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Shifter Escapes #1

Bear with Me

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Hi, I’m Celestine Woods, most people call me Chellie. If you are one of my 850K followers, you might know me as the super successful Instagram influencer, but more than likely you probably know me as the woman who got dumped by her former rockstar boyfriend, who then publicly professed his love for his new girlfriend in a song on Spotify before getting engaged a week later.

While I think I had a perfectly rational response to this news but my sponsors didn’t agree. Apparently no one wants to buy expensive skin cream from the woman who had an alcohol-fueled meltdown at the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world.

Now, I’m at Black Bear Mountain Lodges, a cabin resort in the Catskill Mountains, to relax, recharge, and rehab my image and— tossing in a couple sponsored posts. The only hitch in my plan for R&R is the sexy, yet grumpy, lumberjack who runs the resort. His people skills leave a lot to be desired and it’s no wonder I’m the only guest at this place.



I know nothing about living in the mountains and he knows nothing about marketing and publicity. His resort and my image could both use a little TLC, so we formed a truce and teamed up to help each other.   

Between my social media know-how, my smartphone, a gorgeous grumpy mountain man and a strangely friendly bear that keeps coming to my window every night, we can get this all turned around right?

Who’s ready for project #ChellieInTheWoods?

A disgraced Instagram influencer uses a mountain retreat in an attempt to rehab her image with the help of a grumpy lumberjack, who is more than he appears to be.

This novelette has NO cheating and is a standalone, contemporary shifter romantic comedy full of alphas, steam, and sarcasm.

216 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2019

123 people are currently reading
642 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Eden

33 books798 followers
Lucy Eden is the nom de plume of an romance obsessed author who writes the kind of romance she loves to read. She’s a sucker for alphas with a soft gooey center, over the top romantic gestures, strong & smart MCs, humor, love at first sight (or pretty damn close), happily ever afters & of course, steamy love scenes.

When Lucy isn’t writing, she’s busy reading—or listening to—every book she can get her hands on— romance or otherwise.

She lives & loves in New York with her husband, two children, a turtle & a Yorkshire Terrier.

Website: https://www.lucyeden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyedenauthor/
Join Lucy Eden's Paradise: https://www.facebook.com/groups/33013...
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5 stars
156 (21%)
4 stars
270 (37%)
3 stars
230 (31%)
2 stars
58 (7%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for destiny ♡ howling libraries.
2,004 reviews6,204 followers
September 27, 2021
This was super cute and exactly what I needed today, so naturally, I read it in one sitting (despite having been in the worst slump EVER for the last few months - so, that's a big success for me right now!). Chellie is a likable protagonist and Tanner is such a precious big teddy bear (ha) that you can't help but love him. I like that it's a shifter romance that doesn't play into the whole "alphahole" trope — Tanner's really giving and doting, and while he is protective, he makes it abundantly clear that it's not due to some outdated "damsel in distress" sort of viewpoint.

While I definitely would have enjoyed this novella being longer and a bit slower of a progression, there are elements in the storyline that allow for the quick nature of their relationship forming, so I'm not mad about it. All in all, a really delightfully fun read and I will for sure check out more of Lucy Eden's stories very soon!
Profile Image for sil ♡ the book voyagers.
1,364 reviews3,179 followers
November 7, 2020
Yay! If you went on this readathon alongside me, October is over so!!! I hope you all enjoyed Bear With Me, because I did. Lucy Eden never fails to make me feel so damn much.

I'll be doing a LIVE SHOW @ Accidentally in Love book club tomorrow Nov. 8th at 6pm EST! Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuGil... Join us!!!

Also there is currently a giveaway for a paperback of this book (US people) and a digital copy + $10 gift card (INTL people): https://twitter.com/accidentalbclub/s...
Profile Image for Melissa.
580 reviews14 followers
May 15, 2022
Some of the tropes:
- ex boyfriend’s best friend
- shape shifting male mc
- fates mates/ soul mates
- small town (cabin)

It was a cute read, very cute and fast paced. I did get a little cringed out by the dialogue but oh well.
Profile Image for Victoria (Eve's Alexandria).
846 reviews449 followers
March 5, 2021
1.5* This didn’t work for me at all, for lots of reasons, some of which may be to do with the way it handles the fated mates trope as insta-love. But from my frustration at Chellie’s social media ethics to my inability to suspend disbelief about her rapport with Tanner (and vice a versa), I bounced off it hard.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,981 reviews4,319 followers
July 24, 2020
3.5 stars - I thought this was a really nice version of a well worn paranormal novella plot type. The social media influencer angle was a nice variant & I really liked the characters
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,628 reviews379 followers
March 4, 2024
Bear with Me was a cute paranormal romance between a shifter and an Instagram influencer.

After influencer Celestine Woods's boyfriend breaks up with her and gets engaged to someone else one week later, Chellie goes on to have an alcohol-fueled meltdown at the biggest New Year's Eve party. With her image in shambles, she heads to a cabin resort in the Catskill Mountains to relax and rehab her image. The only hitch in her plan is Tanner, the owner of Black Bear Mountain Lodges, whose people skills leave a lot to be desired. After Tanner agrees to help Chellie with her survival skills, Chellie agrees to help with marketing for the resort. But Chellie hadn't counted on falling for Tanner as her life is back in the city.

Bear with Me opens with Chellie depressed about her ex-boyfriend dumping her before she's convinced by her manager to help host a New Year's Eve party. After the disaster at the party, Chellie decides to take some down time and goes to the resort which is where she meets Tanner. Their first meeting was quite funny and I immediately loved the chemistry these two had. The agreement the two make to help each other was a great way to get them together and I enjoyed watching it play out. Their romance develops pretty quickly which while not a surprise with how short this book is, did lead to some believability issues for me. Overall I did like the two together, but there just wasn't enough time for me to believe their relationship was based on more than just the physical.

The paranormal aspect of Bear with Me played out a bit differently than I thought it would. Most of the shifter parts were pretty on par with other books I've read in the genre but I wasn't expecting Chellie's reaction/connection to it at all. I won't give away how that works out but it was a pleasant surprise and made things a bit more interesting.

Overall Bear with Me was a fun read and I would recommend it if you're looking for a quick paranormal romance.
Profile Image for S.
25 reviews
May 17, 2020
Hot and grumpy lumberjack bear shifter with a gooey center (yes!!!!!) finds his fated mate in a disgraced Instagram influencer struggling to rehab her image after getting publicly dumped. Short and oh so sweet. But I wish this was a longer book! I need more shifter romance in my life.
Profile Image for Morgan.
423 reviews154 followers
February 16, 2021
This was good for what it was, but I don't think I am a fan of paranormal romances.
Profile Image for Amanda.
804 reviews184 followers
May 30, 2021
So.

This was...cute—definitely a Softer Shifters story—but I think I've discovered a newer romance trope I'm not a fan of: burnt out social media influencers. And this stems from the fact that in meat space here, I'm not a fan of the toxic positivity, fake, consumer-capitalist Influencer Culture. Which, this book did sort of wink-wink about, so Eden does seem aware of it and, I think, tried to be a little cheeky about.



UGH. Still better than billionaires, though.

I have a really hard time with how shallow and cynical the whole culture is. And Chellie is a shallow character, apparently most upset about her break up because of the optics and not because she actually had any serious feelings about her ex.

Depending on her age, she's either another Babby Millennial or Elder Gen Zer grinding for those advertising dollars.

Which, my "Geriatric" Millennial-once-part-of-Gen-X self has a hard time with—as I grew up in the age of Poseurs and Sell Outs if one shilled for brands. What a different world this is than the one I came of age in.

Anywho.

And I felt a little cheated, because I was promised a grumpy male lead in this story, but he's really not grumpy at all. A bit aloof and curt, sure, but grumpy he was not. And I'm missing the Alpha in here. He's big, so I guess that counts? He really seemed lovely—very respectful which is always a Good Thing—just nothing at all Type A about him.

I felt like this story was rushed and could have done with a bit more length for exposition and plot. Actually, I would have loved an entire book of just Chellie's grandmother, who was the most interesting character in the story.

This is cute and easy to read, and a lot of people will love this one. But it's not for me.

Real Rating: 2.5 stars


TW/CW: lots of fatphobic/diet-oriented talk (both from main and from parent), biphobic/homophobic parent, animal attack, binge drinking/black out drunkenness
Profile Image for Leigh Kramer.
Author 1 book1,422 followers
March 4, 2021
What I learned from this is that I don't want my shifter romances to be fluffy. If that’s your preference, however, it should work great for you! I had a lot of questions about the world-building, or lack thereof, including the stereotypical portrayal of Chellie’s job as an Instagram model (I’m friends with influencers and they’d take issue), confusion over what Tanner actually does for a living (he’s just…on the mountain? Does anyone ever pay to stay at the lodge?), and even more questions about Tanner’s life as a shifter since he doesn’t seem to know any other bear shifters and he marks Chellie before she knows/accepts that he’s her fated mate. I wanted more development along these lines and without it, the story didn’t make much sense to me, nor did I understand what Tanner saw in Chellie, fated mates aside.

Character notes: Chellie is a bisexual Instagram model. Tanner is a bear shifter who lives in the mountains.

CW: hero marks/claims heroine by biting her without consent, hero stays outside heroine’s window and looks in her cabin every night while in bear form, hero is injured from fighting a mountain lion but heals quickly, hero’s father was killed by a hunter when he was 5, alcohol, inebriation, biphobia from mother (countered), toxic mother, pregnancy epilogue, ableist language, reference to “childhood weight issues”
Profile Image for Reilley.
6 reviews
June 9, 2023
I’ve been in a massive reading slump and this short, shifter romance was exactly what I needed. It was a nice change from the 500+ page books I’ve been reading recently. Thank you for that!

I loved Chellie’s character development throughout the story and was so glad she stood up for herself against her manager in the end. I’m always a sucker for broody, burly men who are actually gigantic teddy bears (literally) at heart. Tanner >>>>

Obviously, this is a short book and you shouldn’t expect much plot wise. It’s just a short romance without a third act breakup. The writing style made me cringe at times, but I still loved it regardless. Who knows? I might even continue the series the next time I’m in a funk.
Profile Image for Avigail.
1,211 reviews58 followers
March 4, 2022
Bear with Me is a small, sweet novella. Yes, for some reason, this short story took me a long to read. The truth is that at the beginning, I didn't get engaged with the female MC.
I liked the relationship between Chellie and her grandmother that have a fate mate connection. It made me miss my maternal grandmother a little bit, with whom I had a good relationship.
They have an immediate attraction, and the sparks fly. If you like hot alpha shifters and romance, this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Eden.
930 reviews261 followers
August 17, 2024
3.5 rounded up

This novella was so much fun! It was quick, steamy, and cute. I really liked the plot setup (social media influencer’s bf dumps her and immediately gets engaged; she freaks out online and goes on a nature retreat to relax and rehab her image; grumpy shifter man owns the cabin she rents). Ofc the romance was super quick, but that can be explained by the whole mate thing. Not one single person in this novella was phased by this man being a shifter which I found funny but also unbelievable.

It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read, but it was funny, entertaining, and I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Jai.
691 reviews144 followers
June 7, 2020
It was ok. I think I was expecting more because of all the glowing reviews, but this was a rather straightforward and quick read in which the city girl influencer falls for the grumpy (but not really) lumberjack in the woods, with some shapeshifting added to it. It feels like the novellette format doesn't give enough room for all the ideas here and something suffers for it. The exposition parts about shifters felt awkward to me, as did the reactions to the reveal.
Profile Image for Jessica.
854 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2021
I thought this one was cute for how short it was. Chellie is a bit of a mess, and I’m glad she got out of town and met Tanner. I thought it they were sweet together and I;enjoyed reading about them.
Profile Image for Andi.
404 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2022
Short and sweet. Was just ok for me. 3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Stephanie.
769 reviews1,085 followers
March 8, 2022
Cute cover, enjoy her writing, but I was underwhelmed. Maybe because it wasn’t dual POV? But I think this author does short novellas very well.
Profile Image for Meghan.
723 reviews113 followers
July 19, 2024
Quick Review:

I’m normally not a big fan of main characters who are influencers - just not my thing! Kinda like celebrity romance, rock star romance…if they’re in the spotlight, it’s a bit of a turn off for me. But this was hilarious and so fun! I loved the romance, the grump/sunshine vibes were elite, and it had a little bit of a BatB scene when he saves her from the mountain lion 🥺

If you like your men big, gruff and handy with an axe, this could very well be your next book boyfriend. He also has his own business and owns land, so ladies, he can take care of you. And he WANTS to. Be still my beating heart.
Profile Image for Jenica.
1,463 reviews46 followers
February 18, 2020
This was quick and fun and while it was my first read from Lucy Eden, it's definitely not going to be my last.
Profile Image for Kate (kate_reads_).
1,872 reviews318 followers
November 4, 2019
The bear shifter romance you didn’t know you needed! Chellie is a hugely popular Instagram influencer - always showing the best version of her life to her 850k followers. Until New Year’s Eve - when she learns her exboyfriend who just dumped her a week ago is already engaged to someone else. The combo of alcohol and learning this news doesn’t lead anywhere good.

The next morning, Chellie decides she needs to get away from it all, clear her head and give things a chance to blow over. She travels a few hours out of the city to a remote cabin where she meets Tanner - the owner of the property who looks like “Chris Hemsworth and Jason Momoa had a baby with the Brawny paper towel guy.” There are instant sparks - but he’s also grouchy and sullen and barely speaks when he comes by to check on her. Each night when she looks out of her cabin she sees a bear with familiar eyes who almost seems to be keeping watch over her...

This was a funny and sexy novella that is perfect for fall - as you’re wanting to snuggle in front of a Fire with a blanket and a cup of something hot. Get it now - only $.99 on Amazon!
2,702 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2019
Chellie was an internet star that lost it when her boyfriend ended their relationship in public and announced his new song for his girlfriend. She was lost and her sponsors started to withdraw their support. So she went to the mountains to re do herself but she met Tanner that turned into a bear but she knew that they soulmates but had to figure out what to do about her life. So she went home in NYC and couldn’t stand being there without Tanner, she talked to her grandma about the bedtime stories that she used to tell her and found out that her grandma missed her soulmate because she had left him. Her grandma married someone that she couldn’t love but made a life with him but missed her love. Chellie went home and started packing to go to Tanner in the mountains, Tanner had come to live with her because he missed her but instead they went back to the mountains and got his resort going and they got pregnant!!
141 reviews
October 27, 2019
This was fun. An enjoyable read with no angst. The majority of the book was about their relationship and real sex was saved towards the end. Though there are earlier sexy scenes. It was close to instalove. Tanner knew immediately though for chellie's sake tried to hold it in. Chellie was attracted immediately but was getting mixed signals from Tanner. So it was love-hate on her part. Tanner was what you expect from a shifter, instant knowledge that she's his mate, protective, intrusively so, and caring. His bear is enthralled too. Some good supportive side characters and a hea. Oh a few editing issues but I know that the author is working on them. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
November 3, 2019
This was a really sweet bear shifter romance. I loved the story and characters.

Chellie was a social media influencer and model who was publicly dumped by her boyfriend of a year Mike. She got rip roaring drunk at a New Year's Eve appearance and posted embarrassing videos. Her sponsors were dropping her so she decided to spend a month in a cabin in the woods to try to rehab her image. Tanner was an old friend of Mike's who owns the cabin and is a bear shifter. They have an immediate attraction. He saves her from a wild animal attack and ends up showing her his bear. They fall in love and have their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,886 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2019
This was such a cute awesome story. The characters and story grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading. Tanner and Chellie were well written and went well together, I loved watching them grow as a couple. Chellie is a media influencer and model who had a melt down at a New Year's Eve appearance after her ex boyfriend proposes to his new girlfriend. She now needs to escape and stay out of sight to get back on track. Enter Tanner a handsome sexy lumberjack and his mountain retreat. They have an immediate attraction and the sparks fly. If you like hot alpha shifters and romance then this is a book for you, I can't wait to read more from this author!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews

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