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A Bear spoiling for a brawl.
Cole Strathorn fights fires. That’s all he’s ever wanted to do. He thrives on danger and protecting his clan. No one would mistake the six-foot-four, gruff bear shifter for a freaking baby sitter. But that’s exactly what he’s become thanks to an assignment from the town’s mayor. Cole’s new job requires him to keep an eye on the government scientist who has arrived in Bearden to study the shifters.

Cole expects a clichéd nerd with horn-rimmed glasses and a pocket protector, but he’s pleasantly surprised to find his charge is a lovely, curvy and very appealing woman. A woman who smells like she might be more than an assignment. The shy but brilliant scientist might even be his mate. Her addicting scent certainly arouses his bear.

A head for science, but a body for research.
Rylee Garland has come to Bearden to work. She doesn’t have time for distractions or bossy bodyguards, even if they’re tall, dark and gorgeous. She’s determined to ignore the tension sizzling between her and Cole. Her reputation hangs in the balance. If she doesn’t solve the mysteries swirling around the small town, she can forget about keeping her job.

But it grows harder to resist Cole’s charm. One wicked-hot kiss leads to another. Is Cole for real? Or is he just using his seduction skills to get information? Rylee’s had enough heartache for one lifetime and the deeper she falls for Cole, the more she worries he might not be what he seems.

A war brews.
While Rylee and Cole fight their attraction, sinister forces gather in the town of Bearden. The government might want information about the shifters, but there are others that seek something darker: total shifter eradication. The threat lurks, and the menace is real. Rylee and Cole must set aside fear and desire and join forces if they hope to save the shifters of Bearden.

~~~
Step into the world of Shifting Destinies, where the men and women you meet might just be a little more than human. Their towns are protected by magic, and their hearts are open and ready for love. But watch your step - more than darkness lurks in the shadows.

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2018

332 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Cecilia Lane

53 books221 followers
If you'd like to be notified of new releases and special sales, subscribe here: http://cecilialane.com/CLML

Cecilia grew up in a what most call paradise, but she insists is humid hell. She escaped the heat with weekly journeys to the library, where she learned the basics of slaying dragons, magical abilities, and grand adventures.

When it became apparent she wouldn’t be able to travel the high seas with princes or party with rock star vampires, Cecilia hunkered down to create her own worlds filled with sexy people in complicated situations. She now writes with the support of her own sexy man and many interruptions from her goofy dog.

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5 stars
233 (48%)
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155 (32%)
3 stars
72 (14%)
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18 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,406 reviews235 followers
March 12, 2020
Rylee tore at his heart and he knew he was going to get burned. But right then, he didn't give a shit. He just wanted to get back to her. They could find a little comfort in each other before everything blew up in their faces.

A scientist with trust issues rouses a bear with no plans for a mate.. 5+ stars!!

Damn this book was amazing.
It contained everything I love in a great shifter novel, and then Cecilia Lane took it a step further and added in Cole, who is one of my absolute favorite heroes. He was hesitant and broody, sensitive and protective, and ultimately unable to let go of his mate. Rylee is a research scientist who has been through a traumatic experience and hopes to find some peace while studying the supernatural residents of Bearden. Cole is tasked with babysitting Rylee as punishment for his brash nature, and after spending so much time with Rylee, he comes to realize how broken she is. As Cole's compassionate nature allows Rylee to rediscover her strength and confidence, they learn to trust each other in order to protect their home and fellow shifters.

Overall, I think this was one of my favorite shifter novels so far! I highly recommend this series and Lane's other books as she is definitely my go-to author for shifter romance ♡

My Cole Strathorn, the tattooed and secretly cuddly bear shifter and second to the alpha..
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
799 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2018
This is an excellent and intriguing story; it has so much to offer and was a pure pleasure to read. Apart from Rylee and Cole’s story, which is captivating in itself, there are additional interesting sideline tales that bring the book to life. I always enjoy reading this author’s books and this particular one is no exception. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending this book.

Running the research laboratory at Bearden and reporting on the supernatural forces at work is a great honor for Rylee; she has only been inside the Bearden Enclave for a short while and she already loved it. While other laboratories were trying to create new weapons, she worked to keep everyone healthy and whole. There is nothing significantly wrong with Rylee’s life, but something is lacking. Rylee had been assured she would be safe both at the base and off, though she never thought she would feel safe again. Rylee hopes to run her new laboratory without any interference, but her confrontation with Major Delano gives her cause for concern; then his flippant reference to the people of Bearden seals her dislike for the man. Cole’s hostility towards Major Delano earns him the job of babysitting Rylee; he also has to keep a close eye on her while she listens to stories and collects samples to study. It was his eyes that drew Rylee in; they were storms of grey that hinted at a troubled soul, but there is kindness there too and she knew he could keep her safe from her nightmares. Rylee is a mystery to Cole, but she called to and calmed his inner beast; his bear is watching her, but why her, why did she matter so much? When Rylee comes across documents outlining the eradication of Bearden’s supernatural residents, she becomes suspicious; more so when she loses her job and Cole is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, giving Major Delano the justification for his nefarious activities. The entire population of Bearden needs protecting; they didn’t deserve death simply for being different; but this is not the first time supernaturals have been hunted down. When matters escalate out of all proportion, Rylee has to first betray Cole before she can save him, but what of the people of Bearden, is their fate sealed or not? A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
January 29, 2019
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

“Dangerous Mate” is the second story in Cecilia Lane’s series Shifters of Bear’s Den, and it brings us further into the initial reactions of the world when shifters, fae, vampires and more are revealed to an unsuspecting world at large. One of the things that have always drawn me to Science Fiction or Paranormal stories are the possibilities, the “what ifs”. And I firmly believe that should there actually be other intelligent beings in the universe who would be foolish enough to make contact… they would be treated much as the citizens of Bearden were in this story. Fear of the unknown and hatred fuel each other, unfortunately, one crazed fae’s decision to tell the world about the supernaturals living alongside humans has only created largely panic and fear. And we see that so very clearly in “Dangerous Mate”.

I enjoyed getting to know Rylee very much. Watching her grow from the closed off, frightened young woman who first appeared in Bearden to do research that she believed in, that will do good not harm to a woman that can stand beside her man, take on enemies that threaten all she knows of the good people of this town is quite an amazing journey. Yes, Rylee and Cole work very well together — but I enjoyed seeing her become… more as she faced her past and embraced a different future.

We’ll meet a few new characters as the town of Bearden begins to settle into a new role for them. The story is rich in intrigue, fast-paced action, steamy moments, more than a few chuckles and a better feel for how this series is developing. I can see the possibility of an entire world beginning with this series, and I’m definitely onboard with discovering what is to come in this series and beyond. I’d not hesitate to recommend “Dangerous Mate” to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who loves a good story, intriguing situations, some mystery, lots of danger, people to call book friends and a couple that simply belong together.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
October 14, 2019
DANGEROUS MATE is the second book in the Shifters of Bear’s Den series. Though each will stand on its own, there is an over-arcing storyline that will be best understood if you read them all and in the order of release.

I loved nerdy Rylee and her protector Cole. I loved how they became friends and how she became friends with the town.

I loved the empathy that is sorely missing in every society reflected in this story. That it only takes one voice to say, “Yes they are just like us. We can learn from one another.” Rylee is that voice against the government that employs her.

The characters are what make this story shine so bright. I would want to live in Bear’s Den.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted copy via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: DANGEROUS MATE
Series: Shifters of Bear’s Den #2
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited copy
Received from: Cecilia Lane
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2018
Cole is a bear shifter and a fire fighter who thrives on danger and protecting his clan. He is so not a babysitter but that is what he has become. His new job is to keep an eye on a government scientist who has come to his town of Bearden.
The scientist is a lovely, curvy and shy women. Her name is Rylee. She has come to work and has no time for the distraction of her hot bodyguard. Or does she?
Whole all this is going on Bearden is in danger. The whole town will have to pull together if they are to win.
Love the action in this story. Great characters, drama, mystery and danger! Oh and i love to hate on the bad guys lol. This was a super fun read in I ended up staying up all night just to read what happened next! Don'tmiss it.
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
660 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2018
The second book about the shifters who live and find love in Bearsden. The story focuses on Cole, brother to Alpha Callum, who has a hot temper with the military on the boarders of their town as well as a belief he will never find his true mate, nor is he interested in looking. Or so he tells his human self, but his bear half has other ideas. Due to an angry outburst he has been tasked with babysitting a human scientist while she is within the enclave. Rylee enters the enclave with pure intentions, but others have plans to use her for nefarious purposes. When she realizes that a tormentor from her past is back she tries to warn the enclave. Can Cole and Rylee stop the plans of the crooked military in charge or will all the residents of Bearsden be caught up in the destruction? Will Cole realize Rylee is his mate before it's too late? I definitely recommend giving this story a try!
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2018
Dangerous Mate by Cecilia Lane 5 Stars

A fun and good feeling type of book with that touch of danger that keeps you on edge.

Ya gotta Love the big burly sexy men who turn into bears. They are so protective and loving. Ooh and their deep grow when aroused ..Priceless!!!

You'll laugh and get nervous, who wouldnt when a shifter town is on edge because of a military presence that may want to do them harm. Or the woman scientist who finds out that the town Bearden just may hold they key to her happiness.

Cole and Rylee, along with the other towns people will find a place in your heart. And look forward to what comes next.

I have voluntarly read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by its author.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.

R/R 1/6/18
1,033 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2018
The bear shifter and the human geneticist

Magic has always kept Bearden hidden from the world. A vengeful face revealed its existence. A female scientist is sent to learn about the residents. Unbeknownst to her, a male scientist is working with a soldier of rank with the objective of killing. All the shifters. She has become involved with the bear shifter who the town mayor has assigned to watch her and keep her safe. It is a romance, of course, but also a story of bigotry and how humanity fears what we do not understand. It is also a story of a community that stands together to fight for their lives and for what is right. Wonderfully drawn characters and a terrific story. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for CharmaineW .
2,111 reviews11 followers
May 7, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Fighting fires, danger, saving people. That’s what Cole Strathorn does, he loves it but he is restless. He needs to calm his bear but not by “babysitting” a nerdy scientist who is going to study the shifters. Oh boy, is he is for one heck of a shock. Rylee Garland admits she is a geek, a nerd but it’s all she has ever known but now, coming face to face with her minder/bodyguard Cole is a whole new experience.
Two people who don’t realise how their lives are about to change, how they need each other and dealing with crazy exes and military men. A slow beautiful relationship and soothing their wounded hearts. Loved catching up with previous characters.
843 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2018
“Dangerous Mate” captivated me from the beginning. This book is very well written with interesting characters. Cole a handsome, bear shifter, firefighter has been assigned to guard a government scientist who is studying shifters. Surprisingly, the scientist turns out to be a beautiful shy woman, Rylee. Cole and Rylee are instantly attracted to each other and Rylee may be Cole's mate. Meanwhile, unknown to Bearden is an evil faction of the government who is planning to eradicate all shifters. “Dangerous Mate” is teeming with suspense, action, drama and steamy romance. A definite MUST READ for paranormal romance lovers.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
January 11, 2018
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Rylee was assigned by the government to study the shifters in Bearden.
She is really serious about her work.
She has no time for a sexy alpha bodyguard
Cole was not looking for a mate.
He just wanted to be able to go back on being a firefighter.
However, he has been loosing his temper a lot lately.
His temper lead him to being suspended.
Maybe, it is time to find his mate.
Danger, drama, romance, and a lot of hotness sprinkled on top.
I loved the storytelling + the characters.
684 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2018
Romance,shifters evil military presence.

What a great story. Shifters have just been revealed and drama surrounds the enclave. A researcher named Rylee comes to Bearsden to study the shifter enclave. Cole is her gurad/escort while she's in Bearsden. Cole doesn't trust humans after his human mother ran away from Bearsden when he and his siblings were little. Cole's bear is convinced that Rylee is his mate. Can Rylee who has her own past haunting her and Cole come together to trust each other. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
October 11, 2018
Rylee gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to research a newly discovered shifter enclave and she knows there is only one shot at this for her career. When she gets there she immediately picks up on soldiers with some negative attitudes and she has to have a guard with her. Cole really doesn’t want to be a babysitter but it's his punishment for losing his temper with soldier and lashing out at him. He soon realizes that the human doctor is more to him than just a charge to look after...….... His Mate. This series brings you great plots and characters that I am loving reading.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,918 reviews15 followers
January 9, 2018
Dangerous Mate takes us back to Bear's Den and into the middle of humans discovering shifters exist. This book reads like a true story. The characters feel real and you root for them in the controlled chaos that is their life now. Of course Cole has baggage against the humans and Rylee is somewhat damaged but they find themselves being comforted by each other. Big baddies bring action to the story that is not just a romance but a journey of renewal and acceptance.
Profile Image for Rebecca Stigers.
1,356 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2018
Great storyline and great characters...Cole thought he was tough ( he was). Rylee came to the town to do research on the shifters in the town..trouble followed with a nasty, vile military person who hated shifters. He wanted to get rid of all of them..he hated them because truthfully in my opinion he was scared! What trouble he brought and they had to stop him. The bear's trusted Rylee and Cole felt a lot more that's for sure! Definitely a good read.
Profile Image for Kara Coens.
835 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2018
A Dangerous and Delicious read!

Cole and Rylee were amazing! I absolutely loved how Cole was with Rylee, caring, patient and not giving up. Watching Rylee grow and become stronger with Cole to help was amazing! The perfect amount of passion and heat to go with the danger and destruction! Loved this book!!!
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,291 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2018
Perfect Storyline

Dangerous Mate is a perfect addition to Cecilia Lane's Shifters of Bearden. Rylee and Cole's story is absolutely fascistic. It couldn't have been any better. I'm sure the rest of the series will be great but Cecilia has her work cut out to top this book. I'm so excited to see what's next.
1,530 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2019
This was a fun book. I’m really enjoying the story of the shifter town that is exposed to the world, and how the world reacts. The romance is great, and I really enjoyed the H&h. There is also a lot of action and danger, some interactions among the townspeople from the previous book. I’m looking forward to more of Bearden!
964 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2022
good/great read

Okay I read this is one day. I stayed up past midnight but hey when you are reading something this good you don’t want to stop. I am glad Riley with Cole help was able to start getting over her past. And Cole with Riley’s help was finally able to calm his bear. I am not going to lie this is a long read. So clear your schedule.
2,365 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2018
Dangerous Mate

What a great story,you have everything all in one story.Love,fighting,shifters being rounded up for who knows what.I didn't read the first book but it wasn't hard to follow the story.If you want a new series to start reading,read this one.
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,684 reviews15 followers
January 15, 2018
Heartbreakingly beautiful

I loved this just as much as the first one and can hardly wait for the third one. The way the town always pulls together but still welcomes outsiders is awesome.
Profile Image for Janet Migliaccio.
193 reviews
May 10, 2018
Pretty good

I enjoyed the 2nd story more than the first. I could root for Tyler and Coke to get their hea. There was a battle and extra excitement as well. I will read Becca's story when it comes out as well!
11 reviews
November 25, 2018
Great series

I started the series by accident.. picked up the first book thinking it was about something else. Got so wrapped up in the series got the 2nd book. Love Rylee and Cole’s story. It had a couple of turns. Looking forward to book 3! It’s a must read...
Profile Image for Pat.
9 reviews
January 12, 2018
Inspiration

Oh, so good. Loved every word. Made me cry and laugh. Characters were believable and real. I fell in love.
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
February 17, 2018
Dangerous Mate

I'm glad they killed Peter and the evil army man didn't get the chance to kill any of them. I love that she let her mate heal her mind and spirit.
2,785 reviews15 followers
February 5, 2019
A great series.

Cole and rylee story is my favorite book in the series so far. I am so happy that they got to have their happily ever after.
1,542 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2019
Great series!

Lots of suspense and danger in this one. I’m definitely intrigued by this storyline and the characters of this paranormal world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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