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Bondi Bears #0.5

Bear Affair

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“Bear Affair” is a super-explicit, super-emotional and super-erotic gay drama.
This novella is a prequel to the first two books in the Bondi Bears series (“Hound” and “The Lookout”). It follows good-time bear Gary and his drag-queen bestie through a wild evening at a Sydney gay bar, where Gary meets a sweet ginger teddy named Angus. The electrifying connection between these two leads to a night-long marathon of unbridled, animalistic lust; a loving, sensual aftermath; and a painful, bittersweet decision.

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2022

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About the author

Colin Dereham

9 books122 followers
Colin Dereham is a Lambda Literary Award finalist who lives in country New South Wales, Australia, with his bf, bff, two very spoilt Italian greyhounds, and his gorgeous Seeing Eye dog, Yuja. After careers as an opera singer and an LGBT, mental health and community nurse, Colin decided to put his lit degree to use and start writing.

When he’s not holed up in his office squinting at a fifty-five inch monitor, Colin likes reading contemporary gay fiction, eating out, and being taken for long walks around the lake by Yuja.

Colin writes about bears and otters, the furry blokes in the gay community. His works are gritty kitchen sink dramas with happy endings of both kinds: frank and detailed erotic scenes; and uplifting, romantic conclusions.

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5 stars
26 (76%)
4 stars
5 (14%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Dan.
3,830 reviews671 followers
September 25, 2023
A prequel to both Hound and The Lookout.

It's great to get more insight into Gary. He's a really great character who is just going through so much, all on his own.

The action is a strong point.

I wish the connection with Angus had lasted, but I love the present he left for Gary. Jeff could have learned a thing or two from Angus.

This isn't long, but it's poignant. Gary is definitely a keeper, and you just wanna wrap him up in your arms and tell him that it will all be OK. He's such a good guy with a beautiful, strong heart.
Profile Image for Ana.
110 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2022
I felt like a witch, a priestess who already knew what would be the fate of these two lovely men... whoever read the two previous books, these beautiful men, will understand what I mean... this bittersweet meeting represents the turning point of life of Gary and Angus, to find the most perfect and special loves to fill their hearts full of loneliness and yearnings....5 ⭐, highly recommended!! Love so much!❤️❤️
Profile Image for Maureen.
3,870 reviews39 followers
June 9, 2022
Another great achievement from this newish author, I loved it. The trouble with reading the other story first kinda makes this a touch sad reading, I know Gary with find his peace and happiness somewhere down the line. I just love the extra Aussie lingo, so similar to British working class talk, makes me miss England. But there is also humor, when they were at the urinal I laughed out loud with their shaky shaky comments, and their copping a peek. Then there's the long sex scene, Blimey! That had me sweating, it's hot, dirty, and freaking crazy. A gorgeous read
Profile Image for J.P. Jackson.
Author 21 books197 followers
June 7, 2022
I was completely enchanted with this short.

Why?

Because it was so real. Looking back to my time as a single, gay guy, out and about, Dereham's progression of the story unfolded in such a way that reminded me of my youth. Wild, horny, carefree, and on the hunt. Accurate and spot on!

A couple of words on the main characters. Gary and Angus seemed to be just two regular guys getting into stuff guys get into (Steamy hot, sweaty hot). Although the story is told from Gary's perspective - the entire tale has a hidden undertone - and no I'm not telling you. As much as it's about a one-night's good time encounter, there are underlying issues colouring Gary's every move.

Having read The Lookout by Dereham, I can attest he has a way of weaving in the reality of life into his extra spicy stories...and I love it because it's real. It's down to earth. As much as MM Romance or Erotica should take you away and leave you breathless (or breathing hard, or just plain hard), there's that extra magic when an author takes the fantasy and makes it real. When you can make me believe that these sizzling encounters might actually be more than just a fantasy, you've got me hooked.

Read Dereham's works. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,813 reviews25 followers
May 20, 2022
If you don’t like to feel a connection of lust, that could lead to a special, maybe, love…

If you don’t like to be part of viewing a relationship bloom between two humans who connect in a way they haven’t at any time before…

If you don’t feel the passion that erupts as physical sensation leaves you breathless…

You may need to prepare yourself for the intensity that Colin Dereham creates in his prequel novella, Bear Affair!

I actually read both novels, and thoroughly enjoyed the ‘future’ couples, that spring from this prequel. These two men start us all on a journey of emotional discovery.
508 reviews12 followers
June 8, 2022
This novella is such a perfect prequel to The Lookout and Hound since it introduced the MCs from each books. It gives the MCs a chance to be introduced and how they got together before going into their respective directions in the later books. With this being said, it’s a great idea to read this novella before reading The Lookout and Hound if you haven’t a chance to read any of these books.

I love how Colin, the author writes the story. You’d know it comes from a gay male’s perspective by the way he describe how two men have fun! It is realistic, to be honest with you! For those of you who haven’t read The Lookout and Hound, please don’t read them until you read Bear Affair. That way you will appreciate the MCs in their respective story. As a reader, I am appreciative that I had a chance to read these stories by Colin. If I could, I would give the books lot more stars than is allowed!
Profile Image for Trish Skywalker.
1,126 reviews65 followers
May 13, 2022
A quick and sexy read by Colin Dereham.
Here we get the story of the time Angus (The Lookout) and Gary (Hound) spent together. This time was referenced in both books and I was happy to get their story. I completely understand now why it was difficult for both of them to go their separate ways, though happy to know that everything works out for both of them.
They’re both caring, sweet, and sexy men who have a great weekend together after meeting at a drag show (Brett being as hilarious as ever). Though their time together is short, they both know it could go somewhere but Gary is just too scared to commit.
I’m glad to know they had a beautiful time together and that they will both always have fond memories of each other.
Profile Image for Sam.
437 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2022
I love the way Colin writes, how he pulls you in from page one. He has such an intensity.That intensity carries over into to each steamy scene that can make you a little hot around the collar.
Profile Image for Marie-Pierre.
220 reviews20 followers
February 13, 2023
I have never read a story like this in my life. My mind is blown. I legit started this story laughing out loud and ended up snort-crying all over my shirt sleeves. How do you even get your readers to go through all these emotions in 60 pages is incredible. Also, first time I read a story with real and raw descriptions of intimacy acts and it's freaking refreshing. Loved it.
Profile Image for Valentina.
123 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2022
A novel that it's worth reading, a story about personal growth.
Passed the funny moments, the cute moments, the hot moments, this story delivers real life. This book tells the story of that kind of hidden angst that takes no prisoners cause it lives within your soul and turns you into ground zero when set free but also gives you the possibility to be new.
I can't wait to read what's next

Profile Image for K.C..
Author 22 books259 followers
May 15, 2022
Extremely sexy and equally emotional read!

A gay bar. A drag show. A night to remember.
Encouraged by his friend, Brett, Gary approaches Angus and their chemistry jumps off the page immediately. During a night of conversation, scorching roll in the sheets, and heartfelt confessions, the two bears forge a strong bond. Even though Gary states from the start that he’s not ready to commit to a relationship, you cannot help but root for their happiness. Whatever happens next, the night filled with feels and fire will leave an impact on these two.
Steamy romance with a HFN ending that will leave you wanting more! And you can get exactly that by picking up Colin’s The Lookout (Angus’s HEA) and Hound (Gary’s HEA).

I was lucky to read the story before publication and I’m leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Ellie Thomas.
Author 63 books77 followers
June 10, 2022
This super short works well as a standalone, but if you've read The Lookout and Hound, the hook-up between Gary and Angus has so much emotional resonance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the realness of this story, the Sydney backdrop, the drag club and the attraction and banter between Gary and Angus that leads to a night of earthy, immersive passion. The fact that there is the unrealised potential for so much more between these two lovely men gives the story its depth and bittersweetness. A very hot and truly involving read.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,630 reviews20 followers
March 14, 2023
Bear Affair by Colin Dereham is superbly written, I found myself in a gay bar watching Brett, (Gary's friend ) the resident Drag Queen urging Gary on to seek out the redhead bear in the bar.
Gary does, he does not hesitate, the instant chemistry between them is electric.
Both men are vulnerable but talking together and sharing parts of their lives open both their hearts.
Angus ( redhead ) shares an extremely passionate night with Gary, its written beautifully.
The urinal scene had me crying laughing!
Gary is such a wonderful guy, he has a huge heart of gold .
What an amazing gritty believable story.
Profile Image for JJ.
414 reviews
July 21, 2022
Colin Dereham
Always writes a brilliant story keep writing I keep reading thanks
Profile Image for Nedra81 .
907 reviews
June 19, 2022
As always, Colin delivers a realistic and carefree story, weaving in the reality of life as he has done in his previous books. His books are always real, down to earth, but most importantly, filled with spice and so much fire!

“𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝘅, 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲?”

Gary and Angus’ connection was instant! Colin takes his readers away, allowing them to escape within his pages. And these two characters left me breathless more than a few times. This novella is a perfect example of my earlier assessment of a man knowing just what a man needs!!

𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩.

Another five star review for such an amazing author, with an added benefit of being a prequel to Hound and Lookout. Gaining insight on characters from each book was joyous, leaving me with a smile.
Profile Image for Caia.
328 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2023
Quote:
But this time, it’s different.
This time, I truly see
what’s missing in my life.

---

Okay I definitely wasn‘t prepared for this!
Heads up: I enjoyed it BUT I‘m currently not the most stable human being and I need my MCs happy st the end.
So this story is about Gary a sweet chunky bear, who rather sticks to ONS Encounters than dive into relationship territory.
He is afraid that him being bi-polar might destroy all the connections so he rather sticks to the things that work.
The moments he shared with Angus were so fun, sexy and besutiful and I‘m crying a bit bc of this bittersweet end
was just happy to know that this is just a short introduction of two MCs that will get their own HEAs in further books

--

gay - bear - one night stand - mental health rep - bipolar MC - sunshine MC - prelude to "Hound"

read and reviewed in nov22
Profile Image for liz_loves_reading.
367 reviews10 followers
June 16, 2022
What a wonderful, gritty prequel to the Bondi Bears series this novella is...

Bear Affair follows the story of Gary and Angus who meet up for one unforgettable night of shared passion.

The characters were realistic and believable with a real life honesty that wove through the storyline.

I loved the moments of humour interspersed with plenty of steamy spicy scenes.

It was almost like eavesdropping on their conversation, the connection and shared feelings were beautifully written.

All in all this was joy to read.
Profile Image for Jason.
10 reviews
April 5, 2024
Just read this beautiful short story. This is a wonderful tale that really explores our internal monologue as it relates to meeting new people and how our mental health expresses and impacts our relationships. There are some pretty hot scenes for a short romp and my goodness aren't they spicy! This book covers some kink as well and coming from the queer space in which this story takes place it felt really relatable. Can't wait to get to Colin's next book!
874 reviews5 followers
Read
June 7, 2022
I know the blurb said HFN, but this is not what I expected. The writing style was also very much not my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews