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Bearcat
He was the last man she thought she could trust...
As the right hand to The Mistress, New York City’s most notorious mobster, Charlie learned early on that when the boss points, you shoot—or you’ll end up on the wrong end of the bullet. And she has no reservations about doing what it takes to survive. That is, until the cost becomes the blood of the innocent and she’s forced to Will she become the monster everyone thinks she is? Or will she throw everything away and try to outrun death?
And that death hunts her in the form of disgraced ex-cop-turned hitman, Everett Daniels.
She was the last woman he thought he'd fall for...
Everett regrets the day he turned to The Mistress for help in locating his missing wife. Now trapped in her service, he will do anything to settle his debt. When Charlie goes on the run, Everett sees a chance at freedom that he can’t afford to turn down. Tasked with returning The Mistress’s protégé, Everett has everything to gain. But he can’t shake the question in his head— why would the heir of a criminal throne leave everything behind? Could it be that Charlie isn’t the viper he thought she was? Discovering that answer might cost him everything…
As the right hand to The Mistress, New York City’s most notorious mobster, Charlie learned early on that when the boss points, you shoot—or you’ll end up on the wrong end of the bullet. And she has no reservations about doing what it takes to survive. That is, until the cost becomes the blood of the innocent and she’s forced to Will she become the monster everyone thinks she is? Or will she throw everything away and try to outrun death?
And that death hunts her in the form of disgraced ex-cop-turned hitman, Everett Daniels.
She was the last woman he thought he'd fall for...
Everett regrets the day he turned to The Mistress for help in locating his missing wife. Now trapped in her service, he will do anything to settle his debt. When Charlie goes on the run, Everett sees a chance at freedom that he can’t afford to turn down. Tasked with returning The Mistress’s protégé, Everett has everything to gain. But he can’t shake the question in his head— why would the heir of a criminal throne leave everything behind? Could it be that Charlie isn’t the viper he thought she was? Discovering that answer might cost him everything…
282 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2023
7 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 28, 2022
In what ought to be called a stellar debut, S.E. Warren gives the Roaring 20's a futuristic twist. Boston mafia assassin Charlene Seville has a reputation as the Mistress' most lethal weapon; she's ruthless, she's efficient, and she never leaves business unfinished. But when faced with a job that's too much even for her, Charlie realises that she won't be able to escape the Mistress' wrath unless she disappears from the map. But the Mistress isn't about to let her best asset escape her clutches... And so ex-cop-turned-hitman Everett finds himself chasing the ever-elusive Charlene Seville in exchange for his freedom. The two soon become tangled in a web of deceit and dangerous loyalties in which the Mistress may not be the only one pulling the threads.
What a BOOK, guys! I'm not particularly into mafia reads, but I have to admit that I can't get enough of Warren's "BearCat". Set in a a future that has decided to bring the Roaring 20's aesthetic back, this thrilling story gave me so much more than I expected. Best pitched as "The Godfather meets The Great Gatsby", this book was amazing from the front cover to the acknowledgements, and I know I'll be thinking about it for many days to come. The writing was poetic at times, and thrilling at others, always knowing when to lean more towards either thing—and the pacing was fast enough to transmit the thrill of the chase, but disciplined enough that nothing felt rushed or confusing.
There are two main characters in this book, who take turns to tell the story, and I fell in love with both. On the one hand, we have Charlene Seville, assassin extraordinaire who nonetheless has a heart of gold. Despite how grim her profession is, Charlie evokes sympaty really quick; and, despite her good intentions, she doesn't hesitate to pull a trigger or scam a man. She was every bit as hypnotic as Everett assured us, and to be honest? I, too, would kill to protect Charlene Seville. On the other hand, there's Everett, the man who fell for the woman the Mistress commanded him to kill. No matter how much you try, you simply can't dislike him. The big guy just wants to be released from the Mistress' claws, and yet he finds himself sacrificing that promise of freedom for the woman he has grown to love. I was in such awe of him all along!
In this book, you won't find spicy scenes—since the two characters have a slower-than-slow burn romance, which I already count among my favourite bookish couples of all times. The fact that both of them are badass, and kick ass, only made me drool MORE!
Something that usually happens with mafia-themed books is that either there's too much violence, and not enough clever scheming; or there's too much focus on the spice, and the mafia storyline is a mere excuse to throw in a lot of steam. Either way, mafia-themed books tend to not feel very realistic, which was why this book stood out even more. From the way Charlie and Everett kept fighting to outsmart not only the Mistress, but also her competitors, I could feel the breathtaking tension of this invisible war that raged on in Boston, and follow the ever-raising stakes. The ending left me struggling to pick up my jaw from the floor!!!
This is an incredible book that I want absolutely everyone to read. I can't wait for the sequel!
What a BOOK, guys! I'm not particularly into mafia reads, but I have to admit that I can't get enough of Warren's "BearCat". Set in a a future that has decided to bring the Roaring 20's aesthetic back, this thrilling story gave me so much more than I expected. Best pitched as "The Godfather meets The Great Gatsby", this book was amazing from the front cover to the acknowledgements, and I know I'll be thinking about it for many days to come. The writing was poetic at times, and thrilling at others, always knowing when to lean more towards either thing—and the pacing was fast enough to transmit the thrill of the chase, but disciplined enough that nothing felt rushed or confusing.
There are two main characters in this book, who take turns to tell the story, and I fell in love with both. On the one hand, we have Charlene Seville, assassin extraordinaire who nonetheless has a heart of gold. Despite how grim her profession is, Charlie evokes sympaty really quick; and, despite her good intentions, she doesn't hesitate to pull a trigger or scam a man. She was every bit as hypnotic as Everett assured us, and to be honest? I, too, would kill to protect Charlene Seville. On the other hand, there's Everett, the man who fell for the woman the Mistress commanded him to kill. No matter how much you try, you simply can't dislike him. The big guy just wants to be released from the Mistress' claws, and yet he finds himself sacrificing that promise of freedom for the woman he has grown to love. I was in such awe of him all along!
In this book, you won't find spicy scenes—since the two characters have a slower-than-slow burn romance, which I already count among my favourite bookish couples of all times. The fact that both of them are badass, and kick ass, only made me drool MORE!
Something that usually happens with mafia-themed books is that either there's too much violence, and not enough clever scheming; or there's too much focus on the spice, and the mafia storyline is a mere excuse to throw in a lot of steam. Either way, mafia-themed books tend to not feel very realistic, which was why this book stood out even more. From the way Charlie and Everett kept fighting to outsmart not only the Mistress, but also her competitors, I could feel the breathtaking tension of this invisible war that raged on in Boston, and follow the ever-raising stakes. The ending left me struggling to pick up my jaw from the floor!!!
This is an incredible book that I want absolutely everyone to read. I can't wait for the sequel!
November 21, 2022
Excellent use of tropes! Well written with a fresh perspective on a futuristic setting. Really an interesting take on bringing the roaring 1920's theme stickered on semi-futeristic tech. I read this book in one setting, could not put it down! Perfect place to end the book until we get the next one! That being said, I am SOOOOOOOO looking forward to when the next books comes out!
December 6, 2022
Before this ARC I never knew there was such a thing as Decopunk, but I'm so glad it's a thing. If I could have read this in one sitting I would have, but you know kids. I adored SE Warren's debut novel and I'm salivating for the next installment. It had all the tropes I gravitate towards: slow burn, enemies to lovers, rival mafias, chosen family, etc. If you're looking for a fast paced, twisty, slow burn romance with a bad ass female protagonist and her grumpy male love interest set in a futaristic world that is based around the glitz of the 1920s then this book is for you. One of my favourites of the year and I cannot wait to get my full ebook copy in January. If I can get my hands on a paperback copy I'm totally doing it.
The easiest 5 star rating I've given.
The easiest 5 star rating I've given.
November 28, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Warren’s debut novel. I found it to be very engaging, and despite it having zero spice (I usually read dark romance) I really enjoyed it. I was invested in the story, and thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style. Poetic at times, the style of the novel is at times pure art. The mafia storyline was very interesting and emotional. The progression of the romance was well done and all of the characters were well crafted. I am extremely looking forward to the follow up to Bearcat! As for my 4 star instead of 5, there wasn’t anything majorly wrong with the book. I try to save a 5 for books that are perfect or near perfect. Warren is off to a great start, but like all authors (including myself) has room to grow in line editing. Very few authors come out of the gate with a 5. Please read my 4 star as an incredibly enthusiastic rating, I can’t wait to see more from Warren!
March 27, 2023
AMAZING! I'm already ready to start the second novel because I can't wait to continue following these characters while they navigate the beautiful and dangerous world the author has created. 10/10!
January 5, 2023
Did y’all know there is a genre called decopunk? I sure didn’t before this ARC. I am in LOVE with this book!
It is a futuristic book that is surrounded by the 1920’s style.
This book revolves around a woman named Charlie and a man named Everett. Charlie was raised in the mafia and is being groomed to take over from the boss lady.
Everett is an ex cop that had some unfortunate things happen to him and is now in the same mafia.
This is a slow burn (no spice), enemies to lovers, excellent banter one liners, found family, decopunk, mafia, action packed book. Had someone told me I’d love a book like that… I’d probably not agreed.
This is the authors debut novel and she did amazingly wonderful! I love everything about this book! I can’t wait to read the next one already.
This book will be available Jan 10 and I can’t recommend it enough.
It is a futuristic book that is surrounded by the 1920’s style.
This book revolves around a woman named Charlie and a man named Everett. Charlie was raised in the mafia and is being groomed to take over from the boss lady.
Everett is an ex cop that had some unfortunate things happen to him and is now in the same mafia.
This is a slow burn (no spice), enemies to lovers, excellent banter one liners, found family, decopunk, mafia, action packed book. Had someone told me I’d love a book like that… I’d probably not agreed.
This is the authors debut novel and she did amazingly wonderful! I love everything about this book! I can’t wait to read the next one already.
This book will be available Jan 10 and I can’t recommend it enough.
December 11, 2022
A fantastic start to this series! Loved the twists and turns. The characters are really well written. The setting is awesome. A bunch of my favorite tropes were featured. And the romance is top notch!
January 10, 2023
It took me a little time to get into this book but once I was in a couldn’t put it down. As someone that loves history the idea of a modern world being set in the 1920’s was so interesting. There are so many amazing elements of old and new coming together. The MFC and the MMC are amazing and developed so well throughout the story. You get a dual first person POV from both. With crime lords, slow burn, secrets, I don’t need no one I’m an independent women and a man that just wants to honor his word there is so much to this book. I cannot wait to read the next book. Little cliffhanger at the end but nothing to crazy. Great book!
November 5, 2023
This is great debut from S.E. Warren. It's my first steampunk/decopunk read. I am definitely looking forward to following this story in book 2.
February 13, 2023
I heard about this book from Susan May, Warren’s newsletter. This is her daughter’s first published novel. If you go to her website, she’s currently offering the first book in the series for free.
https://www.sewarrenfiction.com/
I truly enjoyed this one… Very different from a typical read and well written. Can’t wait to start the second book!
https://www.sewarrenfiction.com/
I truly enjoyed this one… Very different from a typical read and well written. Can’t wait to start the second book!
November 17, 2022
Great quick read! Lovable characters, funny one-liners, page turning suspense. This is the type of book you read on a long plane ride because it makes time fly. Reminded me of Maze Runner, Divergent, the Selection, etc. so if you liked those, this is a good choice! Hooked me from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down.
February 21, 2023
This book isn't the kind I would normally seek out to read, but I actually enjoyed it quite a lot! The characters were well-written and the world-building was certainly better than my own. Plus, the romance was PG for once, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that after reading all that YA nastiness out there. And this whole book for a debut author? I'd say that's pretty darn good.
Now, if the author will also allow me to make a few critiques... there were some copyediting errors, and (this is probably a me problem) there was some type of vagueness about the dialogue toward the end that confused me. But I am a person who likes books that don't make me think hard, and I was reading it late at night, and this book is meant for people older than me (I think), so those could all be contributing factors.
But on the whole, this was a good book and I think I will have to read the second!
Now, if the author will also allow me to make a few critiques... there were some copyediting errors, and (this is probably a me problem) there was some type of vagueness about the dialogue toward the end that confused me. But I am a person who likes books that don't make me think hard, and I was reading it late at night, and this book is meant for people older than me (I think), so those could all be contributing factors.
But on the whole, this was a good book and I think I will have to read the second!
February 1, 2023
Bearcat makes you want to go get into some Gatsby clothes and throw a reading party!
Bearcat is slang for a fiery woman and Charlie definitely fits this description. She is destined to inherit a crime syndicate but is that really her future? In walks Everett one of the syndicates flunkies and throws some issues Charlie’s way she wasn’t wanting or expecting!
The story building and backstories are so very well written it makes this book a fast paced fun read!
It will draw you in and won’t let go I loved every part! And the end!!!
I cannot wait for more from this author!
Bearcat is slang for a fiery woman and Charlie definitely fits this description. She is destined to inherit a crime syndicate but is that really her future? In walks Everett one of the syndicates flunkies and throws some issues Charlie’s way she wasn’t wanting or expecting!
The story building and backstories are so very well written it makes this book a fast paced fun read!
It will draw you in and won’t let go I loved every part! And the end!!!
I cannot wait for more from this author!
March 6, 2023
Fun new novel by a newer author! When a favorite author asks you to read her daughter's new series and it is set in a futuristic 1920s themed setting, I pick it up and read! I loved the story, the characters and the plot. I am ready to read book 2 and so anxious to see how the story continues. The action is well paced, the characters relatable, and she mixes cops, the mob and some romance. What is there not to love?
February 6, 2023
This story grabbed me from the beginning and would not let go. I loved the tropes and one-liners. This is a great start to a new series. I love the 1920's style in the future. I normally read very dark romance, so this did not have any spice and still kept me interested in the story. I will definitely be following this author in the future. Great book!!!!!
January 24, 2023
A wonderfully poetic decopunk romance. I loved the way the author mixed the vintage gatsby vibes with the sci-fi technology. The main characters are *chefs kiss* and their struggles kept me hooked until the very end. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews