Her Cross To Bear
Book 1 in House of Van Helsing Series
$14.99
Everything that goes bump in the night is true and they are coming for you.
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.
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59 reviews for Her Cross To Bear (House of Van Helsing #1)
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Excerpt
“Could you really kill me, pet? Put a bullet straight through my undead heart?” Xavier placed his hands over his heart his eyes watching me with curious intent.
He didn’t think I’d do it.
My voice was steady and cold when I answered. “Yes.”
“You would really do it, wouldn’t you?”
“It’s what I do.”
“Do it then?” Xavier grabbed the barrel of my gun and shifted it up to point at his heart. “What’s worse a monster who knows what he is or one that pretends to be otherwise? You Van Helsings have a god complex like no other and forget you are just as bad as the rest of us.”
He pushed against the barrel until it had to be biting into his flesh, while he whispered,
“There’s a reason you’re the ones the monsters fear.”
Daisy Kay –
I really enjoyed this introduction into this world and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I just so thoroughly enjoyed meeting these new characters and getting to go on their journey. I will most definitely be reading more wonderful books from this author.
The Mysterious Reader –
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.
Anonymous –
I have been waiting for this book for a few months, and it didn’t disappoint! I absolutely loved the storyline with the perfect amount of burn to keep you hooked! I can’t wait for the next book Blood Betrayal!
Lorrie –
This was action packed, dangerous, and exciting. I loves these characters and the storyline was spot on
Future Corpse –
I found the characters hard to relate to and the main female lead was kind of boring and not much really happened in the book.
tburbr –
A well written story line and endearing characters made this book a great way to start a series. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
MommaMea –
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!
Denisemouse –
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.
Jennydm –
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.
Veronique –
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.
sissyj59 –
This is a wonderfully 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!
Lori00 –
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!
Brenda –
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.
Michalle –
I love this different take on the Van Helsing storyline. Sassy Crysta makes for a great FMC and I can’t wait to see what happens in this series. The story hooked me in and I really enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to read what happens next.
Elesha –
After her brother has gone missing, Crysta is pushed into the heir role of the House of van helsing. This has a great storyline, strong amazing characters. And love how the plot of the story developed can not wait to read more of This series.
Anonymous –
I tried really hard to like this book, but it just fell flat for me. I love Erin Bedford’s books normally. This just wasn’t it for me. The premise was cool and I was excited for a female Van Helsing, but it lacked a certain oomph I was expecting. I started and finished multiple novels while reading this one and I had to force myself to get through it.
babyjmmr –
This is book one in the house of van helsing series. Crysta does things her way even if people do not like it. I love her character.
Carlag –
This was an amazing start to what’s going to be an amazing series. This book had it all action, laughs, heat and tears. I cant wait for the next book.
Cleocutie –
Great story with a feisty main character who is not afraid to stand up for herself and say what is on her mind. I love the different take on the Van Helsing family and what they might have been like and there is plenty of action to keep you interested.
LeMiliere –
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!
Annette –
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!
BethR –
Crysta is strong and idealistic for an older than she appears fmc. Generally cruddy father, but brother that she does love. After everything that happens to her this go around I really want her and Xavier to reach a better place, but after so long as fwb is this even possible?
Juliz –
Her Cross To Bear Was an interesting wonderful amazing paranormal romance story with entertaining characters
LaurenErzsebet –
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.
Debbie W. –
An amazing adventure with wonderful characters that’s a great story. Erin never disappoints in her exceptional stories.
Hmiller –
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!!
Alister –
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!
Opasan –
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.
Bookreader Addicted –
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…
Msopsko –
Fascinating characters with a story that will keep you on the edge with intrigue. Well written and a unique story.
christinaraven –
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.
Book_Lover_97 –
This is a very unique take on the Van Helsings. This is well written with intriguing characters. Crysta is strong and independent. This has incredible and detailed worldbuilding. I am very excited to read more of this series.
Daewalker1 –
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.
Kimkim –
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Crysta …. bada$$… this is her story… a fast paced action packed mafia like drama… becoming the Heir to the Van Helsing House is not something I wanted or needed but, my brother disappears…I need to find him… a great take on the Van Helsing story…
trufriends –
This is a new take on Van Helsing. After her brother disappears Crysta is made the heir which she does not want. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
Vivian C –
Ms. Bedford has provided an interesting take on the Van Helsings. The family “job” is one Crysta has tried to avoid but finds herself sucked in when her brother disappears. The dynamics between the family members is tense to say the least. I can’t wait to see how things continue in book 2.
Juanita –
The chemistry and interaction between the characters is great. I can’t wait for more from this author.
Gandolf174 –
Erin starts a new series with a bang. With an Older brother to take on the family business our heroine is content to live out her life in the shadows, that is until her brother disappears and leaves her to take up the Van Helsing mantle.
Cath –
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.
Emily –
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.
Caroline –
What a fantastic start to this new series I loved Crysta who now is the heir to the Van Helsing house since her brother had gone missing, Crysta will do what she needs to do to find her brother even if her father isn’t happy about her ways of doing things. Crysta is a kick butt heroine who knows her own mind, this is a different take on the Van Helsings I loved it and the characters and I can’t wait to read book 2, sorry guys no spoilers and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
Charlie24 –
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 – Azeroth 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
SI –
My first for this kind of read and it was very well written and exciting characters. They were entertaining.
Jennifer –
An amazing story, with such a great take on the Van Helsings! Loved this book and now anxiously await the next one.
Karen S –
This is a great start to a new series. The storyline is a fresh take on Van Helsing, the main characters are developed with the heroine being a sassy, kick-ass hunter. There is action, steam, drama, mystery, and suspense. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Ruth51 –
Wow this book was amazingly written. Once I started I couldn’t put it down till I was finished. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get their happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t
Tera –
This is the first book in the new House of Van Helsing series. Such a great modern spin to the old Van Helsing stories, with the main character now being Crysta. I can not wait to see what the author has in store for this series, she always keeps me on my toes and a rag close by to keep me cleaning up drinks that I have spit out from laughing out loud after taking a sip from my drink.
Cali Jewel –
A great read that kept me on the edge of my seat and left me breathless for more. Emotional, thrilling, sexy, witty and scary adventure filled with so much danger, intrigue and heart pounding twists…. Can not wait to continue the journey and find out what will happen next.
Ashley –
Crysta is a dynamic character. She has a human life but Daddy, leader of the supernaturals, left out the fact her brother has been missing and now she is to take over as heir. Not what she wants to do! She has her own views and opinions on how things should be run and is determined to find her missing brother. Great story line and love the retelling with a twist!
RaveenH –
The first book in this series and it was everything! The entire storyline and characters had me intrigued throughout the whole book, needing more. Definitely could not put down at all and just wanted to keep going.
CatKnip –
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.
Dawnm –
Wow this is duckibg amazing! Erin is one of my must read authors she always ALWAYS delivers me amazing characters and a world I can get lost in I love this story and cannt wait for more!!!
Charlotte –
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.
Michelle V –
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.
sylenia26 –
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!
Debra –
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.
Scarolet –
Her Cross To Bear by Erin Bedford is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about urban fantasy , thrillers and paranormal romance.
Crystal Star –
This was the beginning of a great adventure by one of my favorite authors. There was a fun character building within this story and I am excited to see how it grows in this book. We see a large cast of characters, and each is gaining their own place. Some appear more villian like than others. It will be interesting to see the growth of these new faces. I am excited for the future!
Nicole –
This was the beginning of a great adventure. There was a fun character building within this story and I am excited to see how it grows in this book. We see a large cast of characters, and each is gaining their own place. Some appear more villian like than others. It will be interesting to see the growth of these new faces. I am excited for the future!