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A mom and her young daughter on the run. A bear shifter with a protective streak.

A forbidden love that threatens to keep them apart.

When Kay checks in at Bear Creek Lodge, Curtis instantly recognizes her as his mate. There’s just one problem. Kay is already married.
The wedding ring on her finger means he can’t declare his love for her, or even tell her they are mates. Not when she has a young daughter. Curtis might be many things, but he is not a homewrecker.
However, things are not as they seem and as he learns more about Kay, he realizes that instead of wrecking her life, he is destined to save it.

Kay is in trouble. She’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust.
Then she meets Curtis. He doesn’t deserve to get caught up in her messy life. Not when getting involved will put him in danger.
But she soon realizes there’s no stopping the grumpy-looking bear shifter when he tells her – you’re mine!

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2022

540 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Harmony Raines

292 books700 followers
Harmony Raines loves to write romance filled with magic and love. Her men are usually not so alpha, but they know how to treat their fated mates, or alien lovers well.

Email: harmony@harmonyraines.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyraine...

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From the author:
If you love shifter romances, sign up to my newsletter at http://www.harmonyraines.com/newslett... and you'll receive an exclusive subscriber only book - Fated & Mated: Love at First Site - absolutely free!

Just my way of saying thank you for giving my books a try.

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5 stars
892 (66%)
4 stars
332 (24%)
3 stars
100 (7%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Kade Gulluscio.
975 reviews64 followers
November 28, 2022
Another shifter book in my shifter spree, haha.
I think out of all of my recent shifter book reads, this one was my favorite.

In this book, we meet Curtis and Kay. Both characters have their own issues of course. I would have loved to see more character development, but the author did a great job and building their dynamic and relationship. The world development was good as well.
There's some fun spice, but nothing too... graphic i guess. Not a LOT of spicy scenes either.
I'd say this was definitely an insta-love, which i find happens in most shifter romances.
Kay is a single mom who is in trouble with a terrible "husband." Curtis becomes her hero.

Overal, I'd definitely read other books in this series. It was a good book.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,128 reviews52 followers
October 30, 2022
Can Kay find everything she ever hoped for at Bear Creek Lodge?

Curtis was running from his past when he arrived at Bear Creek Lodge, but there he found the man he was supposed to be, the family he should have had and a happiness he never knew was possible. All he is missing is his mate...
So it seems fitting that when his mate finally turns up at Bear Creek Lodge she is also running! Curtis is determined to help Kay find happiness and secure her safety. He can only hope that the future she is fighting for is a future that includes him, that she craves him as much as he craves her, he breathes easier with her close and whilst Adele may not be his child by blood, she is the child of his heart. Curtis may be quiet but he is still a hero that will sweep you off your feet and steal your heart.
A great read on Kindle Unlimited.
1,603 reviews12 followers
November 18, 2022
This is an OK shifter romance, with a likable couple -- but it was too short to have as much character development as I like. I wanted a little more backstory on both Curtis and Kay, but especially on Kay.

The couple does fall in instalove, which is typical for shifter romances. There are sex scenes, but they are not overly explicit.

I did think that Kay would have had a harder time accepting the whole shifter and fated mates thing. She wasn't a shifter, and was terrified of her terrible husband -- so I think she would have had a harder time believing that Curtis could be trusted.

One thing bothered me about the cover of this book -- but it was minor, and did not affect my rating. The man on the cover of this book has a terrible expression on his face, almost as if he is mad at the world. He actually looks kind of mean and dangerous. Curtis was described as having "one of those faces", because he always looked grumpy, but that picture kind of set me up to not like Curtis. Couldn't they have at least had the actor smile a little for the book cover? This may not be the author's fault, but it still bugs me.

One problem I have with all of this author's series is that there is so long between books. Lots of times I have to go back and reread some of the earlier books in a series, simply because it has been so long that I don't remember all the characters. That is frustrating. I know that this author writes lots of books -- but I wish she would concentrate on one series at a time, so that the books could be published closer together.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Profile Image for Shifter Haven.
256 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2023
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

The Bear’s Forbidden Love continues the A Second Chance at Bear Creek Lodge series with a romance that is full of questions as Kay and Curtis first meet. She’s on the run from a man who would take everything from her – including her life. He’s rebuilt his life and now to finally find his mate – and she’s wearing another man’s ring. Two truly wounded souls, each searching for or finally finding an escape from their pasts will meet in this small shifter town where anything is possible… eventually.

I enjoyed Curtis and Kay’s romance. And absolutely adored little Adele, talk about stealing scenes and hearts easily. The Bear’s Forbidden Love is full of intrigue and steamy moments, dealing with the past and trying to find a safe future, accepting love from the right person for all the right reasons. Trust is such a fragile thing, watching Curtis slowly gain Kay’s trust was an emotional journey. He’s an honorable man, but his mate is in trouble and there is no way he can walk away from her or her precious daughter.

There are vile villains to loathe, a couple that belongs together, steamy moments, and one sweet little girl who loves one big grumpy bear. I love returning to this world and discovering more engaging stories set in this magical town. If you love a good story, a romance that keeps you guessing, and all the feelings you could ask for then The Bear’s Forbidden Love is just right for you.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
1,281 reviews9 followers
October 30, 2022
Mate or not mate, that is the question

When Curtis first meets his mate Kay and her daughter, he is thrilled but worried about the wedding ring on her finger. He will not be a home-wrecker! But then he discovers that she is in trouble. That is all it takes to let him step up to help and hopefully claim his mate! Will he have what it takes to keep Kay and her daughter safe? He will do everything in his power to do just that.

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. You do want to read this series in order, but to get the whole picture you will need to go farther back. The whole series starts with the Bear Creek and Bear Bluff box set, followed by Return to Bear Bluff box set, Return to Bear Creek with multiple box sets and then single titles. After that, there are a ton of additional Bear Creek series that can be read. If you have not experienced a book by Harmony Raines, then this is a good introduction, but prepare to want to read the back story afterwards! This is a complex intertwined world that can really draw you in. By my count, Bear Creek Lodge is the 11th, separate series based on and around Bear Creek and Bear Bluff. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Kate.
2,570 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2023
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thought this was another good addition to the Second Chance at Bear Creek Lodge Series. I enjoyed this book more than book one as there was more of a mystery to solve. I thought the connection between Curtis and Kay was amazing. The last thing Curtis expects when he meets his mate, is that she’s already married. He can tell something is off with about the husband and it doesn’t take Kay long to realise that she has a connection with Curtis, and that he’ll never hurt her or her daughter Adele. Kay is on the run from her ex-husband Tony, with one of his men/bodyguard Warren for their protection. When Warren shows his true colours by attempting to hurt Kay and Adele with the other men that he brought to the lodge. Curtis was there to help get them to safety, after Kay knocked Warren unconscious with a tree branch which he totally deserved. I loved seeing Kay and Adele getting the loving family that they always wanted, and that they have each others backs. I loved seeing Curtis have Kay’s back when she needed him the most, even though he didn’t want her in danger but he realised that she has to do this so that her and Adele can be safe and live a life being safe and full of love with Curtis. I’m looking forward to reading Darrell’s story next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Jennifer Alex.
20 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
show, don’t tell

Goodness I want to love these books! The stories are so very sweet and I’m all about a shifter love story.

But.

Ms Raines needs an editor.

There’s too much explication, too much bogging down in backstory. The choice of a third person narrator puts distance between the characters and the reader, and it makes the story’s flow awkward. Curtis and Kay can tell us their stories; we don’t need an external narrator.

Beyond that, there were plenty of places for their to be *action* in this story (she’s running from her shady husband for goodness sake! There’s an aborted hit that we get no details on! There are BEAR SHIFTERS!!) but the writing lacked any action. When working with young writers, one of the things I tell the. Is that stories are better when we show - not tell.

All Ms Raines does is tell. And tell. And tell.

It makes the story drag when it could be incredible. I’d really like to stay in Bear Creek but there are too many other books out there. I’ll be leaving the Lodge & Ms Raines behind in search of better-shown stories.
117 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
A bit disappointing

I was looking forward to Curtis’s story, but I was a bit disappointed. The story focused more on the mystery aspect of the story than the romance. Plus things went a bit too smooth after they got all the dirt on Tony. There was very little interaction between Curtis and Adele where we were spoiled with Henry and Quincy bonding in book 1. I found myself skipping because even the interaction between Kay and Curtis lacking. Also, I found it odd that Curtis’s mom got thrown into the story. I understand why to a point but it didn’t really flow since he didn’t really think or talk about her much (unless it’s a part I skimmed), not to mention she should look older. Kay momentarily worried it was his lover (gross). The only fun parts were Warren getting chased all night by a bear and some of the inner dialogue between Curtis and his bear.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,337 reviews46 followers
October 11, 2022
Enjoyable if a bit slow and not quite believable.
Found it all silly that Kay was so soft and didn’t give Tony any grief over 4 million dollars’ worth of assets, after her tried to have her killed.
I can understand not wanting anything tainted like that but still, he set her up to be murdered and leave Adele without a mother.
Why was Curtis using his stepfather’s name. He has his real father’s name. It was also unclear if stepfather was a drug kingpin, a mafioso or a two-bit hoodlum.
I expected more drama when they went to Tony's home to confront him.
The Curtis’s mother thing was weird too.
I do love the family doesn’t have to be blood ethos of this series though.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Schellie.
866 reviews
October 12, 2022
Protecting His Mate

Kay is on the run with her daughter Adele, when fate brings them to Bear Creek Lodge. Curtis can’t believe that his mate is standing in front of him & she has a wedding ring on her finger! Could fate really be so incredibly cruel? When Kay’s life is threatened by her bodyguard, Curtis is there to save them. No Kay needs to figure out a way to end her loveless marriage, but how? There is no way Tony will ever let her go. Can Curtis & his friends find a way to help Kay & keep her & Adele safe at the same time? Check out this story today,it is sweet, sexy and filled with magic!
497 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2022
The contradiction of love

So many contradictions in love. Those who say they love you, but don't. Those who love you at first sight, but aren't sure they should express it. Those who immediately know there is a love connection, but are tied to another. Curtis, the bear shifter, and Kay and her young daughter are caught in these dilemmas. But the shifter mate bond and the loyalty of Curtis' friend's help methodically and determinedly save Kay from her desperate situation. Once again, Bear Creek to the rescue.
851 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2023
The Bears Forbidden Love #2 02/12/2023

Curtis is at work at the Bear Creek Lodge when a car pulls in and he knows right away that his mate is inside but he’s not prepared for the rack she married. But soon he knows something is wrong and after investigating he has to save Kay and her daughter from the bad guys. And then him and his friends have to save her from the really bad guy her husband. So enjoy another good read from Harmony Raines!!
81 reviews
December 18, 2024
Lovely Storytelling

I did not like that the capital letter A was involved. It would have been a much better story if the couple had kept their integrity intact. I would have liked to have had more of the story of how Curtis's mother re-discovered and re-built her own integrity. I also wish Harmony Raines would mention the other erotic places to kiss besides the obvious 3, and stop using the word "impaled". Dracula's favorite form of execution sort of kills the steamy for me.
Profile Image for Angie7.
979 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2022
Family and love

Awesome storyline; mother and child running away from a bad husband only to meet her future. Drama, a plot and a few twist.
He has past to familiar with her past, but he is her fated mate and she will fight for him. Awesome read as a second chance way dramatic. Loved it!
Well written and easy to follow laughs and emotional ...sniff sniff.
1,377 reviews
October 9, 2022
A man, a woman, a little child. Looks over the shoulder. And a bear shifter. Not everything is as it seems and you are kept guessing as I read (devoured) the pages. I was kept guessing until the very end how HEA was going to happen. Beloved characters. Family by choice. Loved it and have already preordered the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Lynnette.
972 reviews
October 12, 2022
The Bear's Forbidden Love

Curtis is working at the Lodge when a car appears with a man, a woman, and a little girl. He is happy to realize that the woman is his fated mate, but upset to realize that the man is her husband!!! Is Warren Kay's husband? What is Kay running from? Will Curtis and Kay finally find love together?
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2022
Wow!

Loved this story about a second chance at happiness. When Kay married Tony, she thought she was getting what she wanted a living relationship, but what she really got was abusive relationship, so she on the run. Curtis has just met Kay & her daughter & knows that she is his mate but married to another man! This story is about how they help each other!
6 reviews
October 21, 2022
Love this author and an auto buy for me. This had a very good story line. I only gave it 4 stars as it needed some more editing. Examples; driving in a truck but would call it going in the car; several paragraphs together had the wrong names listed which was confusing.
I enjoyed the book except for these errors.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2022
The Bear's Forbidden Love (A Second Chance at Bear Creek Lodge Book 2)

The love story of Kay and Curtis. Kay and her daughter have come to Bear Creek to get away from her husband, Tony. He want her dead. When Curtis see Kay, he know she is his mate. Can he save Kay and her daughter? Great story.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
1,388 reviews
February 4, 2025
Kay and Curtis

This is a very good, well written, Shifter/ Human romance. Kay is running from her dangerous husband with someone she thought she could trust. They stop at the Bear Creek Lodge. Then things change. She meets Curtis and he knows she is his mate but she is married and has a cute daughter. Read and learn how they overcome the challenges to their love.
20 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
A bears forbidden love

As usual Harmony Raines gives a great story from beginning to end. The characters are well thought out. I'm hoping that this part of the Bear Creek series lasts more than 3 or 4 books.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,261 reviews14 followers
October 15, 2022
WOW!! So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! Curtis helps Clint run Bear Creek Lodge! He is lonely and frustrated! She is on the run with her daughter, from her abusive husband! Curtis discovers that she is his mate! But she is married!!
Profile Image for Karla Cleland .
176 reviews
October 19, 2022
A runaway wife and the bear

Curtis meets Kay when she and her friend stops at the lodge he works at while running from her husband, He realizes they are mates and he helps her and her daughter out, Their story is sweet and full of love,
1,654 reviews
October 19, 2022
Brilliant Series

The Bears Forbidden Love by Harmony Raines. When Curtis see Kay when she books into the Lodge he knows she is his mate. Unfortunately she is wearing a wedding ring and has a young child with her. Kay looks petrified. What is her story?
Profile Image for angela gunstone.
1,857 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2022
The bear's forbidden love

Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline and can't wait to read more in this series so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Profile Image for Ravyn Karasu.
Author 49 books32 followers
November 25, 2022
Intrigue!

From the start there's I tongue when it comes to Kay (and Warren) and it's a fun ride for Curtis and his friends to figure it all out in the name of claiming Curtyis' fated mate.
Profile Image for Susan.
872 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2022
Wrong guy the first time.

Curtis & Kay: he leave his old life behind and he now works at this lodge with his friends, when suddenly his mate drives up, but she married with a daughter.. The characters will take you on a twist and turns ride of your life while telling their story.
412 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2023
The Bear's Forbidden Love

This was quite a convoluted tale of love, revenge, and justice. Kay is on the run with her young daughter when she encounters Curtis at the River Valley Lodge. With Curtis and friends on her side, she fights to gain her freedom from her estranged husband.
Profile Image for Robin Ann.
1,375 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2023
The Bear's Forbidden Love

Another good read in this series. Both the hero and heroine had secrets that could have come between them, but some expected and unexpected help they were able to overcome the ghosts of the past and get their HEA.
850 reviews
September 2, 2023
Curtis and Kay

Finding your mate and that she married stuns Curtis. Finding out her husband is trying to kill her brings put his protective streak for her and her daughter. Love the mystery of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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