Bear and Bear Alike

The Blackwood Brothers #3

by Marie Mason

Ryland and Ryker Blackwood were twins. Identical, thigh clenching bear shifter twins who had no trouble getting women into their beds. Or bed. They’d shared just about everything in life—even their women. The scent of the cat shifter they found on their construction site was driving both Blackwood brothers crazy with lust. Or was it? Every time they thought they were getting closer to finding the woman who would be their mate, one of their bears backed away. The hot and cold feeling they were getting from their animals was confusing the shit out of them. Was the cat shifter meant for one of them or both of them? This is a longer story at 70,000 - cause Ryker and Ryland are up to some nice naughtiness!!

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Anthologies, Adult, Erotic Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2014

Reviews

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Cont Short Paranormal Erotic Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Yes
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4


★Review★

Again another great addition to the series.

I loved Ryland and Ryker and their confusion to begin before they realised that Emma, was in fact an Emma and an Abigail.

A great story and as I said in book 1, I like that it is a world in which shifters are "out".

However, having 2 sets of twins as the main characters was at times confusing, and there were a couple of occasions the author herself got confused, and used Ryker instead of Ryland, or Abigail instead of Emma. Also, the issue Emma had, I felt could have been explained a bit more, or more detail into why she thought she could not have a mate, and how Ryland was, and also, what effect it may have in the future. That felt a bit unfinished.

But, I really enjoyed reading this, and there was an intriguing character I hope has his own book, or will get one.

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this whole review needs to be spoilered because, despite how the book blurb makes it seem like Ryker and Ryland are gearing up to share a mate, their “mate” is actually twin women. But one of the women, Ryland’s mate, Emma, doesn’t have a scent so she’s been parading Abby’s scent all over the place and Ryland is confused because he thinks Abby’s scent must belong to his mate. And Ryker and Ryland are battling jealousy because they don’t realize there are two women.

Mostly, this story didn’t make sense and confused me. For starters, you have a lot of head jumping and when you have a Ryker and a Ryland and between paragraphs you suddenly switch heads you start to wonder if the author didn’t make a typo or something. And the author really does mix tehm up, which becomes obvious when they actually get together. Then you start seeing Ryland and Abigail paired up instead of Ryker and Abigail. On top of that, these shifters act like they don’t know the rules about being shifters… Emma knows that Ryland is her mate and Ryker is Abby’s mate. And yet, she talks about Abby getting claimed by both of them (since she doesn’t believe Ryland will claim her since he can’t scent her). I guess because she thinks Ryland would just jump on Abby’s scent or something? But if Ryland is her mate, why would he be attracted to Abby’s scent? He’s not, which is in line with the actual rules established, but Emma acts like she doesn't know that...like it’s possible for Ryland to claim a mate that isn’t his or something. And their motivations? What’s with that? Both women are escaping some bad people and instead of latching on to these grizzly bear shifters that can actually protect them, they avoid them and run from them. Abby says she’s not abandoning her sister to be claimed by her mates, but if you think that through for a minute, no matter what, if Abby says “protect my sister” her mate is going to do his damndest. So I don’t know why they were so avoidant. Or the fact that it’s pretty darn cruel to keep them confused for no damn good reason.

And of course because this book is longer, there are a few more editing errors than in the second one. Nothing major, but some slightly jarring ones, like “seal my fat” instead of “seal my fate” or “helicious” (what does that even mean?) Or the fact that Ryland addresses Emma as “Emma Sorenson” and then later claims he has no idea what her last name is. Also, I can typically overlook some hymen ridiculousness when it’s a single sentence and it’s glossed over (and I understand that not everyone is knowledgeable on the actual female anatomy, but dammit, if you’re going to write romance about virgins, you really should know where the hymen is...most especially if you’re a woman living in the 2010s). But I can’t overlook it when the Ryland spends 2 pages thrusting in and out of Emma, “a little over two thirds inside her” and “With a final surge, he broke through the barrier that separated them, taking her innocence.” This isn’t a little thing...he spends 2 pages in the process of breaking her hymen. And then apparently “the flared head of his dick caught against the remnants of her barrier,” deep inside her. Now the idea that he could feel some flap of skin (even misplaced in location) after it’s been torn is ridiculous. Then of course we get to do it again as Ryker fucks Abigail to a full climax before tearing through her hymen. RME. This was so annoying.

[Never Stop Reading or Dreaming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review

This was a decent book. It was kinda funny how their scents kept changing and all. But in the end I liked it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twintastic!

This was the best of the series so far. Twin bear shifters, Ryland and Ryker Blackwood were great in this one. These two had scented their mate, but the elusive cat was different diving them mad. Inside, neither one knew how they would deal with the one mate. Sure they had shared before one nighters, but a mate would be totally different. Could their own twin bond survive sharing? They are on the hunt for the mate, but this hit and cold vibe is making them crazy.

Jaguar twin Sisters, Abigail and Emma have been on the run. They settle in a town where Emma knows hers sister's mates are. Yes, "mates", but Emma knows because of her secretary's get her sister in touch with her mates.

This is sexy, humorous and delightful!

I look forward to the next next in this series.

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Bear and Bear Alike
Author: Marie Mason
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Ebook – part of an anthology
Pages: 215
Rating: 5
Heat: 5

Main Characters: Emma, Abby, Ryker, and Ryland

Thoughts: I read this as part of the Men Love Curves Anthology not realizing that it was part of a series but with that being said, I loved it! Even though this is the third book in the series I was not at all lost or confused when the other characters and their stories where mentioned. The writing was so good that I am now going to read the first two books in the series. Ms. Mason is a new to me author and I can’t wait to read more of her books!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twins Ryland and Ryker Blackwood are conflicted after finding their mate. They never thought they would have to share and both of their bears are unsettled about it. Finding their mate is more difficult than either anticipated as she manages to remain elusive, but maybe their is more to their mate than they realize.

Very fun read and completely unexpected. I don't want to reveal too much but it was pleasantly refreshingly new. Was a fan of the Blackwood series prior to this and now after even a bigger fan. Paranormal fans you will enjoy this one.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from this author, I really liked the back story worked out for Emma and Abby and the way they had tried to protect themselves from the trouble that plagues them. I loved Ryland and Ryker, especially once they realised why the elusive cat scent they'd searched for all over the city was driving them both crazy, turning hot and cold. Unfortunately, I felt the tension was left to drag out for too long and even once the scent issue was resolved Ryland and Ryker were not trusted - I always prefer when the couple builds trust and take on the world together as opposed to when one of the two just rushes head long into danger and typically causes a huge mess for the other to try and clean up/fix, all due to a lack of trust or belief in the other mate. Personally, I think this book would have been better with a little more trust and a little less mess.

[Patricia Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Reads Customer

5 delightful stars. I enjoyed this book so much. The storyline and characters made this an wonderful read.Highly recommend. Bravo!

[Beth Fuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Showing

I've been waiting for the Blackwood Twins book. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline the author chose for Ryder and Ryland even if the idea of twins mating with twins is a bit too easy of a device. The author managed to stir it up a bit with the boys struggling to come to terms with the possibility of having to share the same mate when it was clearly the last thing either wanted to do. The unique disability for one of the girls was another nice change of pace. And I always like when other characters are carried onward into a series. While I don't make a habit of commenting on this particular flaw, the thing that really drop the rating of this book for me was the extremely poor editing. This isn't about typos, there were glaring instances where the twins were all turned around regarding who was with whom; often from one sentence to the next. There were enough words missing that it would take going back a couple of paragraphs to figure out what was going on.there were also several instances where a word was misspelled badly enough that it practically changed the meaning of a sentence or paragraph completely. If the editing was done with nothing more than a program like Word then the author did herself a gross disservice. I can't help but think using a professional editor or beta readers would have helped immensely.

For a reader vested in the series, you should be able to stumble through this book and appreciate it for the storyline and overall continuity. For someone hoping for a standalone, you will probably be disappointed.

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome read. I just love shifter books and this book had plenty of shifter in it. I loved the fact that the Blackwood family was so close. Ryland and Ryker was twin bear shifters. They had caught the scent of their mate and was having a hard time finding her. Ryland and Ryker were having a hard time dealing with the fact that fate was being curl and sending them a mate to share.

Abby and Emma were twin panthers. They had a hard life. Seem like no matter how much they long for a break they were not getting it. Bother sisters were very protective of the other. Abby was not only on the run from a very bad shifter that wanted her and her sister but on the run from her mates as well. She hated the thought of being separated from her sister. How could fate be so cruel and send her not just one but two mates knowing her twin would never have one.

The play interaction that you read between Ryker, Ryland, Emma, and Abby was so funny. I love that we got to see the protective nature that a shifter has for his mate. This book was so good I will have to make sure to check out the previous books in the series.

[H. Duby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock

I'm a sucker for pretty much any sort of shapeshifter romance. Throw in the fact that the heroine(s) are curvy girls, and I'm sold! I haven't read many shapeshifter romances where the animal in question is a bear, but Bear and Bear Alike has definitely whetted my appetite for more bear shifter stories.

I really love the relationships in this book, especially betwen the brothers. And the characters in the book are very believable. I really hate to give the book less than a 4.5 rating, but the book really, really needs some serious editing. I'm willing to re-rate the book upon reading a final version of the book that is not an ARC. However, in the version that I am reviewing, there are numerous places when the author is meaning to refer to one twin by context, but uses the other's name. There are also lots of places where words run together.

Despite those issues (which would ordinarily earn an author a MUCH lower rating), I truly enjoyed meeting the Blackstone brothers and I look forward to many more outings with them.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I suppose this could stand alone, but not very well. I haven’t read the previous books, but I think it’d be a lot better if I had – continuity wise anyway. Other than that it’s really not a bad book. The writing style was a little confusing because it was a little jumpy. It never particularly seemed to follow any particular point of view, even though it seemed like it should sometimes, but more followed any point of view that was involved at any given time. The story itself was exciting. There’s a little mystery, some tension of multiple types, some fun family dynamics, and there’s some suspense. The conflict is strong, but nothing too terrible occurs which I appreciate. It all made for a compelling read with an ending I adored.

Bear and Bear Alike is sweet and sexy read with a cuteness that gives it balance. Don’t miss out on this interesting peek at a group of shifters that feel like normal people you could meet any day!

[Theresa Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The storyline was a little difficult to follow at times when the author inadvertently mixed up which bear was with the girls but once I went back and re-read the sentence it became clear that it was supposed to be the other brother. I loved how each brother was expecting twins at the end and how close in birth they were all gonna be. I am assuming there will be another book staring Liam since he was brought into the mix with the female he rescued with his sister. I can't wait to read that book. I would love to read a short follow-up novella on how the bear family is doing after the birth of all the cubs. I love the author's sense of humor. It had me laughing out loud on several occasions much to the inquiring looks of my family. Please keep writing. I love this author.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryland and Ryker Blackwood were twins. Identical, thigh clenching, bear shifter twins who had no trouble getting women into their beds. Or bed. They’d shared just about everything in life—even their women. The scent of the cat shifter they found on their construction site was driving both Blackwood brothers crazy with lust. Every time they thought they were getting closer to finding the woman who would be their mate, one of their bears backed away. The hot and cold feeling they were getting from their animals was confusing them.

A wonderful short story with an ending. The twins have shared women before, but their mate brings out an anxst between them they do not understand. Abby and Emma have been on the run and hiding from a nightmare for two years. They must decide if they can trust Ryland and Ryker to help them.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like Shifter book u wont be let down, i did enter reading this book with doubts cuz: I read a few reviews that say the same: having 2 sets of twins as the main characters was at times confusing,author herself got confused. and its true but when u are truly in the book it doesn't affect that... much.
I would of liked the hole problem one of the twins had goin on been a bit more detail into why she thought she could not have a mate, and how Ryland was affect by it, also what effect it may have in the future.

I'm a sucker any sort of shapeshifter romance, add in the fact that the heroine is curvy, and the hero loves that, u have a sure reader!

I did enjoyed my read and it was good to visit the past characters.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book, i loved the story. i grew very attached to the characters. i loved the dynamic the author has created with brothers! Oh man do i love the brothers... yummy sexy hunky bear shifters how could you not! This book take you on a amazing roller coaster ride of ups and downs and what ifs...its just a wonderful book! I would say if your into hot bears that are over protective of there mates and loves to make sure they are satisfied in every possible way then this book is for you! If you enjoy adventure with a little butt kicking then this is surely your book!

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 fangs

Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock

[Kandiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin alpha bears, Oh my!

I was so glad to finally get Ryker and Ryland's story. Their story had suspense, drama and shifter action along with some well described and satisfying sex scenes, and of course, happily ever after. The last chapter served as an epilogue, which I love!
Two things that were bothersome. The first was how long it took for them to finally track down their mate. I started skimming through because the story was starting to drag. Second, there were several times that Ryland and Ryker's name were mixed up. I don't usually comment on editing but correct name usage is important!
I highly recommend this book and must add that this is not a menage story

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the story line, the many, many mistakes made reading this book a little difficult. Sometimes the sentences made no sense at all. The bear twins mistakenly think they are both mated to one cat shifter, when really they are mated to identical twin sisters, though one of them has an issue. That issue, which is something I've never seen in any other book, isn't explained for a while into the book, so I'm nit going to give it away here. I will say it made Emma very unique and made the book quite interesting. If there was some major editing done, I'd be very happy to recommend this book to any fan of shifter books.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a cute story. I liked that the guys were all confused over their inability to share their mate despite sharing in the past. What disappointed me about this story was the overall lack of editing. Not only spelling and grammatical errors were present. There were instances where the author had the wrong brother with the sister. It would be the right pairing and then 2 sentences later she would use the wrong brother and then switch them back. It was very confusing at times and pulled me out of the story every single time. This definitely needed and editor or at the very least a very thorough beta reader.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

more than anything I dislike a book that has a cat and mouse scenario. ..hide and seek you know...have of the book the girls are hiding from the guys even though they can smell them and then there are secrets galore.

the author messed up the guys names when they were with whatever girl say ryker was to be with abby but she put the other brothers name. that happened a few times other than that the writing was good.

I liked the interactions between the twins and the girls. ..the girls are sassy and strong...they've had to be being on the run. not a spoiler you learn that near the beginning of the book.

I also liked the family time and talks. it showed a strong unit.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy Twin Bears/Sassy Twin Panthers and Danger Stalking

WOW, love both sides of this double trouble duo,feminine,fearful yet courageously protective,sassy and vulnerable,just trying to stay away from dangers and survive when sacrifice suddenly becomes more than one of them ever hoped for yet both are going to be able to get to their own HEA because of their possessive,passionate and protective bears. I'm recommending that you pick up to read for your own enjoyment and check out MARIE MASON for your own library.

[Maggie Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read!

I am so happy hat we finally got the twin's story. Author Marie Mason, did not disappoint!! I love the twist that threw the boys for a loop! I won't give anything away but I just loved this book! It took some moving as the beginning was slow to me, but it got so much better!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this sequel to Blind Date With A Bear! Was happy for Ryker & Ryland finding their mates. Their journey wasn't easy given what Emma & Abby were hiding but they came through it and I was happy with how it ended! I hope we get more with the Blackwoods although I think another story was hinted at concerning a friend of the Blackwoods!

[Livey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew two sexy bear shifters, 6.5 and looking for their mate. Twisted by the revelation that they have to share their "kitty". Well I won't give it away but the conclusion of this story was really satisfying. I hate when the shifters get abused by some psycho ( human or shifter). The mating sex is super hot! Go Maria - keep em coming! I just picked up the rest of your books in Amazon!

[Hamasat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing read and i couldnt but this book down. Emma and Abby were cute, lovely, funny, strong and so damn sassy, which i really enjoyed. But most of all they werent drive me crazy as Paige did. THANK GOD. Ryker and Ryland were great alpha male and i really couldnt choose which one i want most.if you want to read strong sassy femele and stronger male with fun short read this.

[Courtney Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book, but needs some editing

I liked this book, it has a wonderful storyline to it. But there were several errors that had me going back a little bit so I could understand. A misspelled word is one thing, but to mix up a character's name is not good... Read the first two books in the Blackwood series about Quinn and Paige, and I enjoyed those books as well.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 / 5

Essentially two stories in one. I had a hard time keeping track of which couple the story was following, because there were no indicators when you'd jump from one to the other. I also don't really like stories that follow more than one couple at a time. Plus there was the random 'teaser'--I think?-- thrown in for another novel. At least, that's what I'm assuming happened.

[Nichole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm usually a fan of these books, but this one was a hard read. Trying to keep track of who was mated to who provided some difficult moments and a couple times the wrong twins name was written which increased my confusion. There's also no warning of switching from one point of view to another. The story is good but I think it could have been better as two books or divided properly.

[Carissa Crabb · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is annoying. The author misuses words, and is unable to keep track of her own characters. She also doesn't know the difference between dominance in the bedroom vrs abuse outside of it. Ryker even slaps Abby in order to shut her up. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 4 for the story, but a 2 for the terrible editing! Names misspelled and brothers mixed up!? Little things don't usually bother me, but when they are egregious enough to take me completely out of the story I feel then need to comment.