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A bear prowling the edge of danger.
Gray Jennings has a problem. One that could get him put down by his alpha. It started when a rogue military commander laid siege to the town of Bearden and months later, Gray is still shifting in his sleep. His lack of control marks him as a hazard to both humans and other shifters.

He's being watched.

He knows the danger he poses.

So when rich girl Meghan Wilcox comes to town, he vows to stay far away. The last thing Gray needs is a distraction. Even if Meghan's curves and fragile beauty bring out his protective nature.

But the girl's got a secret and worse, her sweet scent stirs his angry bear.

A girl hiding from her enemies.
Meghan's on the run, hiding from a vengeful ex-fiance after she dumped him at the altar. He's humiliated and hunting for her, intent on payback. Out of sheer desperation she seeks safety in the small town of Bearden. Tucked away in a secret cabin, Meghan feels the glimmers of hope. Finally. But a new threat soon arrives in the shape of a terrifying shifter.

A bear who has shifted in his sleep. Gray Jennings.

Meghan gentles him and they form a tentative truce. A bond links her to the formidable shifter, but he's savage and unpredictable. Has she traded one danger for another?

Meghan's past won't stay quiet. Just when her heart is on the edge of loving this untamed shifter, danger looms, threatening all she holds dear. The only one who can save her is the wild and feral bear.

Gray Jennings...

~~~
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, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2018

234 people are currently reading
115 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
191 (57%)
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104 (31%)
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29 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,411 reviews234 followers
May 3, 2021
She found her family. She found her love. Gray was everything to her and she would fight for their slice of happiness. He wasn't what she expected or even deserved, but he was hers.

4.5 stars!

Another amazing shifter romance by the lovely Cecilia Lane! I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every single novel I've read by Ceci Lane, and RUNAWAY MATE was no different. I absolutely adored Gray; he was flirtatious and easy-going but at the same time could be so dejected and broken that I just wanted to wrap him up in hug and never let go. Meghan was an interesting heroine, and I loved how she balanced out Gray's unruly bear and how he showed her what shifters are really like. I loved seeing the other couples bicker lovingly with each other while enjoying their mates, and I'm excited for Sawyer's book next ♡
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
799 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2018
This is a well-written and quite extraordinary book and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. There were quite a few twists and turns in the story as well as plenty of emotions that continually drew you to the characters. This is certainly a book I would have no hesitation in recommending.

True love and passion, that was what marriage was supposed to be about. Bentley was handsome and rich, but Meghan didn’t connect with him on any level. When the topic of shifters is discussed at their rehearsal dinner, Bentley undermines Meghan, prompting her to run from her own wedding; she vows never to let a man talk to her that way again. Meghan heads to Bearden; surely an enclave full of shifters is the last place Bentley would look for her. All Meghan has to do is lie low and avoid her spurned ex for 4-weeks. The cancellation of Family Promises had been the happiest day of Meghan’s life; while she hasn’t acted in over 5-years, she didn’t miss the spotlight and was looking forward to her upcoming new job as a reporter. It is almost a year since the military surrounded Bearden and rounded up its citizens and Gray still has trouble getting over the incident. Taking in all the damage he had caused after a night of tearing up the clearing, Gray’s bear still cannot find peace. Gray was changing too often and without control. The pro-human movement wants to eradicate every last person with a drop of magic in their blood, so Gray needs to avoid scrutiny now that he is on the SEA registration list. When Meghan is persistently targeted by Bentley, there is no way Gray will step away from her; from the minute he first saw her, he knew she was his Mate and his only instinct is to protect her. Bentley is adamant that if he cannot have Meghan, then no one will and targets her relentlessly, with devasting consequences. From the moment Meghan had walked away from her wedding, the unexpected twists and turns lead her down a path that sees her tried and tested, but eventually she finds a love she is willing to fight for. 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
February 15, 2019
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

It’s been a year since the magical world of fae, vampires, and shifters were ousted to the world. A year since the citizens of Bearden had been rounded up, taken from their homes and marched to this very clearing. A year with so many changes, a year where his bear is out of control and Gray’s future is not looking good.

Meghan finally found the courage to make the break from the almost biggest mistake of her life. Too bad her now ex isn’t about to let her slip from his control so easily. The newly opened magical enclave of Bearden is the one place she’s certain Bentley will not look for her… she couldn’t have been more wrong.

“Runaway Mate” is a fast-paced, intense look at the changes that have come to Bearden, how the need to register is destroying lives and how one out of control bear finds his mate in a most unlikely human. She’s trouble with all caps, but she’s his mate and he’ll do anything at all to keep her safe from the threats against her… and even from himself. Meghan and Gray’s journey to happiness is going to be a very rough road. Along the way, we’ll catch up with other couples, the clan and the town as they are today. If a worthwhile villain to truly loathe is part of your reading requirements, then Bentley fits that bill perfectly. I’ve hated many a bad guy character, but he’s in my top ten of the worst of the worst. I enjoyed stepping back into this world again, and I’m definitely looking forward to Sawyer’s story up next. I would not hesitate to recommend “Runaway Mate” or the entire Shifters of Bear’s Den series to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who loves a good, intricate story, characters to both love and loathe, action, danger, steamy moments and the unexpected chuckle as well.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
1,240 reviews10 followers
May 10, 2018
Runaway Mate is the fourth book in the Bear’s Den Series. Meghan is done - she’s run away from her fiancé, run away from her mother, and just wants to hide away until her new job starts. Unfortunately, her ex-fiancé is a very influential man in the pro-human field and Meghan has run away to Bearden, a shifter community. Soon, she meets Gray as he saves her from attackers, and he knows immediately that she’s his mate. As they get closer, more troubles happen to them both, in the form of her ex and his out-of-control bear. Will Meghan’s ex ever stop trying to get her back or will he destroy everything?

Oh my goodness, this book felt like an emotional rollercoaster with a surprise ending! I was cheering so hard for Meghan and Gray, but the odds were stacked so far away from their relationship. I know I giggled and even had some tears, but was overjoyed with their triumphs! Poor Meghan just was in so far over her head at times, but really grew a backbone and I loved watching her flourish with under Gray’s guidance and love. And I loved that Gray was like a tortured hero, but still wanted everyone’s happiness and protected those he loved. Parts of the ending definitely shocked me, but I loved the ending and can only look forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Lula Pantoofle.
1,026 reviews40 followers
July 25, 2018
Childhood TV star Megan arrives in town intent on lying low after fleeing from her fiance at the wedding rehearsal. She meets bear shifter Grey who is struggling with shifting into his bear form whilst he sleeps. He instantly realises Megan is his mate and can’t seem to keep away. She soothe his bears and allows him to sleep peacefully. But add a deranged ex and a pushy mum into the drama and it all gets complicated.

This is the first book I have read in this series and I enjoyed it. It probably helps to read the others first but I plan to go back and check them out. I enjoyed all the twists and turns in the plot and overall, it felt like a light read. I felt that more could have been made of Megan helping Grey sooth his night time marauding bear. It just fixed itself with her presence but I think it would have been more interesting if she’d actually had to do something to help coax his bear into submission.

Both characters were nice and it had a good level of heat. I liked the phone sex scene!

I am only knocking a star of because I am still not quite sold on the shifter genre. It’s not my goto fave lets say.
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2018
Gray Jennings has a problem ever since an attack on his town he has been shifting in his sleep. His bear takes over and causes damage he is if the constant shifts don't kill him his Alpha may need to put him down.
Megan wilcox is a child movie star that is trying to move on with her life. She is Tring to hide from a vengeful ex. So she heads to Bearden, Montana only her will will not give up. Lots of action, drama, mystery, twists and turns to this great story. I loved the characters thier so easy to fall for and the bad guy is soooooo easy to hate lol. The author seem to be able add new depth to the series with each book and keeps it fresh, moves along the story it never gets old. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book.
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
843 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2018
Back to Bearden Montana with another exciting bear shifter romance by Cecilia Lane. Gray Jennings a bear shifter has PTSD and a serious problem shifting unintentionally. He is becoming a danger to others and may have to be put down. Meghan is on the run from her angry and vengeful ex-fiance whom she left at the alter and she has come to Bearden to hide. When Gray and Meghan meet there is an instant connection between the two. Are they soul mates? Can Gray a feral bear protect Meghan from her ex? Will Gray be able to control his involuntary shifting? I loved this story. The superb writing and interesting characters kept me glued to the pages from the beginning to the end. If you appreciate paranormal romance specifically fantastic shifter romance, you must grab this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,926 reviews15 followers
May 7, 2018
Meghan Wilcox is a runaway bride, but she just may have run to the one place she is truly safe. Gray and his bear are going a little mad. If bears can, I think he suffers from PTSD. Bearden and shifters are facing many changes now that humans know they exist. Worst of all they face discrimination incited and encouraged by pro human groups. This story demonstrates just how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy is even in our world today. It also shows that fighting doesn't always have to be physical. With a strong female and a damaged bear shifter this tale is also a sweet sexy falling in love story.
Profile Image for CharmaineW .
2,111 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Hope, hope, hope....that’s all Meghan Wilcox thinks of when she runs, leaves, escapes from her intended groom Bentley Moore. So controlling, so cruel, he just wants a trophy puppet wife...I don’t think so. He will do anything to get her back.
Meghan wants peace so ending up in Bearden is like a dream come true for now. Never does she dream of meeting her true Mate and one especially a shifter ...Gray Jennings. Two people brought together by circumstance , who will soothe their tortured minds and spirits. Loved reading about previous characters (Becca is a scream..you don’t mess with hormones) .
Can’t wait to read book 5
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
May 11, 2018
I found this bear shifter romance to be action-packed & fascinating to read. What you will find in this wonderful book is: bear shifters, wolf shifters, humans, a woman (Meghan) on the run, a vindictive ex-fiance (Bentley), a disapproving mother (Mimsy), a bear shifter (Gray) with PTSD, drama, intrigue, suspense, twists & turns, humor, attractions, enemies, adventure, action, betrayal, accusations, revenge, lust, love, passion, and mild scenes. The story-line is impressive and well written, the plot is taut and terrific. The characters are well developed and realistic with their feelings. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a extremely well-written bear shifter romance.
Profile Image for Rickie.
457 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2018
Plenty of action here with Gray and Meghan. She is looking for a place to hide and thought Bearden was the place to find as a safe haven. Gray is a shifter that tries to keep it together. Both find each other but that isn't the end of it....oh no, that is just the beginning. They have to bridge the gap of all who are trying to keep them apart mostly by foul means to both. The real kicker will be something you'll never expect to happen. Great story with a well thought out plot and characters. Don't worry....there is plenty of heat throughout the story to keep you fanning yourself as well.
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
May 26, 2018
OMG!!! So Good, I Loved It

Runaway Mate by Cecilia Lane. 5 Stars


OMG! So Good. I Loved it.

Gray and Meghan are wonderful characters that will tug at the ole heartstrings. Whether it's Gray fighting with his inner bear or with Meghan trying to get away from an ex, you'll find yourself with giddy excitement or feeling scared at what's happening.

Must Read, Great Storyline, And if you enjoy Sexy growl worthy Bears, then this book is for you, oh yeah.

Mature readers, some strong language and sexual content.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by it's author. Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.

Profile Image for Mei.
315 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2020
This is my first book read by this author. The premise sounded interesting but it seemed to drag on in the story that I found myself stopping for long periods reading it and almost feeling like a chore to finish reading it. It could’ve done with some proof reading. There was a lot of misplaced words in sentences that I had to think hard about what it was meant to say. The author likes to use the term “his lips slashed across hers” - and every time I read that, it makes me think he cut her with his lips. The interesting part (for me) was about 79% into the book and then it felt rushed at the end. I probably won’t read anymore books by this author.
767 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2018
Gray and Meghan

Meghan came to Bearden to hide from her ex fiancé Bentley. Gray is a bear shifter, he's having trouble controlling his bear. Gray meets Meghan when he saves her from a suspicious kidnapping, he knows right away that she is his mate. This was a great read. Gray and Meghan were perfect for eachother and they had great chemistry. The story was well written and had a great storyline. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes shifter romance. I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited.
1,033 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2018
A child star and a shifter who is losing control of his bear

A wealthy bad guy who is funding the pro-human movement is engaged to the now adult star. Her controlling mother pushed her into it. He treats her badly and a scene at .The rehearsal dinner has her leaving him the ring and a note that it is over. She drives to Bearden, thinking it's the last place he would think to look for her as it's a shifter enclave. Shifters have just come out to humans and there is a lot of anti sentiment.
Profile Image for Susan Cook.
362 reviews
May 11, 2021
The bears in the woods are shifters!

Meaghan is a former actress who breaks her engagement to a control freak and heads to the hills for privacy and a period of calm. The town she finds is in a bear shifter enclave and there she finds acceptance, friends and a shifter lover. All her life was controlled by a star struck mother and then a domineering fiancé. The only thing she decided for herself was a journalism degree and she intends to make it count. Her former fiancé though, does not understand the word “no”.
Profile Image for Janet Migliaccio.
193 reviews
May 17, 2018
Another good story!

I really enjoyed Meaghan and Gray's story I feel like I am firmly invested in this town and this clan's life now. Just finished this book and am a little peturbed that I have to wait until July to get the next story. And then probably have to wait again for Hudson's story as well and maybe Jacob's too if she is going to right his which I really hope she does!
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,389 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2018
OMG! I absolutely loved this book! Ms. Lane certainly knows how to, not only grab your attention, but to keep it on edge from cover to cover! This is a great series, and this book is absolutely awesome! I love the characters, and the story they have to tell is captivating. Both Meghan and Gray are sure to capture your heart somewhere along the way.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,644 reviews25 followers
May 10, 2018
This is a great choice if you are looking for a really good paranormal romance.

Gray and Meghan find each other when they need each other the most. They both are facing danger. He is fierce in his desire to protect her from her ex. I thought they made a great couple. I really enjoyed the mix of action and romance.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,318 reviews10 followers
May 21, 2018
Gary and Meghan’s story is one of heartbreak and strength. She is running from her fiancé and he is just trying to keep himself in check. Once they find each other, things get dangerous. Can she be what he needs to be calm? Can he keep her safe from harm? Awesome writing with an amazing storyline.
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,690 reviews15 followers
June 7, 2018
WOW intense.

This held my attention from start to finish.
I am really enjoying this series of stories and this author is not letting me down with her continuing range of imagination.
This one was extremely intense with a very unexpected twist at the end of it.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one, thank you Cecilia Lane.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2018
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
This author's stories are always well written.
I loved the storytelling + the characters
She takes you on a very magical journey, and all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
Profile Image for Sheri.
112 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2019
Best one so far!

I don't know why, but this one really got me! The storyline was fantastic, and even the ending was perfect. The whole Bentley shifter thing threw me for a surprise. I would jabber loved to hear more of her transition, but it's ok. I sounded like she was going to do really well.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews33 followers
May 9, 2018
Arc review for honest review. Meghan runs away from her ex fiancé to Bearden Montana to the enclave of shifters to get away from him and his abusive talk. Gray Jennings is a firefighter that has a problem with his bear side, till he meets his mate that's in trouble. awesome
4,307 reviews21 followers
May 9, 2018
This is a great PNR read. The storyline is interesting, engaging, and sets a good pace. The characters are likable, relatable and sometimes intensely disliked. I enjoyed this quick and easy read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
2,375 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2018
Runaway Mate

Meghan was running for her life and she ran right into Grey.Both were fighting for their life and Meghan saved Grey's.This is a great story,grab a copy and find a hideaway and start reading.
Profile Image for Rebecca Stigers.
1,356 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2018
Absolutely love Gray and Meghan! It starts out two different people from very different lifestyles meeting and crashing...trouble comes from her past and he knows what he has to do. Another great storyline with great characters...
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2018
Running away from her emotionaly abusive fiancee the night before her wedding, and hiding out in a shifter town seemed like a plan...until it backfired. Her ex was definitely bats**t crazy! A lot of twists, including some you won't see coming! Loved it!
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,294 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2018
Graham's Story

Runaway Mate by Cecilia Lane is Graham's story in her Shifters of Bearden. This series keeps getting better. The laughs, loyalty, love and friendship without the series makes each new book wonderful.
964 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2022
4 1/2 stars

This was a good read. A lot of twist and turns. Bentley was a piece of work he just couldn’t handle being rejected. The ending was quite a surprise. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. Glad Gray and Meghan got their HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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