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Dark Wing Paranormal Holiday Cruise #1
A Very Beary Christmas Cruise
Sail away with a holiday shifter romance…
After months of drowning in magical junk mail from the Dark Wing cruise ship, Michele Strickland has broken down and booked herself a solo cruise. Though she’s completely dedicated to her coven, she can’t wait to get away for Christmas and steer clear of her happily mated friends and family.
Granger’s hoping his carpenter contract gig on the Dark Wing will turn into a full-time job. Ex-soldier and bear shifter, he is raising a daughter, with a little help from his brother. He’s not willing to mate, ever. After Granger lost both of his parents; first his mother in a freak accident and then his father to the shifter widow illness—he made an oath to never mate. He’s not willing to risk a mating that might leave his little girl alone.
Michele has lived most of her life knowing she’s prophesied to be a sacrifice for her coven. Knowing she’s destined for an early death, she’s been saving money for her dad and living with a string of one or two-night stands—no mate for her. No use planning a future if she doesn’t have one.
Fate has brought them together; so they decide to enjoy the time they have together on the cruise before going their separate ways. No harm no foul, right?
A sexy and heartwarming story about love, family and dedication; a perfect mix (or cocktail) for the holidays!
This is book one in a standalone series; a full length steamy read. Cuddle up and sail away for Christmas. HEA and no cliffhanger!
After months of drowning in magical junk mail from the Dark Wing cruise ship, Michele Strickland has broken down and booked herself a solo cruise. Though she’s completely dedicated to her coven, she can’t wait to get away for Christmas and steer clear of her happily mated friends and family.
Granger’s hoping his carpenter contract gig on the Dark Wing will turn into a full-time job. Ex-soldier and bear shifter, he is raising a daughter, with a little help from his brother. He’s not willing to mate, ever. After Granger lost both of his parents; first his mother in a freak accident and then his father to the shifter widow illness—he made an oath to never mate. He’s not willing to risk a mating that might leave his little girl alone.
Michele has lived most of her life knowing she’s prophesied to be a sacrifice for her coven. Knowing she’s destined for an early death, she’s been saving money for her dad and living with a string of one or two-night stands—no mate for her. No use planning a future if she doesn’t have one.
Fate has brought them together; so they decide to enjoy the time they have together on the cruise before going their separate ways. No harm no foul, right?
A sexy and heartwarming story about love, family and dedication; a perfect mix (or cocktail) for the holidays!
This is book one in a standalone series; a full length steamy read. Cuddle up and sail away for Christmas. HEA and no cliffhanger!
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
279 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Pond
47 books201 followersEllie Pond is an author of Paranormal Romance. Ellie’s had many professions, including costume designer, contract archeologist, organic farmer, fabric store owner, and airline gate agent. She’s happy to be a full-time writer now. She lives in New England with her three teenage sons, husband, and father. It’s a lot of testosterone. To combat all the Axe body spray in the house, Ellie likes to travel. You can follow her on social media for her travel adventures, when we can do that kind of thing again.
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December 2, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/28/2021)! 🎁
November 4, 2021
A Very Beary Christmas Cruise was a book I went into with quite low expectations, if I’m honest. It’s one of those books where I read it knowing it was going to be something light, an easy quick read. Despite going in with low expectations, I could not connect with this.
There were some interesting elements introduced in this story, but nothing was ever explored deeply enough for me to connect. I fear this is because the book is linked to other books by the author and comes with the assumption that the reader has read the other books, thus meaning there are gaps in knowledge when this is a person’s first read in the world. Add in the fact that there was something about the writing style that felt very rushed to me, and it wasn’t for me.
I can see many enjoying this, but I wasn’t the right reader for this one.
There were some interesting elements introduced in this story, but nothing was ever explored deeply enough for me to connect. I fear this is because the book is linked to other books by the author and comes with the assumption that the reader has read the other books, thus meaning there are gaps in knowledge when this is a person’s first read in the world. Add in the fact that there was something about the writing style that felt very rushed to me, and it wasn’t for me.
I can see many enjoying this, but I wasn’t the right reader for this one.
October 20, 2020
A witch and Bear Shifter meet on a cruise...I enjoyed this Christmas romance. Michele, Granger and Granger's daughter deal with challenges, drama and have lots of fun on this cruise. I liked the characters, the plot and the Christmas cruise setting. This is a shifter book so there are also lots of sexy nights. I received a free copy of this book. The honest opinions in this review are my own.
August 1, 2021
This book is awful.
Here's why.
The set-up is executed terribly. It's so much of a data dump that the world isn't set-up appropriately. Details that the author has clearly thought through in diagram form do not translate over to transcript format.
Her use of dialogue is good, action and sequencing is alright. But the sheer amount of 'shit you should know' the author throws at you is so misplaced it's just a whole lot of 'ugh.' Names are consistently dropped without prior invitation or explanation to the reader, and when details are dropped, they're mindless 'after the fact' notices that don't really advance the unestablished world any. There are lots of expected 'did you get it' moments that pass by and are referenced later as if they're much more integrated and vital than the text suggested. It's beyond frustrating, truly.
Needs a rewrite. Especially for a 'first in series.' It FEELS like a set-up, but with no meat. And that's not fun to me.
Here's why.
The set-up is executed terribly. It's so much of a data dump that the world isn't set-up appropriately. Details that the author has clearly thought through in diagram form do not translate over to transcript format.
Her use of dialogue is good, action and sequencing is alright. But the sheer amount of 'shit you should know' the author throws at you is so misplaced it's just a whole lot of 'ugh.' Names are consistently dropped without prior invitation or explanation to the reader, and when details are dropped, they're mindless 'after the fact' notices that don't really advance the unestablished world any. There are lots of expected 'did you get it' moments that pass by and are referenced later as if they're much more integrated and vital than the text suggested. It's beyond frustrating, truly.
Needs a rewrite. Especially for a 'first in series.' It FEELS like a set-up, but with no meat. And that's not fun to me.
June 21, 2022
If you're looking for a holiday read that is both naughty and nice, this might be one for you, if you enjoy paranormal and shifter romance.
Let me be upfront about this one, I did temporarily DNF this one, with the intention of potentially returning to it. I'm actually glad I did. It was entertaining, funny, sexy, and fun. And very hot.
Was it perfect? No, no book is nor ever will be.
I had some issues with the world in it, it was clearly already built, which was fine, but was really explain enough at the start and I felt lost without a map, but things got better and I enjoyed the journey.
Not sure if I'll be reading more in this series, but who knows; we'll just have to see.
Let me be upfront about this one, I did temporarily DNF this one, with the intention of potentially returning to it. I'm actually glad I did. It was entertaining, funny, sexy, and fun. And very hot.
Was it perfect? No, no book is nor ever will be.
I had some issues with the world in it, it was clearly already built, which was fine, but was really explain enough at the start and I felt lost without a map, but things got better and I enjoyed the journey.
Not sure if I'll be reading more in this series, but who knows; we'll just have to see.
January 2, 2021
Fun and Feisty
Ellie Pond has us cruising on a Very Beary Christmas cruise, with shifters and witches while mates are trying to come to terms with choices they must make. And this all takes place on a cruise ship out of Florida!
We meet Granger and his young daughter Amelia, as well as his feisty, maybe mate. This fun book is part of Pond’s Dark Wing Paranormal series, holiday style!
Ellie Pond has us cruising on a Very Beary Christmas cruise, with shifters and witches while mates are trying to come to terms with choices they must make. And this all takes place on a cruise ship out of Florida!
We meet Granger and his young daughter Amelia, as well as his feisty, maybe mate. This fun book is part of Pond’s Dark Wing Paranormal series, holiday style!
December 8, 2020
First Love Story Cruise
This first love story cruise stars a bear named Granger, his adopted daughter (actually his niece) Amelia and Michelle, a magical witch. Michelle and Granger are faced with an unwelcome surprise. They are unwilling mates! What follows is the story of two magical beings trying and failing to resist fate with sometimes humorous and oftentimes sexy results. Meet the unique cast of characters aboard the Dark Wing and enjoy the trip. This is going to be a fun series! Enjoy!
This first love story cruise stars a bear named Granger, his adopted daughter (actually his niece) Amelia and Michelle, a magical witch. Michelle and Granger are faced with an unwelcome surprise. They are unwilling mates! What follows is the story of two magical beings trying and failing to resist fate with sometimes humorous and oftentimes sexy results. Meet the unique cast of characters aboard the Dark Wing and enjoy the trip. This is going to be a fun series! Enjoy!
December 31, 2020
Cute story!
Get Your shifter, witch, Christmas story in one fell swoop. Love the characters and the how the story developed. Can't wait for the next book.
Get Your shifter, witch, Christmas story in one fell swoop. Love the characters and the how the story developed. Can't wait for the next book.
February 8, 2021
He swore he would never mate, she doesn't think she has much time left. Fate has other plans. Will they decide to live and take the chance?
Have to say, I loved these two characters. I understood both point of views and loved how they decided to take that chance regardless of what the future might throw at them. I loved how he was with his daughter/niece. Good read!
Have to say, I loved these two characters. I understood both point of views and loved how they decided to take that chance regardless of what the future might throw at them. I loved how he was with his daughter/niece. Good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
This was a great story and I really like the storyline. Liked the characters and the setting. Looking forward to reading more of your works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2021
A very beary Christmas
It was ok, head a good plot line and likable characters. It started out strong and interesting, but lost me in the middle. It seemed to drag for a bit, but picked up for a great finish. I liked it, but probably wouldn't go for book two.
It was ok, head a good plot line and likable characters. It started out strong and interesting, but lost me in the middle. It seemed to drag for a bit, but picked up for a great finish. I liked it, but probably wouldn't go for book two.
November 17, 2021
Funny paranormal Christmas romance
MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--didn't enjoy
1 star--didn't finish
Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
SUMMARY
Michele keeps getting invitations from Dark Wing to go on another cruise, and even her magic can't destroy them. She gets talked into it.
She ends up on the Christmas cruise, single. Her luggage is delayed. All she has is a bikini in her carry on luggage. She's frugal, saving her money for her father for when she dies. She's not sick; the vision at her witch rite of passage showed she'd give a great sacrifice to her coven. She has been preparing to die since then. In the meantime, she's been working 2-3 full-time jobs.
Shifters revealed themselves to humans ~35 years ago. They don't know about witches, and certainly not trolls.
Last time Michele was on the ship, she'd had a drink at the Bjorn Bar, which revealed her mate is a bear. She's not getting mated because she'd be condemning that bear to die when she dies, due to widow sickness. She goes to check in, mentions her luggage was delayed, they upgrade her to a balcony room. She relaxes on the balcony in her bikini.
Granger is glad to have 5yo Amelia with him. She is his deceased half-sister's daughter, father unknown. Granger has a contract job on the ship that he's hoping to turn to permanent because it has great pay and perks. The captain gave those working on the lab a cabin for Christmas so they could have family with them and keep working. Amelia doesn't like the ship because it keeps Daddy away, she doesn't like daycare (Granger, his brother and his husband work around her needs), and she's scared of shifted shifters. Granger won't mate because, when his mom died, his grieving human dad dropped them off with their mom's pack, and left to die of widow sickness. Granger won't do that to Amelia. Granger and Amelia go to get checked in, get upgraded to a balcony room.
Granger opens the room, gets a scent of his mate, and closes the door.
EVALUATION
Michele's devotion to her coven is admirable, and Granger is a fabulous single dad. Amelia is a cutie and not overdone; she has an obsession with towel animals.
It's unusual to have the world aware of shifters but not witches. I was disappointed Granger never shifted. In fact, no one does, not even children; we only see magic.
I wonder if this is a spinoff series. Michele has had previous experiences on this ship, and why there's a lab being built on it is not explained.
RECOMMENDATION
Adults who like romances with magic
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: masturbation, multiple scenes
Language: 54 f***, 23 Lord's name in vain, 31 s***
Violence: none
MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--didn't enjoy
1 star--didn't finish
Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
SUMMARY
Michele keeps getting invitations from Dark Wing to go on another cruise, and even her magic can't destroy them. She gets talked into it.
She ends up on the Christmas cruise, single. Her luggage is delayed. All she has is a bikini in her carry on luggage. She's frugal, saving her money for her father for when she dies. She's not sick; the vision at her witch rite of passage showed she'd give a great sacrifice to her coven. She has been preparing to die since then. In the meantime, she's been working 2-3 full-time jobs.
Shifters revealed themselves to humans ~35 years ago. They don't know about witches, and certainly not trolls.
Last time Michele was on the ship, she'd had a drink at the Bjorn Bar, which revealed her mate is a bear. She's not getting mated because she'd be condemning that bear to die when she dies, due to widow sickness. She goes to check in, mentions her luggage was delayed, they upgrade her to a balcony room. She relaxes on the balcony in her bikini.
Granger is glad to have 5yo Amelia with him. She is his deceased half-sister's daughter, father unknown. Granger has a contract job on the ship that he's hoping to turn to permanent because it has great pay and perks. The captain gave those working on the lab a cabin for Christmas so they could have family with them and keep working. Amelia doesn't like the ship because it keeps Daddy away, she doesn't like daycare (Granger, his brother and his husband work around her needs), and she's scared of shifted shifters. Granger won't mate because, when his mom died, his grieving human dad dropped them off with their mom's pack, and left to die of widow sickness. Granger won't do that to Amelia. Granger and Amelia go to get checked in, get upgraded to a balcony room.
Granger opens the room, gets a scent of his mate, and closes the door.
EVALUATION
Michele's devotion to her coven is admirable, and Granger is a fabulous single dad. Amelia is a cutie and not overdone; she has an obsession with towel animals.
It's unusual to have the world aware of shifters but not witches. I was disappointed Granger never shifted. In fact, no one does, not even children; we only see magic.
I wonder if this is a spinoff series. Michele has had previous experiences on this ship, and why there's a lab being built on it is not explained.
RECOMMENDATION
Adults who like romances with magic
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: masturbation, multiple scenes
Language: 54 f***, 23 Lord's name in vain, 31 s***
Violence: none
January 18, 2023
Michele Strickland is a witch and loves her coven with all her heart, but being around everyone who has mates or is finding them is hard, especially when she hasn't found hers yet, but it is extra hard for her becaise she knows that in the future she will have to sacrifice herself for her coven, so she doesn't want a mate, knowing full well that she has to do that, she doesn't want to become involved and lead to his heartbreak.
Seeing as it is coming up to the christmas holidays, she decides to treat herself to a solo cruise on the Dark Wing Cruise Ship, she has been saving up all her extra money so that her dad has something to fall back on when she is gone, so splurging on herself is not something she usually doesm but seeing as she cannot escape the junk mail which she is inundated with about the cruise, she decides to go head with it, so with her bags all packed, she sets off on holiday.
Granger is a bear shifter and ex-military to boot, but he has found a temporary job on the Dark Wing Cruise Ship which he is hoping to make permanent, so over this Christmas holiday, he decides to take his young daughter to the ship with him and make it as good a one as he can. With his past playing on his mind, he is raising his daughter with his brothers help, but he has never wanted a mate, especially when he saw what happened to his father when his mother died in a freak accident and he developed the shifter widow illness, now he swears he will never put anyone through that, no matter how hard that is for him.
As fate throws Michele, Granger and his daughter together, they cannot deny that they are attracted to each other and that spending time together feels right, they decide to have a little fun together and enjoy themselves for the duration of the cruise, but will they let their feelings develop fully, or will they let their pasts prevent them from having a beautiful future? This is a steamy paranormal romance between a shifter and a witch with a hefty dose of holiday cheer throughout which will brighten up any dark winter days.
Seeing as it is coming up to the christmas holidays, she decides to treat herself to a solo cruise on the Dark Wing Cruise Ship, she has been saving up all her extra money so that her dad has something to fall back on when she is gone, so splurging on herself is not something she usually doesm but seeing as she cannot escape the junk mail which she is inundated with about the cruise, she decides to go head with it, so with her bags all packed, she sets off on holiday.
Granger is a bear shifter and ex-military to boot, but he has found a temporary job on the Dark Wing Cruise Ship which he is hoping to make permanent, so over this Christmas holiday, he decides to take his young daughter to the ship with him and make it as good a one as he can. With his past playing on his mind, he is raising his daughter with his brothers help, but he has never wanted a mate, especially when he saw what happened to his father when his mother died in a freak accident and he developed the shifter widow illness, now he swears he will never put anyone through that, no matter how hard that is for him.
As fate throws Michele, Granger and his daughter together, they cannot deny that they are attracted to each other and that spending time together feels right, they decide to have a little fun together and enjoy themselves for the duration of the cruise, but will they let their feelings develop fully, or will they let their pasts prevent them from having a beautiful future? This is a steamy paranormal romance between a shifter and a witch with a hefty dose of holiday cheer throughout which will brighten up any dark winter days.
November 2, 2020
Granger is a bear shifter contractor who has been helping build a lab on a shifter cruise ship. As a young boy, his shifter mom died and his human father abandoned with relatives they didn't know due to widow shifter sickness. When Granger's half sister dies, Granger takes in her infant daughter. Knowing his new daughter is relying on him, he doesn't want to take the risk of finding a mate because if something happens to her he would leave his daughter alone. Right now his goals are to earn a job on the cruise ship so he can have his daughter with him full time. However his daughter is afraid of new situations and shifters in the shifted form.
Michele is a witch whose life is on hold. When she came into adulthood, a seer forecasted that she would have to make a sacrifice for the coven. Ever since then, she has been preparing to act when needed. On a previous cruise, she discovered she was a bear shifter's mate due to her reaction to a special shot. She is determined not to have a relationship with anyone, especially a mate, to save them from pain when she makes her sacrifice. Over the past few weeks she has been getting magical flyers from the cruise ship. To have some peace she agrees to go on the Christmas cruise but the trip seems to have one disaster after another like lost luggage. She is given an upgrade to a bigger suite but to her surprise Granger and his daughter were assigned the same cabin.
Both Granger and Michele have some surprises ahead. They both know they have found their mate but neither want to act on that information. Michele tells him that his daughter is witch who looks a lot like Michele. Sharing time together is making them rethink their priorities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Michele is a witch whose life is on hold. When she came into adulthood, a seer forecasted that she would have to make a sacrifice for the coven. Ever since then, she has been preparing to act when needed. On a previous cruise, she discovered she was a bear shifter's mate due to her reaction to a special shot. She is determined not to have a relationship with anyone, especially a mate, to save them from pain when she makes her sacrifice. Over the past few weeks she has been getting magical flyers from the cruise ship. To have some peace she agrees to go on the Christmas cruise but the trip seems to have one disaster after another like lost luggage. She is given an upgrade to a bigger suite but to her surprise Granger and his daughter were assigned the same cabin.
Both Granger and Michele have some surprises ahead. They both know they have found their mate but neither want to act on that information. Michele tells him that his daughter is witch who looks a lot like Michele. Sharing time together is making them rethink their priorities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2020
A story of finding love and truth
Michelle has spent the last ten years of her like preparing for her death by saving her money to help support her dad after she is gone. When she was younger she was told she would be making a great sacrifice for her coven. Grange is a bear shifter. Her adopted his niece after her mother passed away. His own father had passed away from widows grief after his mother had passed a few years earlier. He promised himself he wouldn't ever mate and risk the chance of something happening to his mate; him dying from the window's death and leaving Amelia alone like he was.
He is working on a cruise ship doing some construction on a new lab on board. Michelle is going on the cruise because the magical invitation would not go away no matter what she did.
Through a mix up these two are out into the same cabin with one another and there is no other rooms available.. It wouldn't have been a problem except for the fact that they are faited mates. And something about Amelia is different and only Michelle knows and has to help Granger. Will they be able to fight their growing attractions? Will the game the rest drug to break their bond? It is a story too of his words have so many different means and how we take them can mean a big difference in the things we do.
Michelle has spent the last ten years of her like preparing for her death by saving her money to help support her dad after she is gone. When she was younger she was told she would be making a great sacrifice for her coven. Grange is a bear shifter. Her adopted his niece after her mother passed away. His own father had passed away from widows grief after his mother had passed a few years earlier. He promised himself he wouldn't ever mate and risk the chance of something happening to his mate; him dying from the window's death and leaving Amelia alone like he was.
He is working on a cruise ship doing some construction on a new lab on board. Michelle is going on the cruise because the magical invitation would not go away no matter what she did.
Through a mix up these two are out into the same cabin with one another and there is no other rooms available.. It wouldn't have been a problem except for the fact that they are faited mates. And something about Amelia is different and only Michelle knows and has to help Granger. Will they be able to fight their growing attractions? Will the game the rest drug to break their bond? It is a story too of his words have so many different means and how we take them can mean a big difference in the things we do.
November 4, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is a light Christmas shifter story. That is not to say it doesn't have twists and turns because it does. This is the story of Michele. She is a witch who was prophesied to be a sacrifice for her coven. She believes she is fated to die so she will not search for nor take a mate. She doesn't want the hurt that will come to whomever loves her when she dies. Granger is a bear shifter. He is a retired soldier and now a carpenter. He is trying to win a job permanently attached to the Dark Wing Cruise Ship. When his sister died, he adopted her daughter Amelia. He needs this job so that he has a good home and daycare for his 5 year old Amelia. He too never wants his fated mate as he is afraid to leave Amelia all alone again in her life.
As with all hotels there is sometimes some administrative problems. It ends up that both he and Amilia end up assigned the room that Michele has already been upgraded to. Their relationship starts to grow from there.
This is a warm short story. It will bring a smile to your face. A great way to spend an hour or so. I am looking forward to more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As with all hotels there is sometimes some administrative problems. It ends up that both he and Amilia end up assigned the room that Michele has already been upgraded to. Their relationship starts to grow from there.
This is a warm short story. It will bring a smile to your face. A great way to spend an hour or so. I am looking forward to more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2022
Witch Michele has lived the last years of her life in the knowledge she has to be a sacrifice for her coven; she will not mate as she does not want to leave her mate bound to die as well from widower sickness. Bear shifter Granger refuses to mate, as he does not want to succumb to widower shifter disease should his mate die before him, and leave his young daughter on her own.
When these three meet on a cruise ship, Granger and Michele realise they are fated mates, but refuse to give in to their mutual attraction...
I found the narration style during the first few chapters way too bubbly, when Michele and her background were introduced; this didn't really change for the next few chapters, but calmed down a bit during the story. Granger's and her reasoning for not getting together I could even understand, though I thought from the beginning that there must have been more information and guidance in a coven for a young witch like herself at that time. I would also have heard a bit more about Amelia's background.
I did like the plot as such, and after getting used to the somewhat bouncy narration style I quite liked the book as well. Kudos to the editor, I did not spot a single spelling or grammar error.
When these three meet on a cruise ship, Granger and Michele realise they are fated mates, but refuse to give in to their mutual attraction...
I found the narration style during the first few chapters way too bubbly, when Michele and her background were introduced; this didn't really change for the next few chapters, but calmed down a bit during the story. Granger's and her reasoning for not getting together I could even understand, though I thought from the beginning that there must have been more information and guidance in a coven for a young witch like herself at that time. I would also have heard a bit more about Amelia's background.
I did like the plot as such, and after getting used to the somewhat bouncy narration style I quite liked the book as well. Kudos to the editor, I did not spot a single spelling or grammar error.
November 5, 2020
Michele Strickland is a witch who's destined to make a sacrifice for her coven. She refuses to develop any long term relationships knowing she will die for her coven some day.
Eric Granger is former Navy, now working as a contract carpenter on the Dark Wing cruise ship. Hoping to secure a permanent job for himself and his daughter. After his mother died, he lost his father to widow sickness and refuses to mate if it means his daughter would have to suffer like he did.
The magic of Dark Wing compels Michele to take a holiday cruise. Even though she knows she's a bear shifter's mate, she will avoid it at all costs. However when there's a snaffu with the cabin arrangements she finds herself sharing her cabin suite with Eric and his adorable daughter. They know they are mates but fighting it is hard when they start to fall in love.
Overall a predictable, sweet romance, with an adorable child, but some of the transitions are choppy.
Sweet, holiday romance with a touch of magic.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Eric Granger is former Navy, now working as a contract carpenter on the Dark Wing cruise ship. Hoping to secure a permanent job for himself and his daughter. After his mother died, he lost his father to widow sickness and refuses to mate if it means his daughter would have to suffer like he did.
The magic of Dark Wing compels Michele to take a holiday cruise. Even though she knows she's a bear shifter's mate, she will avoid it at all costs. However when there's a snaffu with the cabin arrangements she finds herself sharing her cabin suite with Eric and his adorable daughter. They know they are mates but fighting it is hard when they start to fall in love.
Overall a predictable, sweet romance, with an adorable child, but some of the transitions are choppy.
Sweet, holiday romance with a touch of magic.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2020
This starts off with a funny scene. Michele is unable to trash a spam mailing for a fated mates cruise. She has tried to burn it, throw it away, rip it up and it keeps coming back. She gives in and books a vacation on the cruise for two weeks over Christmas. She knows that she has a bear mate out there, but is unwilling/unable to mate with her unknown mate. Her adulthood prophecy is that she would make a great sacrifice for her coven and it was agreed that that meant that SHE would be the sacrifice. Knowing this, she hasn't allowed herself to have her own life. No committed relationships, only friendships. She is extremely frugal, working two jobs and saving all her money for her father's retirement. Due to coincidence and circumstance she ends up being upgraded to a suite and then sharing the suite with Granger and his young daughter. This is a sweet story with a lot love between the characters and good reasons for why they think they shouldn't be together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2020
Michele Strickland is a witch who interpreted a prophecy that implies she will be a sacrifice fated to die (she thinks) for her coven. Therefore, she avoids any serious relationship since she won’t be around much longer, and she settles for one-night-stands.
Granger is a former soldier, bear shifter, and currently a carpenter on the Dark Wing cruise ship. He has become the father to his 5-year-old niece and will not mate since, when a mate dies, the spouse does also and he won’t leave his niece alone again. But when Michele’s luggage is lost and they upgrade her room that is already occupied by Granger and Amelia, they decide to enjoy themselves on the cruise and go their separate ways when it’s over. But being fated mates, perhaps Fate won’t let them walk away?
This is a cute story and I love the cover! There is more going on here in this adventure, so don’t miss this one! I think you’ll be surprised and pleased with where the story line takes you – and it’s a fun journey!
Granger is a former soldier, bear shifter, and currently a carpenter on the Dark Wing cruise ship. He has become the father to his 5-year-old niece and will not mate since, when a mate dies, the spouse does also and he won’t leave his niece alone again. But when Michele’s luggage is lost and they upgrade her room that is already occupied by Granger and Amelia, they decide to enjoy themselves on the cruise and go their separate ways when it’s over. But being fated mates, perhaps Fate won’t let them walk away?
This is a cute story and I love the cover! There is more going on here in this adventure, so don’t miss this one! I think you’ll be surprised and pleased with where the story line takes you – and it’s a fun journey!
October 24, 2020
Fate and prophesies are tricky!
A Very Beary Christmas Cruise by Ellie Pond is a sweet poignant shifter romance with magic, Christmas and the undeniable affects of fate and mates in the balance.
Granger and Michele have their reasons for their perspectives related to mates, however, both seem to be misguided. As their story progresses, there’s hope, but it’s clear neither is hoping for the right thing.
The plot of this book was engaging and the magical element that revolved around Granger, Michele and Amelia made the connections all the stronger and at times focal.
Overall, a sweet holiday romance with magic and modern interpretation of the prophecy coming to the rescue for this fated mate pair to get the HEA and become the family they are meant to be.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
A Very Beary Christmas Cruise by Ellie Pond is a sweet poignant shifter romance with magic, Christmas and the undeniable affects of fate and mates in the balance.
Granger and Michele have their reasons for their perspectives related to mates, however, both seem to be misguided. As their story progresses, there’s hope, but it’s clear neither is hoping for the right thing.
The plot of this book was engaging and the magical element that revolved around Granger, Michele and Amelia made the connections all the stronger and at times focal.
Overall, a sweet holiday romance with magic and modern interpretation of the prophecy coming to the rescue for this fated mate pair to get the HEA and become the family they are meant to be.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
November 4, 2020
Granger and Michele are fated, mates. Granger is a bear construction worker, he is on a job that happens to be a cruise for fated mates. Granger does not want a mate as he doesn't want his niece/daughter to ever get hurt with the loosing of another mother. Michele is a witch and her fate was decided a long time ago for her to be her covens sacrifice. It seems that FATE has other plans in mind for these two mates. Everything and anything seems to be happening to bring these two together. Will Granger give in and accept Michele as his mate? Will Michele accept Granger as her mate? These are questions that you need to get this book and read and find out. This is a great fast read. Check it out soon. I know you will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2020
Michele goes on a cruise alone and encounters Granger and daughter Amelia.
Witch Michele Strickland gets pushed into going on a Christmas Cruise by herself then her luggage get delayed on her flight connection which leaves her boarding with just what she was carrying. Bear shifter Granger is bringing his daughter Amelia who is actually his late sister's child on the cruise with him while he does some construction work on the ship hoping to spend his spare time with her. Due to a mix up Michele and Granger get assigned the same room. Granger knows her scent is that of his mate but has sworn not to mate while Michele has been prophesied to make a great sacrifice so has also decided to stray single. What they found was Amelia who is a witch but Granger is unaware of that keeps bring them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Witch Michele Strickland gets pushed into going on a Christmas Cruise by herself then her luggage get delayed on her flight connection which leaves her boarding with just what she was carrying. Bear shifter Granger is bringing his daughter Amelia who is actually his late sister's child on the cruise with him while he does some construction work on the ship hoping to spend his spare time with her. Due to a mix up Michele and Granger get assigned the same room. Granger knows her scent is that of his mate but has sworn not to mate while Michele has been prophesied to make a great sacrifice so has also decided to stray single. What they found was Amelia who is a witch but Granger is unaware of that keeps bring them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2020
I love this length book. It's shorter than a regular novel but allows for more character development and arc to happen.
Who doesn't like bears? Who doesn't like witches? Put them together and HOT damn!
This was a good story. Didn't see a few things coming. I'd like to go back and read the whole Dark Wing series. I actually read this because I got Book 2 as part of an ARC and wasn't sure if I had missed out on Book 1... you know how it goes, sometimes they build on each other. I was happy to see it on KU and read it in one night. Now on to Book 2.
I need to find more books by Ellie Pond since I enjoyed this one a lot. I would like to see more special abilities being utilized by the characters but I found this to be a really charming story.
Ho Ho Ho on the high seas for sure. Michele and Granger are a perfectly matched pair.
Who doesn't like bears? Who doesn't like witches? Put them together and HOT damn!
This was a good story. Didn't see a few things coming. I'd like to go back and read the whole Dark Wing series. I actually read this because I got Book 2 as part of an ARC and wasn't sure if I had missed out on Book 1... you know how it goes, sometimes they build on each other. I was happy to see it on KU and read it in one night. Now on to Book 2.
I need to find more books by Ellie Pond since I enjoyed this one a lot. I would like to see more special abilities being utilized by the characters but I found this to be a really charming story.
Ho Ho Ho on the high seas for sure. Michele and Granger are a perfectly matched pair.
December 30, 2020
(3.5 stars)
I enjoyed this holiday PNR set on a cruise ship. Granger (bear shifter) has sworn off mating after the death of his father to the shifter's widow disease because he's determined his daughter (sister's child he's raising as his own) will not suffer as he did. Michelle (witch) has also sworn off mating. Her reason is due to the prophecy she received at her adult ceremony; they prophesied she'd give a great sacrifice for her coven and she doesn't want to make her mate suffer her death. Of course, fate has other plans for these two.
This was a new-to-me author. I liked her writing style, although it was a bit dense in some areas (more descriptive in length than I like), enough to check out other books. I'll definitely look for more in the Dark Wing Paranormal Holiday Cruise series; I liked the shifter-run cruise setting.
I enjoyed this holiday PNR set on a cruise ship. Granger (bear shifter) has sworn off mating after the death of his father to the shifter's widow disease because he's determined his daughter (sister's child he's raising as his own) will not suffer as he did. Michelle (witch) has also sworn off mating. Her reason is due to the prophecy she received at her adult ceremony; they prophesied she'd give a great sacrifice for her coven and she doesn't want to make her mate suffer her death. Of course, fate has other plans for these two.
This was a new-to-me author. I liked her writing style, although it was a bit dense in some areas (more descriptive in length than I like), enough to check out other books. I'll definitely look for more in the Dark Wing Paranormal Holiday Cruise series; I liked the shifter-run cruise setting.
December 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this warm hearted christmas story of two ppl a bear shifter and a half witch who thought there destiny pre-determined thru hurt or visions who found their fated mate unexpectedly. throw in a young daughter who turns out to be more than human herself and fun happens.
Although I was disappointed that Granger never once shifted to a bear I did enjoy the plot and where the story led and thought it nice that this family included gay uncles showing family can be anyone who loves. I love how the uncles loved and cared for Amelia the daughter. While it is also hard to believe a bear shifter could live on a cruise ship it was stated that the ship had a designated room for shifting which made it more understandable. I would have liked to seen a bit more connection between Granger and Michele before they fell in to bed and there was a few things that could have been more in depth but overall it was a very good story worth reading.
Although I was disappointed that Granger never once shifted to a bear I did enjoy the plot and where the story led and thought it nice that this family included gay uncles showing family can be anyone who loves. I love how the uncles loved and cared for Amelia the daughter. While it is also hard to believe a bear shifter could live on a cruise ship it was stated that the ship had a designated room for shifting which made it more understandable. I would have liked to seen a bit more connection between Granger and Michele before they fell in to bed and there was a few things that could have been more in depth but overall it was a very good story worth reading.
February 18, 2023
Interesting that this is book #1 in a series, because it feels like it's a mid-series book. Maybe there's another series that it's a follow-on to?
We have a bear shifter male who is daddy to his niece. He's scarred by his mother's death and his dad literally giving up afterwards, bringing his sons to an aunt's house and never returning.
We also have a female witch who knows of a vision about herself that she will have to sacrifice for her coven. She assumes that this means that she will die young and decides serious relationships aren't for her because it wouldn't be fair to a partner.
Neither is thrilled to find out that they are each other's fated mate.
Definitely interested in reading more books by this author.
We have a bear shifter male who is daddy to his niece. He's scarred by his mother's death and his dad literally giving up afterwards, bringing his sons to an aunt's house and never returning.
We also have a female witch who knows of a vision about herself that she will have to sacrifice for her coven. She assumes that this means that she will die young and decides serious relationships aren't for her because it wouldn't be fair to a partner.
Neither is thrilled to find out that they are each other's fated mate.
Definitely interested in reading more books by this author.
January 19, 2021
I Really really started to hate it was ending before it started
I was reading thos thinking how much I was really liking how well this book was going. BUT then, they sat down to talk and I was like why do I keep reading this it sucks she don't want a mate even though he is hers he don't want a mate because if she does then he will be like everyone else and die from a broken heart. No no no why did I read why am I reading a book that will make me sad but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how things ended I wont be the one to blow the whole thing this is a must read you will seriously love it !!!
I was reading thos thinking how much I was really liking how well this book was going. BUT then, they sat down to talk and I was like why do I keep reading this it sucks she don't want a mate even though he is hers he don't want a mate because if she does then he will be like everyone else and die from a broken heart. No no no why did I read why am I reading a book that will make me sad but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how things ended I wont be the one to blow the whole thing this is a must read you will seriously love it !!!
December 22, 2021
This shifter romance was interesting in the setting (a cruise ship) and the species intermingling, with humans, witches, and several species of shifters all working and playing together. I liked the main characters, Michele and Granger, along with Granger's daughter, Amelia. I liked how the author slowly worked the characters' back stories into the novel. It was how you'd learn about a new friend, in bits and pieces. If you like fantasy with a HEA, well done characters who draw you in, some tension and twists to the story, you'll enjoy this one! Be warned that there are some steamy scenes, this isn't for YA readers. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 9, 2020
Too Much Profanity
I had heard good things about this different bear shifter romance. While I do like the characters with their complicated backstories and certain story elements, the author uses too much profanity too often, including multiple F-bombs (and often in close proximity to each other), so much that I was completely turned off by the book and the story. If excessive swearing doesn't bother you and you like shifter romance that’s a little different from the norm, you may enjoy this book more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I had heard good things about this different bear shifter romance. While I do like the characters with their complicated backstories and certain story elements, the author uses too much profanity too often, including multiple F-bombs (and often in close proximity to each other), so much that I was completely turned off by the book and the story. If excessive swearing doesn't bother you and you like shifter romance that’s a little different from the norm, you may enjoy this book more than I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
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