by Milly Taiden
Series: Shifter Undercover #1
Narrator: Lauren Sweet
Length: 5 hours and 46 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 2 cups
For vet and animal whisperer Charli Avers, talking to bears is all in a day’s work. But when she finds a man—a very sexy, very alpha man—where a bear ought to be, the wild comes close to home. Charli is drawn to this mysterious stranger. She wants to help him piece together the past he can’t remember—even if that means shedding her human misgivings and embracing her more carnal desires.
After shifting from bear to man, Barry believes he’s finally found his mate. Now he just needs to find himself. He doesn’t know much about the animal within him, but his human heart aches for Charli. She ignites his instincts to protect her from all danger—including their electric attraction.
The stakes climb as Charli investigates the mystery behind Barry’s memory loss and how it may relate to strange sightings and thefts in this little corner of Oregon. Without answers, she may lose Barry—and herself—to the wild side forever.
I enjoy paranormal romance and shifter books. I’ve read mostly wolf books, so the premise of Bearly in Control written by Milly Taiden had me curious. The first in the Shifter Undercover series it promised mystery and heated romance. Sadly this listen fell short for me. Reviews for the title are mixed, so be sure and read other opinions.
Caffeinated Aspects:
- I liked that Charli Avers is a vet and animal whisper. Just by touching an animal she can hear it’s thoughts.
- The small mountain town setting with its picturesque views, rivers and large shifter population appealed to me.
- A Sexy Bear Shifter with amnesia. Yum!
- The first in the Shifter Undercover series. I like that the series/story has a mystery or case to solve.
- The sex scenes were well written.
Decaffeinated Aspects:
- The characters were sadly cliche and lacked depth.
- I didn’t realize this was a novella, but it truly hurt the story. Relationships developed far too quickly leaving me emotionally disconnected.
- While I stated the sex was hot, I had two issues. The story takes place over maybe 72 hours. Despite overturned cars, bullets and danger it felt like there were more sex scenes than storyline. I get physical lust and attraction, but this one heated up way to fast. I know there was the “mate bond,” but the intimacy didn’t allow for a progression of trust to build. View Spoiler »
- The criminal mystery regarding Barry and the thread regarding his amnesia were not clearly resolved. This dangling case surprised me. Typically the current conflict is resolved, and the author leaves us waiting for answers regarding the overall series ARC. In Bearly in Control, the only thing answered and shakily at best is whether or not Barry is a criminal. But it was flimsy and left me deeply unsatisfied.
- Lauren Sweet, the narrator, has a pleasant enough voice but all of the female characters sounded like they were members of Barbie’s cheerleading squad. The voices only made the sappy, cliche dialogue more pronounced.
While Bearly in Control offered a hot romance and sexy bear shifter, it didn’t deliver on the overall story and lacked the depth desired from this reader.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Samantha
Bummer this one didn’t work for you. I don’t mind the insta-love thing but I certainly won’t want to listen to this on audio!! Barbie cheerleaders would make me crazy!
Melanie Simmons
I’ve read a few Milly Taiden books. They were from her Paranormal Dating series. They were really quick reads and a little silly. I didn’t dislike them, but I didn’t love them. I think I gave them 3 stars. I listened to your sample. I couldn’t listen to that. I’m usually pretty open to narrators, but no. When I saw you reviewed this one. I was excited to think I would want to try it. Don’t think so. Great review.
blodeuedd
Bears are scary!
The Bibliophile Babe
Sounds pretty frustrating! I tend to get annoyed with novellas in general.
Braine
Novellas can be tricky especially if it’s filed under this genre. There’s so much to go over in so few pages it can feel lacking sometimes. Hopefully your next read is better 🙂
Happy weekend!
Cyn
Oh no, that’s too bad this didn’t have more depth! Cliche characters and insta-love is definitely a no-no! Hope your next read is better, Kim! Thanks for the review.
Heidi
I like the sound of a bear shapeshifter and the Oregon setting, but it sounds like the short length hurt the story. I will pass. Thanks for the review.
Angela Adams
Clever book title. Thanks for the post.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Why is it every time I see a bear shifter book I want to make a joke? XD
Yea, I’m just that mature. ;D Well, I think I would have fun with this one despite the problems. Just good to know those problems going in first.
Sophia Rose
Hmm, apparently the trouble I had with two of her contemporaries a few weeks back was not isolated to that series. I was not impressed with the lack of plot development and some elements addressed in a shallow manner.
Too bad because the bear shifter part and the mystery element sound great.
Mary Kirkland
That’s the problem with some novellas. I don’t mind a shorter story as long as it doesn’t feel rushed.
Lily B
eak I don’t like instant romance >.< mate or not, I get it but I would like a little more connection that isn't uhm lube and handcuffs within 24 hrs
Kim
Well, I’m a fan of shifters and new series but the romance sounds way to fast if it’s taking place in a 72 period (saw spoiler.) I can understand your disappointment and the mystery not being tied up. Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Sorry it didn’t float your shifter boat, I know you like shifter romance, me too. Too bad about the narration too I’ve listened to books that had similar problems for me.
Better luck next time.
Right now I’m listening to Big Rock because you turned me on to Sebastian York and Lauren Blakely 🙂 Have you listened/read this one! The Prologue about Killed Me 🙂 Happy Friday we’re having an ice storm today Yikes!!!
Maggie
I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to Shifters/Paranormal, the love is always instant lol. I can’t help but roll my eyes every time I read one of those 🙂
Stormi Johnson
It sounded like an interesting one, so to bad it wasn’t as good as you hoped.
Laurie
I’m not a fan of insta-love, mate-bonded or tons of action so I’ll be skipping this one. Thanks for the honest review 🙂
kindlemom1
I really don’t think this would be for me either, I can handle insta-love but I still need depth and it doesn’t sound like this has it at all. Great review Kim, have a lovely weekend and stay warm!
Silvia
Dang! First time I hear about this book, but after reading your thoughts I think might have difficulty with the story as well . . . Hope you’re going to have a blast with whatever read is next!
Ailyn Koay
it sounded like a game that the developers forgot to tell people that it is a downloadable content. I guess it is wtf..
Melliane
I didn’t know about this one but I’m sorry to hear you weren’t that taken away by the story….