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Bears of Burden #5
Sam: Eine Paranormale Romanze (Die Bären von Burden)
Sam hat gesehen, wie jeder seiner Kumpel den Gefährten-Bund durchlebten, und er freut sich für sie alle. Wirklich. Aber er kann eine leichte Eifersucht nicht unterdrücken. Er hat eine sehr lange Zeit darauf gewartet, seine Gefährtin zu finden, und er ist mehr als bereit. Presley Gray ist in einem sehr strengen Haushalt aufgewachsen, der von ihrem Vater, einem Feuer und Schwefel Prediger in der kleinen religiösen Enklave am Rande von Macon, geführt wird. Jetzt, da sie frei ist, fühlt sie sich fast wie ein junges Fohlen, das soeben erst gelernt hat auf eigenen Füßen zu stehen. Als Sam endlich Presley Gray gegenübersteht, ist er voller Freude und Erleichterung, dass er sie endlich gefunden hat. Seine Gefährtin. Allerdings gibt es da ein kleines Problem, sie ist die Freundin seines Cousins. DIESES BUCH IST NICHT FÜR LESER UNTER 18 JAHREN GEEIGNET.
164 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2017
777 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 4, 2018
Silly and sweet as a cotton candy.
Reminds me of a Northern Exposure episode, "Wake Up Call: where Maggie may or may not have met up with a bear in human form.
Reminds me of a Northern Exposure episode, "Wake Up Call: where Maggie may or may not have met up with a bear in human form.
April 30, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
I think sterling probably takes the manwhore of the year award.
But throughout the series Sam has been portrayed as a semi-manwhore as well. The usual cocky too hot for their own good fireman.
However, the supposed manslut which his cousin has adoringly accused him of, also the last one of the series most likely, has turned out to be the only decent one in the group.
As the other guys managed to sleep with OWs the night before meeting their mates, one managed to reject his mate so he can go his merry ways with the buffet sampling and let's not talk about Sterling at all, this one was actually tired of this immature shit, and rejected the OW's advance even before meeting his mate, as politely as possible. May be it wasn't blatant since he was actually a gentleman and he was trying to be polite but he has NOT taken her up on her advance!
And once he figured out he has a mate, no matter who SHE was dating, as far as he was concerned HE was taken, his loyalty comes to her first, even before his friends. He belongs to HER first. He lives to protect her and cherish her.
There was a little safety trigger,
Heroine was also amazing. Once she realised what she wants, she had a solid backbone. If Sam had cheated on her, she'd have been beyond hurt but she'd have lived. She'd have survived very well. She didn't give him a single backward glance, he had to grovel for something he didn't even do.
As I said, this guy missed the memo on how to manwhore 101.
I think he got how to domesticate a bear memo instead!
I think sterling probably takes the manwhore of the year award.
But throughout the series Sam has been portrayed as a semi-manwhore as well. The usual cocky too hot for their own good fireman.
However, the supposed manslut which his cousin has adoringly accused him of, also the last one of the series most likely, has turned out to be the only decent one in the group.
As the other guys managed to sleep with OWs the night before meeting their mates, one managed to reject his mate so he can go his merry ways with the buffet sampling and let's not talk about Sterling at all, this one was actually tired of this immature shit, and rejected the OW's advance even before meeting his mate, as politely as possible. May be it wasn't blatant since he was actually a gentleman and he was trying to be polite but he has NOT taken her up on her advance!
And once he figured out he has a mate, no matter who SHE was dating, as far as he was concerned HE was taken, his loyalty comes to her first, even before his friends. He belongs to HER first. He lives to protect her and cherish her.
There was a little safety trigger,
Heroine was also amazing. Once she realised what she wants, she had a solid backbone. If Sam had cheated on her, she'd have been beyond hurt but she'd have lived. She'd have survived very well. She didn't give him a single backward glance, he had to grovel for something he didn't even do.
As I said, this guy missed the memo on how to manwhore 101.
I think he got how to domesticate a bear memo instead!
May 15, 2020
My hand tingled where it was clasped in his and I looked up at him to find him staring at our entwined hands with an awed expression. “What?”
He looked at me and blinked a few times. “You feel that?”
I bit my lip and nodded.
He shook his head and grinned, giving a boyish charm to his handsome face. “I’ve waited a long time to feel something like that.”
A lonely shifter finds his mate in a sheltered and broken girl.. 4.5 stars!
Another great story from Burden!! Sam was such an absolutely perfect and protective sweetheart. After seeing all of his friends find their mates, he wants nothing more than to find his own. So when he unexpectedly finds his mate while working as a firefighter, he couldn't be more ecstatic or ready to claim her. But Presley has just escaped a fanatical religious cult and is stunned by her instantaneous reaction to Sam, especially after she's sworn off men. Sam is determined to prove to Presley once and for all that she can trust him and that he'll be with her every step of her new life. Their story was full of so much sweet sexiness and growth, and I just loved seeing all the other shifters and their mates interact. I cannot wait for Matt's story and the final page in Burden!! ♡
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May 4, 2018
This had the right elements, H is a bear shifter, h has left awful family of religious zealots. But it went downhill due to silly plot devices, ridiculous characters, especially the h who is selfish and stupid. She had the potential to be interesting, but I could not finish.
November 12, 2024
Sam
Bears of Burden #5
Sam and Presley
I liked this story. Between the first Thorn, and this one, these are my favorites of the series.
Presley has been thrown out of her family home. A home that comes with a very overly religious father, who has raised his daughters to fear everything that is opposite what he preaches. He’s physically and emotionally abusive. But she sees this as her opportunity to live a real, open life.
Sam has watched all his buddies find their mates, hoping to find his. When he’s called out to a cabin fire, the last thing he’s expecting is to find her there.
Presley is confused by her reaction to Sam. She’s never experienced anything like the physical reaction he produces in her. It scares her.
It doesn’t take long for them to get together. And she’s very accepting of his bear. Thanks to Matt, Sam’s cousin who has been helping her out after the fire.
These two fell into their relationship quickly and easily. But there was always something holding Presley back. Sam could see it occasionally when he looked at her. Her experience with healthy relationships with men were limited. Her father really did a number on her then there was her fiancé, Kyle the bully that’s been around throughout the series.
I enjoyed the story. Loved the ending with Presley and her dad.
Bears of Burden #5
Sam and Presley
I liked this story. Between the first Thorn, and this one, these are my favorites of the series.
Presley has been thrown out of her family home. A home that comes with a very overly religious father, who has raised his daughters to fear everything that is opposite what he preaches. He’s physically and emotionally abusive. But she sees this as her opportunity to live a real, open life.
Sam has watched all his buddies find their mates, hoping to find his. When he’s called out to a cabin fire, the last thing he’s expecting is to find her there.
Presley is confused by her reaction to Sam. She’s never experienced anything like the physical reaction he produces in her. It scares her.
It doesn’t take long for them to get together. And she’s very accepting of his bear. Thanks to Matt, Sam’s cousin who has been helping her out after the fire.
These two fell into their relationship quickly and easily. But there was always something holding Presley back. Sam could see it occasionally when he looked at her. Her experience with healthy relationships with men were limited. Her father really did a number on her then there was her fiancé, Kyle the bully that’s been around throughout the series.
I enjoyed the story. Loved the ending with Presley and her dad.
January 1, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Bear shifter
Bears of Burden series Book 5
Trigger warnings
Cheating (not mains on each other)
Toxic family
DV - family violence on mfc
Presley (27, mfc, human)
Sam (mmc, bear, fireman)
Kyle (mfc's ex)
Hutch (bear, mated to Veronica)
Veronica (bear)
Thorn (bear, bar owner, mated to Allie)
Allie (human)
Sterling (bear, mated to Ophelia)
Ophelia (bear, sister to Kyle)
Wyatt (bear, survivalist guide, mated to Georgia)
Georgia (human)
Matt (veterinarian, cousin to mmc)
Presley moved away from Macon's Edge to get away from her family. Her "new house" was not what she had been told to expect; it was falling apart. Burden, Texas, was supposed to be her start over. She had been thrown out of her family, their home, and essentially the town where she had been raised. All because she had dated Kyle, who cheated on her. Matt finds her stranded on the side of the road and helps her. She works hard to make the house livable but wakes up one night to it engulfed in flames. Sam saves her, but she is so scared she lied and said she was dating Matt. Matt, his gay cousin. Not that Sam knows about Matt, but now it's all a mess. Then it's all too perfect and blows up in their faces.
Standalone, interconnected characters
Bear shifter
Bears of Burden series Book 5
Trigger warnings
Cheating (not mains on each other)
Toxic family
DV - family violence on mfc
Presley (27, mfc, human)
Sam (mmc, bear, fireman)
Kyle (mfc's ex)
Hutch (bear, mated to Veronica)
Veronica (bear)
Thorn (bear, bar owner, mated to Allie)
Allie (human)
Sterling (bear, mated to Ophelia)
Ophelia (bear, sister to Kyle)
Wyatt (bear, survivalist guide, mated to Georgia)
Georgia (human)
Matt (veterinarian, cousin to mmc)
Presley moved away from Macon's Edge to get away from her family. Her "new house" was not what she had been told to expect; it was falling apart. Burden, Texas, was supposed to be her start over. She had been thrown out of her family, their home, and essentially the town where she had been raised. All because she had dated Kyle, who cheated on her. Matt finds her stranded on the side of the road and helps her. She works hard to make the house livable but wakes up one night to it engulfed in flames. Sam saves her, but she is so scared she lied and said she was dating Matt. Matt, his gay cousin. Not that Sam knows about Matt, but now it's all a mess. Then it's all too perfect and blows up in their faces.
May 18, 2017
Presley is a woman thrown out of the only home she's ever known by her over protective zealot father, after he finds out she was engaged to someone not of his approval and faith. At 27, no longer under her heavy handed father's control and dumped by her supposed cheating fiancé, she settles in Burden, hoping to finally learn what's it like to be an adult and to have choices in her life. Sam is a bear shifter and firefighter, answering a call to a burning residence, only to find that the woman inside is both his mate and is trapped inside. After freeing her, he learns he needs to win her trust before he can win her heart. This book is sweet, has heat and lots of 'aww' moments... it's a great addition to the Bears of Burden series and I would certainly recommend it!! ( I was given an arc of this book, in exchange for an honest opinion. I do love this book, this series and would honestly recommend it to anyone who loves a good shifter book with a hea!)
May 21, 2017
I make no secret of being a big fan of the Bears of Burden series. But I have to say, they just keep getting better with each story. Sam has been in the background of the previous books always lamenting that he hasn't found his mate yet. That is why I was so excited to get my hands on his book finally. Sam is a fireman and bear shifter hungry to find his mate. Presley is a lost soul. Her strict preacher father was the law, not only in their home but in their town. Presley, having been lead astray by men, is cast out of the family home, and town, with nothing. We have met Presley in other books and she wasn't the most endearing, but we only knew part of the story. To finally get all of her story and read her connection to Sam is so much fun. This is probably my favorite of this series. I love how the women mated to the other bears always pull together to welcome the new lady even before the stubborn bears accept her. I hope this series continues with more stubborn bears and the women that love them. I requested this as an ARC so that I could post an honest review.
August 12, 2019
An Awesome Read!!
I loved reading SAM (Bears of Burden Book 5). All about Sam a bear shifter who is a firefighter and Presley Gray a young women who is twenty-seven years old & is just spreading her wings coming out of a very religious upbringing. The author wrote a story about a young women who has lived a very sheltered life under the threat of a religious cult of her father/pastors making! She has been shunned by her father and thrown out of the community for her mis-deeds to make it on her own. Read about Sam & Presley and how they found out they are mates! Then further explore with them how you go about becoming a couple and what that all entails for the future! I’ve read this entire series from book 1 thru book 5 and I can’t wait to read the final book 6 next! These stories are about bear shifters who are big and gorgeous and insanely hot!! Hope you give them a chance, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
I loved reading SAM (Bears of Burden Book 5). All about Sam a bear shifter who is a firefighter and Presley Gray a young women who is twenty-seven years old & is just spreading her wings coming out of a very religious upbringing. The author wrote a story about a young women who has lived a very sheltered life under the threat of a religious cult of her father/pastors making! She has been shunned by her father and thrown out of the community for her mis-deeds to make it on her own. Read about Sam & Presley and how they found out they are mates! Then further explore with them how you go about becoming a couple and what that all entails for the future! I’ve read this entire series from book 1 thru book 5 and I can’t wait to read the final book 6 next! These stories are about bear shifters who are big and gorgeous and insanely hot!! Hope you give them a chance, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
April 23, 2025
Sam brought a quieter kind of romance to the series, and honestly, it worked. Sam’s been the steady, good-natured one all along, and this story let that softness shine in the best way. His patience and unwavering belief in the mate bond made the connection feel comforting rather than rushed.
Presley’s background added an interesting layer—her journey from restriction to freedom made her emotional hesitations feel real. She’s figuring out how to trust herself, not just Sam, and that personal growth gave the romance some lovely emotional depth. Watching her start to believe she deserved something gentle and true was incredibly satisfying.
The added complication with Sam’s cousin didn’t create the kind of overblown drama it could have, which I appreciated. The tension felt grounded in real emotional stakes, not forced misunderstandings. A quietly strong wrap-up to the Bears of Burden series, with just enough spark and plenty of heart.
Presley’s background added an interesting layer—her journey from restriction to freedom made her emotional hesitations feel real. She’s figuring out how to trust herself, not just Sam, and that personal growth gave the romance some lovely emotional depth. Watching her start to believe she deserved something gentle and true was incredibly satisfying.
The added complication with Sam’s cousin didn’t create the kind of overblown drama it could have, which I appreciated. The tension felt grounded in real emotional stakes, not forced misunderstandings. A quietly strong wrap-up to the Bears of Burden series, with just enough spark and plenty of heart.
July 4, 2025
Sam brought a quieter kind of romance to the series, and honestly, it worked. Sam’s been the steady, good-natured one all along, and this story let that softness shine in the best way. His patience and unwavering belief in the mate bond made the connection feel comforting rather than rushed.
Presley’s background added an interesting layer—her journey from restriction to freedom made her emotional hesitations feel real. She’s figuring out how to trust herself, not just Sam, and that personal growth gave the romance some lovely emotional depth. Watching her start to believe she deserved something gentle and true was incredibly satisfying.
The added complication with Sam’s cousin didn’t create the kind of overblown drama it could have, which I appreciated. The tension felt grounded in real emotional stakes, not forced misunderstandings. A quietly strong wrap-up to the Bears of Burden series, with just enough spark and plenty of heart.
Presley’s background added an interesting layer—her journey from restriction to freedom made her emotional hesitations feel real. She’s figuring out how to trust herself, not just Sam, and that personal growth gave the romance some lovely emotional depth. Watching her start to believe she deserved something gentle and true was incredibly satisfying.
The added complication with Sam’s cousin didn’t create the kind of overblown drama it could have, which I appreciated. The tension felt grounded in real emotional stakes, not forced misunderstandings. A quietly strong wrap-up to the Bears of Burden series, with just enough spark and plenty of heart.
May 25, 2017
One Hot FireBear and more
Sam is one really hot FireBear! Presley was raised is what might as well have been a cult from the sound of it. She was kicked out by her father. The small town she was raised in was basically all the religion's folks so she was cast out and sent away. She had it rough for a while until she met Matt. Which led her to her job....
But where does the hot FireBear fit in? Well, he recused her from her house fire and let's just say the fire inside the house was not the ONLY heat that shifter felt.
Love that Candace Ayers gave us extra reads too so if you are not familiar with her work, you get to enjoy some of her other shifter takes too for more bang for your buck.
Sam is one really hot FireBear! Presley was raised is what might as well have been a cult from the sound of it. She was kicked out by her father. The small town she was raised in was basically all the religion's folks so she was cast out and sent away. She had it rough for a while until she met Matt. Which led her to her job....
But where does the hot FireBear fit in? Well, he recused her from her house fire and let's just say the fire inside the house was not the ONLY heat that shifter felt.
Love that Candace Ayers gave us extra reads too so if you are not familiar with her work, you get to enjoy some of her other shifter takes too for more bang for your buck.
November 21, 2019
Sam the firefighter has a bad rep with the ladies. Presley has sworn off all men, after escaping her controlling preacher father and a painful engagement. She rented a hovel sight unseen and immediately regrets it. She makes a friend of local Vet Matt who basically saves her from her “lost little girl” life and gives her a shoulder to lean on and a job. Sam saves her from certain death and their mate instinct frightens her. Lots of drama and cameo appearances from previous books adds humour to help these two connect. I read this using my KU subscription.
October 9, 2021
Disobeying her very strict, very narrow-minded father earned Presley Gray a beating, a shunning and being run out of town. Moving to Burden, Presley quickly makes friends and lands a job with the local vet before entering her rental. An emergency has fireman bear, Sam, rushing to Presley’s apartment and recognizes her as his mate. but naïve Presley’s afraid of their too fast, too deep attraction and fakes a relations hip with the vet. who happens to be the fireman’s cousin.
Rating: 3.25stars
Rating: 3.25stars
December 28, 2019
Bear Mates Butterfly
Sam, a bear of a firefighter meets his mate when he rescues her from her burning rental house .
Presley grew up in a small religious community & has never really experienced anything on her own or with anyone she trusts; but, that’s all about to change after she meets Sam.
This book was very good in the story & with Presley coming out of her “cocoon” so to speak & starting to live life to it’s fullest.
Sam, a bear of a firefighter meets his mate when he rescues her from her burning rental house .
Presley grew up in a small religious community & has never really experienced anything on her own or with anyone she trusts; but, that’s all about to change after she meets Sam.
This book was very good in the story & with Presley coming out of her “cocoon” so to speak & starting to live life to it’s fullest.
May 19, 2017
A sexy fireman and a bear - what's not to love about Sam? I am thoroughly enjoying this series and was so glad to learn Presley's story. Sam and Presley's tale is so fun and kept me turning pages. I love that the story works as a standalone, but for those that have read the series in order, we get the added bonus of seeing past favorites. I can't wait to see what's next for this series.
May 1, 2018
Fast, feisty, steamy read
SAM is a quick read, with an immediate combustible connection. Full of steam and drama it's not hard to read this in one sitting. I know I couldn't put it down. This is the first Best of Burden book I've read, but after reading this I will definitely be going back to check out the others. Great read!
SAM is a quick read, with an immediate combustible connection. Full of steam and drama it's not hard to read this in one sitting. I know I couldn't put it down. This is the first Best of Burden book I've read, but after reading this I will definitely be going back to check out the others. Great read!
July 20, 2018
Sam
I enjoyed this story; the author didn’t make the characters some rich, hopelessly romantic lost millionaires. They appeared to be hard working people, and the mates came from somewhat everyday lives. Sam was a typical good-looking man with no commitments to one single person, until he meets his mate. His mate has issues, but who doesn’t. It was an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this story; the author didn’t make the characters some rich, hopelessly romantic lost millionaires. They appeared to be hard working people, and the mates came from somewhat everyday lives. Sam was a typical good-looking man with no commitments to one single person, until he meets his mate. His mate has issues, but who doesn’t. It was an enjoyable read.
August 21, 2018
Can she overcome her father and ex to trust in her new lover?
Presley comes from a strict puritan family and town. Sam is a bear shifter firefighter, who happens to be her mate. Can Sam get Presley to trust him and overcome her fears?
Come enjoy this and other stories of women finding themselves with the help of their mates.
Presley comes from a strict puritan family and town. Sam is a bear shifter firefighter, who happens to be her mate. Can Sam get Presley to trust him and overcome her fears?
Come enjoy this and other stories of women finding themselves with the help of their mates.
June 17, 2019
Finding the wild side.
I loved Sam, the werebear firefighter and I love how he supports, loves and unrepresses Presley from her psyche of religious suppression. Also great is the sense of community and family with the oher shifters and mates in Burden, Texas. This is one of my favs of this series. Loving yet sexy and wild.
I loved Sam, the werebear firefighter and I love how he supports, loves and unrepresses Presley from her psyche of religious suppression. Also great is the sense of community and family with the oher shifters and mates in Burden, Texas. This is one of my favs of this series. Loving yet sexy and wild.
December 18, 2019
Sexy shifter firefighter yes please
Sam wants nothing more than to find his mate and never have to worry about being a lone again...but so far shes no where to be found until Presley comes to town and her rickedy home goes up in flames...he saves his mate from burning alive...but can he prove to her that he can change and he truly is all in?
Sam wants nothing more than to find his mate and never have to worry about being a lone again...but so far shes no where to be found until Presley comes to town and her rickedy home goes up in flames...he saves his mate from burning alive...but can he prove to her that he can change and he truly is all in?
March 31, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow!!!
Excellent book. Loved it! Another funny, funny story with all kind drama and chaos! Loved it how the story it jumps to the next book and make want to know what's going to happen next and I can't stand not knowing. Love it! Love it! Love it!!! Excellent book Candance. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💘💘💘💘💘💘😍😍😍😍😍😍💞💞💞💞💞💞💖💖💖💖💖
Excellent book. Loved it! Another funny, funny story with all kind drama and chaos! Loved it how the story it jumps to the next book and make want to know what's going to happen next and I can't stand not knowing. Love it! Love it! Love it!!! Excellent book Candance. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💘💘💘💘💘💘😍😍😍😍😍😍💞💞💞💞💞💞💖💖💖💖💖
August 16, 2022
Just couldn't give this one 5 stars
I am loving this series and the world Candice created. But this one really needed a proofreader. I don't just read a book, I live in it. When I come across a spelling error or time line issue or any error, I am jerked back to reality. I don't like that! Still a very good book and I'm moving on to Matt's story.
I am loving this series and the world Candice created. But this one really needed a proofreader. I don't just read a book, I live in it. When I come across a spelling error or time line issue or any error, I am jerked back to reality. I don't like that! Still a very good book and I'm moving on to Matt's story.
May 18, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. This series is amazing! Great shorter story PNR! I can never put The Bears of Burden down & this one was no different! Presleys character was new, inventive & I just loved her! Can't wait for more.
June 26, 2017
What a Bear!
Wow! The bears just keep getting better and better in this series. Loved it! There is some sexual content and violence. Sam is so loveable as are all the bears. Superbly written and very memorable characters. Need Mark's story.
Wow! The bears just keep getting better and better in this series. Loved it! There is some sexual content and violence. Sam is so loveable as are all the bears. Superbly written and very memorable characters. Need Mark's story.
June 30, 2017
Sam
Candace Ayers delivers as usual. Sweet and Spicy romance with a bit of not sex thrown in. The story ends with a bit of a mystery leaving readers to look forward for the next installment of the bears of Burden.
Candace Ayers delivers as usual. Sweet and Spicy romance with a bit of not sex thrown in. The story ends with a bit of a mystery leaving readers to look forward for the next installment of the bears of Burden.
March 8, 2018
Great story
I really enjoyed this well written book. These characters and storylines are easy to like and enjoy! I looked forward to starting each book as soon as I finished the book before! Highly recommend this series!
I really enjoyed this well written book. These characters and storylines are easy to like and enjoy! I looked forward to starting each book as soon as I finished the book before! Highly recommend this series!
August 27, 2019
One of the best so far
One of the best so far. Sam is every girls wet dream and Presley is very relatable. The low self confidence and not knowing your own worth is a common problem with many. I liked the little bit of danger and really looking forward to Matt's story.
One of the best so far. Sam is every girls wet dream and Presley is very relatable. The low self confidence and not knowing your own worth is a common problem with many. I liked the little bit of danger and really looking forward to Matt's story.
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November 7, 2019Courageous and sexy
It takes courage to seek out and become who you are meant to be. Presley takes us along on her journey of self discovery as she meets life head-on. Sam finds his mate and stands be her side instead of in front of her or behind her.
It takes courage to seek out and become who you are meant to be. Presley takes us along on her journey of self discovery as she meets life head-on. Sam finds his mate and stands be her side instead of in front of her or behind her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews