Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Bear Creak Christmas

SERIES: Holiday Mates (Book 1)

AUTHOR: Alexander Elliott

PUBLISHER: 4^th Ave Press

LENGTH: 221 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2021

BLURB:

Eager for a fresh start, Levi accepts a teaching position in the human-shifter community of Bear Creek. Focused on his students and the upcoming Christmas celebration, romance is the last thing on his gift list. However, when a local shifter shows interest, Levi’s recent breakup leaves him reluctant to get involved.

Just outside of town, Knox lives the simple, quiet life of an unmated shifter. When his bear picks up an intriguing and unforgettable scent, he’s determined to win over the cautious new music teacher. After a rough start, he patiently breaks down the walls around Levi’s heart, hoping for a future neither man thought possible.

Aided by the magic of Christmas, a cozy cabin, and a lot of snow, Knox and Levi discover love is the greatest gift of all. Follow the twinkle lights to Bear Creek for a warm and furry holiday romance with a guaranteed happy ending! (Book 1 of the Holiday Mates series. Contains steamy M/M content.)

REVIEW:

This is a brand-new-to-me author that I look forward to reading more from.

Levi Green has to get out of Ohio and away from his manipulative and user ex. He is more than a pretty face but all Daniel wanted him for is arm candy to impress all the rich people surrounding him. So he heads to Bear Creek PA to teach music to high school students in the human-shifter community. He hasn’t ever had experience or contact with a shifter before but the giant brute with the obvious erection at Delicious, the gourmet sweets shop, has him worried that’s all men want him for. Knox McCoy didn’t exactly make the best “first impression” on the gorgeous man he realized was his mate! But he had long given up on the idea so he did what any other Bear shifter smelling his mate would do…he went right up and scented him! A slightly unnerved Levi has no plans for meeting a man and dating after his last failed relationship but Knox is going to prove that they’re literally made for each other.

Wow! First off, who wouldn’t swoon for Knox. He’s everything you would ever want for a mate! He was the sweetest, most thoughtful and caring man. He might come across a bit rough around the edges but he loves with his entire being and Levi is his to love and protect.

I loved when Levi’s ex decided that it was time to come claim his ex and make him see the error of his ways. The only thing missing when Knox took over was Daniel soiling himself when Knox’s ursine half made him understand that no means no and Levi is taken.

I get where Levi was coming from. First off he’s human and had no working knowledge of shifter dynamics and needs. Plus he was just out of a horrible relationship with a user ex-boyfriend that could be charming when he needed to be but always for his own benefit. Learning to trust Knox was a whole different thing for him. Mating with a bear shifter is scary also because of the unknown. Thankfully he had his new friend and co-worker Eden and her bear shifter husband Calvin to go to for answers to his questions and advice. Having never interacted with the shifters was a whole new world for Levi. Thankfully the community opened their arms to him and he learned to trust.

Watching Levi’s parents and family not only openly accept Knox but to encourage Levi that he was a keeper was so wonderful. Knox needed their love and acceptance. We didn’t really get his back story but I think he might be one of those orphaned by his mother cubs he spoke about. I wish we could have had their wedding and watch them adopt little ones for their own. They will make the best dads.

I am looking forward to Aiden’s story next. I know the chocolatier had eyes for Knox but put those aside for Levi to fill Knox’s heart and life. So I hope he gets a good mate that he deserves and treats him like the special treat he is.

RATING:

BUY LINK:

Amazon