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Bare Bites #3

Finding His Mate

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During his self-imposed exile from the Bare Mountain Pack, Brett has been running the woods for five years alone. Solitary and living off of the land he loves, his only objective is avoiding people. And then one bad hunt changes everything.

Shayla has spent a quiet life in the woods. She keeps to herself and only takes what she needs to survive--all she asks is respect from all of the living things around her--man and beast. Fierce determination has always been her superpower, but when her fate collides with Brett’s, she’s confronted with every primal urge she’s been afraid to acknowledge.

Now, surrendering to the thing she fears most might be the key to her very survival.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2020

95 people are currently reading
133 people want to read

About the author

Aria Cole

194 books1,371 followers
Aria Cole is the pen name of a USA Today bestselling author who published her first book in 2012 and began writing contemporary romance long before that.

Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.

Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!

Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ccGnRX
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5 stars
99 (40%)
4 stars
59 (24%)
3 stars
57 (23%)
2 stars
21 (8%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,690 reviews2,458 followers
August 28, 2020
Been awhile since the last book in this series some shifter romance and steam.

At first I was meh to Brett since he was a huge jerk to the other heroine in the last book because she was a bear shifter and that fight has him leaving his pack and being a loner in the woods. 

5 years later he helps a woman in the woods and finds out shes his mate and she is half bear/human and all his i hate bears disappears which was okayish and he even said if she wasnt his mate he would still be hating bears.. so i don't think he changed. So he wasn't my fave hero.. i did like Shayla more she was sweet and tough and she had her own set of claws even if she couldn't shift.

No ow/om drama, Tiny drama, No cheating, slight secondary character, Tiny drama, sexy times, virgins

Recommend- maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐

Prologue
Shifter
Sorta Prejudice
Safe
Tiny Violence
Tiny anal play
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
September 4, 2020
5 stars

Great shifter story!

-no cheating
-zero ow/om drama
-no pushing away
-dual virgin (I love this because I want my shifters to only be with their mates!)
-nice and steamy
-no violence of a sexual nature
-great epilogues
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
September 4, 2020
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Shayla has opted fo a quiet life after the death of her parents, living alone deep in the woods. It was the last place she thought she’d find her mate, especially as she can’t shift in to a bear, but she knows how to protect herself. She’s out hunting after her meat supply is running low, when she comes across three men beating up a Wolf Shifter, firing her gun she scares them off, rushing to help the man who was being attacked when she’s bombarded with tingles and excitement . She knows this man is meant to be hers for life. But will he want her when he knows she’s part bear?

Brett left The Bare Mountain pack five years ago when his alpha married a bear shifter and spews his hate and disapproval for all to see, losing his parents after bear shifters viciously mauled them he walks away from the only family had left before things are said and done that cannot be undone. So when Brett is attacked and saved by none other than a bear shifter and one that his mate. Will she want him when she learns of the way he spoke to Mia and could he return to his pack with Shayla by his side?

Really likeable story and I have to be honest I thought he was an unredeemable character from the previous book. Perfect bed time read. 4*
Profile Image for Chris.
1,320 reviews38 followers
June 4, 2021
Shayla and Brett's story didn't work for me. It was a nice story for a fated mates/ shifters romance but I found myself skipping sentences to reach the end, so I can't say that I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jami.
617 reviews13 followers
August 30, 2020
Brett has been hurt in the past by the Bears actions. He doesn’t trust them or want them anywhere near him. That’s why for the past 5 years he’s been on his own wondering the woods trying to find his new place. It all changes when he runs into Shayla, his mate. All his hatred towards the bears change the moment he sees her.

-safe read
-dual virgins
-no om/ow drama
-epilogues 6 months and 5 years
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2020
We finally get Brett’s happy ending. And he find it in a human/bear. It’s a bit of Karma I think. But good thing he changes his tune. When he meets his fated things change. I think the only thing I would change in this book was there might have been too much sex. Lol. Not sure if I’ve ever said that in a review. It might have taken a bit away from the story. But i would still read this book again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
113 reviews19 followers
September 5, 2020
A reader can always rely on a Mika Crawford book proving great steaminess without any ugliness from cheating or heroes who treat women poorly. Here, we see Brett, a guy who really struggled with change and new additions to his pack in previous books. He absolutely learned a lesson in love, and it was great reading it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.7k reviews49 followers
October 28, 2020
The lone wolf is rescued by a bear and then things get really interesting for him

Finding His Mate: A Fated Mates Story is the third book in the Bare Bites series by writing duo Mila Crawford and Aria Cole. This is the story of Brett and Shayla. Brett is a wolf shifter who left his pack five years ago because his best friend who is the pack Alpha's son had brought a bear shifter who was his fated mate into the pack. This was too much for Brett to take as he has a visceral hatred for all bear shifters. When he was seventeen his parents were attacked by a group of bear shifters who mauled his mother to death and left his father with too much trauma to cope with. So Brett left his him, his little sister and his pack to live off the land.
Shayla is a bear shifter who cannot shift. Well actually her father was a bear shifter and her mother was human, even though her father was a wolf shifter. Shayla inherited a number of things from her father but shifting was not one of them. Her parents had lived and brought Shayla up in a cabin in the woods. They were away from their Clan but were still close enough if they were needed. When Shayla's parents passed she came back to the cabin and lived by herself, knowing how to live off the land.
One day while Shayla is out tracking a stag she had wounded there was another sound in the forest. She stayed hidden but was able to see three men who were standing over a fourth man on the ground. One of the men pulled a gun out and Shayla was sure she was about to see the man be killed. Instead of letting that happen she stalked closer and then raised her own gun and fired injuring the hand of the man with the fun. She is able to save the man and when she looks at him as he is on the ground feels a pull towards him in her soul. When Brett wakes up he is instantly drawn to the woman standing over him. She is a feisty one who is able to look after herself. He has found his fated mate and he is ready to do some claiming. The thing he is not happy about is that she is a bear. But he is okay with her and loves everything about her as she is his mate and he will protect and love her for the rest of their lives.

This is an insta-love story that was a fun and entertaining read. The story-line kept my attention and was nicely paced. The characters, including the supporting characters, were well developed and written. I really loved the way that Brett ended up with a bear shifter and came to realize just what his anger and hatred had led him to do and also how Shayla understood what Brett needed more than he did, how he would not be whole until he was with his pack again. Add in the wonderful epilogues and this story was a winner for me.
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,234 reviews99 followers
September 2, 2020
Karma Kicks Brett's ...

I think my favorite things about this book had nothing to do with romance actually. I loved the karma/redemption part of the story.

What better way to bring it full circle than have a wolf shifter who is anti bear shifters mate with a woman who is part bear but mostly human? If that's not karma I don't know what is!

Brett made a lot mistakes in the past but 5 years of solitude and meeting his mate had him realizing how much he screwed up and need to make amends with his pack.

I loved that Shayla was no shrinking violet. She didn't care that her mate was a wolf shifter and she was mostly human, she held her own and wasn't letting him control her. Gotta love a strong woman (especially one with a gun lol)

I was disappointed by the number of grammar and spelling issues in this book, its not normal for Aria and Mila so it definitely distracted me from my reading.
908 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2020
Third in the series, but can be read as stand alone. I haven't read the first two, and didn't have any trouble following this one. Brett is a wolf consumed by the past, bitter and angry. Shayla is part human, part bear, part wolf, unable to shift with only slightly enhanced senses, but still content with her isolated mountain home. Brett and Shayla should have never met, but fate steps in to make sure these fated mates find one another. I loved how meeting Shayla was all it took to turn Brett into a new wolf. All his pain, prejudice, and resentment fade away and allow him to think clearly for the first time in years. Full of excitement and steamy chemistry, this is a wonderful shifter romance. Happy Reading!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
December 11, 2020
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
Finding his mate is the third book in the ‘’bare bites’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. When Brett doesn’t agree with something in his pack, he decides to leave. Five years later he finds his mate and his outlook changes. Will Brett and Shayla get their happily ever after?
The chemistry between Brett and Shayla is clear to see and I liked them together.
I really liked that Shayla helped re connect Brett with his family/pack.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for hottie men.
866 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2022
Finding His Mate is the story of Brett and Shayla.

Tropes and inquires:
Sassy feisty innocent heroine
Fated mates
Insta love
Hot dominant and possessive alpha hero
Light trauma from both MC’s due to their parents dying or being killed

They meet in the forest where he’s being attacked by wolves I think or tourists and she saves him and then feels herself falling for him and catching feelings all of a sudden and she likes it but is afraid. He reassures her that she’s his mate and they go along and the heat takes over and he claims her as his. He left his family due to him not liking the alpha’s son’s new mate due to her being a wolf shifter I think. Idk I was confused like 50% of this book but I liked the smut so extra points. Her dad was a bear shifter and her mother was human but she doesn’t have any shifting qualities. He apologises to Mia and Derek and yeh.

Solid 3/5
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
August 31, 2020
Brett left the Bare Mountain Pack, bitter and angry from past issues, primarily his hatred of bears, and has been running through the woods for five years on his own. Shayla, part human/part bear, has likewise spent a quiet life by herself in the woods, keeping away from everyone and only taking what she needs for her survival. When she meets Brett, things are about to change for both of them. Will she change his attitude about bears? Will they recognize that they are fated mates?

It’s nice to see Brett meet a strong woman who is the only one who would be capable of leading him out of his stubborn hatred. She is a positive influence if he will open up and let her lead him into acceptance. Grab your copy and see what the future holds for them.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,655 reviews76 followers
August 31, 2020
Brett, to borrow a phrase from my childhood, showed his butt and stormed away from the pack. Several years have passed and now he is in a tight spot. Lucky for him, he stumbled upon a woman like no other. Shayla takes no crap and is good with a rifle. She saves him and he realizes that he has found his mate. When he discovers who and what she is, he is going to have to make amends to her and to his pack. I really loved Shayla, she was awesome, strong and determined. Brett's time alone was a bit of a wake up call for him and I hope he continues to grow up and be there for his mate and his pack. I love it when authors can make you like a bad guy!
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,652 reviews66 followers
September 4, 2020
Brett has been anti bear from the beginning, even going so far has getting kicked out of his pack. He’s been alone in the woods for 5 years, when he stumbles upon his mate. Shayla has lived a quiet life in the woods half bear/half human, when she meets Brett. When Brett finds out his mate is half bear he realizes how wrong his attitude and treatment of them has been and decides it’s time to make it up to his pack.

This was an ok read, especially since Brett was a jerk to previous heroines and just automatically corrects his attitude for them because his mate is one ‍♀️

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,673 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2020
This book 3 in the Fated Mates Series is my 2nd book by Mila Crawford and it definitely won’t be my last as it was better than the first. It is a well-written short fated mated romance with an self-imposed exiled shifter and strong woman. These characters are well-developed for a short story and you fall in love with them. The chemistry is instant with these two and the story flows smoothly and is great fated mates story. A Must Read HEA with no cliffhangers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,283 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2020
I read the blurb,or atleast the first,para - I did not realize this was a shifter book and I don’t read paranormal - especially shifters. I tried my best to be objective. This just wasn’t for me. It needs editing. The story is short. I thoughts the epilogues were a good add. Shayla and Brett connection resulted in insta-love (again, not my thing) . Both have been living alone in exile and just keep to themselves. The feel this is the only way they can live until they meet each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for heart.
296 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2023
3 stars

hero should’ve worked a bit harder was mostly just smut that redeemed him. also he never addressed the fact that kids born of two different species are abominations yet HIS kids were born of two different species at the end LMAO (wolf and bear)

dual virgins im assuming he was?
insta love lust
soulmates
shifter
drama
side char drama
small action
small violence
no ow/om drama (just jealous moments)
no protection
no after care
time skip in epilogue
hea
safe
epilogue w/kids
spicy lvl 3.5/5 lots of smut
wish we had more
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,011 reviews64 followers
August 31, 2020
I hate to say but I was leery about reading Brett’s story but I shouldn’t have been. I really disliked Brett in Derick and Mia’s book. He is such a prejudice little p***k with good reason but I couldn’t stand how he talked to and about Mia. This story made me fall in love with him because it explained his struggles. Shayla brought this whole book together. She is a gentle soul that has a fiery personality and a community at her back. Will Brett get over his prejudice for Shayla?
Profile Image for Danielle Marlowe.
2,061 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2020
Mila Crawford and Aria Cole did a great job on this book. Finding His Mate had a strong well written plot. Shayla and Brett were strong characters that were meant for each other. The bond, the connection between them was strong. Their attraction and chemistry was instant, it was sexy and sweet. Brett and Shayla were great together.
I enjoyed this story, it was great.
Thank you, Mila Crawford and Aria Cole. Great work :)
582 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2020
Such a beautiful book! Brett has been on his own after a confrontation with his pack due to some issues he has from his past. Shayla saves him one day when he was getting attacked and their connection was instant. I loved how Shayla opened his eyes to how stubborn he was being with his pack and how devoted he was to her. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,101 reviews16 followers
August 31, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Fated Mates Series and is a good read. It is a well-written and the characters are well-developed.
The chemistry is electric. So if you love stories about Alpha males that love feisty women who are their mates but make them work for the, protect them and keep them safe, then this is for you!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
September 1, 2020
Shayla and Brett have a sweet shifter story that honestly was over too quick for me.

Shayla is strong and fierce. Brett is bitter and angry. They shouldn't have met but after a save, I felt it...that instant attraction. It actually was kind of rush.

I have not read any of the other books in this series and imo you don't need to to enjoy this book. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
1,351 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2020
I liked this story, probably liked the heroine Shayla a ton. Brett was great as a hero as well, just started off a bit rough with his backstory. She was such a good mate and brought out the best in him. LOVED the hot scenes with these two. I love the instalove mating between these two. Great addition to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Booked  Every Night.
484 reviews25 followers
September 1, 2020
This book was good. There were a few spots that seemed a little disjointed or a few loose ends that didn’t get resolved but the overall story and characters were good.

This is a super quick, insta-love, fated mate book. The characters had depth top them because both had suffered in their pasts but love and mates conquer all of that. I was glad Brett was able to find his redemption and finally put his past behind him. Brett and Shayla were able to help each other heal.
10.9k reviews125 followers
September 2, 2020
I've read several books written by Mila Crawford; she has done a great job at writing a good short story; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,416 reviews136 followers
September 2, 2020
Ya’ll know I love me some fated mates, throw in double virgins with a side of naughty and I am all in. Safe read, with 2 fated mate virgins, I know, right....and he is quite the dirty talker...you’re welcome. Oh, and in this series the men don’t get “excited” until they find their fated mates...I know, you’re welcome again. A little suspense, she is a total badass with a gun. Sweet epilogues, yes plural, and an hea.
Profile Image for adina willis.
2,032 reviews12 followers
September 3, 2020
Brett and Shyla both live in a self imposed exile. Brett is a wolf shifter who is angry. He left his pack because of bears. Shyla is part bear but has never shifted. She stays away from others. What will happen when Brett finds out that his mate is a bear shifter? This is a good book with some errors. I read the ARC copy so the issues will probably be fixed by publication.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren Stockdale.
708 reviews
August 26, 2020
I thought I would dislike reading Brett's story because of how he treated Mia in the last book but this story made me love him for seeing his struggle🥰 Brett and Shayla deserved each other❤️ The story was great and I loved the three epilogues!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
August 31, 2020
This is short, sweet, with little drama. It takes Brett finding his mate to understand what he has done. It’s sexy as the mate bond is strong. I like that it doesn’t take Brett and Shayla long to understand they’re mates so there’s no dragging. Some scenes are confusing however and I had a hard time following some aspects as the timelines and coversations did my make sense. I still enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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