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Heartbreak and Destiny
Eloise Freimont is done with men and ready for a break. When her friend signs her up for a dude ranch she thinks it might be exactly what she is looking for and agrees, ready to focus on finding herself and getting her life back. That is if she can ignore the sex-on-a-stick, Corbin Hurst.
Alpha Corbin Hurst has wished for his fated mate since he and his clan of black bear shifters first settled in Independence. After three long years, he had almost given up hope. That was until she showed up at their doorstep, ready for the ranch experience they offered. Now, long days make for longer nights as he dreams of their future together and what they might have if she would only give him a chance.
A stalker from Eloise’s past reappears, threatening the very safety she thinks she found. Matters are only made worse when another mysterious man adds to the chaos as he sets out to destroy not only their relationship but everything they both have worked so hard for.
Will they be able to push back before it's too late and save not only themselves but the town they have both grown to care for?
Eloise Freimont is done with men and ready for a break. When her friend signs her up for a dude ranch she thinks it might be exactly what she is looking for and agrees, ready to focus on finding herself and getting her life back. That is if she can ignore the sex-on-a-stick, Corbin Hurst.
Alpha Corbin Hurst has wished for his fated mate since he and his clan of black bear shifters first settled in Independence. After three long years, he had almost given up hope. That was until she showed up at their doorstep, ready for the ranch experience they offered. Now, long days make for longer nights as he dreams of their future together and what they might have if she would only give him a chance.
A stalker from Eloise’s past reappears, threatening the very safety she thinks she found. Matters are only made worse when another mysterious man adds to the chaos as he sets out to destroy not only their relationship but everything they both have worked so hard for.
Will they be able to push back before it's too late and save not only themselves but the town they have both grown to care for?
- GenresParanormal
Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2017
23 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
K.R. Hall
30 books276 followersI started my journey as a reader but quickly learned how much I enjoyed everything about romance, so I picked up the pen in 2017 and haven't looked back. Writing various genres, paranormal romance is my go-to. However, I do have a few mysteries and contemporary romances under my belt.
My favorite books involve characters that aren't perfect and have room to grow or a good mystery you can't easily solve. With each new book, I keep this in mind and enjoy creating complex worlds where my characters take the stage.
When I am not creating fantastic new worlds for my readers to get lost in, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my two rescue dogs, Sammie and Jake.
Pick up a copy of one of my books and fall in love today!
None of my books are written using AI. None of my covers are created using AI.
My favorite books involve characters that aren't perfect and have room to grow or a good mystery you can't easily solve. With each new book, I keep this in mind and enjoy creating complex worlds where my characters take the stage.
When I am not creating fantastic new worlds for my readers to get lost in, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my two rescue dogs, Sammie and Jake.
Pick up a copy of one of my books and fall in love today!
None of my books are written using AI. None of my covers are created using AI.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 8, 2018
New Author
This is the first book by new author K R Hall. Corbin is the alpha of the Black Bears of Independence and a co-owner of the Independence Dude Ranch. Opening week brings in the first visitors one of whom is Eloise. Eloise is there to figure herself out after dumping her cheating boyfriend. Sparks fly as soon as these two meet.
I thought that there was a good story foundation but believe that some work does need done to flesh the story out more. I also believe some clarification needs to be done in the sub plots. That being said, for a first book, I did enjoy it. The author does a wonderful job in her description of the scenery and buildings at and surrounding the dude ranch. I really got an excellent picture in my head of the places described.
Personally, I would love to see this book undergo a revamp at a later date because I believe there is a lot of potential for it to become a 4 or 5 star read. I also think that as new books come out by this author they will get better and better. I am looking forward to reading the next in series.
This is the first book by new author K R Hall. Corbin is the alpha of the Black Bears of Independence and a co-owner of the Independence Dude Ranch. Opening week brings in the first visitors one of whom is Eloise. Eloise is there to figure herself out after dumping her cheating boyfriend. Sparks fly as soon as these two meet.
I thought that there was a good story foundation but believe that some work does need done to flesh the story out more. I also believe some clarification needs to be done in the sub plots. That being said, for a first book, I did enjoy it. The author does a wonderful job in her description of the scenery and buildings at and surrounding the dude ranch. I really got an excellent picture in my head of the places described.
Personally, I would love to see this book undergo a revamp at a later date because I believe there is a lot of potential for it to become a 4 or 5 star read. I also think that as new books come out by this author they will get better and better. I am looking forward to reading the next in series.
January 26, 2019
Corbin Hurst decided to leave his father's clan, in which he was suppose to step up as the next alpha, to start his own clan because he had different beliefs than the ones his father had.
Eloise Freimont is taking time from life at Independence Dude Ranch to try and find herself again after breaking up with her boyfriend of 3 years.
From the minute Corbin lays eyes on Eloise he knows she's his mate. However, he's got a more pressing situation, and that's explaining to his HUMAN mate about shifters and what she is to him.
Trying to read through this book was a bit difficult. I'm not sure if this is the author's first published work or not, but it certainly felt disjointed and could really use a better read-through. There were gaps in time periods, then there was abrupt changes in what characters would be doing, there was inconsistencies with conversations between the characters. All in all the book was very hard to follow because it didn't have a smooth flow. I wasn't much into the 2 "villians" for this book. We had the crazy stalker ex who apparently has done with Eloise to other women, but took it a step further and killed them. Then we have a "militia" type group is determined to run the shifters off from Independence. I felt this villian wasn't meshed out too much and could've been. Like it would've been nice if we could've learned how they came to know about the shifters considering that secret is a close kept one to all shifters. Who was their informant within the group that was helping them? What happened to the guy that was suppose to kidnap Eloise but was caught? These are things that were just left to slip through the pages I guess in hopes the reader would forget.
February 24, 2020
I've never read her work before and it was pretty good. I think there are a few things that stuck out for me like the different plots within the same book. Perhaps she'll touch on these later I dont know. I think I would have enjoyed it to be developed a little more but really it was a good story. Corbin is supposed to be an alpha but I couldnt really feel it. I mean he gave up being Alpha and leaves the clan and I just thought he gave up too easily. He almost seemed too carefree and he also harbored some insecurity too. When you think alpha you think OTT pushy and dominant and I wasnt feeling that with him. I liked him though. I liked Eloise as well. I didnt have a problem with her. All around it was a decent start to the series.
February 6, 2019
A great start to a series by a new author! It's a great shifter story about an alpha who left his clan to start a new and that includes starting a dude ranch where this story takes place. When Eloise arrives at the ranch Corbin knows that she's his mate and their romance begins. Add to this an ex who's on the other side of crazy and someone who doesn't want the ranch to work and you have a story that you want more of.
November 18, 2020
First, let me say that overall this book had great potential. It intrigued me enough to finish, but I needed so much more. Corbin is the Alpha of his Black Bear Clan and when their season opens at their cabin resort, he realizes that one of the guests, Eloise is his true mate. I love shifter stories and some of the language was very similar to my favorite shifter author, so I felt comfortable listening and envisioning the story. The character development left me feeling a little confused. I wasn’t aware that the villain was a villain because it seemed like a simple “break up” when he and Eloise parted. He went from zero to one hundred with nothing in between that showed why he was so intense. Eloise’s description didn’t match up with the bad boy covered in tattoos. Also, the bond between her and Corbin happened very quickly and her reaction to him being a bear, shifting right before her eyes, fell short. With her being a human, I wanted more hesitation, fear, etc. The narrator did not bring enough life to the story and I wish I had read the book instead of listen. This book could be so much more with some additional dialogue, depth, and angst. Like I said in the beginning, it intrigued me just enough to finish, but I needed so much more
September 7, 2020
This book took me away to a whole new world, which introduced the amazing Bear shifters. It moved along at a great pace, has amazing characters that you want to know more about and who grab you and keep you interested in the story. this book needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.
February 1, 2019
I love a good paranormal, but Black Bears of Independence was a bit of a different read for me. I was torn in more ways than one. First I want to say how much I enjoyed this book. So much so that I am dying to read what happens to the Corbin's friends, Jase and Cade. I especially want to read Benjamin's story, which after checking out the author, I realized I have to wait until December for. There were however a few issues with the book that my OCD just will not let me overlook.
The author has our hero, Corbin, giving up being an alpha in his family clan, a role he was groomed for since he was born, in order to set off with his friends and start a completely new clan elsewhere because his view of how the clan should be run differs from the way his father wanted things run. I would think that as an Alpha, Corbin would be able to bring the clan into the current century as he would like to without his father's approval and the clan would have to follow. Instead, he just leaves. Who does that? Also, for someone groomed to be the next alpha, Corbin is surprisingly insecure about everything. If this were the only issue, I could probably overlook it and give the story the 5 stars it obviously would deserve just on plot and story line alone. I mean I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
However, then we had the issue of aspects getting repetitive. The author needs to get her money back from whomever edited this book. There were no less than 3 parts in the book where entire paragraphs were repeated with the difference being a few words here and there. Yes, we know that the death of his mother was a severe blow, but we do not need the entire thing explained again almost verbatim in the next chapter. What happens to a shifter should he lose his life mate is tragic, but again... not something we need repeated again almost word for word in the next chapter. This is where an editor earns their keep and this one obviously did not.
CAUTION... Possible SPOILER ahead
My final issue with the book was Benjamin. Well, not really Benjamin, but Corbin's home clan as a whole. Although come to think of it, this may be part and parcel a part of Corbin's insecurity and solely located all in his head. It sounds as if Corbin's relationship with his brother and former clan is not the best. They hate him for not taking up the role of Alpha and leaving the clan to his younger brother. Who was never meant to be their leader. Yet when it comes down to it and we finally meet Benjamin, he is warm and cordial. Not at all how I would have thought someone who hates his brother would behave. This inconsistency bothered me the most.
Don't get me wrong, all these things aside, the author is a fantastic story teller. I found myself so engrossed in the story and the building mystery that I could not put the book down. I literally read the entire thing in less than a day and found myself wishing I had the next book in the series so I didn't have to stop reading about the Black Bears of Independence. Sadly, I would have to giving a 5 star story and plot line merely 3.5 stars rather than the 5 stars I am dying to give it. I also find myself hoping the author gets the issues with the story fixed because the errors do a disservice to her talent as a storyteller. I am so glad I decided to read this and am dying to read Cade's story next.
The author has our hero, Corbin, giving up being an alpha in his family clan, a role he was groomed for since he was born, in order to set off with his friends and start a completely new clan elsewhere because his view of how the clan should be run differs from the way his father wanted things run. I would think that as an Alpha, Corbin would be able to bring the clan into the current century as he would like to without his father's approval and the clan would have to follow. Instead, he just leaves. Who does that? Also, for someone groomed to be the next alpha, Corbin is surprisingly insecure about everything. If this were the only issue, I could probably overlook it and give the story the 5 stars it obviously would deserve just on plot and story line alone. I mean I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.
However, then we had the issue of aspects getting repetitive. The author needs to get her money back from whomever edited this book. There were no less than 3 parts in the book where entire paragraphs were repeated with the difference being a few words here and there. Yes, we know that the death of his mother was a severe blow, but we do not need the entire thing explained again almost verbatim in the next chapter. What happens to a shifter should he lose his life mate is tragic, but again... not something we need repeated again almost word for word in the next chapter. This is where an editor earns their keep and this one obviously did not.
CAUTION... Possible SPOILER ahead
My final issue with the book was Benjamin. Well, not really Benjamin, but Corbin's home clan as a whole. Although come to think of it, this may be part and parcel a part of Corbin's insecurity and solely located all in his head. It sounds as if Corbin's relationship with his brother and former clan is not the best. They hate him for not taking up the role of Alpha and leaving the clan to his younger brother. Who was never meant to be their leader. Yet when it comes down to it and we finally meet Benjamin, he is warm and cordial. Not at all how I would have thought someone who hates his brother would behave. This inconsistency bothered me the most.
Don't get me wrong, all these things aside, the author is a fantastic story teller. I found myself so engrossed in the story and the building mystery that I could not put the book down. I literally read the entire thing in less than a day and found myself wishing I had the next book in the series so I didn't have to stop reading about the Black Bears of Independence. Sadly, I would have to giving a 5 star story and plot line merely 3.5 stars rather than the 5 stars I am dying to give it. I also find myself hoping the author gets the issues with the story fixed because the errors do a disservice to her talent as a storyteller. I am so glad I decided to read this and am dying to read Cade's story next.
December 19, 2017
Good reads.
I really enjoyed the love story between Corbin and Eloise. This in not the type of book I normally read but it was recommend by a friend. I am looking forward to reading the other books in series.
I really enjoyed the love story between Corbin and Eloise. This in not the type of book I normally read but it was recommend by a friend. I am looking forward to reading the other books in series.
February 9, 2019
In Black Bears of Independence KR Hall makes a great start with her first book in a new series. These characters are likeable and you really want to know them and who they are. Corbin and Eloise both have reason to be wary and not trusting of others. Corbin and his brothers have sunk quite alot of money into the dude ranch and need for it to be successful and a new start. Elouse just wants to forget her stalker cheating ex boyfriend and have peace in her life. Add all of the drama inherent in their situation and add in that there is someone trying to destroy what Corbin and his clan have built and you have the makings of a good story. I like the chemistry between them and the fact that even though they have reason not to trust they still want someone to love and who loves them completely. I am a sucker for a good romance and that is what this book gave me. I will admit there are some editing errors that drove me nuts but didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. I definitely will read more by this author just because I want to see her grow as an author...she can only get better. You will enjoy Corbin and Eloise.
March 22, 2020
K.R. Hall is a new author to me and I am hooked! I devoured this book in one afternoon. Oh how I love a good shifter book. I really liked the different plots. They really work together and it puts a different spin on the story. When Corbin meets Eloise he instantly knows he found his mate. With him being a bear shifter and her being human he is a bit reluctant to tell her his secret but eventually just takes the plunge. Shocked at first Eloise knows she can't turn her back on Corbin due to the strong pull between them. The big issue is her psycho ex that can't let go of her and will go to any length to get her back. Throw a insane business owner in the mix you got yourself one hell of a read.
I am really impressed with K. R. Hall's writing. It kept me engaged and glued to the pages. Now I'm off to read the next book in this series.
I am really impressed with K. R. Hall's writing. It kept me engaged and glued to the pages. Now I'm off to read the next book in this series.
January 29, 2019
This book had great bones and potential to be so much more. You could tell this was the author's first published work, based on the story not being has smooth as it could.
The great points of this story are the romance between Corbin and Eloise, the conflict between the people wanting the town of Independence and the shifters as well as the villain to the romance of Corbin and Eloise.
The author just needs to work on smoothing out the transitions between point of views and how to explain each conflicts differently. There is information missing from this story that I'm hoping the author fills in with the next book.
The great points of this story are the romance between Corbin and Eloise, the conflict between the people wanting the town of Independence and the shifters as well as the villain to the romance of Corbin and Eloise.
The author just needs to work on smoothing out the transitions between point of views and how to explain each conflicts differently. There is information missing from this story that I'm hoping the author fills in with the next book.
Read
February 15, 2020I can honestly say, I enjoyed this book. It grabs your attention from the very start and keeps you hooked until the end, and leaves you wanting more. Very well written and has the right pace. I kept rooting for Corbin and Elosie, for they have both gone through so much alone as well as together. Know I want a black bear with blue eyes!!
February 16, 2020
This book has a great mix of suspense and passion.
When Eloise enrols at a dude ranch to get way from her over possessive cheating ex she doesn’t count on meeting her one true love.
With Corbin it only took one look to know Eloise was his mate, but with someone out to destroy the ranch and a threat to Eloise’s life will they survive to get their happy ever after?
When Eloise enrols at a dude ranch to get way from her over possessive cheating ex she doesn’t count on meeting her one true love.
With Corbin it only took one look to know Eloise was his mate, but with someone out to destroy the ranch and a threat to Eloise’s life will they survive to get their happy ever after?
February 17, 2020
Black Bears of Independence: Corbin
Fated ones, bear shifters, plenty of romance and some suspense. The concept was good but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. The story jumped around a lot and just lack depth. The story and characters have promise perhaps if they were fleshed out a bit more.
Fated ones, bear shifters, plenty of romance and some suspense. The concept was good but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. The story jumped around a lot and just lack depth. The story and characters have promise perhaps if they were fleshed out a bit more.
January 26, 2019
Eloise and Corbin's story is intense. I love the Foreward, explaining the shifter-verse in this series. There's still some unfinished business for the dude ranch. Looking forward to following that up the next book.
January 30, 2019
Pretty good read, Eloise has some thinking to do about her ex-boyfriend but meeting Corbin changes everything. Together they have to deal with a crazy stalker and an even crazier group of nuts wanting to rid Indepencence of all shifters. Hope the "nuts" will be clarified more in the next book
February 1, 2019
Corbin has decided to open a dude ranch in Independence, Colorado. With a clan of bears, he completes his dream. Eloise is part of the first group to stay at the ranch. Spotting Corbin, she tries her best not to drool. Might I suggest a napkin?
November 24, 2019
I struggled with whether or not to leave a review for this book. While I immensely enjoyed the core of the story, they way it was brought together was lacking for many reasons stated in other reviews. I loved the story idea and I would be very excited to read an updated version.
February 15, 2020
This was the first book I have read from this author but believe me it won’t be the last.. She took shifter books to a new plane. The story was romantic,funny and a little scary at times. A definite must read for shifter fans.
February 25, 2023
Black Bears of Independence: Corbin
I liked reading this story and really felt for the characters in some parts of their story
I liked reading this story and really felt for the characters in some parts of their story
February 16, 2020
Wow I loved this story, the depth of emotions, of the shared connections is so intense. A scary subject handled skillfully and with finesse. I need more of this series.
May 25, 2021
Interesting character, good world building. The author certainly draws you in and makes you want to pull for Corbin and Eloise. I have seen many twists on career/living arrangements for packs of bear shifters but opening a dude ranch in a ghost town in Colorado is definitely a new one.
A bit of an insta-love but there is at least some conflict and suspense with the mysterious man and Eloise's stalker. A good debut and interesting read
A bit of an insta-love but there is at least some conflict and suspense with the mysterious man and Eloise's stalker. A good debut and interesting read
November 16, 2021
This is the first book in a series that's about shifters. It's really good with a decent storyline. I do think that it could use a little more detail to give more to the story. But I did give it a 4 star because the author did a very good job of giving descriptive details ie scenery, location. Overall this book kept my attention and really held my interest. I also liked seeing the relationship between Corbin and Eloise taking shape. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 7, 2022
Good start to this series. I enjoyed getting to know the hero, Corbin, and the heroine, Eloise. I enjoyed the introduction to the secondary characters as well. The writing was good but I did find the transitions between one scene and another rather disconcerting. The change in scene was abrupt so sometimes it left me confused as to whether I missed something. Other than that, it was well written and I enjoyed my introduction to this author's writings.
December 10, 2024
I couldn't Bear to put it down!
K. R. Hall writes such an engrossing story that I couldn't Bear to put it down.
Her characters of Corbin and Eloise quickly stole my heart. And the secondary characters pulled their weight as well being fun or terrible as they were meant to.
The storyline was witty and fun of twists that kept
this reader turning the pages.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series. A must Read!
K. R. Hall writes such an engrossing story that I couldn't Bear to put it down.
Her characters of Corbin and Eloise quickly stole my heart. And the secondary characters pulled their weight as well being fun or terrible as they were meant to.
The storyline was witty and fun of twists that kept
this reader turning the pages.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series. A must Read!
August 3, 2020
was an interesting book to read shared interesting history according to the author.. but while reading things happen with no explanation or at least for this reader i was left wondering why this incident happened and there was no follow thru or mention as to why or what happened.. but all in all was a fun read
November 30, 2022
Bear shifters
I love bear shifter books! This one had a good plot but felt a little disconnected or rushed at times. I’m interested to see how everything plays out in the other books.
I love bear shifter books! This one had a good plot but felt a little disconnected or rushed at times. I’m interested to see how everything plays out in the other books.
June 14, 2020
Great read, fun and inviting!
Want to read
June 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/14/2020)! 🎁
May 4, 2022
Mystery
Corbin and Eloise are meant for each other, but can they survive what her ex boyfriend has in mind for them? Will they survive someone trying to destroy the ranch?
Corbin and Eloise are meant for each other, but can they survive what her ex boyfriend has in mind for them? Will they survive someone trying to destroy the ranch?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews