The last thing Natalia Kristoff expected was that her friend’s wild dream to find her a fake husband for a Green Card would have any sort of success. Yet here she is, sitting in a private booth, listening to the sexiest man she’s ever seen lay out the details of just what he needs from her. In return, he’s going to sign the papers that stand between her and her dream job. She can’t believe what she’s hearing. Stand at his side, pretend she’s madly in love with him, all to satisfy some crazy family tradition? That’s a deal she can live with. Kirell Ursa has a problem. A big one. His bear shifter family is in shambles, struck from within by traitors. With no one in charge of security, the head of his House has nominated him for the job. The only problem? Tradition dictates that anyone in power must have a mate. If he’s going to pull off this scheme, he must find a mate in the next 72 hours. Someone. Anyone. All they have to do is pretend to love him for a few days. Things get off to a rocky start between the two when their first date is interrupted by Kirell’s enemies. As he slowly exposes Natalia to the truth, she’s forced to come to grips with the existence of another world, one she never thought existed. Shifters of all sorts collide as Kirell’s enemies work to expose his fraud, but the harder they try, the more Natalia finds she wants to be by his side. Can a relationship built on a handshake business agreement turn into something real, even in the face of a threat to Natalia’s very life?
Riley is one of those early-morning people you love to hate, because she swears she doesn't need caffeine, even though the coffee-maker is connected to her smartphone. She lives in a three-story townhouse by the good graces of a tabby-cat who rules the house, the couch, the table, well, basically everywhere. When she's not groveling for forgiveness for neglecting to pet her kitty enough, Riley is strapped in to her writing chair coming up with crazy worlds where she can make her own decisions of when feeding time is and how much coffee can be drank without her friends--of which she has three--holding yet another intervention that they threaten to post on the internet.
...this was not well written. where was the logic, someone explain.
It was insta-lovey (which is okay when done well which certainly wasn't the case here), and everything felt rather rushed. I was not a fan. I did not like Natalia, she was dumb. I was indifferent to Kirell, there wasn't anything to him.
A lot of interesting things could have been done in this book: exploring Natalia's background in her home country, exploring just anything else about Natalia that wasn't her attraction to Kirell, learning more about the Ursidae...anything just more would have been appreciated.
The action and the action (sex hehe) fell incredibly flat and left much to be desired. In conclusion, I shan't be carrying on with this series. Good day!
This paranormal romance starts with hair raising excitement and continues throughout with thrilling suspense, danger and passion as a human female is search of a marriage for green card relationship discovers so much more. Natalia and Kirell are both in a bind one needs a green card and one needs a mate to secure his position in his Queen’s house. These strong, compelling characters easily grab readers’ attention and hold them hostage as they try to navigate such a relationship with letting feelings become involved. This keeps things quite interesting and entertaining especially when Natalia learns what kind of world Kirill inhabits and what it will mean to her if she tells the secret. Lots of attitude flies around along with lots of sizzling chemistry as they fight the attraction while traversing this relationship.
The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense and adrenaline pumping danger with betrayals, traitors and surprising twists that keeps readers glued to their seats. Not only does Kirell and Natalia have to deal with their shaky relationship and all the emotional pitfalls that goes along with trying to keep anyone from learning the truth, Kirell also has to keep Natalia, the Queen and himself throughout. The author has created a fascinating world for her shifters with some unique elements that make for a refreshing change and readers will definitely want more after reading this exhilarating romance.
I enjoyed this book, read it in one sitting. I was pulled in immediately by the rebellion. Her need for a green card was apparent, but not obvious: she didn't want to return to her home country but why was not well explained (not what her degree is in). I like how the hero and heroine plead with each other verbally. She reacted appropriately when he shifted in front of her. I really enjoyed the politics of what was going on in the bear House, I think the author did a good job with that. I'm going to read the second book.
Stand alone HEA, as long as you don't read the epilogue.
Contains sex scenes, swear words, and lots of violence (rebellion, kidnapping, brutal fights and deaths).
Bearing Secrets is the first installment in the High House Ursa series. It is a fast-paced, action-packed story that will keep your heart racing from the very start and throughout the entire book. There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.
In this story, shifters are pitted against one another as power hungry men seek to take the throne, driving brothers and friends to choose sides. Amidst the action and danger, sassy women capture the hearts of these fierce bear shifters, but in doing so, they find themselves facing threats at their doorstep. Finding their mates is everything to them, but it also becomes the very thing that can be used against them.
Riley has crafted a compelling narrative in this new series, showcasing her talent for developing relatable characters and intricate plots. I look forward to seeing how the series unfolds!
Kirell Ursa and Natalia Kristoff came to a simple agreement, she needs a husband to get her green card and he needs a fake mate to ascend to Captain in the House of Ursa, what could go wrong?....
Natalia has no idea that shifters exist, but when she finds out Kirell is a bear which accounts for his very large muscles the shock lasts a very short time.. Kirill is so hot that having a little hot sex while her dreams come true is no sacrifice. Easy Peasy, not......Who knew there was so much intrigue and violence!!!! With this realization she realizes something she wasn't counting on.....
Kirell is so set on following his queens wishes to become her Captain that he doesn't realize the danger he has put Natalia in...But when he does realize it, he realizes something else, he doesn't want her to leave when their time is over.
Very well written, full of house politics, intrigue and action, not to mention the passion.
Book one Bearing Secrets of the High House Ursa series by Riley Storm. Natalia needs a green card and her friend talks her into going to a rich club to pick up a sexy rich man. Kirell is a solider for his House and defender of the ruling Royal Queen but to be promoted to Captain of the guard he needs to be mated, so he meets Natalia and they decide they can help each other out. This book was really slow for me to begin with and I did struggle to get through it but once Kirell and Natalia got together and started a relationship of sorts things definitely improved and drama with the traitor made this a lot more interesting. Not sure I’ll carry on with series but at least ending had a HEA.
I have read a handful of these types of books, I love romance but not the Shapeshifters etc types of read, normal human beings is my genre and within that handful I have maybe enjoyed a couple but this one tops the cake. I LOVED it, I loved the imagination, the descriptions, the story, the characters..everything. Kirell is a shapeshifter that can transform into a bear and Natalia is a human who does not know that such “magic” exists, until she meets Kirell. He needs a mate to take over a role in his House and she needs a husband to get her green card to stay in the country. They meet in a club when her friend drags her to find a “husband” and he is there searching for a woman to play the role of his mate. The chemistry is instant between the two and she knows that he is hiding something and he knows that she is like no other woman and the only one to pull off the charade. But there is an uprising in his house and he is in danger which puts Natalia in danger but as she proves herself time and again, the feelings that were not supposed to happen flourish....can he protect her and will she accept that she is his true mate. What an amazing read with steam, amazing characters, some suspense, mystery, action, blood and some gore, shapeshifters of different species, magic and a story that had me glued to every page. The chemistry between these two is sizzling, a big burly bear with a heart of gold and a softie and I loved their banter, especially Natalia sticking up for herself and having a backbone but what got me was the history lesson....WOW. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Bearing Secrets (High House Ursa Book 1) By: Riley Storm Traitors In 'High House Ursa' NEED Routing, So The Captain's "Bearing Secrets" Fit For The Queen! Romance, Secrets, Lies, Deceptions, & Betrayals... Read along as 'High House Ursa' is Rocked to its Foundation! Will it Survive the Devastation; find out in Riley Storm's "Bearing Secrets." He's defended his house against the traitors, But unfortunately, there's still hidden fractions left to uncover... His Queen has given HIM the title of Captain, But he NEEDS a Mate to make that happen! She's been working HARD to earn her degree, NOW she's awaiting a job with Glee, Too BAD when the offer comes in, She's left without a Sponsor for the Green Card she'll NEED! Thus, She's being Left with little choice, It's basically find a husband or face deportation back to H€LL... Choosing the Husband route, She finds Mr. Ursa from the House of Bear! Entering into a strange bargain, She soon finds his family has many Secrets it's Harboring! Now she too will be "Bearing Secrets," But will 'High House Ursa' survive ALL their telling! I was granted an ARC of Riley Storm's "Bearing Secrets (High House Ursa Book 1)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given! Until next time... Happy Reading!
book 1 of 2nd series in the SHIFTERS OF PLYMOUTH FALLS series
Shifters of Plymouth Falls HIGH HOUSE URSA PLYMOUTH FALLS series #2
Each book HIGH HOUSE URSA, the second series to SHIFTERS OF PLYMOUTH FALLS , takes you further into the bear shifter story as they try to rebuild their House after it was nearly destroyed and many High ranking members including the King were murdered (for being evil?) in a plot to try and takeover the kingdom. Each book tells the story of one shifter and his rise to replace all positions to the Court Ursidae, and the human mate that comes into the lives for each bear shifter as his mate. You have your bear and wolf shifters, mages for magic, and the humans who must keep the secret while continuing their lives with new bear shifter mates and living at URSIDAE MANOR , a Queen to rule, a war to be fought, mates to conquer, love to be won!
*Book 1 : Bearing Secrets*
In BEARing secrets, (tee hee hee) this story starts with a human female named Natalia, who needs a green card to be able to accept her dream job. Natalia and Kirell are both in a bind. She needs a green card and he needs a mate to secure his position in his Queen’s house. Chaos ensues as they try to navigate such a relationship without allowing “feelings of the softer variety” to become involved. This keeps things quite interesting and entertaining especially when Natalia learns what kind of world Kirell inhabits and what it will mean to her if she tells his secret. Lots of attitude flies around along with lots of sizzling chemistry as they fight the attraction while traversing this relationship. The plot is fraught with danger, betrayals, traitors and surprising twists. Not only does Kirell and Natalia have to deal with their shaky fake relationship and all the emotional pitfalls that goes along with trying to keep anyone from learning the truth, but now Kirell also has to keep Natalia, the Queen, himself and High House Ursa, safe from those whom would harm them all. The author has created a fascinating world for her shifters with some unique elements that make for a refreshing change and readers will definitely want more after reading this exhilarating romance. 4 more books to follow, in this series please also see.. HIGH HOUSE CANIS series #1, & House Draconis #3 you do not need to read each series in order, *I didn’t* but I would highly recommend you read Canis, Ursa, & Draconis. it is best, but not necessary.
3 different series in the SHIFTERS OF PLYMOUTH FALLS trilogy HIGH HOUSE CANIS series #1, HIGH HOUSE URSA & HIGH HOUSE DRACONIS #3 you do not need to read each series in order, *I didn’t* but I would highly recommend you read Canis, Ursa, & Draconis. it is best, but not necessary.
Warriors and soldiers battled in High House Ursa and everything around them was in shambles! But this attack was different – it had come from within, traitors they never suspected, and it took Kirell and his men by surprise. With their King already dead, they needed to protect the Queen until the rebellion was under control. In front of the throne room doors, Kirell and Kellas made a stand, outnumbered, but shifting into their bears and defeating their enemies. But then Captain Kven and six others walked toward them, and Kirell knew Kven was part of the traitorous group, perhaps even their leader. His only choice now, with Kellas badly injured, was to kill the Captain and hope the others would run. Unexpectedly, the Queen’s guards opened the throne room door and fought the six as Kirell personally attacked Captain Kven. Killing him, Kirell shifted to human as his pained body slid down the wall.
To rebuild their societal structure, the Queen needed a Captain to investigate the rebellion and identify any remaining traitors. The Captain could then approve the rest of her choices. Much to Kirell’ surprise, she named him. But to be such a Title Holder, he had to have a mate to fulfill this role. Something big was coming, and they needed to be ready this time.
Loren and Natalia had finished grad school and applied to the same places in the hope of working together. Loren already got a job offer; Natalia was still waiting. Just then the mail arrived and she nervously read it. She would be given an offer, but only if she obtained a work visa. The government had recently sent her notice that her student visa was expiring and she would need to return home. How could she convince them to let her stay here? Loren turned to her and told her the fastest way to do this – get married and get a Green Card – before the job offer expired!
With both Kirell and Natalia needing a mate, they meet and plan their fake union. But there are still those in the bear world who don’t want them together. And Natalia knows nothing of this “other world” she is planning to become part of! Will she plunge into this dangerous situation? Will Kirell be able to protect her? What will happen when her eyes are opened to what Kirell is? And especially when the fake feelings turn real?
This is such a good, well-written book! I really enjoyed reading it! The characters are wonderful and well written. The story line is exciting, pulling the reader into the action right from the start. You won’t want to miss a single page of this one! Grab your copy and immerse yourself in a world of intrigue and danger!
“Bearing Secrets” is Riley Storm’s debut novel and the beginning of her High House Ursa series. It does not have the feel of a debut instead I was transported into a world immediately that was full of tension, treason, action and believable situations that I would expect from a seasoned storyteller. So I am definitely looking forward to following this series to see where this adventure takes us. Much of what you need to make the decision to pick up this book is in the cover description. There is world building, I expect that, yet it flows easily through the dialogue and narrative in a way that does not feel like an information dump.
We step into the middle of a, for now, foiled coup as the story opens and immediately the threads are beginning to be woven to expose a much deeper problem, and more sinister enemies to be dealt with… eventually. I get the feeling of a chess match being set up by masters as the pieces (people) are set in place and each side begins their moves toward ultimate power. Kirell is the Queen’s opening move, and his placement makes such sense, especially as we learn more of the lore and traditions of this world.
Natalia and Kirell both came into this partnership expecting something from the other, and while they got what they wanted… for the most part, what they didn’t expect was for those feelings to turn into something neither expected. For the pretend to become far too true, or for the troubles and sacrifices they each would be willing to make for the other. Watching Natalia’s and Kirell’s relationship develop was fascinating. I liked them both, they each have some surprises for each other along the way. I believed in how their real feelings came about even when they gave me some serious heart attacks over their behavior. The secondary characters are unique, interesting… and many are still a puzzle as to whether we should completely trust them. That adds another layer of tension to this story, and I suspect to the entire series. “Bearing Secrets” got me hooked on continuing this series, it answered as many questions as it presented. And now I need to know what happens next. I would not hesitate to recommend this story to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who enjoys puzzles, intrigue and interesting characters to figure out.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
HANDLE WITH CARE!!! Man, oh man! Talk about fireworks and dynamite. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, heart pounding, nailbiting, pulse racing, page turning wonder that grabs your attention and holds it until the last word. A whirlwind of emotions and events really pulls those heartstrings. All the drama, nerve racking, uncertainty, fear, determination and suspense make for one thrilling experience. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises that really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. Instant attraction, strong bond and explosive chemistry are palpable as this electrifying storyline unfolds. The characters are complex and believable with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. The scenes are so graphically detailed and descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really keeps you on a razors edge while holding your breath. Riley did an amazing job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Riley, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Kirell is a bearshifter and was only a guard in The house of Ursa when traitors made a coup on their own house killed the king. Key members of the house then went after the queen to take over the house. Kirell saved her and was made captain. His job to find out who still supported the queen and house Ursa. One problem to be captain you have to have a mate. He needs one now. Natalia has just finished collage so now her visa is over and they will not give her a work visa so she can't get her dream job and has to go bad to the hellish county of her birth. Her best friend and roommate came up with the idea that if natalia got married she could get her green card, stay and get her job. One problem she has to find one now and she isn't even dating.
This story was fun so filled with action, drama, mystery, betrayal, spice and much more. It also has great characters that pull you into the story fast and the story line that keeps you there with it's wonderful twist and turns. It's not to be missed. Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly love it.
Kirell is a bearshifter and was only a guard in The house of Ursa when traitors made a coup on their own house killed the king. Key members of the house then went after the queen to take over the house. Kirell saved her and was made captain. His job to find out who still supported the queen and house Ursa. One problem to be captain you have to have a mate. He needs one now. Natalia has just finished collage so now her visa is over and they will not give her a work visa so she can't get her dream job and has to go bad to the hellish county of her birth. Her best friend and roommate came up with the idea that if natalia got married she could get her green card, stay and get her job. One problem she has to find one now and she isn't even dating.
This story was fun so filled with action, drama, mystery, betrayal, spice and much more. It also has great characters that pull you into the story fast and the story line that keeps you there with it's wonderful twist and turns. It's not to be missed. Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly love it.
Book Bears Gift of a Roaring Good Romance! Bearing Secrets High House Ursa, Book 1 by author Riley Storm is a fantastic beginning to a series. The author gently guides the reader into the shapeshifter world and its hierarchy. The storyline presented an early hook with a traditional fake romance...Natalia (human) needs to marry to get green card to stay in country for a job. Kirell (bear shapeshifter) needs a mate so he can assume the role of House Captain. But, there are those who don't want them to unite. Who doesn't want the Queen to rule. They are attracted to each other but will that keep them safe or put them in danger. This is such a great book one. The author has done an excellent job stimulating my interest in this series by how she has written the ending as a perfect lead in for book two. Definitely recommending this book for your reading pleasure and enjoyment. I am volunteering to leave a review of this advanced review book.
During an attempted coup the Captain of the High House Ursa was killed while trying to kill the Queen. She asked Kirell to take his place and find the rest of the traitors, but to do this he would have to lie to the rest of his people and say he was mated. Natalia was unable to get a work visa to stay in the country and with the help of her best friend she came up with a plan to get a fake husband so that she could stay and take her dream job. It started out as a match of convenience between two people who needed a temporary partner, but it became something real helped along by the hunt for traitors, a rival who would do anything to take Kirell's title, and friends who helped the sort out their feelings. As the book ends an opening for further books in this series is presented though we got our happy ending for Kirell and Natalia. No Cheating, No Cliffhangers. I have read and reviewed this as a voluntary ARC.
I absolutely loved this book.The first in series about the hierarchy of shifter houses. It is a romance created of convenience, Natalia needs to get her green card to stay in the country to work at a hospital, her best friend convinces her to go find a man to marry. They go to an exclusive nightclub to find her a rich man. She isn't that type of girl, but Loren pushes her to go up to the private area of the club, where one huge man has been turning groups of girls away. The VIP in the club is Tirell Ursa, the new captain of the shifter guard, who is in dire need of a mate in less than seventy two hours. He is supposed to be a mated bear to be the captain of the guard. A major coup killed the king and most of the guard, traitors within their own house. Will Natalia and Tirell be able to pull off a fake relationship that can save them both, or will the house of cards collapse in their heads and hearts?
Natalia needs a green card and every time she's applied she gets denied. A friend tells her to get a fake husband so she can stay in the US. Kirell is a bear shifter that needs a mate in order to keep his position in his community. Natalia and Kirell Meet and discuss what each other needs however Natalia has no clue what she just signed on for. There are traitors within the bear community and someone wants Kirell's position. Trouble is brewing and Kirell is in constant danger from his job. Can Kirell and Natalia see that they are more too each other than a fake mate?
This is a great book once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
This is quite the bear shifter romance! It's about Kirell and Natalia who are from totally different worlds even though they live in the same city. In this world version, shifters tend to keep their shifting abilities a secret and yet, occasionally, a human discovers their existence. Kirell is a bear shifter who needs a mate to help stabilize his clan after a coup. Natalia needs a Green Card to be able to stay here in a country she feels safe in, unlike her home country. When they meet in a local club, they feel a connection that makes them think they could make a fake relationship work out for both of them. But they don't take into account the feelings that evolve from them acting like a couple and soon neither one is so sure it's fake anymore. 💕💗🔥💕
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*WARNING* contains explicit adult love scenes and vio Kirell is a bear shifter loyal to his Queen. Kirell knows there are traitors int the House if Ursa, but his Queen has asked him to tell a lie. Kirell must do what his Queen says, right? Natalia wants to get a job working with children, but she's not going to be able to. Natalia received a letter from the government saying they are revoking her student visit, she is being sent back home. Natalia does not have anything or anyone waiting for her back home, she doesn't want to go, she needs to find a man willing to get married. I liked this book at first. I liked how the shifters were divided up into different houses. I liked the arrangement Natalia and Kirell had figuring it would turn into more. The leaving and returning done by the Natalia character got to be to much for me. It made the book repetitive, boring and long for no reason.
Book one Bearing Secrets of the High House Ursa series by Riley Storm. Natalia needs a green card and her friend talks her into going to a rich club to pick up a sexy rich man. Kirell is a solider for his House and defender of the ruling Royal Queen but to be promoted to Captain of the guard he needs to be mated, so he meets Natalia and they decide they can help each other out. This book was really slow for me to begin with and I did struggle to get through it but once Kirell and Natalia got together and started a relationship of sorts things definitely improved and drama with the traitor made this a lot more interesting. Not sure I’ll carry on with series but at least ending had a HEA.
I love when you discover a new series an it is a good one! This book has great characters, and a compelling action packed story. I confess I stayed up late to finish the book, I had to know how it ended. Two people have problems that together they can solve. Kirell needs a pretend mate and Natalia needs a green card to stay in this country. They both help each other. However, Kirell is keeping a huge secret. He is a bear shifter and there is trouble in the Ursa House. Someone wants to force the bears out of power. Traitors at every turn. Natalia agrees to help not knowing all the secrets but she is drawn to Kirell. He does have a killer car and he is handsome and thoughtful. I want to know more about Ursa House and the Queen. I look for more books in this series.
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this as much as I did. I loved it! The descriptions and the way it was written got you sucked into the story and the world and made you want to keep reading to know what happens. I was getting upset at Natalia and Kirrell for not admitting their feelings but I am finally glad that they came to their senses and finally admitted they were in fact each other's mate. I loved reading their story and how they fell in love and I want to read more of what is going on in the House and know who the traitor is. I can't wait for the other books to read more about the Houses and what happens to Ursa finally.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Natalia is almost finished with her study and also has found a job, only problem is that her student visa will not be changed into a working visa, so she needs a green card. Or she will be sent back to a country she has nothing with anymore.
Her friend brings up the idea to find a man for her. Kirell needs a mate and quick, but bringing in Natalia isn't free of danger for her. She is also in for some surprises she never saw coming, a new world is opening up for her.
While Kirell tries to find the traitors in his house who wants him and the queen gone, he also has to fight to keep Natalia by his side. There is lots of action in this hot shifter story.
If you want to know if they survive together you have to read this first book I this new series.
I really enjoyed this story. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Natalia needs a husband in order for her to get her Green Card to be able to stay. Kirell needs a mate in order to be able to become the Captain for the House of Ursa. His clan is in shambles after an attempted coup. A lot of keep people were taken out before it was stopped. Natalia and Kirell meet and decide to help each other out. Over a short bit of time, they begin to have feelings for each other but are too scared to talk about it. Will they be able to work things out before it is too late?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my 1st read and review for this author and this is a fantastic story I really enjoyed it. Natalia needs a green card to stay in the country and to keep her job and Kirell needs a mate, the queen needed a captain and she picked Kirell but to be the captain he needed to find a mate and he found Natalia in a bar one night and they hit it off straight away so he makes Natalia an offer she can’t refuse. So what happens when their fake feelings turn real and will Natalia be able to handle all of Kirell’s secrets especially the one where she finds out that Kirell is a shapeshifter?. This is a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.