Three Wicked Bears

by Cassia Briar

I was lost in the woods–hungry, tired, and scared. I stumbled upon a house and knocked, but no one was home. Then I did the unthinkable, the biggest mistake of my life, I broke in.

What I didn’t know then was that this house belongs to three ruthless bear shifters. I’ve angered them and they are determined to make me pay. So, they give me a choice. Either they kill me now or I become theirs.

For three months, because of my three crimes, I’m their captive.

I should be terrified of them, and I am, but I can’t ignore the tingling sensations when they’re near. Or how their intense gazes lure me in. If I’m not careful, I may never be free of them.

Genres: Dark, Fantasy, Retellings, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Why Choose

182 pages, ebook

Published March 3, 2023

About the author

Hey, I'm Cassia Briar, author of reverse harem romances.

I live in the Pacific Northwest forest. Coffee addict, cat mom, and avid romance reader.

If you like angsty romance with twisty plots, dark themes, and steam, check out my books.

For updates, join my newsletter.

If you've read my books, feel free to add them to a list on here in the Listopia section. Doing so helps other readers find them. Thank you so much!

Reviews

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars!

Gem has had a rough start to life. She has been abused sexually, emotionally, and physically and doesn't think very highly of herself or the future that lies ahead of her. When Gem gets pushed out of a moving car by the man that has used her for years, she finds herself at a cabin. She is cold and hungry and decides to make herself at home. However, when three bear shifters arrive back to find Gem in their space, they offer her a choice. Death or three months of being at their disposal.

Kevin, Blake, and Nathaniel find Gem and what starts out as punishment quickly becomes something bigger. These grumpy bears are fated to Gem and they'll do anything to protect and heal her.

“You’re safe now. Nothing and no one will hurt you.”

Learning of Gem's past changes things for everyone and even though not all the bears are happy to have found a mate, it won't stop them from claiming what's theirs. These bears want to bring out the fiery and strong she-wolf hiding behind years of trauma.

"We don’t see you as weak. We see you as ours.”

Gem is learning a whole new world and the more time she spends with her men, the more she realizes she could have a safe and happy life if she is only willing to grasp for it. It won't always be easy but she will never want for anything.

"You’re all unique pieces to my crooked puzzle.”

With danger lurking and bonds forming, will Gem and her bears build something beautiful?

Three Wicked Bears was a super well written Goldilocks retelling. It was deliciously steamy, a little angsty, and action packed. Gem started out as such a door mat but grew into a woman with grit and strength. Kevin was the older "daddy" bear of the group with grumpy yet sweet Blake and finally broody and kinky Nathaniel. They all had distinct personalities that formed such a great harem. I really really liked this.

[Oleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Гарний представник paranormal reverse harem 😋

✓вони - ведмеді-перевертні / вона - вовк-перевертень
✓retelling
✓fated mates
✓insta love я б це назвала
✓morally grey
✓hate to love
✓forsed proximity
✓found family

Що може бути краще, ніж величезні чоловіки, які obsessed від дівчини та мають власницькі та захисницькі (є таке слово?) прикольчики. А ще їх троє)))
Хоч це і новела, але авторці вдалось вплести в історію сюжет. За розвитком відносин між головним героями було цікаво спостерігати, і постіно крутилась думка "Ну, Натаніель, покажи вже своє велике серце, яке ти ховаєш за суворою маскою!!". Головна героїня багато пережила, тому перед читанням обов'язкого потрібно ознайомитись з TW.

[Jesi Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I read a why choose romance that I actually enjoyed and wasn't written by Lilith Vincent? Yes, yes I did. So, hello, Cassia, I loved reading your book. Thank you for writing one in the exact style I love💕

Albeit, why romance take me longer to read than I what I usually do with MF romance, I still found myself finding back to read this one. Their story had me hooked from the beginning. I loved all three men since they were introduced. And yes, I do have a favorite from the three. That would be Blake😌 Their respective introduction was of all them together in their introduction scene. I love that. I love to be introduced to everything at relatively the same time.

They had their flaws. They all managed them well and adapted to the fact that they were all mated and destined for the same woman. Although, some were a bit more difficult to convince, they got there. Gem included.

Kevin was the one who felt that connection with her first enough to pursue something.

Blake wasn't to far behind him but his tratement of her at her wasn't the best one. Gem was hesitant to trust the 180 change he made.

Nathaniel was the one who knew she was their mate from the beginning but didn't say anything. Sir is the grump of this group and decided it was best to take his own damaged goods out of the equation.

❈•≫────≪•◦ 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 ◦•≫────≪•❈
• bears x wolf
• boy(s) obsessed
• consent and praise
• fairytale retelling
• fantasy/PNR romance
• fated mates
• forced proximity
• grumpy x sunshine
• hand necklaces and impact play
• hate to love
• mafia undertones
• ménage/why choose romance
• morally grey
• TW: abuse

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Twist

I enjoyed this dark twist on the classic fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Gem, our fmc and the Goldilocks in the tale finds herself lost in the woods as a snowstorm hits.

Our three bears, are hunky bear shifters who don't take well to her intrusion.

[Kimberly Wisniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy bear shifters. This book was dark and hot. I absolutely love Gem and seeing her grow, even though she had been through hell. Kevin, Blake, and Nathaniel are the perfect mates for Gem. This story truly tested all my emotions and I could not have been happier with the ending.

[Pru Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER


What’s better than a bear shifter …. 3 bear shifters. This retelling of Goldilocks and the three bears had me hooked from the start. Gem is our Goldilocks and also a wolf. Kevin, Blake and Nathaniel our three bears.
When Gem is dumped on the side of the road by her abusive boyfriend she stubbles across a cabin in the woods and there she meets her three bears. We learn Gems story and we follow as she navigates her relationships with these men. It’s oh so spicy in all the right ways , a great read I really enjoyed this book .

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

KC Rating: 4🍁 | 1.5🌶

I think it was back in January when I was reading Beauty so Golden and was telling my husband about it and he was just like, is there a goldilocks and three bears retelling, I'm sure you will enjoy that one! And my reply was, oh yeah, there is, it's going to be published soon, so as you could have imagined I was waiting for it!

I may not be big on shifter romance, but I enjoyed the story and writing a lot, and the spicy scenes were great as well, so I'll be checking out the author's other works. Now, there were some things that I didn't fully like, more like some parts could have been expanded a bit more, but overall it was a great read!

Be sure to check your TW, as the book is quite dark, and some parts may not be to your liking! The book is a quick read (at least for me it was because I was sucked into it straight away). We get some amazing character development, especially for our Goldilocks - Gem and her three bears are also amazing! The spicy scenes whether one-on-one or group scenes were great as well, so give it a go once it's available!

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Connect with me!

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Goldilocks retelling!
*reverse harem
*paranormal
*multi-pov
*fairtytale re-telling
*triggers - abused FMC
*forced proximity
*shifters
*established harem (3)
*mid burn 🔥
*standalone
A fast-paced standalone of a dark and twisted Goldilocks retelling!
Our FMC Gem, a damaged wolf shifter, has certainly had a tough time of it with considered elements of physical, segsual and mental abuse (off page) in her past, and then she finds herself abandoned in the woods! Cue the traditional fairytale she finds herself in the bears cabin seeking shelter these bears are anything but kindly 😬 year we time progresses they find there’s more to Gem than meets the eye and their connection, despite their inherent hatred of wolves! Once they realise who she is it becomes very fast paced 😩🔥 and they make Gem feel loved and protected! Well steadfast leader Kevin and playful jokester Blake do, for Nathaniel it certainly takes more time and walls to crumble before he lets the little wolf in!! However Gems past and the bears current issues come chasing after them with a vengeance 😩😩
Will their connections hold on enough for a HEA?! 🙈
A solid standalone.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Three Wicked Bears" is a standalone Fairytale with a Twist, and I absolutely devoured this story. I'm not entirely sure what made this book stand out so much, but it might have something to do with the way the relationship between Gem and her three bear shifters develops. The connection to Goldilocks is perfectly executed, resulting in three big men who don't appreciate finding a young woman sleeping in one of their beds. What starts of as a punishment, ultimately results in a relationship none of these characters saw coming, and I thoroughly enjoyed the path that led them to it.

A big part of this story revolves around relationship building, but there is also a lot of action involved, outside threats they have to deal with, trauma (both past and present), spice, ... All together, it's a fast-paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat and interested in checking out this author's other work. I can definitely recommend this book!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Retelling

Three Wicked Bears by Cassia Briar is the fourth standalone in the Fairytales with a Twists books. This is a dark, why choose, fated mates retelling with a twist of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It follows the journey of wold shifter, Gem, and her three bear shifter mates: Nathaniel, Kevin, and Blake. Again this is a dark romance so check your triggers if needed. This book is fast-paced and loaded with spice. Each guy brings out a new side of Gem and gives her something she'd been missing. Ibadored the ending to this book and how ot was true to each of the characters.

[The Book Hangover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we all know the original tale of Goldilocks and the three bears, but what if Goldilocks was a shewolf and the three bears were handsome bear shifters who wanted to punish her for being a bad girl? In this book, the fairytale gets a delightfully dark, twisted, and spicy reimagining with a strong storyline, a kicka$$ FMC and lickable…….I mean likable possessive bears - I love Nathaniel. It also included characters from an already published series that has now been added to my TBR. As with all dark romances, please check your TW before reading.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this dark and twisted Goldilocks retelling. It was fast paced, drew me in immediately, and had me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. The dark and twisty was so good, I loved these broken characters and the ride they took me on while fitting all their broken pieces together to make a whole. I liked Gem as a character, I felt that she went through so much trauma but also had the most growth. This was definitely a page turner and I now plan on looking into more from this author. Good read!

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read which was fast paced with plenty of drama, suspense and twists. Fantastic retelling of a fairly tale with shifters instead. The FMC is likeable, having had to endure a lot in her life and I love her character progression. The men bring a fab dynamic to their group. Loved it

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gem's story
Told in multiple POV
There was action, suspense and steam! The spicy scenes hot!! 🔥
I loved Gem. Not only was she was a survivor, she still managed to be sweet. I loved seeing the growth in her.
Kevin, Blake, and Nathaniel. I couldn't pick a favorite. Each of her mates helped her in different ways.
I thought the author did a great job wrapping the story up and delivering a perfect ending!

[Kristin Lindes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of stand-alone twisted Fairy-tales just keep delivering! I really really wanted to un@live people for her, Gem honestly had a rough time and I flew through her story. Please heed the trigger warnings!!!! I was pulled through every emotion and I definitely fell in love with her 3 bears as the story went along. It's a well crafted story that I recommend if you love dark with HEA and a survivor FMC.

[Lisa Sterni · Rating 2 out of 5]

somehow it feels like pages are missing. the story develops too quickly for my taste. the characters seem very one-dimensional

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely in love with this new take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Cannot wait for whatever Cassia Briar dishes out next.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Three Wicked Bears is a dark, spicy, and wild twist on the Goldilocks fairy tale—except this time, Goldilocks isn’t just eating porridge; she’s trespassing into the home of three dangerous bear shifters who have no intention of letting her go.
The setup is immediate and intense—our heroine, lost and desperate, makes a fateful mistake by breaking into the wrong house. The bear shifters are not amused, and instead of letting her walk away, they claim her as their captive. What follows is a steamy, tension-filled dynamic between her and the three possessive, alpha shifters, each with their own distinct personality. The push-and-pull between fear and desire is ever-present, making for a thrilling ride.
Cassia Briar delivers plenty of heat, possessiveness, and a touch of danger, keeping the pages turning. The book leans heavily into the captor-captive trope, with a mix of dominance, obsession, and unexpected tenderness. The world-building is minimal, keeping the focus on the primal chemistry and the sizzling interactions.
If you’re looking for a dark, steamy paranormal romance with possessive shifters and a heroine who walks the line between fear and desire, this book is a fun, guilty pleasure read. Just be prepared for morally gray heroes who play by their own rules.

[Sonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book ready to read more!

This book had me hooked from the start — dark, spicy, and fast-paced with a world that pulled me right in. I loved that the smut came in early, but I needed more depth after that. The emotional arc felt rushed. There was barely time to breathe before we were thrown into the next twist, and I really missed those quieter, connective moments — the getting to know her, the soft touches, the inside jokes, the aftercare.

And when it comes to her mates… whew. They failed her. Repeatedly. If they had just listened, so much of what happened could’ve been avoided. They acted like she was untouchable, yet she was touched and harmed multiple times — and no one really held space for that. Her anger? Brief. Her pain? Skimmed past. I wanted to see more of her trauma, her nightmares, her distrust before the revenge arc — which by the way, was phenomenal. But even that came months later, with so much of her emotional processing left off-page.

Still, I devoured this book. I’m invested. I’m intrigued. And I’m absolutely reading more from this author — but I’m hoping for a little less rush and a lot more healing next time.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read about this connected world being written I was SO excited! I absolutely love all the fairytales, I grew up having them read to me, and as I got older I read them myself. Now as an adult 😉, I am LOVING the retellings and the different ways that these authors are writing them.

It was definitely appropriate that Goldi and her three bears were re-made into a shifter twist. And it was so much fun seeing that our Goldi was a wolf! But man she did not have an easy life, Gem went through a lot of issues, she was abused, and her abuser did not want to leave her alone to live her life.

The three bears are not happy to see her, but there's one, alpha-hole that particularly doesn't like her being in his space... looking at you Nathaniel. But Kevin our leader, and Blake our resident joker want her around, especially when they realize how special she really is. Once they get together, things don't go easy on them, and you just wanna cuddle the four of them together.

Things from the past will come back with vengeance, and it won't be an easy HEA for them. I DO wish we had like two or three more chapters toward the end of the book. I just wanted to see them happy for a little bit more, that's all! Maybe a fun novella maybe in a few months? Who knows but I am loving this inter connected world so far!

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Wicked Bears by Cassia Briar is a spicy retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  In this version, Gem ends up abandoned in the forest as a blizzard approaches.  After breaking into a cabin, she is caught by three bear shifters.  Gem has been through a lot, and as the men begin to see the extent of her trauma, they become nicer.  However, she has a secret. Will the men still want her if they discover the truth? 

     I enjoyed this story.  The characters captured my attention as they slowly revealed themselves and their various natures.  This story has action, betrayal, self-discovery, possessive touch her and die men with lots of spicy moments.  I rated this story 4 out of 5. It has fascinating characters, an exciting plot, and much more that I won't spoil.  If you have triggers, please check the content warnings, as there are some dark moments. If you like reverse harems with fated mates and bada$$ fmc that find themselves Three Wicked Bears is for you. 

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I truly enjoyed all of the characters in this story, It was a well written why choose book. Gem oh my what she went through, and how she persevered. She was a very well developed strong character that would not give in. I could not believe her tormentor would not leave her alone, I agreed with her men that he needed to die for what he put her through. That being said, please read the trigger warning, there is a lot that could bother some people in this book.

The plot draws you in, it is definitely action packed with just the right amount of spicy moments. I definitely enjoyed seeing the bears change from punishing her to fierce protectors. I highly recommend you read this fast paced dark retelling. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kassey J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best but not the worst I've ever read. I really just wanted more I felt like the story could of been a thousand times better if it was longer and if we got an epilogue and they had babies. I was kinda disappointed with the end it felt rushed. Also I get that this is a fictional book but I personally like when authors try to show in some way that the characters are adults who go about intimacy maturely because even though this book is 18+ doesn't mean that younger ones won't read it. So they need to see the mature way of thinking of intimacy and the possible concequences of not going about it in a safe way especially during the times we are living in. Anyways that's why I'm giving the book just a 3 cuz I wanted more.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐻Why Choose
🐻Fairytale Retelling
🐻Forced Proximity
🐻Romantic Suspense

Three Wicked Bears is part of the Fairytales With A Twist series of standalones. So far, this is my favorite of the series..it might have a little to do with the fact that I love Goldilocks! I love Gem and how sweet she was until she learned to stand up for herself…then she wasn’t afraid to put her guys in their place. Each of the guys are so different from each other. Kevin is “the boss” and the leader of their group. Blake is the jokester and Nathaniel is standoffish and doesn’t seem to want anything to do with Gem. But, Gem fits in with these three so well and was made for them! I loved the suspense and emotions that this story brought out in me. It had my heart racing at time but then at others it made my heart so happy! I can’t wait for more of this series and to see what these talented authors come up with!

[Momof3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked Goldie Locks and the three bears and spicy things you will definitely like this version of it. Gem is left behind on a back road in the woods and ends up getting lost in woods. She happens upon a cabin where no one is home. She is then found by the 3 owners asleep in one of their beds. Kevin is the boss man of the group, Blake is hard yet soft in ways, and Nathaniel is very hard and unforgiving. As things go forward the guys change towards Gem but then something happens. Can they work things out again? You should really read this book to find out. I promise you won't be disappointed at all. You might even thank me lol.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, sooooo this book was amazing! 🔥🔥🔥
Loved the fairytale twist and that it was about shifters. It was a short read and one that will definitely be on my re-read list.
Basically, Gem was goldilocks who found herself coming across an empty cabin in the middle of the woods. After she made herself at home, the 3 sexy bears came home and they weren't happy.
It immediately grabbed my attention and kept it throughout the entire book.
I thought it was well-written, fast paced, and super interesting. Would absolutely recommend for anyone who loves dark fairytale retellings or reverse harems.

*I did receive a free arc copy for my honest review.

[karl.loves.the.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Wicked Bears is the third release from the multi-author series, Fairytales With A Twist! This dark and spicy story is definitely not the Three bears you know!!! When a lost and rejected Gem stumbles upon a cabin deep in the woods her life changes for ever. I recommend diving into this dark and twisted fairytale but be warned this is on the darker side. The spice level definitely doesn’t disappoint. Not the spiciest I’ve read but perfect for the story. A definite recommend for me but as always make sure your comfortable with what your reading. There are some toucher situations happening in the story. Dare to go into the woods, Happy Reading Book Besties💙

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wolf and her three bears…

This book has a darker theme to it. Gem is used and abused by her boyfriend. When he is tired of her, he pushes her out of his car in the middle of no where. She thinks he’ll come back for her but he doesn’t. She must find shelter and when she comes across a cabin she enters it without permission.
When Nathanial, Blake and Kevin return home they find a sleeping Gem. They decide they will keep her for a couple of months as punishment for breaking into their home.
This gets a little twisted and dangerous but by the end these three bears get to keep the girl.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! I need a trio of sexy bears to protect me and to play with! I call dibs on Kevin if I have to pick just one, but they are all delicious in their own way, and perfect for Gem. I loved all of them from the beginning, and just kept falling more in love with them as the story went on. Especially when they all figured out their mate bond, in their different ways, and their different reactions to it. They are so protective, supportive, and encouraging for Gem, and I love seeing that in relationships. The history of the characters were flawlessly done, and I was completely immersed in this book and absolutely devoured it. Amazing read!

[Ange Bennetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and twisted fairytale indeed! This take on Goldilocks and the three bears, is steamy, full of tension and danger and just a really good time! Gem is a tortured and neglected wolf who is callously pushed from a moving vehicle by her awful boyfriend. Coming across a cabin the woods, things start to take a familiar turn! Faced with three bear shifters who think she has invaded their space, Gem is faced with an interesting conundrum, stay with them for three months, or run? This is a great read, I really enjoyed it!