Broken River

Grizzly Bear Lake #1

by Ruby Shae

All curvy girl Elle Masters wants to do is open her own bakery. She’s been saving for years, but when her brother dies unexpectedly, the inheritance he leaves behind means her dream is closer than ever. Unfortunately, the money is only hers if she fulfills one—tiny—little stipulation.

Grizzly bear shifter, Liam Rivers, is shocked to learn that his friend is dead, but even more shocking is the man’s last wish, because his friend knew exactly how messed up he is on the inside. Elle is soft, and beautiful, and everything he isn’t, and she deserves a husband—even a fake one—who isn’t broken.

Elle doesn’t understand her brother’s motives for forcing her to marry his friend, especially when it’s obvious she’s not his type, but she trusted her late sibling more than anyone, and she wants the money he left her. Liam knows he doesn’t deserve a bride, not even a fake one, but he owes his friend a great debt, and having Elle by his side for the next two years won’t be a hardship. Instead, the real challenge will be staying far enough away so that no one gets hurt when the contract is over.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2020

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

I write sizzling, sexy, shifter romance featuring women in all their beautiful forms and the alpha men who love them.

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Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken River

This might just be my new favorite Ruby Shae book. The love of a true mate can heal the most broken parts of you and you come out stronger in the end. I think my favorite thing about this story besides being true mates and the love they shared was how incredibly strong the heroine was. I love a strong heroine more than anything. Strong on her own but stronger with her mate. Ends in a happy for now but I expect that we will see this couple again as we get the siblings stories.

Completely safe and free of abuse and cheating, no ow/om drama, no others after meeting. NO VIRGINS OR MANWHORES

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Broken River was my first book of this author and it surely won't be the last one. I'm enamored with Elle and Liam's story. A story about chasing dreams and finding love.

Elle life changed when his brother abruptly died and she was forced to follow her brother's last wish in order to received the money she needed to open her bakery. What was supposed to be just a temporary agreement ended up being more between Liam and her.

Liam was a broken soul, chased by his past demons... it hurt me how he suffered and my heart ached and cried for him. Her brothers and sisters were wonderful secondary characters. Protective and caring toward him. All shifters too!

It was a story about hope, forgiven, dreams and love. Sometimes we chase want we thought is our dream but destiny put us on the path we are meant to be. Liam and Elle couldn't been more perfecto for each other. Their story was beautiful, special and so romantic.

Let's admit it... whom wouldn't be happy of having a man protective and caring that happens to shift into a bear? Yes, I would accept without hesitating. The company, the walks and the secrets?

I really loved this story and I'm looking forward for the next installments of the series."

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle Masters always had dreams of opening her own bakery. When her brother dies unexpectedly, he bequeaths her an inheritance that would make this possible, except for the fact that she must first marry his best friend, Liam Rivers, and stay married for a period of two years.

Liam Rivers is a Grizzly bear shifter and cannot figure why his friend’s last wish is that he marry Elle. Gavin Masters was aware Liam was damaged, suffering from PTSD, and would not be a worthy husband for his younger sister! But he was willing to have a marriage of convenience for two years and then end it, since it would help her get her inheritance.

Perhaps Gavin knew that putting Liam and Elle together would be healing. As they got to know each other, the two shared their stories and grew closer. Liam’s family welcomed Elle. Would the marriage begin to turn “real”? Would they truly fall in love?

I enjoyed the story. I thought the characters were portrayed well and I appreciated how they slowly got to know each other and deepen their bond. Grab your copy and see if the marriage will strengthen, heal, and give them both a HEA.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing when a brother knows best! Elle Master's life dream is to open her own bakery. She has worked and saved up for it. Her brother, Gavin died unexpectedly and left her an inheritance. There was just one teeny tiny stipulation. He wanted her to marry his friend, Liam Rivers and stay married for at least two years. She called it her adventure. Sadly, Liam didn't know Gavin had passed. He was hit by a truck and killed instantly, 2 months prior. When she first saw him, she acknowledged that she could spend two years with him. Gavin left a note for Liam, which once he read, he consented to the marriage. Does Liam contain his lust for Elle? Can Elle accept Liam's secret? What happens after the two years? Will Elle get her bakery? Delightful story. A few unexpected twists and a turn. Elle and Liam were nice, likeable fun people. Great story. Well done. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Elle’s brother brother dies unexpectedly, Elle never expected she would have to get married to get her inheritance from her brother. But Gavin’s stipulation was unbreakable. She needed to marry Liam Rivers her brothers friend. A man she had never met. Her dream was to open her own bakery and with her brothers money, she could achieve her dream. Liam was a broken man, he suffered from PTSD, depression, dark thoughts and he only wanted to be by himself. He owed Gavin his life, so he agreed to the terms. Could he be married to Elle for 2 yrs and stay away from her? The more time they spend with one another, the more he wanted to keep her forever. Good storyline and wonderful characters with plenty of tender moments, passion, surprises and a HEA. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potential spoiler alert:
Elle has always wanted to open a bakery. Unexpectedly, her brother Gavin dies and leaves her an inheritance. There is a stipulation. She must marry her brother's best friend Liam and stay married for two years. Liam thinks he is broken due to his PTSD and not a good match for Elle. However, he feels he owes Gavin more than he can repay so he accepts the agreement. He thinks doing so will help him redeem himself just a little.

This book was well written. It does have some surprising elements to the story. However, I love that their relationship builds as they get to know each other and wasn't an instantaneous thing. It made this story more solid. I didn't want their story to end. I can't wait for her next book in this series to be released.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonny Niswonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Elle Masters loss her brother and now she has to deal with his will so that takes her to his friend in the hills. Elle wants to open her own bakery so with her brother's will she might be able to do that. Liam Rivers does not think he should be around anyone because he thinks he is messed up inside. Liam lived on the hill with his other family and they owned the hill. Now would be the time to get the book. I will be getting more from this author.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this book. Elle only attracts losers, Liam doesn't attract anyone but then they are thrown together with a request from Elle's deceased brother Gavin, get married and stay married for two years. Elle gets her money to open her bakery and Liam will have repaid Gavin and they would be even. Sounds easy, but then the attraction and chemistry kicks in and nothing is easy. Story line is great and past paced with some action, humor, sizzling hot times and a surprise ending. Characters were well developed and easy to relate too. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ruby Shae's first book in her Grizzly Bear Lake books series and it's a wonderful read that I enjoyed reading and I a hot alpha grizzly bear shifter and a crury girl romance story. It's Elle and Liam's story. Elle had always wanted to open her own bakery and when her brother dies and leaves her a inheritance she is one step closer but for one tiny stipulation. Liam is shocked to learn that hes friend had died but even more shocked that his last wish is for him to marry his sister and must stay married for two years to receive her inheritance. It's a great story that I highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first story by Ruby Shae, another author I like recommended her. I am so glad I took a chance because this was so good! Like Ella Goode, Lucy Darling, Alexa Riley good. Elle comes to Liam's home to ask him for a favor. Liam doesn't want to put anyone at risk, can't bear to destroy Elle's life by having him in it. There are some deep themes of PTSD, depression, guilt and forgiveness. Watching the two of them find their way to spending forever together made this reader giddy with happiness. No silly arguments or anything like that, total win in my opinion. Elle has a brain and uses it. Liam might be a little gruff but he isn't cruel. I would have loved for it to have been a smidgen longer but I know we will be seeing these two again in the siblings' books. I now have a new author to follow and she has a bit of a backlist too, so another win. Can't wait for the next book!

[Charity Esparza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful start to a new series! A bit of a slow burn, but I really like how Liam and Elle took a bit of time. Yes, they get married quickly to fulfill the terms of her brother's will. Yes, they are wildly attracted to each other. But they also take time to get to know each other, to begin to really know the other. Liam has secrets to share, and Elle is just the loving woman to accept him as he is. I love the interactions between Liam and his siblings, and the way they welcomes Elle into their midst. I'm very much looking forward to seeing them find their own mates. Fun and sexy, with a bit of danger coming out of nowhere, this is a great read for PNR fans! Happy Reading!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear Lake

This is the first book in a new series. The series will revolve around the River siblings: Levi, Liam, Lael and Lacey. Liam is the first one to get a chance at a HEA. A chance that he doesn't think he deserves. Luckily for Liam, he had a good friend who thought otherwise. When Elle's brother died, he left a strange stipulation to his will. One that has brought her to Bear Lake and Liam. Will Liam agree to the stipulation? What will happen when Elle learns the River sibling's secret? Wonderful read! There is a twist at the end that you won't see coming.....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle’s brother has died and left her a great deal of money that she can use to open her own bakery. But stipulations might stop her from getting even one cent. She must marry her brothers friend Liam and stay together for 2 years or forfeit her inheritance. What’s a broken bear and desperate woman going to do?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written book 1 in the Grizzly Bear Lak6 Series that has very strong main Characters and a great story. These characters are exciting, have chemistry, and are well-crafted. I cannot wait to read more in this series. A must read from a great Author and is a good addition to a good series. There are some really good twists and turns in this book.with promises fulfilled

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ruby's newest story. Broken river is about a marriage of convivence set up by a will stipulation of Elle's older brother. Liam Rivers doesn't feel he deserves a happily ever after thinking he's broken. Finding out his good friend expects him to marry his to fulfill a debt is astounding but he'll do it and let her go after the two years are up. Once settling into married life things start to change for the two, feelings grow and maybe just maybe they get their HEA.
I really enjoyed the other family members and look forward to reading their stories as well.
I voluntarily reviewed this story.

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken River by Ruby Shae
This is a wonderful story. I enjoyed this very interesting book very much. This story starts out with Elle who doesn't have any luck with love but can bake up a delicious storm. She lost her brother a month ago and she heads out to find Liam. A friend of her brother Gavin, because she has a strange request for Liam. I fell in love with this story from the beginning to the end and would highly recommend this book. I really think you would enjoy it too. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest opinion.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing life and likability to every person.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.

I was very impressed with how simply and effortlessly this author told this addicting, multi-layered story with well-developed world building and great characters.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific story of someone in sorrow, finding a new family and all the wonderful things in life, like love. Fantastic characters and mountain world that forms a deep emotional story. Intense emotions and twists bring it all together in a surprise ending. Author has an excellent way with words and a great skill at story telling. Can not wait for her next book in this series. Enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I felt the characters were amazing and the storyline was different. Her brother passed away and left her some money and her dream is town a bakery. But to recieve the money she has to marry her brothers friend. I found this fun to read. I was hooked because I wanted to know will her dreams to come.

[Angela Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Liam and our first glimpse into Grizzly bear lake. I have loved every book by this author and this was no different. Her characters are very vivid and the secondary characters have you begging for their book to come!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Irene Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series called Grizzly Bear Lake. It's a fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
I'm order for the h to receive her inheritance from her brother for the bakery that she has dreamed of having, she must marry her brother's best friend and stay married for two years.
Read to find out what happens.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Grizzly Bear Lake series a well written short story that held my interest until the end. This is Elle Masters and Grizzly bear shifter, Liam Rivers' story of Elle's deceased brother's last wish. I enjoyed reading this story and want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A broken bear shifter and a human that is mourning come together to heal one another. The story will hold your attention to see what will happen next with Elle and Liam. Their connection is strong, the characters are engaging fit well together. This is the first book in this series. I am looking forward to the second book.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle was sent to Liam to marry him and stay married for 2 years if she wanted her inheritance from him for the bakery that she dreamed of having. Years ago Gavin had saved Liam’s life and figured that they needed each and hopefully fall in love? After awhile they couldn’t resist the pull between them and decided to give in to the way they felt. His family made her welcome especially after her ex boyfriend found her and admitted to killing her brother. She still did her baking but did it at the cafe Liam’s sister and her were doing. Loved the book!

[KES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters and plot. While there are some similarities to other books in this genre, there are also some unique elements and touching moments. Author did a nice job setting the stage for future books, and I will plan to read the next one. I would have preferred a bit more build-up between the leads. The ending came out of the blue and felt very rushed. I like a good twist, but this one didn't land for me. There are some missing words and typos but nothing over the top. Closer to 3.5 stars for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle's brother dies and leaves her an inheritance with a stipulation. Is her brother playing matchmaker from the grave. Great story that brings happiness to two people who need it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love bear shifters so this book is perfect for me. Well written story and a surprise ending. Very enjoyable book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is a quick, entertaining read, but it is just too short to have enough character development. I wanted more backstory on both Liam and Elle, but especially on Elle. It gets 3 stars from me.

The instalove between Liam and Elle just wasn't realistic. They were definitely in lust, but I didn't believe that they were in love. They didn't know each other well enough, their fake marriage was very strange, and he hid his shifter side from her. I simply didn't buy that they were in love so quickly.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Dee]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom/what you’re dealing with! Liam and Elle are forced together by a love one /friend who was murder suddenly. Gavin Elle's brother stipulated in his will that she must marry Liam and remain married for two years in order to get the money he left her to start her bakery. Liam a broken but beautiful man loved Gavin for the friend he was and agreed to this two year marriage just so his little sister can get her bakery. Little did either of them know how real this fake marriage would come by the time it is all said and done ...along the way you will some unsavory characters who deserve everything they got and you will fall in love with these to so the questions are will they continue with the fake marriage or will she become his mate? Every couple can tell the story of how they met for the first time and even identify the names of individuals who can be credited for bringing the couple together. But, few people can credit their first encounter to the dead

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generously giving this 2 stars.
Well this was going along as a mindless cutie novella type story, even though the plot was a little weird & unbelievable (aside from the paranormal shifter thing being unbelievable! LOL), then bam, the last bit for the ending hit & totally ruined everything. It was quite shocking or maybe disturbing is the correct word. There's no ignoring that bizarre twist. her nasty ex shows up, confesses he had her brother killed, & planned to kill her, all for her brother's money, so she kills him because he can't get away with killing her brother- which is bad enough that she can have no qualms about just killing the nasty ex, and then the bear shifters attack his dead body (growling and swarming the body), leaving the impression that they ATE the body, since they were supposedly going to dispose of the evidence. Ack, I nearly threw up over that part! This all could have just ended peacefully with Liam going to the Farmers Market for her, no need to add all that disturbing stuff! The disturbing stuff at the end is what totally ruined the book & the star rating -for me. No, I won't be reading more in this series Ugh, how could I read about the bear shifter siblings who ate a dead body!?! Ack! , this was just way too disturbing for me...