looking forward to reading about the rest team at King Security. Moxie is my favorite paranormal writer. ❤️
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2018
Moxie...

Moxie definitely has a winner with this story! Cora is a human full of sass and attitude, just what she needs after being kidnapped. Van is one hot "grizzly" of a man, who is also stubborn and a bit to commanding for her taste! A great story filled with action, deception, and some delicious romance!
Profile Image for Kathy Zuercher Diveley.
1,625 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2018
Cora and Van

Cora decided to dump her fiance, but she is kidnapped. Van of Kindred Security rescues her and soon realizes she is his mate. They bond together and are very happy Then her ex kidnaps her and carves her face and chest up with a knife. Van rescues her again and carves Chaz's face up with his bear claws.
Profile Image for Sareya Brown.
106 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2018
So loved this story

This story was rom com with a shifter twist. At the beginning, I was laughing so hard at the dumb criminals and the situation. But, was shocked when she gets kidnapped and beaten. I loved the end I hope Moxie does a novella about Cora sharing the news and introduce the new character in the making.
468 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2019
Sometimes being kidnapped works out

Cora was engaged to Chaz Dillard, from a high society family. During bridal shipping, she got cold feet, ran off, then was kidnapped by a pair of seriously low-rent thugs. Chaz's family hired King Security to find her, which worked out for Cora, but not so much for Chad - and his debts to the mob.
Profile Image for Peg.
376 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2020
Loved it!

I loved reading this book. I had a hard time putting it down. This is Van and Cora's story. Perfect characters, I laughed, shook my head at Cora for doing stupid stuff, but all in all I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially if you love everything about shifters and their dates mates!
Profile Image for Amy.
840 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2020
Good story

This was a good story, quickly paced, with interesting characters. I absolutely enjoyed it and will read more by this author.

Technical issues: In one spot, the author switched from third person to first person in a narrative portion for one line. The author changed the main female’s last name in an internal voice pep talk but only one time.
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