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House of Van Helsing #1

Her Cross to Bear

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Everything that goes bump in the night is true and they are coming for you.

With one living older brother, I thought that I would be in the clear of having to take over the family business. I could play pretend in the human world and none would be the wiser.

Until I find out my brother has gone missing and now, I was the sole heir to the Van Helsing clan!

What must my father be thinking?

I’d never been proficient at the game of masks. I tended to talk better with my fists than my mouth and I wasn’t about to hold back from telling the supernatural community what was on my mind.

That’s if I could live long enough to do it.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2021

37 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Erin Bedford

110 books966 followers
Erin Bedford is an otaku, recovering coffee addict, and Legend of Zelda fanatic. Her brain is so full of stories that need to be told that she must get them out or explode into a million screaming chibis. Obsessed with fairy tales and bad boys, she hasn’t found a story she can’t twist to match her deviant mind full of innuendos, snarky humor, and dream guys.

On the outside, she’s a work from home mom and bookbinger. One the inside, she’s a thirteen-year-old boy screaming to get out and tell you the pervy joke they found online. As an ex-computer programmer, she dreams of one day combining her love for writing and college credits to make the ultimate video game!

Until then, when she’s not writing, Erin is devouring as many books as possible on her quest to have the biggest book gut of all time. She’s written over thirty books, ranging from paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and even scifi romance.

Also, third person is really weird when writing about yourself. Just putting that out there.

Come chat me up!
www.erinbedford.com
Facebook.com/erinrbedford
twitter.com/erin_bedford

Don’t forget to follow me on Goodreads, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Fran.
961 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2021
this was great. It was interesting and a very urban fantasy feel to the legacy of van helsing. very modern mobish. It was cool. I felt a bit for Crysta losing her normal human life. the characters are interesting, the plot has some normal tropes and some unique ones. The species of supernatural is really fascinating. I liked that a lot. I look forward to continuing this series.
3,005 reviews44 followers
August 11, 2021
This is book one of the House of the Van Helsing series and the main character Crysta Helling (Van Helsing) has been living as a human and studying to be a doctor, sharing a flat with her friend Bethany, when she has to go home for her twenty first birthday, although she is actually almost sixty! She comes from a prestigious Hunter family, which has united all the clans against the supernaturals and basically police any sort of incidents that need a heavy hand! When she arrives, she is told her only remaining brother, Michael, has been missing for three months, and is presumed dead. At the party, her father Abraham announces her as his heir, meaning she can never return to her life in the human world. Her father has ruled the supernatural world for some five hundred years, but he has always had a very one-sided and severe manner of keeping the supernaturals in line, believing them all to be beneath him and his extended family, with shifters being simple animals. He always wears a mask of indifference, even when it comes to his family and children. She can’t believe he never told her about Michael’s disappearance! Van Helsing blood has its own special strength and there is only one way to actually kill one of them.
Abraham had left Crysta to pretend to play human, rather than being a Hunter like her brothers and preparing to be the heir. She is determined to find her brother and her distant cousin Ines, who is engaged to Michael, is glad of her decision to look for him. Crysta must be more careful now, to ensure none of the supernaturals find out about her condition, which could make her new position very difficult indeed. She has a friend with benefits, vampire Xavier, who she thought she had been keeping secret from Bethany and especially her father, but it seems she was a bit more obvious than she intended. Mixing with supernaturals is frowned upon, her father looking down on vampires, incubus, and in particular shifters. She now has meeting set up to meet the heads of each faction, in her new role as the heir, none of which go as her father expected, as Crysta is much more progressive. She has a very different way of showing her ideas about the direction the ruling of the supernatural factions should happen, preferring to use her fists than hide behind a mask. Now she only has to survive long enough to actually take over from her father and try to find out what happened to her brother as well. There is lots more going on behind the scenes and I wonder what part her distant cousin Eric may have in some of it! I look forward to reading the next book in the series and finding out what happens next. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,857 reviews179 followers
August 7, 2021
I started my fantasy career as a vampire girl. Not because of Twilight. I read and loved Twilight because I already was a vampire girl by then. It was because of countless other books about one of the most fascinating supernatural creatures I've encountered. So, when I saw that Erin Bedford was gonna write a book about the Van Helsing family I knew one thing for sure. I needed to have that book. Via BookSprout I managed to get an ARC and I couldn't be happier.

What I loved about this book is the family dynamic and the way the supernatural world is structured. Of course, it's not too original, but it really works and it makes a lot of sense considering the involved parties and their different powers and talents. In this book we get a taste of all different worlds. We see the hunters, all the Van Helsings who lost count how many cousins removed they are, the Succubi, certainly one of my favorite species too, the vampires and the werewolves.

And while we delve into the world and discover what's going on and what the different species want, slowly two plots are built up. The first is of course our heroine all of a sudden becoming the official heir, meaning she is no longer the little, free, sister, but the next Van Helsing leader, which leads to loads of discussions and clashes. The second is the disappearance of her brother. And it's quite clear both storylines, already exciting right now, have only just started.

Even though the storylines have just started, the book didn't disappoint at all. That's mostly because our heroine is an amazing character and has this great personality. It's so easy to fall in love with her and to see her charm. That's partly because she combines a healthy sort of fear, because of reasons you will have to discover for yourself when reading the book, with the will to change the world and to make it a far better and far more equal place.

I can't wait to discover if it works out!
413 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2021
Every type of monster you've ever heard about is real and most likely to hunt you.
Crystal never thought she would be the heir to the Van Helsing clan because her older brother was first for it to pass to.
When he goes missing, she must leave her carefree human life behind.
Her father must find it to be as unexpected as she did.
Crysta has always preferred to hit over talk and not one to sugarcoat, she will tell the supernatural community exactly what she thinks... If she lives long enough to do that.

Another brilliant series from this author that really reminded me why she is my absolute favourite.
The writing style and storyline is unique and we got to see the Van Helsings in a light that hasn't been explored.
This was a fantastic example of paranormal romance that clawed its way into my brain and won't be easily forgotten.
I love how Crysta is written with the sass and feisty nature I would expect, I also enjoyed the love interests included in this story.
My new addiction has started I am afraid and I have every intention of giving into it, I shall not be settled until I own this series in its entirety.
The author is a truly talented and skillful genius who creates such a fantasy world that I would crawl into it if I could.
Secrets and lies twist into the heart of this book and I found myself so glued to reading this that the night has swept past me.
A special starter book with promise of delights to come... Always a pleasure to read anything from this particular writer who is a breath of fresh air in the literary world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kreela.
671 reviews25 followers
August 8, 2021
Just when I was worried that the current crop of books was snooze-tastic, this book smacked me on the head and woke me back up. The concept is not original, in the sense that the Van Helsing family acts as the mediator/sheriffs of the supernatural community. Crysta was born third in the direct line, and she was not expecting to become the leader of the clan. Unfortunately for her, her eldest brother disappeared and then her brother Michael was lost. Forced back from college, Crysta’s father introduces her as heir and attempts to control her…even providing outfits for her. Oh, no.

She had a life with the regular humans at college. She had friends, and suddenly she has to become some cold b****? I admit I do not always like Crysta. She loses my sympathy when she wants to use gun diplomacy, even on her vampire fling. But then she gains my sympathy when she breaks from her father to garner friendships rather than remain mafia overseers.

And the plot reminds me of a dark mafia vibe. Don’t let your teens read this; there are gifts of horror and violence. However, the plot is tight, the characters are people you could love. Inez, Michael…two strong and optimistic people to love. Crysta’s fling, who I really don’t want to see tossed to the side. Even her father slowly grows on me.

As far as urban fantasies go, if you recently read Sandy Williams’ “A Void of Magic” and liked it, you will love this, too. It’s definitely everything I would expect in urban fantasy: grit, action, romance, and a world that doesn’t just tack on the supernatural as a garnish.
86 reviews
August 26, 2021
Crysta is in college to be a doctor, she hopes. Then gets called home after her brother goes missing. This, after her oldest brother is killed. Crysta’s family is not a normal family. He father, Abraham Van Helsing, yes that one, sends for her as she is now he heir to the head of the family; the last thing she ever wanted to be as her family has taken on the responsibility to maintain the peace between supernatural clans as well as keeping them a secret from the normal humans for the last 300 years or so.

This series takes a different look at old enemies. The setup for the story in the modern world is done very well with the conflict of the old guard and the younger members on how to go forward are touched upon as well as how to continue with keeping the conflict between the groups from spilling over into the regular world.

The characters are well drawn, even the minor characters. Crysta’s problems with balancing the different factions as well as taking over the Van Helsing’s as her father wishes to retire. Be warned there are some explicit sex scenes, as well as adult language. This also ends with a cliffhanger.

It reads quickly so you don’t feel like it’s taking you forever to finish it. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
August 10, 2021
Stepping Up As Heir . . .

This is our introduction to the players and how the power is realigning with Crysta’s acceptance of her new role. The main character is feisty and sassy and, unlike things were done in the past, she will unhesitatingly tell other supernaturals just what she thinks. Sounds like there will be quite a bit of readjusting to the new leadership. She won’t be doing things the “old way” just because that is how it used to be done. She will blaze her own paths and do what she was born to do… but always in her own way as she keeps the supernatural beings such as vampires, shifters, and succubi under control.

She never expected to become the head of the Van Helsing clan. Her older brother was lined up for that honor… but he’s missing. So it’s up to Crysta to step up and do what’s right. Her father introduces her as heir, but then makes the mistake of trying to control her and direct her actions. So the fireworks should start soon. Especially when she feels the need to look for her brother. Is he still alive? Can the other supernaturals help her find him? This is the start of the series, so hang on for a wild ride. Crysta delivers! The story will have a kind of mafia vibe if that helps you put it in perspective.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,099 reviews63 followers
August 12, 2021
Crysta is the complete opposite of her hard, insular family especially her father. She's smart, quick witted and sassy. Not expecting to take away part in her families birthright she's given free reign (within reason) to live her own life until circumstances bring her right back into the thick of it. Trying to take her place in the Supernatural community and her role in her family. More so with everything going on around her.

Crysta is a brilliant character. She has her own way of dealing with things and it goes against her father completely. I cracked up with how she dealt with Alpha Joe. Swoon...............Vampire Xavier was just too hot!!! Incubus - Azeryth I'm still trying to work him out. Her cross to Bear is a fab start to this series and I loved reading it. I'm dying for the next book
217 reviews10 followers
July 27, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this different look at the Van Helsings. It had a Mob/God Father like feel. Crysta was not what I expected - kick butt, but has a total mind of her own. While she doesn't want to conform to the standard, she is working on finding ways to take parts of the typical way the "family business" is run and merge it into how she sees it should be run.

There were so many different dynamics that I didn't see coming, but loved. To see the different main fractions that make up the supernatural world and start to be brought into their realms/ways of living was great. The succubus world totally made sense with how Ms. Bedford created it.

I can't wait to read book 2!
250 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2021
A new take on Van Helsing.

I absolutely love this book, it's a different take on Van Helsing and have a great mob like feel to it.

Crysta by day is a pre-med college student, by night she's a hunter. One call sends her back home where she finds out that her brother who's the heir of the Van Helsing clan is missing and her father sends for her to step up to the plate.

She's such a sassy main character who will do what she needs to do and won't stick to the "old" ways just because it's always been that way. This book is fantastic and great modern twist! I was enthralled from the get go! I can't wait to see what else the next book brings!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Véronique Laplante Grenier.
1,216 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2021
Her cross to bear is the first book in a new serie by Erin Bedford.

Crysta's brother is missing. So now her father put her heir to the Van Helsing house, stuff that she didn't want. But she will do it even if her father will not approve how she do it. The Van Helsing house are the Head of the supernatural, Vampire, shifters and Succubi and keep them under control. While receiving gift that led to think that her brother is still alive, she will go againts her father and try to find him in asking help for the other supernaturals.

I have really loved this book and can't wait for the sequel. I have received an arc of this book from the author and booksprout.
Profile Image for Opasan Ouprie.
1,198 reviews
August 8, 2021
I enjoyed this story a lot. It was for sure way different than the normal Van Helsing. Unless you count the TV show with a female lead. This one she just knew she would be good to go in the human world since she wasn't next in line for the top position. But now that her brother is missing her father says hey your next. So she will do things the way she wants NOT how it has been done before. Just like a woman to make changes, they are for the better as far as she is concerned. If you are into all the paranormal stuff then check out this new series. You are in for a treat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
144 reviews
August 8, 2021
Really a great book... It's original, has action, romance and suspense... Crysta is a strong woman character even with her special condiction in middle of other supernaturals. Be a Van Helsing isn't simple. With her brother missing, she has become the new heir of Van Helsing clan. His father has a way to lead but she doesn't agree with his opinions. Well, I won't tell more... you need it to know more... ;)
I eat this book in 2 days, even having a lot to do, I could stop. Now I want the sequence...lol...
Highly recomended...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,620 reviews21 followers
August 8, 2021
An interesting take that combines a few theories of the supernatural world into a great story with a bit of mystery, a touch suspense, and a lot of steam and egos. Its the story of Crysta and what happens when she goes home for her birthday and ends up taking over for her father as he decides to retire from the family business. It was a blast to read, entertaining, hot and had a lot of scenes that made me laugh out loud. I like the supernatural world setup as we are introduced to all the main players in this hidden world. Just a great setup to a fun series and an overlying mystery that will keep me reading more.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
February 17, 2022
It’s always a good day when a consistently good author starts a new series, and that’s certainly the case with Erin Bedford and Her Cross To Bear (House of Van Helsing, Book 1). Anyone even remotely aware of the paranormal knows who the Van Helsings are, and our heroine here, Crysta, becomes the family heir at the start of this exciting adventure that’s consistent in portraying the traits of this writer: great plots (which will feed into what I’m sure will be an equally great story arc), wonderful world-building, strongly crafted characters that develop along with that storyline and pretty farm fantastic writing. Bottom line is this book is easy to highly recommend.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
6,044 reviews116 followers
August 8, 2021
Oh how I loved this! A new series and a different take on Van helsing and it’s fantastic! Crysta our female mc is totally kick ass, headstrong and does things her way and is heir to the Van helsing house who’s job it is to keep control of the supernatural beings such as vampires, shifters and succubi. It’s well written, entertaining and so exciting and a little steamy as we watch Crysta navigate this world as she tries to locate her brother and defy her father. So looking forward to reading more!
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,474 reviews49 followers
August 9, 2021
What a fantastic start to this new series I loved it and this is a different take on the Van Helsings I loved Crysta who is now the heir to the Van Helsing house she’s not happy about it but she has no other choice now that her brother has gone missing, Crysta is stubborn but she will do things her way she’s a kick butt and she will find her brother no matter what lengths she has to go to even if her father isn’t happy about it. Sorry guys no spoilers I loved it and the characters and I can’t wait to read book 2 and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2021
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW of Her Cross To Bear by Erin Bedford. This is the first book in the House of Van Helsing series. I enjoyed this new spin on the Van Helsing story. With a slightly mobbish vibe, Erin Bedford give us Crysta Van Helsing. Crysta is not exactly thrilled at having to take over the family business, but she's a Van Helsing through and through. I thought this was an action packed, fun read, but definitely not what I expected.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by obtaining a copy through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Debbie Pierce.
143 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2021
I love how this book took the Van Helsing family and the other supernaturals and put them all together. Crysta has been living with the humans at college even though she is 60. She doesn't look a day over 21. She goes home for her birthday and finds that her brother is missing and she is the new heir. There is way too much going on to go into here. Suffice it to say that it is well worth the read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,200 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2021
Crysta is made the heir of the Van Heslings after her brother's disappearance. It's not something she ever wanted, but she will do it on her terms even if her father disapproves. The world of succubui, Vampires and shifters is not an easy one to navigate for the immortal clan tasked to head them, but she will prove she is the gal up for it in this installment. She is determined to find her brother and set her own terms. It's a great read. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.
597 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2021
This book is a fresh take on the Van Helsing storyline. The characters are strong willed and Crysta Van Helsing is no exception. This book sets up a deeper plot while introducing the main families and feeding the reader small glimpses of each families secrets. The scenes are steamy and angsty between Crysta and Xavier and I can’t wait to see how they will interact in the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,377 reviews141 followers
August 6, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing story line. This is Crysta's story. She's put in charge when her brother disappears and she does things her way. The author does a great job painting her scenes and moving the story fluidly. I loved her characters and the story and would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,928 reviews20 followers
August 7, 2021
I liked this book it gives the reader a different take on the Van Helsing storyline we are used to reading. The characters are well-drawn, interesting and strong-willed especially Crysta Van Helsing. This is the first book in a new series and introduces the main families and the plot line to us whilst also giving the reader hints of family secrets.

The scenes between Crysta and Xavia are well done, with some steam and some angst, I can’t wait to see how they will interact in the next book!
Profile Image for Heather.
1,262 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2021
Fabulous start to a series!

I am already drooling for the next book!!
This was such a fabulous book and so different than others. Truly unique take on the Van Helsings.

Although I will say that I really hope Crysta and Xavier end up together... Sigh!!
But her father was so horrible to treat her and her brother the way he did. And her poor brother!!

I won't say anymore but that you should definitely read this!!

I received an ARC for my honest review.
662 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2021
What a story! The head of paranormal decides its time for a change but the son was kidnapped so Crysta the daughter it is. As Crysta hunts for her brother, she gets to meet the leaders of the paranormal world. Crysta has a vampire as a boyfriend and asked him to find her brother. All meets at Crysta's and her Father's home except the werewolves. Going to find her brother, the vampire found him, they had cut off parts of him. This story is well written, I loved reading it!
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.9k reviews29 followers
August 27, 2021
When her older brother goes missing Crysta becomes the sole heir to the Van Helsing Clan. She wasn't happy to accept this role but decides if she's going to take it she's going to do it her way, not the old way. In Her Cross To Bear I loved the new version of the Van Helsings and all the interesting characters we meet. This is a great start to what looks like an intriguing series and I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Charlotte Houghton.
122 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book about the han helsings and how his daughter ahs become the heir and i am glad she going to change everything and bringin new laws. so glad micheal was found and glad he is retiring and moving out to have a life. I hope they find out whodid this to micheal ad stop them from hurting anymore of her family, so can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
14 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2021
Excellent Sassy Heroine Tale

There are growing numbers of snarky heroine series out there. I think this will be one of the best. This more than ordinary human battler of evil has wits, smarts, courage, and heart. There is a supporting cast who are distinctly individuals and plenty of supernatural types among them. I was drawn into the story and am looking forward eagerly to the second. I hope it will be a long series!
Profile Image for Denise.
514 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2021
I loved reading Her Cross To Bear... It has awesome characters and a wonderful storyline that keeps you on your toes.. It has Vampires, Werewolves, Succubi, and of course the Hunters that keep the other Supernatural under control.
This book, also, has a secret about the main Character who is a powerhouse with how she deals with what is going on.. she is an amazing heroine.
2,307 reviews28 followers
August 3, 2021
This is a wonderfully written take on the Van Helsing saga. I loved it! Crysta was a strong woman with her own way of doing things, and independent ideals. The love interest in this story is one that I hope to see more of, in a good way. A am excited for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews