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Shifter Wars #1
Waking the Bear
Sexy shifter passion is awakened when two unlikely lovers are challenged by secrets, danger, and an unstoppable need to claim one's mate....
For human Amy Francis, the secluded cabin in Deep Creek is the haven she needs to map out a fresh new start. She never expected her heart to be reawakened by a distraction like Griff Martin. Commanding yet gentle, too ferociously sensual to ignore, it's clear that patrolling the forest is more than a job to Griff - it's a means of survival. But what Amy doesn't realize is she's reawakened the beast within him.
Griff's dormant hunger is stirred by this intoxicating woman...and threatened by the secret she must never learn. Duty bound to defend his bear clan against an avenging pride of lion shifters, Griff's entire world is upended when he meets Amy. His animal need to claim his mate has taken hold, but that very desire could seal her fate as an unwitting pawn in battle.
Now, as a shifter war looms, Griff must decide between letting Amy go and following his most carnal instincts. To have her would change his life...but risk everything he knows and was born to protect.
Book one of the Shifter Wars series.
Previously published, newly revised by the author.
For human Amy Francis, the secluded cabin in Deep Creek is the haven she needs to map out a fresh new start. She never expected her heart to be reawakened by a distraction like Griff Martin. Commanding yet gentle, too ferociously sensual to ignore, it's clear that patrolling the forest is more than a job to Griff - it's a means of survival. But what Amy doesn't realize is she's reawakened the beast within him.
Griff's dormant hunger is stirred by this intoxicating woman...and threatened by the secret she must never learn. Duty bound to defend his bear clan against an avenging pride of lion shifters, Griff's entire world is upended when he meets Amy. His animal need to claim his mate has taken hold, but that very desire could seal her fate as an unwitting pawn in battle.
Now, as a shifter war looms, Griff must decide between letting Amy go and following his most carnal instincts. To have her would change his life...but risk everything he knows and was born to protect.
Book one of the Shifter Wars series.
Previously published, newly revised by the author.
Audiobook
First published April 24, 2015
40 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Adrienne
55 books682 followersUSA Today bestselling author, repped by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Believer in human rights. Love my kids, my cats, and music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 30, 2023
I forgot that I've read this back in 2019 but I'm glad I picked it up again. A quick enjoyable shifter romance. I'm intrigued to continue with the series and I saw that further in the series its also about the mountain lions which would be very interesting to read as this was about a bear shifter and bear and lions shifters are definitely friends
June 6, 2020
dnf over half
boring!!
boring!!
September 23, 2015
I've been on a bit of a paranormal kick lately and as soon as I read the blurb for Waking the Bear I knew I had to get my hands on it.
After losing her job and dumping her loser boyfriend, Amy decides to take some "me time" in the mountains where she can work on her art and figure out what she wants to do with her life. She's attracted to her landlord, Griff, from the get-go but doesn't plan on pursuing anything with him... And although Griff recognizes Amy as his mate, he doesn't plan on taking their relationship past friendship since his entire den is in danger.
Poor Amy... She really played the damsel in distress role to a tee. And of course Griff was always there to protect her when danger was near, thus strengthening their bond and making them both realize that they needed each other in their lives.
Since this was such a quick read everything happened super fast... But I'm okay with that. In all honesty though, I was hoping for a little more. We're left with what I would consider a HFN ending with a bit of a cliffy regarding the danger to Griffs den and I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series to see what happens next.
*eBook kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
After losing her job and dumping her loser boyfriend, Amy decides to take some "me time" in the mountains where she can work on her art and figure out what she wants to do with her life. She's attracted to her landlord, Griff, from the get-go but doesn't plan on pursuing anything with him... And although Griff recognizes Amy as his mate, he doesn't plan on taking their relationship past friendship since his entire den is in danger.
Poor Amy... She really played the damsel in distress role to a tee. And of course Griff was always there to protect her when danger was near, thus strengthening their bond and making them both realize that they needed each other in their lives.
Since this was such a quick read everything happened super fast... But I'm okay with that. In all honesty though, I was hoping for a little more. We're left with what I would consider a HFN ending with a bit of a cliffy regarding the danger to Griffs den and I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series to see what happens next.
*eBook kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'Waking the Bear' by Kerry Adrienne is book one in the "Shifter Wars" series.
This is the story of Amy Francis and Griff Martin.
Amy has come to Deep Creek for a vacation. Amy is trying to clear her head after loosing her job and breaking up with a abusive type boyfriend. So she picked a secluded cabin in Deep Creek that is being rented out by Griff. Amy thinks only to clear her mind and paint...not find someone whom she is attracted too.
Griff knows right off when he meets Amy that she is his mate. But Griff is having to deal with Cougars who are attacking and one old enemy who blames him for his parents death. So Griff thinks he won't be able to claim or move forward with any relationship until he deals with the current issues. But Griff 'bear' is finding it hard not to claim her. Griff knows too that he had to try to explain what and who he is to Amy. But can he put things on hold with Amy?
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'Waking the Bear' by Kerry Adrienne is book one in the "Shifter Wars" series.
This is the story of Amy Francis and Griff Martin.
Amy has come to Deep Creek for a vacation. Amy is trying to clear her head after loosing her job and breaking up with a abusive type boyfriend. So she picked a secluded cabin in Deep Creek that is being rented out by Griff. Amy thinks only to clear her mind and paint...not find someone whom she is attracted too.
Griff knows right off when he meets Amy that she is his mate. But Griff is having to deal with Cougars who are attacking and one old enemy who blames him for his parents death. So Griff thinks he won't be able to claim or move forward with any relationship until he deals with the current issues. But Griff 'bear' is finding it hard not to claim her. Griff knows too that he had to try to explain what and who he is to Amy. But can he put things on hold with Amy?
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
August 8, 2016
Anytime I see a bear-shifter book, I'm interested. There is something about a rugged, mountain bear shifter that makes me roar. This book starts pretty cute. Griff is our hero and a bear-shifter. He is also a park ranger, along with his clan. He is just coming out of hibernation and still sleepy. Awwww. Years ago his family was murdered, and that still weighs heavily on him. I think he actually cries in this book - I needed to give him a hug. The bears and the local lion pack do not get a long. The bears have control over a lot of territory, including this special cave that has a mystical/magical powers. The lions want this cave - and on top of that, there is a lion shifter named Evers, who blames Griff for the death of his parents. Evers' parents died in a car accident, which Griff witnessed, and Evers is sure that Griff played some part in it. He wants revenge.
Amy is our heroine, who is coming out of a bad abusive relationship and a crappy job. Deciding to take off two months to regroup, she rents a cabin in the mountains to clear her head and spend the spring painting. Griff owns this cabin, and since there are very few people who live in this town, they run into each other a lot. The first time Griff sees her, he realizes shockingly that Amy is his fated mate. But, Amy has no idea shifters are real, and she barely knows him, so Griff knows he has to take things slow. When Evers gets wind that Griff has interest in Amy, her life becomes in danger.
The romance between Griff and Amy builds up well throughout the book. They are shy with each other at first, which was cute. Griff is a gentleman and gave Amy lots of room to get to know him even though his bear on the inside was screaming, mine. Their relationship is the strongest part of the book - unfortunately the rest didn't work for me so well. First, Griff knows the lion pack wants to start a war with them - and he repeatedly tells Amy she really shouldn't be hiking or even going outside much because the woods are dangerous. Does she listen? No. Which ends up with her being predictably kidnapped by the end of the book. Griff knew this was a huge possibility - why didn't he just say there was a dangerous man on the loose and for her to literally not go outside? I felt like precautions could have been taken more. The ending drama is so very predictable.
And in terms of the lions and bears wanting to kill each other - Evers, the lion shifter that wants revenge on Griff - he seemed unstable and I could picture him wanting to get a violent revenge. But the other lion shifters all seemed so gentle calm.
Most of the lions seemed to prefer hanging out and playing eight ball at the clubbhouse or, as he'd heard, in the summer, sunning themselves by the pool Max has put in. No on wanted to actually fight for what the bears took from them. Max had even built a bowling alley and the lions has teams.
Then they would say things like - let's go kill bears! It didn't make sense to me. Same with the bear clan too. They are nice guys all joking around and giving each other a hard time. All sleepy from hibernation - I didn't see their blood-thirsty side. I think a big problem with this is that we don't get to see much of the bear or lion culture at all. We see them in a meeting or two with the leaders, but their pack dynamic and culture as a whole is missing - so it was hard to understand their true nature. To me, neither side felt violent.
A nice romance, but everything else is predictable.
Grade: C
Amy is our heroine, who is coming out of a bad abusive relationship and a crappy job. Deciding to take off two months to regroup, she rents a cabin in the mountains to clear her head and spend the spring painting. Griff owns this cabin, and since there are very few people who live in this town, they run into each other a lot. The first time Griff sees her, he realizes shockingly that Amy is his fated mate. But, Amy has no idea shifters are real, and she barely knows him, so Griff knows he has to take things slow. When Evers gets wind that Griff has interest in Amy, her life becomes in danger.
The romance between Griff and Amy builds up well throughout the book. They are shy with each other at first, which was cute. Griff is a gentleman and gave Amy lots of room to get to know him even though his bear on the inside was screaming, mine. Their relationship is the strongest part of the book - unfortunately the rest didn't work for me so well. First, Griff knows the lion pack wants to start a war with them - and he repeatedly tells Amy she really shouldn't be hiking or even going outside much because the woods are dangerous. Does she listen? No. Which ends up with her being predictably kidnapped by the end of the book. Griff knew this was a huge possibility - why didn't he just say there was a dangerous man on the loose and for her to literally not go outside? I felt like precautions could have been taken more. The ending drama is so very predictable.
And in terms of the lions and bears wanting to kill each other - Evers, the lion shifter that wants revenge on Griff - he seemed unstable and I could picture him wanting to get a violent revenge. But the other lion shifters all seemed so gentle calm.
Most of the lions seemed to prefer hanging out and playing eight ball at the clubbhouse or, as he'd heard, in the summer, sunning themselves by the pool Max has put in. No on wanted to actually fight for what the bears took from them. Max had even built a bowling alley and the lions has teams.
Then they would say things like - let's go kill bears! It didn't make sense to me. Same with the bear clan too. They are nice guys all joking around and giving each other a hard time. All sleepy from hibernation - I didn't see their blood-thirsty side. I think a big problem with this is that we don't get to see much of the bear or lion culture at all. We see them in a meeting or two with the leaders, but their pack dynamic and culture as a whole is missing - so it was hard to understand their true nature. To me, neither side felt violent.
A nice romance, but everything else is predictable.
Grade: C
February 25, 2017
* I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres. And if it involves shifters that’s even better…I LOVE shifters. So when I read the blurb and saw the cover for Waking the Bear, I knew I needed to read it and I must say, I quite enjoyed the first book in the Shifter Wars Series…enough to eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.
When sweet, human Amy Francis left behind a domineering ex and stressful job in Atlanta for small-town living and some “Amy time” in the mountains of New York, little did she know she’d be walking into a turf war between bear shifters and mountain lion shifters or that one of those bears would turn out to be her mate. Add in a vindictive mountain lion shifter with an ax to grind and you have one heck of a story!
Griff Martin, ranger/landlord/shifter/extraordinaire really wasn’t expecting to find his mate when he went to meet his new tenant, but unfortunately (or rather fortunately) for him that is exactly what happened. And as he struggles to protect her and figure out how to tell her, “Um, I’m a bear” we’re lucky enough to enjoy the ride and all of the ups and downs that come with their budding relationship. And it is a very interesting ride.
Amy and Griff really hit it off from their very first meeting. I really enjoyed the banter between them as they got to know one another and opened up to each other (emotionally and physically). Their easy conversation really made it seem like they were meant to be and as though they had known each other for years rather than a few days or weeks. However, at times Amy seemed just a bit too trusting…of course, I have no clue how I’d react to everything she was told and witnessed during the story. I mean, shifters, people!
It was also interesting that we had a chance to see things from the point of view of the villain(s) of the story occasionally as well. It gave a clearer view of their mindset and their motivations for their actions and thirst for vengeance. It would have been nice to learn more about the other bear shifters as well, but perhaps future books will give us more of them.
Overall, this was a steamy paranormal romance with characters that grew on me and with a story that captivated me. I truly can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens with the Shifter War!
Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres. And if it involves shifters that’s even better…I LOVE shifters. So when I read the blurb and saw the cover for Waking the Bear, I knew I needed to read it and I must say, I quite enjoyed the first book in the Shifter Wars Series…enough to eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.
When sweet, human Amy Francis left behind a domineering ex and stressful job in Atlanta for small-town living and some “Amy time” in the mountains of New York, little did she know she’d be walking into a turf war between bear shifters and mountain lion shifters or that one of those bears would turn out to be her mate. Add in a vindictive mountain lion shifter with an ax to grind and you have one heck of a story!
Griff Martin, ranger/landlord/shifter/extraordinaire really wasn’t expecting to find his mate when he went to meet his new tenant, but unfortunately (or rather fortunately) for him that is exactly what happened. And as he struggles to protect her and figure out how to tell her, “Um, I’m a bear” we’re lucky enough to enjoy the ride and all of the ups and downs that come with their budding relationship. And it is a very interesting ride.
Amy and Griff really hit it off from their very first meeting. I really enjoyed the banter between them as they got to know one another and opened up to each other (emotionally and physically). Their easy conversation really made it seem like they were meant to be and as though they had known each other for years rather than a few days or weeks. However, at times Amy seemed just a bit too trusting…of course, I have no clue how I’d react to everything she was told and witnessed during the story. I mean, shifters, people!
It was also interesting that we had a chance to see things from the point of view of the villain(s) of the story occasionally as well. It gave a clearer view of their mindset and their motivations for their actions and thirst for vengeance. It would have been nice to learn more about the other bear shifters as well, but perhaps future books will give us more of them.
Overall, this was a steamy paranormal romance with characters that grew on me and with a story that captivated me. I truly can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens with the Shifter War!
July 20, 2017
Actual Rating 3.75
I reviewed book 1 and 2 together there are no spoilers for either
Books one and two of the shifter war followed the beginning of two different relationships; both men are bear shifters in Deep Creek! I liked that you could easily read each as a stand alone and still get the full story even though they are much more enjoyable if read together! Both books in the series are the perfect romances with the perfect amount of sexy times!! There are only a handful of sex scenes through both books but they are some seriously enjoyable scenes!!
Book one does need a trigger warning for Abuse. Amy is vacationing in the mountains to escape an abusive relationship and Amy does get into bad spot late in the book where abuse comes into play again. I loved how her mate is the polar opposite of Amy's previous relationship and the author did a great job of showing how a man can be protective without crossing the line into controlling!
Both books did suffer slightly from some rambling chapter with too much filler; they probably could have been a good 50-75 pages shorter after taking out some of the repetitive bits. Still, both books had me biting my nails during the exciting parts and swooning during the sexy and romantic parts it had a perfect balance!
I reviewed book 1 and 2 together there are no spoilers for either
Books one and two of the shifter war followed the beginning of two different relationships; both men are bear shifters in Deep Creek! I liked that you could easily read each as a stand alone and still get the full story even though they are much more enjoyable if read together! Both books in the series are the perfect romances with the perfect amount of sexy times!! There are only a handful of sex scenes through both books but they are some seriously enjoyable scenes!!
Book one does need a trigger warning for Abuse. Amy is vacationing in the mountains to escape an abusive relationship and Amy does get into bad spot late in the book where abuse comes into play again. I loved how her mate is the polar opposite of Amy's previous relationship and the author did a great job of showing how a man can be protective without crossing the line into controlling!
Both books did suffer slightly from some rambling chapter with too much filler; they probably could have been a good 50-75 pages shorter after taking out some of the repetitive bits. Still, both books had me biting my nails during the exciting parts and swooning during the sexy and romantic parts it had a perfect balance!
November 15, 2016
This shifter story was actually pretty good. It was well-written, and I could possibly see myself reading the second book.
The H/h were both likeable, and there was a hot, crazy villain (I love reading about them - lol).
3.5 stars.
The H/h were both likeable, and there was a hot, crazy villain (I love reading about them - lol).
3.5 stars.
June 13, 2016
Every so often, I need a good shifter romance. If that shifter romance has a bear shifter in it, well, that’s even better because I have a huge soft spot for them. When I saw this one on NetGalley available for review I knew I had to give it a chance. Plus, I don’t think I’ve read this author before and finding new to me authors is always a win.
Waking The Bear had a lot of positive high points that I enjoyed. Our hero, Griff is a rough and tumble forest Ranger who had made up his mind not to mate while the area was so volatile and an inevitable war with a pride of mountain lions loomed ever closer with each passing day. Determined to take out the threat, he never saw Amy coming until she had parked herself at his rental property and had moved in on his life. Now the mating instinct was strong, for a human no less, and Griff has to figure out a way to protect his bear brothers and the relationship shy woman who has quickly stolen his heart
Needing time away from the city and her normal life, Amy has decided the mountains are just where she needs to be to escape her past. A bad relationship and bad job, she needs time to think about her next step in life and painting gorgeous landscape for the next two months is just what she needs. Her landlord is definitely a sight, but the last thing she needs is another overprotective guy in her life.
So, like I mentioned earlier, Waking The Bear had a lot of high points. I loved Griff and Amy together, even if she had no idea who he really was for 3/4 of the book. They complimented each other well and the heat between the was steady and mounted with each encounter. Griff went out of his way to prove how unlike Amy’s ex he was while still being there for her each time danger tried to strike. He was strong, alpha and a force to be reckoned with where his enemies were concerned.
However, there were some things that gave me pause….
Amy is stubborn to a fault. Even having been told a bunch of times to stay out of the forest trails because they were dangerous, she sets out several times on her own, and gets herself into trouble. The first time I understood, I get it, you want to prove to yourself that you’re fine. That you know the dangers. That you’re independent. I’m a woman, hear me roar and all that. But the minute I run into mountain lions on a trail? I’m OUT. See ya, won’t be going back in the woods anytime soon. Not Amy, oh no. AND she gets herself into trouble at the local bar too. It’s a damn good thing Griff was keeping an eye on her, because she’d have been dead before the half way mark of this book if he hadn’t.
Griff cries. I’m not all about that either. He never quite got over his families death when he was a kid. I understand that too. I’m not heartless. But….no tears please. Not in a book anyway. I want my men mean.
There isn’t a lot of information on this group of bears. I would have preferred some more time with their leader and the other men who make up the group. I wanted to know more about them. I wanted to hang with them. I didn’t feel like I got that as much as I would have liked. I felt like I knew the mountain lions better than I did the bears, the heroes.
Sticking to the bear nature, Griff sleeps a lot during the winter. I both liked that it seemed more “real” but at the same time I wondered how that would really work. So Griff sleeps pretty much all winter? That’ll be fun for Amy at Christmas. Or when she needs to go get groceries and there is 3 feet of snow in their region with it being in the mountain and she can’t get out of the driveway. Sure, Griff will wake up for short periods, but even in the book with it being spring there is a huge emphasis on how tired he is.
Overall I just liked the book but I will definitely be back to check out book two in the hopes that my reservations disappear as the series progresses.
I give Waking The Bear by Kerry Adrienne 3 stars
Waking The Bear had a lot of positive high points that I enjoyed. Our hero, Griff is a rough and tumble forest Ranger who had made up his mind not to mate while the area was so volatile and an inevitable war with a pride of mountain lions loomed ever closer with each passing day. Determined to take out the threat, he never saw Amy coming until she had parked herself at his rental property and had moved in on his life. Now the mating instinct was strong, for a human no less, and Griff has to figure out a way to protect his bear brothers and the relationship shy woman who has quickly stolen his heart
Needing time away from the city and her normal life, Amy has decided the mountains are just where she needs to be to escape her past. A bad relationship and bad job, she needs time to think about her next step in life and painting gorgeous landscape for the next two months is just what she needs. Her landlord is definitely a sight, but the last thing she needs is another overprotective guy in her life.
So, like I mentioned earlier, Waking The Bear had a lot of high points. I loved Griff and Amy together, even if she had no idea who he really was for 3/4 of the book. They complimented each other well and the heat between the was steady and mounted with each encounter. Griff went out of his way to prove how unlike Amy’s ex he was while still being there for her each time danger tried to strike. He was strong, alpha and a force to be reckoned with where his enemies were concerned.
However, there were some things that gave me pause….
Amy is stubborn to a fault. Even having been told a bunch of times to stay out of the forest trails because they were dangerous, she sets out several times on her own, and gets herself into trouble. The first time I understood, I get it, you want to prove to yourself that you’re fine. That you know the dangers. That you’re independent. I’m a woman, hear me roar and all that. But the minute I run into mountain lions on a trail? I’m OUT. See ya, won’t be going back in the woods anytime soon. Not Amy, oh no. AND she gets herself into trouble at the local bar too. It’s a damn good thing Griff was keeping an eye on her, because she’d have been dead before the half way mark of this book if he hadn’t.
Griff cries. I’m not all about that either. He never quite got over his families death when he was a kid. I understand that too. I’m not heartless. But….no tears please. Not in a book anyway. I want my men mean.
There isn’t a lot of information on this group of bears. I would have preferred some more time with their leader and the other men who make up the group. I wanted to know more about them. I wanted to hang with them. I didn’t feel like I got that as much as I would have liked. I felt like I knew the mountain lions better than I did the bears, the heroes.
Sticking to the bear nature, Griff sleeps a lot during the winter. I both liked that it seemed more “real” but at the same time I wondered how that would really work. So Griff sleeps pretty much all winter? That’ll be fun for Amy at Christmas. Or when she needs to go get groceries and there is 3 feet of snow in their region with it being in the mountain and she can’t get out of the driveway. Sure, Griff will wake up for short periods, but even in the book with it being spring there is a huge emphasis on how tired he is.
Overall I just liked the book but I will definitely be back to check out book two in the hopes that my reservations disappear as the series progresses.
I give Waking The Bear by Kerry Adrienne 3 stars
August 25, 2016
Reviewed on Musings and Ramblings.
I am a huge fan of the Bear when it comes to shifters. Just call me Goldilocks, because bear shifters are Just Right! So whenever I see a bear book, I tend to not bother looking twice and just throw caution to the winds. This doesn't always work out the way I hope though. Such was the case for this book.
I wanted to really like this book. I mean, hello, there is a picture of a bear and the words Shifter Wars right on the front cover. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me. I mean, it was all right. But I had some issues.
First off, our girl, Amy started out a bit spunky. Starting over after her loser boyfriend stole her ad campaign and her promotion, she is planning on focusing on her 'art'. But it takes her weeks to unpack and get in the groove, and very little is said about her actual painting, other than the fact that it's "good". Pfft. Weak. I really would have liked to seen her art more developed, it might have given her more personality, especially since it's what she is supposed to be so passionate about.
Then there are the Bears. They are protecting the area and this sacred cave from the "lions". Yeah, not the big haired african kind apparently, more like the bobcat/cougar/mountain lion type. I was bummed about that. Plus all we really hear is that the Lions are bad, and the Bears are good. Why the hell can't they share? Don't know. Even the sacred spirit in the cave is meant for both of them. Sure, sure, the bad guy happened to be a lion, but I really didn't see why there was this whole big war going on. The rest of the lions didn't seem all that bad to me. I needed some real reasons besides, 'because'.
I guess the whole war thing felt a bit contrived and not very well thought out to me. Maybe that will change in the coming books. Eh, I don't know, but I probably won't read another in this series. This book got a 2 star ranking. It was okay, but nothing special.
Carina Press and Netgalley provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am a huge fan of the Bear when it comes to shifters. Just call me Goldilocks, because bear shifters are Just Right! So whenever I see a bear book, I tend to not bother looking twice and just throw caution to the winds. This doesn't always work out the way I hope though. Such was the case for this book.
I wanted to really like this book. I mean, hello, there is a picture of a bear and the words Shifter Wars right on the front cover. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me. I mean, it was all right. But I had some issues.
First off, our girl, Amy started out a bit spunky. Starting over after her loser boyfriend stole her ad campaign and her promotion, she is planning on focusing on her 'art'. But it takes her weeks to unpack and get in the groove, and very little is said about her actual painting, other than the fact that it's "good". Pfft. Weak. I really would have liked to seen her art more developed, it might have given her more personality, especially since it's what she is supposed to be so passionate about.
Then there are the Bears. They are protecting the area and this sacred cave from the "lions". Yeah, not the big haired african kind apparently, more like the bobcat/cougar/mountain lion type. I was bummed about that. Plus all we really hear is that the Lions are bad, and the Bears are good. Why the hell can't they share? Don't know. Even the sacred spirit in the cave is meant for both of them. Sure, sure, the bad guy happened to be a lion, but I really didn't see why there was this whole big war going on. The rest of the lions didn't seem all that bad to me. I needed some real reasons besides, 'because'.
I guess the whole war thing felt a bit contrived and not very well thought out to me. Maybe that will change in the coming books. Eh, I don't know, but I probably won't read another in this series. This book got a 2 star ranking. It was okay, but nothing special.
Carina Press and Netgalley provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 16, 2024
I received this free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You know you have a winner on your hands when you can't seem to put that special book down. The Shifter Wars series is going to be just that with these sexy bear shifters. Park ranger Griff Martin is uber hot and totally worth losing sleep over to read his story. Amy Francis needs a break from men and the real world, so renting a cabin in the woods is just the getaway she welcomes. Hold on to your seats and grab your favorite cold drink because these woods are far from peaceful and you just might encounter some lions as well. Engaging and creative from start to finish, and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us and whose story will be next. Bring it!
You know you have a winner on your hands when you can't seem to put that special book down. The Shifter Wars series is going to be just that with these sexy bear shifters. Park ranger Griff Martin is uber hot and totally worth losing sleep over to read his story. Amy Francis needs a break from men and the real world, so renting a cabin in the woods is just the getaway she welcomes. Hold on to your seats and grab your favorite cold drink because these woods are far from peaceful and you just might encounter some lions as well. Engaging and creative from start to finish, and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us and whose story will be next. Bring it!
August 15, 2016
... a new story
When ex ad agency executive, Amy Francis took off to the wilderness of Deep Creek to find herself in her painting and relax in the mountains as she determined her next move, she little knew that she was stepping into a turf war between two groups of shape shifters--bears and mountain lions.
What she did know was that she was attracted to a gentile giant of a hunk--park ranger Griff Martin and also her landlord.
She didn't know about soul mates and that Griff was hers.
Now she finds herself in the midst of the drama, being literally pawed over by Griff's arch enemy, and lion shifter, Evers.
Romance and intrigue pepper the story.
As paranormal books go, this is somewhat cliched but an ok read.
A NetGalley ARC
When ex ad agency executive, Amy Francis took off to the wilderness of Deep Creek to find herself in her painting and relax in the mountains as she determined her next move, she little knew that she was stepping into a turf war between two groups of shape shifters--bears and mountain lions.
What she did know was that she was attracted to a gentile giant of a hunk--park ranger Griff Martin and also her landlord.
She didn't know about soul mates and that Griff was hers.
Now she finds herself in the midst of the drama, being literally pawed over by Griff's arch enemy, and lion shifter, Evers.
Romance and intrigue pepper the story.
As paranormal books go, this is somewhat cliched but an ok read.
A NetGalley ARC
did-not-finish
November 24, 2016Honestly don't know why I do this to myself.
Adrienne's writing was good but this plot was not working for me. I need to stop being so slap happy with random overdrive requests when I can't find what I really want.
DNF at 25%.
Adrienne's writing was good but this plot was not working for me. I need to stop being so slap happy with random overdrive requests when I can't find what I really want.
DNF at 25%.
June 29, 2018
A great book filled with action, adventure, passion and romance. Shifter Griff and his human mate Amy find themselves right in the middle of a brewing Shifter War between the mountain lions and the bears. Can he protect his mate while guarding his clan’s secret and preparing for a war that seems inevitable? Future books will tell that tale. In the meantime, this has a satisfying ending and an HEA that will leave you smiling.
August 17, 2016
This review was originally published on link: Straight Shootin' Book Reviews.
Carina Press is totally killing it with their paranormal releases lately. Seriously, paranormal seems to be making a comeback (I mean…it never left in my world) and Carina press is leading the pack with some great new releases.
Waking the Bear is a great new release from Carina and it has some yummy and sexy bear shifters. Griff, our hero, isn’t looking for a mate. He’s simply trying to keep his friends and family safe from impending war with the lion shifters. However, when Amy rents a cabin from him he immediately knows who she is to him. He’s destined to be with her, but telling her too much too soon might freak her out and put a target on her back.
Fated mates are my comfort reads. There is something about an instant connection that’s preordained. However, things always get more complicated when one-half of a fated mate pair is human. The human/shifter dynamic opens the door to an emotional connection on top of a mating urge and in a lot of romances that’s a really good thing. In Waking the Bear is was a really good, really satisfying thing. Griff and Amy’s emotional connection ended up taking center stage for most of this book since Griff didn’t want to endanger Amy. I have to say, Griff wooing Amy has to be up there with my favorite shifter courtings of all time. Picnics, snuggling on the couch and hiking…it’s just so apparent for most of this book that Griff is smitten with Amy and it’s adorable. He wants to stay away from Amy to mask the mating urge, but he just can’t. So he turns into a big, romantic teddy bear.
Griff also gained mega points in my book when he let Amy explore and have “Amy time”. See Amy’s life has gone to sh*t (as a romance heroine’s does) and she needs to regroup. Griff knows this, but he also knows he’ll eventually have her. Until he explains his shifter nature, he let’s her figure things out on her own. He tries to woo her, but he does so in ways that are non-threatening to Amy’s personal development. Swoon! In the end, all of the soul-searching doesn’t seem to matter since the issue of what Amy is gonna do with her life (career-wise) is pretty much unresolved. It’s clear she’s gonna produce bear cubs, but her art dreams never truly develop due to the story wrapping up quickly.
Which brings me to the bothersome part of this book, the ending did feel a bit rushed. We never got to see Amy figure out how she was going to proceed with her dreams and career. As well, we didn’t get to see Griff and Amy develop as a couple after he revealed his true nature to her. I’m kind of hoping we’ll get to see more of these characters in future Shifter War books as further wrap-up to their story. I don’t fear for their HEA, but I wanted more time with these two. I wanted more time to see them fill each other’s voids and build a relationship that would last beyond the mating. I wanted to see them grow closer emotionally and to see Amy get accepted into Griff’s family. The ending of this book left me feeling a bit unsettled.
Even though we were short on time with Griff and Amy, it’s hard for me to give this book anything less than 3.5 stars. The characters and the plot were so just likable and appealing that I’m ready to dive into Adrienne’s world whenever the next book comes out.
Carina Press is totally killing it with their paranormal releases lately. Seriously, paranormal seems to be making a comeback (I mean…it never left in my world) and Carina press is leading the pack with some great new releases.
Waking the Bear is a great new release from Carina and it has some yummy and sexy bear shifters. Griff, our hero, isn’t looking for a mate. He’s simply trying to keep his friends and family safe from impending war with the lion shifters. However, when Amy rents a cabin from him he immediately knows who she is to him. He’s destined to be with her, but telling her too much too soon might freak her out and put a target on her back.
Fated mates are my comfort reads. There is something about an instant connection that’s preordained. However, things always get more complicated when one-half of a fated mate pair is human. The human/shifter dynamic opens the door to an emotional connection on top of a mating urge and in a lot of romances that’s a really good thing. In Waking the Bear is was a really good, really satisfying thing. Griff and Amy’s emotional connection ended up taking center stage for most of this book since Griff didn’t want to endanger Amy. I have to say, Griff wooing Amy has to be up there with my favorite shifter courtings of all time. Picnics, snuggling on the couch and hiking…it’s just so apparent for most of this book that Griff is smitten with Amy and it’s adorable. He wants to stay away from Amy to mask the mating urge, but he just can’t. So he turns into a big, romantic teddy bear.
Griff also gained mega points in my book when he let Amy explore and have “Amy time”. See Amy’s life has gone to sh*t (as a romance heroine’s does) and she needs to regroup. Griff knows this, but he also knows he’ll eventually have her. Until he explains his shifter nature, he let’s her figure things out on her own. He tries to woo her, but he does so in ways that are non-threatening to Amy’s personal development. Swoon! In the end, all of the soul-searching doesn’t seem to matter since the issue of what Amy is gonna do with her life (career-wise) is pretty much unresolved. It’s clear she’s gonna produce bear cubs, but her art dreams never truly develop due to the story wrapping up quickly.
Which brings me to the bothersome part of this book, the ending did feel a bit rushed. We never got to see Amy figure out how she was going to proceed with her dreams and career. As well, we didn’t get to see Griff and Amy develop as a couple after he revealed his true nature to her. I’m kind of hoping we’ll get to see more of these characters in future Shifter War books as further wrap-up to their story. I don’t fear for their HEA, but I wanted more time with these two. I wanted more time to see them fill each other’s voids and build a relationship that would last beyond the mating. I wanted to see them grow closer emotionally and to see Amy get accepted into Griff’s family. The ending of this book left me feeling a bit unsettled.
Even though we were short on time with Griff and Amy, it’s hard for me to give this book anything less than 3.5 stars. The characters and the plot were so just likable and appealing that I’m ready to dive into Adrienne’s world whenever the next book comes out.
September 5, 2016
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
I tend to be a bit of a dork about puns and double-entendres, and WAKING THE BEAR definitely had funny moments that were a welcome respite from some of the dark characters. It was a bit short, and the main villain was one-dimensional to the point of being annoying, but the main characters were fun and their interactions were the glowing part of the novel.
Amy and Griff are tons of fun. Amy is an artist who has come to the forest in the hope of painting some of the scenery and wildlife. Griff is a park ranger who has just woken up from his winter sleep, and who agrees to rent his cabin to her. He does it while still kinda groggy, before realising that she is a) probably his mate and b) not going to listen to his warnings about the dangerous wildlife around the cabin. Never mind that he IS part of the dangerous wildlife.
There were lots of funny little winks in this book. The rangers know the park so well because they roam is as bears half the time. They all drink massive amounts of coffee in the first part of the book as they struggle to wake up. The shower in the cabin breaks and Amy and Griff need together to fix it in a wet, innuendo-laden scene. It’s tons of fun, and their romance is both touching and cheeky throughout the book.
One aspect of the story that I really didn't enjoy is the reason behind the war in the first place. Deep in the forest is a magical cave, with a magical pool that heals injuries and can show you your future. That's cool, but it only heals the clan that controls it... What? So if bears hold the cave, the lions can's use the powers of the cave, which obviously leads to the cave changing hands every few generations admits bloodshed and tears. Is this a ploy to get the shifters to cull themselves every few generations? I am really hoping that this gets sorted out or explained in the next few books.
Still, WAKING THE BEAR made me smile, had endearing characters who had a realistic reaction to the weird stuff going on around them (not being instantly cool with their landlord turning into a bear), and set up a world that I could see growing into a satisfying series. There are enough different characters, settings and ideas that I will be looking out for the next book to see if it keeps up. If it's even a bit funny, I'm in.
I tend to be a bit of a dork about puns and double-entendres, and WAKING THE BEAR definitely had funny moments that were a welcome respite from some of the dark characters. It was a bit short, and the main villain was one-dimensional to the point of being annoying, but the main characters were fun and their interactions were the glowing part of the novel.
Amy and Griff are tons of fun. Amy is an artist who has come to the forest in the hope of painting some of the scenery and wildlife. Griff is a park ranger who has just woken up from his winter sleep, and who agrees to rent his cabin to her. He does it while still kinda groggy, before realising that she is a) probably his mate and b) not going to listen to his warnings about the dangerous wildlife around the cabin. Never mind that he IS part of the dangerous wildlife.
There were lots of funny little winks in this book. The rangers know the park so well because they roam is as bears half the time. They all drink massive amounts of coffee in the first part of the book as they struggle to wake up. The shower in the cabin breaks and Amy and Griff need together to fix it in a wet, innuendo-laden scene. It’s tons of fun, and their romance is both touching and cheeky throughout the book.
One aspect of the story that I really didn't enjoy is the reason behind the war in the first place. Deep in the forest is a magical cave, with a magical pool that heals injuries and can show you your future. That's cool, but it only heals the clan that controls it... What? So if bears hold the cave, the lions can's use the powers of the cave, which obviously leads to the cave changing hands every few generations admits bloodshed and tears. Is this a ploy to get the shifters to cull themselves every few generations? I am really hoping that this gets sorted out or explained in the next few books.
Still, WAKING THE BEAR made me smile, had endearing characters who had a realistic reaction to the weird stuff going on around them (not being instantly cool with their landlord turning into a bear), and set up a world that I could see growing into a satisfying series. There are enough different characters, settings and ideas that I will be looking out for the next book to see if it keeps up. If it's even a bit funny, I'm in.
July 29, 2016
Amy decides she needs to get away. She's just lost her job and her boyfriend-but she's not really upset. She hated the job and her boyfriend was an idiot anyway. She decides a couple of months of time away from other people in the mountains sounds heavenly. She rents a cabin from Griff. Upon meeting him, she's attracted to him. That is just not what she needed coming there.
Griff is a bear shifter and has just woke up from hibernation. When Griff meets Amy, he knows instantly she's his mate. He doesn't plan on pursuing her as he has more pressing problems on his plate-most notably the mountain lions. They have been plotting war while the bears were hibernating. He doesn't need her getting in the way. He can always go back to claim her after the issues have been cleared up. But his "bear" finds it extremely difficult to stay away. He wants to claim her NOW!
This was a super quick read! Everything was zipping by at record speed! Amy does need help and of course Griff is there to protect her. As things heat up, they both realize they need each other in ways they can't explain. Their bond strengthens and they both know there is no going back.
Waking the Bear is the first book in Kerry Adrienne's Shifter Wars series and it's a great start! This leaves us satisfied with Amy and Griff's story but we are intrigued to find out what is going to happen with the rest of Griff's den. I'm sure the next books will be just as good!
4 stars/3.5 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Griff is a bear shifter and has just woke up from hibernation. When Griff meets Amy, he knows instantly she's his mate. He doesn't plan on pursuing her as he has more pressing problems on his plate-most notably the mountain lions. They have been plotting war while the bears were hibernating. He doesn't need her getting in the way. He can always go back to claim her after the issues have been cleared up. But his "bear" finds it extremely difficult to stay away. He wants to claim her NOW!
This was a super quick read! Everything was zipping by at record speed! Amy does need help and of course Griff is there to protect her. As things heat up, they both realize they need each other in ways they can't explain. Their bond strengthens and they both know there is no going back.
Waking the Bear is the first book in Kerry Adrienne's Shifter Wars series and it's a great start! This leaves us satisfied with Amy and Griff's story but we are intrigued to find out what is going to happen with the rest of Griff's den. I'm sure the next books will be just as good!
4 stars/3.5 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
July 29, 2016
**4 Shifting Stars**
Shifters man, they are my WEAKNESS!! I love the idea of having mates, and just knowing instinctively when you have found them. Leaves me in a puddle on the floor.
When Amy decides she’s done with the real world and moves into the mountains, she finds the real world has followed her. Even though she is attracted to her landlord, she’s not up there to date, but to “find herself” Griff on the other hand knows who Amy is and what she is to him, his mate. But danger is lurking everywhere.
I liked Amy, although she was a little tame for me, but Griff? Hot damn, that hairy teddy bear! I love men like that, and I’m pretty sure my own furry teddy bear husband hibernates like Griff.
The story was great, though it lacked some detail, but I loved the plot line, and I can’t wait to read more books in the series! YAY for shifters!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shannon from Alpha Book Club
Shifters man, they are my WEAKNESS!! I love the idea of having mates, and just knowing instinctively when you have found them. Leaves me in a puddle on the floor.
When Amy decides she’s done with the real world and moves into the mountains, she finds the real world has followed her. Even though she is attracted to her landlord, she’s not up there to date, but to “find herself” Griff on the other hand knows who Amy is and what she is to him, his mate. But danger is lurking everywhere.
I liked Amy, although she was a little tame for me, but Griff? Hot damn, that hairy teddy bear! I love men like that, and I’m pretty sure my own furry teddy bear husband hibernates like Griff.
The story was great, though it lacked some detail, but I loved the plot line, and I can’t wait to read more books in the series! YAY for shifters!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Shannon from Alpha Book Club
August 3, 2016
Shifters are my weakness! They truly are and when they are a bear shifter well I have to read the book! After all what gal wouldn’t want a man who is so totally committed to her that he will do anything and you never have to worry about cheating. Add in the fact they can protect you by going all animal. Sign me up today!!
Amy has decided that she is done with the real world for a while and needs a break (don’t we all, girl!) So she rents a cabin in the woods to escape but of course as we all know the real world never lets you have much of a break. Griff is a super hot bear shifter who has just woken up from hibernation and knows the second he meets Amy that she is his mate. Amy doesn’t want to be attracted to Griff and he is dealing with the war the mountain lions are plotting. However love always finds a way!
This was super quick read and I loved every second of it. I am new to this author but you can bet that I will be reading more of her!
Amy has decided that she is done with the real world for a while and needs a break (don’t we all, girl!) So she rents a cabin in the woods to escape but of course as we all know the real world never lets you have much of a break. Griff is a super hot bear shifter who has just woken up from hibernation and knows the second he meets Amy that she is his mate. Amy doesn’t want to be attracted to Griff and he is dealing with the war the mountain lions are plotting. However love always finds a way!
This was super quick read and I loved every second of it. I am new to this author but you can bet that I will be reading more of her!
This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/waking-the-b....
A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
July 7, 2018
Amy is taking a vacation to kinda relax and find herself and work on herself after a bad breakup and job loss. She's in a cabin in a secluded area and wants to start fresh. Once she meets her landlord well she cant take her eyes off him. Sure she's uber attracted to him but she's wary and doesnt want to start anything. beyond friendship. Thats not what she's there for but its not easy. Griff is a bear shifter and he instantly recognizes Amy as his mate but he'll not put her in danger because trouble is coming his way. He'll not claim her and tries to avoid things. Well that doesnt work so well for either of them. Can he keep her safe and have his mate by his side?
This was an ok read. I think some parts could have been fleshed out a little more. The plot for instance was about revenge but I think the author could have spent a little more time on the story line instead of focusing so much on Griff and Amy. Not that they weren't important and it was a nice change and not so in your face like some can be. I just really wanted more background on what happened and this isnt a HEA but HFN. So, there is a continuation into the next book I assume. Its not all tied up. This is a solid 3 1/2 for me but I'll rate 4.
This was an ok read. I think some parts could have been fleshed out a little more. The plot for instance was about revenge but I think the author could have spent a little more time on the story line instead of focusing so much on Griff and Amy. Not that they weren't important and it was a nice change and not so in your face like some can be. I just really wanted more background on what happened and this isnt a HEA but HFN. So, there is a continuation into the next book I assume. Its not all tied up. This is a solid 3 1/2 for me but I'll rate 4.
June 7, 2016
☆☆☆ I received an ARC for an honest review ☆☆☆
Amy decided she needed to get away to find herself. She had just lost her boyfriend and job, neither she was all that put out over. The boyfriend was a jerk and the job she hated.
Taking two months away to herself sounded perfect. A cabin in the woods, away from people, she could connect with nature. Rekindle her art, painting. She found a bit more than she was looking for.
Griff was just waking up from hibernation, being a bear shifter led to long winter naps. While the bears of Deep Creek slept, the mountain lions were busy plotting. Griff could feel a war coming. What he didn't need was some city girl moving into his cabin, his territory, and his life.
Amy decided she needed to get away to find herself. She had just lost her boyfriend and job, neither she was all that put out over. The boyfriend was a jerk and the job she hated.
Taking two months away to herself sounded perfect. A cabin in the woods, away from people, she could connect with nature. Rekindle her art, painting. She found a bit more than she was looking for.
Griff was just waking up from hibernation, being a bear shifter led to long winter naps. While the bears of Deep Creek slept, the mountain lions were busy plotting. Griff could feel a war coming. What he didn't need was some city girl moving into his cabin, his territory, and his life.
June 9, 2016
Oh my, I absolutely love, love, love this book. This was a really strong start to this series. I had never read this author before so I was curious what her take on the shifter phenomenon was. It seems like it could be the start of a real strong storyline. Although, from what I could tell, even though you get Griff’s story in this book, it seems to be more about setting the scene for the “big picture.” I will be picking up the next book in the series because I want to see if that is a correct thought process. As a standalone, it was still a good book. I want to see what this author is going to bring to the table later. This book has the makings of an addictive series, so we will find out.
May 25, 2016
Kerry has started an interesting story line for her new series. A shifter war with humans unknowingly in the mix. Griff is as Amy describes him a big teddy bear. He is hot, protective, and determined. Amy is on a vacation to rediscover herself and ends up with more than she bargained for. Griff and Amy are both trying to overcome their demons. Waking the Bear is filled with passion, excitement, suspense, and anger fueled by history. Looking forward to seeing how the larger storyline plays out in the series.
June 14, 2016
I received this free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Shifter Wars series is off to a great start. Park ranger Griff needs a woman but is not committing to anyone. Amy Francis needs a break from men and starts by renting a cabin in the woods which is just the getaway she needs. This book is hard to put down once you start and thoroughly enjoyed reading it...and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us and whose story will be next.
The Shifter Wars series is off to a great start. Park ranger Griff needs a woman but is not committing to anyone. Amy Francis needs a break from men and starts by renting a cabin in the woods which is just the getaway she needs. This book is hard to put down once you start and thoroughly enjoyed reading it...and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us and whose story will be next.
June 1, 2016
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review, I so enjoyed this book,
I read this story in an anthology way back and I really think this revised version is so much
better, It is about Griff and Amy. I think Kerry did this story such a great service by rewriting this
I highly recommend this book!
I read this story in an anthology way back and I really think this revised version is so much
better, It is about Griff and Amy. I think Kerry did this story such a great service by rewriting this
I highly recommend this book!
June 10, 2016
I liked Griff and Amy and their banter:
“Any time. Wake me up if you’re in the mood for more.”
“Isn’t it dangerous to wake a sleeping bear?”
“Not this one. Especially not when it’s for sex.”
I enjoyed this book, Griff was sweet and sexy.
June 26, 2015
Walking the Bear is an outstanding short story. I really enjoyed how effectively the author wrote from the point of view of both of the main characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from Kerry Adrienne.
August 23, 2016
Bear shifters should be a home run but this one did not work for me. I really wanted it to but the writing? the editing? it felt choppy and ultimately the characters fell flat.
here's a link to my full review:
http://bit.ly/2bKZcur
here's a link to my full review:
http://bit.ly/2bKZcur
October 23, 2016
3.5 Stars Waking the Bear is the start to the Broken Chains series. I enjoyed this story it was well paced and I liked Griff and Amy. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 3, 2015
Got this in the Spring Fever: Shifters in Love box set. Pretty good story. I enjoyed it.
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