The Bearmaster's Task

by Cariad Hal

Britt Berkley has just come out of a break-up, has a job that doesn’t pay well and just wants life to be a little simpler with the chance to travel. The reading of her grandmother’s will was imminent. She hoped the cash she needed to start over and live her dreams would become available. No such luck.

Her inheritance is a piece of land and house in the most northern part of the world. Covered most of the time by snow and ice. To make matters worse, she has to journey there and learn about the people and land before she can sell it.

The man she is to meet, Roar Hansen, is not to be trifled with and expects her to meet the obligations required by her grandmother before he will release the property deeds. She soon discovers that all is not as it seems, including Roar Hansen. She’s never met a man like him and the feelings that develop between them are larger than anything she could ever imagine. He also expects her obedience.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, danger, intrigue, sensual scenes, and power exchange. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Niki {Still a Widow but reading more} · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was weird and awful...

Or should I say Pubes and Anal?

I grabbed this because the cover was awesome and the blurb was intriguing. I can honestly say I have never read another book quite like this.

There really wasn't much story, the whole thing mostly taking place over just a handful of days. Not much is explained in the beginning trying to give this a mysterious and enigmatic feel, but it fell flat. Roar, is a dominant and controlling alpha of a man, who is in charge of the inheritance Britt is left by her grandmother. Britt is a bratty, city girl, who wants nothing to do with the Northern Estate her grandmother left her. She wants to just sell and move on, but she can't until she learns all the truths about her inheritance from Roar, then and only then can she choose her future.

I didn't have really an issue with the story, it was okay. It was the details and the sex. First of all the author must have some weird pubic hair infatuation because all she kept talking about was Britt's lush and full bush. How Britt's pink sex lips peeped out from her full jungle bush. Then Roar's and Britt's bushes rubbing together during sex. It was gross and odd. I searched the book and found 11 instances of Britt's bush mentioned, and that's not counting the times it was called something other than bush. It's not that long of a book either. Also cringe worthy was the repeated use of 'sex hole' for Britt's lady bits.

Another issue is that this story had a weird focus on anal. Within just a couple hours of Roar and Britt meeting, he is taking her temp anally, and then fingering her bum under the guise of a physical. Then when they're together at the Bear Lodge, until all is revealed Roar can only finger her, anally. Once they are doing the ritual Roar has to drink the "juices" from all her holes. So after kissing her and lapping up her vag juices, he took his thumbs, spread her back hole open and proceeded to suck and suck to get those juices. I kept thinking "what juices?! Diarrhea?!" It was not sexy, then just to keep the creepy anal theme going, Britt had to shove herbs and a poultice up Roar's bum, while he's tied down, and to make sure it gets in there good, she's got to shove a big stick in there too to force the poultice "deep". They kept making comments about how painful it was. It just didn't make sense. I know what prostate stimulation and orgasms are but he wasn't cumming during this, it was just to 'prepare' his gland. Later after the ritual, Britt feels bad about his abused back hole, so she starts giving Roar a rim job, and licks and sucks out the poultice, then gives him a prostate orgasm. There was more anal than regular sex.

This was just a weird anal, hot mess. I've never read anything so unsexy, that was throwing so much taboo stuff in to be shocking and sexy. I don't know that sucking someone's "juice" from their rectum is sexy in anyone's measure, we don't really make "juice" down there. So when all someone can think of is, "is he drinking her poop?" I think you've missed the mark.

Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aka · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was hard to finish. The female lead is a brat and throws a tantrum / cries in the first chapter how her dead grandmother left her with property that she didn't want. I tried to power through to maybe thinking that the male lead would be the opposite/somehow make her a better person. Uh...hmm...

I like reading extremely detailed steamy stuff - but this was not for me, it made me...cringe and honestly gross me out. There's a lot of pubic bush descriptions, and a huge emphasis on anal sex...and the juices???? We're talking about the leads to each other, and I...what other "juice" can there be back there...?!?!?! Normally in real life it's using either Lube/spit/natural lubrication from v or p, but somehow it's described as ALREADY being slick. It was not attractive, and it's really done a lot of back there stuff to each other that it's clearly a fetish written into the book. This wasn't a hot mess...well to each other sure, but to me it was a gross mess.

All that aside I do think at least the editing/portrayal overall of how the book is written is cohesive and readable...just really not likeable leads at all - and the sex was um... not hitting the mark. The cover though is ABSOLUTELY amazing though, the person/people who did that cover - like that alone is everything.

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

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say I didn't connect with any of the characters and didn't feel a real connection between them either. I didn't feel there was much of a story other than what seemed to read like a sex cult, who were particularly fond of the backside. It started off interesting even though the female lead was whining constantly. There was a bit of mystery but then it went downhill from there. Definitely not for everyone!

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

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars mostly because of a bit too much sex for my taste . But if that is your thing, you might give it more stars.

This book was not what I expected.
Britt Berkley is a spoiled woman that enjoyed partying and
spending money on vacations and such and never saved. The book starts with her breakup from her boyfriend. Unfortunately, she lived with him and has no money of her own. When her grandmother dies, she thinks she has hit the motherload of money.
Unfortunately, she has to go to the land up north and live there to inherit. The story was interesting.
It had sexual scenes with her previous friend, and with Roar giving her pleasure and examining her and giving her pleasure from the start.
I don’t think a lot of time was done with character development or romance. Most of the book was Roar doing his sexual duty on handing her the baton to take over the land and her people. The book is a bit hard core sex (as a duty but not much love) in all orifices, both him on her and her on him. They both lust over each other, but hardly know each other. It had a few spanking scenes (that she deserved). If that is your thing, then there was enough story to carry it. It did have a HEA, and Britt grew up and take responsibility for her life.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual read all about the spirit of the bear, totally riveting

I have to say that this was a very different read from what I had expected and I thoroughly enjoyed the read it was extremely enjoyable and I am sure that you will feel exactly the same. Britt Berkley is the main character in this story and she is a selfish and extremely self-motivated individual who thinks mainly about herself and what she can make out of things.

The story was quite complex and the characters were strong and the actual individuals within were well written and once you begin reading you find yourself totally engrossed in the story and once you begin reading you will not put the book down until you reach the final page and discover the final outcome.

There are a lot of different aspects associated with this book and I am sure that you will find yourself as engrossed and me and also will enjoy how cleverly it was written.

I hope that you will fee the same and that you will look forward to future books by this author.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Stats23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britt’s life was in the dumps but she was hoping it would change with the reading of her Grandmother’s will. She was hoping for lots of money but what she got was title to a land in a far north country, a land she detested as a child! She reluctantly visits the place as per the terms of the will and meets Roar, a strange (gorgeous) man who is far more than he seems. Is he a doctor, a shaman, or something else? This is a truly gripping read that draws you right into the story, a story so descriptive that you feel you are actually there enjoying the beauty, the wonder and the mystery of the land. The setting is majestic, the people are mystical with richly drawn characterizations that touch you deeply. A beautiful book that is one of the best I have read this year. Their relationship is deep, the sex is earthy and graphic from their earliest explorations to their explosive climax. This is a must read. One word of caution though, there is a LOT of anal play, taken to a whole new level. If this is one of your taboos you may want to pass. ***** Five Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the story of a young woman who inherited her grandmother's Northern estate in the Arctic. She was very upset about it, as she needs money, her grandmother was rich, and she had always hated the property as a child. It was stipulated that she must go spend some time at the property before she would be allowed to sell it, and the deed was in the hands of Roar Hansen. Roar lives by the land without modern conveniences and is adamant Britt learn these things as well and gets in tune with her heritage.

Honestly, I didn't like Britt. I found her rude, too dramatic, too childish, and too prone to outbursts. Her personality just rubbed me the wrong way as someone I wanted nothing to do with. I didn't like Roar either. He was too abrasive, arrogant, forceful, and I found his examination of her completely inappropriate. He just turned me off. Once I finished that scene, about 40% in, I stopped reading. Not wanting to read about these characters anymore, I saw no sense in forcing myself to finish the book. The writing was fine and there were no grammatical errors, so other readers who have no problem with the characters could enjoy this book. It wasn't for me. 2 stars.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britt was upset to be left her grandmother's Northern Estate but going there meets Roar.
Britt Berkeley was angry to be left her grandmother's Northern Estate up in the Arctic in her will as she hates the place but to get it she must travel up there and make contact with a Roar Hansen. Booking a flight she had the choice of the next day or next month and decided to get it over with. When she finally reaches her hotel in the small town high in the Arctic part of Norway and asks about Roar she finds h is out of town but then someone offers to take her to him. They pull up to a small primitive cabin and she sees a man there big and blond like a Viking God. This is Roar.

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

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britt, who grew up in the UK is shocked, when her grandmother leaves her the "Northern Estates", a place she hated with a passion as a child. But to be able to get the deed, so that she can sell the place, she has to go up north and meet a man she had never met - Roar. She has to stay with him and learn about the Estate.
I am not sure how I feel about the story. At times I thought the story interesting, but at others I was just plain bored.
Overall, the story was okay, the storyline was not bad, but I was put out by Britt's character. I have no patence for women woh feel entitled because of what others achieved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had likeable characters in Roar and Britt. Roar has a strong personality and believes that actions have consequences. Britt has an inheritance from her grandmother but there are stipulations attached to it. Britt and Roar are attracted to each other and Britt has some important decisions to make. I did like that Roar insisted that Britt had time to make sure of her decision. There are some paranormal/fantasy elements to the story. This wasn’t my usual genre and I was a little unsure what to make of it. Some parts I found enjoyable but others a bit strange. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[ajjmb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different. It is all about ancient tradition and the spirit of the bear as held by the belief on a Nordic people in the far north. Britt has never understood her grandmother or what was so important about her family traditions but now she must learn. Roar is there to guide her. This book is filled with erotic sex scenes and power exchange. It was a different kind of book and not a shifter book as I was thinking. It is more spiritual. It is well written as well.

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

[Louise Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Brit is depending on her inheritance to start over but unfortunately her inheritance is a house and piece of land. When she goes to the house she realises that she needs to learn about the land and people . She never realised that Roar Hansen would need her obligations to be met before he wil give her the deeds. He also demands her obedience but what will happen when she finds out what he is and the feelings that develop with them.

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

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Britt goes to her grandmothers Northern estate in order to get her inheritance. What she doesn't know is that she has to stay there with Roar teaching her what the estate consists of. There is instant chemistry between the two but Roar does not act on it. This was a good story with a lot of chemistry, mystery and a feel good ending. Will read more from this author.

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

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure about this one. It's strange, with lots of erotic scenes. Britt is selfish and undisciplined. Roar is patient and dominant. This story is based in the frozen north. The scenery is amazingly described. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I recommend it. This is a different and strange story.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting read this turned out to be. The characters for me were amazing and the detailed writing throughout was good. Certainly kept me hooked. She recieved a place to stay in her grandmothers will. But all is not what it seems.
I volunteered to read this book for free via Booksprout and I’m giving my review freely and honestly

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read about this author and I will be reading more. Britt gets an inheritance from her grandmother but there is strings attached. In all honesty Britt got on my nerves. She was childish and overly dramatic. Roar had the patience of a saint to put up with her. But I didn’t like him either because he was really abrasive. These two weren’t very likable but overall they just work ironically enough.

[Vanessa Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was certainly entertaining. I enjoyed that Britt eventually grew up and changed to become the person that she needed to be.

This is most certainly full of steam and it is well written, cant wait for more from this author.

[tburbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This was an entertaining read thanks to the engaging story line that kept me reading from start to finish.

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story full of suspense, romance, adventure, mystery, and traditions. This is the story of Britt who inherited her Grandmother's estate and Roar the man she falls for. Their journey will take you for a ride.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love paranormal shifter romance books and especially bear shifters finding their mates it was great story he was left some land then met his neighbour will they get a HEA must read

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was well developed, the characters were complex and well developed and the story world was detailed. The writing drew me in and I felt immersed in the story! I always look forward to more books by this author and would recommend this book!

[Fiatgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5