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Holiday Mates #2
Bear Creek Valentine
Over a decade ago, bear shifter, Dash Hawthorn, tragically lost his mate near Valentine’s Day. Alone ever since, he shuns the lover’s holiday to keep his fragile heart from breaking. With a new business venture under construction near Bear Creek, Dash prepares to leave painful memories behind and embrace a different kind of life. He doesn’t know it will include an intriguing human his bear can’t resist.
Aiden Romero’s world revolved around Delicious, his popular downtown chocolate shop. While he loved most holidays, Valentine’s only reminded him that his desire for a shifter mate remained unfulfilled. When the town’s newest resident stops by the shop, their instant attraction begins a complicated romance neither man expected.
As their attraction grows, Delicious experiences a wave of attacks that leave Aiden shaken and his business at risk. Despite Dash’s inner doubts, he does everything possible to protect the human he knows is his mate. In the process, and with the help of Dash’s bear, they begin to see a future full of possibilities.
Can two lonely hearts overcome the past and embrace a new Valentine’s Day together? See what Cupid’s been up to in this hot and angsty romance with a guaranteed happy ending! (Book 2 of the Holiday Mates series. Contains steamy M/M content.)
Aiden Romero’s world revolved around Delicious, his popular downtown chocolate shop. While he loved most holidays, Valentine’s only reminded him that his desire for a shifter mate remained unfulfilled. When the town’s newest resident stops by the shop, their instant attraction begins a complicated romance neither man expected.
As their attraction grows, Delicious experiences a wave of attacks that leave Aiden shaken and his business at risk. Despite Dash’s inner doubts, he does everything possible to protect the human he knows is his mate. In the process, and with the help of Dash’s bear, they begin to see a future full of possibilities.
Can two lonely hearts overcome the past and embrace a new Valentine’s Day together? See what Cupid’s been up to in this hot and angsty romance with a guaranteed happy ending! (Book 2 of the Holiday Mates series. Contains steamy M/M content.)
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2023
110 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Elliott
17 books74 followersAlexander Elliott lives in the upper Midwest and is the author of books in multiple genres, including science-fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and romance. His work is replete with themes of love, passion, family, humor, hope, and acceptance.
The author is praised for masterful storytelling and creative world-building. His books feature realistic, well-developed characters, emotional depth, sizzling romance, and all the adventure, action, and intrigue necessary for a great read.
If you have enjoyed his work, Alexander would love to hear from you!
Email: aelliottbooks@gmail.com
Website: https://aelliottbooks.com/
The author is praised for masterful storytelling and creative world-building. His books feature realistic, well-developed characters, emotional depth, sizzling romance, and all the adventure, action, and intrigue necessary for a great read.
If you have enjoyed his work, Alexander would love to hear from you!
Email: aelliottbooks@gmail.com
Website: https://aelliottbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 19, 2023
…………. 3.5 stars ………….
This was a really fun read! It was very much like a Hallmark rom-com only with some bear shifters and a little bit of unexpected drama. And I have to say, initially I came back to this universe for all the laughs that the interesting word choices in the sex scenes brought me in the previous book. I really loved that this one focused on Aiden and his chocolate shop. It was a really cozy environment to have as a backdrop for this story. I also loved that Dash was so willing to help the shifter community in any way that he possibly could. They were both just the sweetest and they deserve all the cuddles that they could ever want.
I think my only complaints about this book were, again, the word choices in the sex scenes. I could not keep a straight face any time I was read one of them 😂. And the other complaint I had was the whole revenge/stalker plot line. To me it felt a little underdeveloped and I feel like it could have been a little more fleshed out. I’m not sure with what exactly, but it just felt a little 🤷♀️ to the overall plot.
Anyway! This was a really fun read all around. And I can’t wait to explore more of this world. Bear Creek Valentine is getting 3.5 stars from me!
This was a really fun read! It was very much like a Hallmark rom-com only with some bear shifters and a little bit of unexpected drama. And I have to say, initially I came back to this universe for all the laughs that the interesting word choices in the sex scenes brought me in the previous book. I really loved that this one focused on Aiden and his chocolate shop. It was a really cozy environment to have as a backdrop for this story. I also loved that Dash was so willing to help the shifter community in any way that he possibly could. They were both just the sweetest and they deserve all the cuddles that they could ever want.
I think my only complaints about this book were, again, the word choices in the sex scenes. I could not keep a straight face any time I was read one of them 😂. And the other complaint I had was the whole revenge/stalker plot line. To me it felt a little underdeveloped and I feel like it could have been a little more fleshed out. I’m not sure with what exactly, but it just felt a little 🤷♀️ to the overall plot.
Anyway! This was a really fun read all around. And I can’t wait to explore more of this world. Bear Creek Valentine is getting 3.5 stars from me!
March 6, 2023
Aiden & Dash
This is book 2 on the holiday mates series, which takes place shortly after events in book 1, so recommend they get read in order.
This was a beautiful and heart warming story about a bear shifter Dash and his second chance with confectionist Aiden. They go through so much and still manage to support one another through it all.
The character's on this series are so amazing and I love how the author provides a point of view from each person.
I really hope there are more books in this series!
This is book 2 on the holiday mates series, which takes place shortly after events in book 1, so recommend they get read in order.
This was a beautiful and heart warming story about a bear shifter Dash and his second chance with confectionist Aiden. They go through so much and still manage to support one another through it all.
The character's on this series are so amazing and I love how the author provides a point of view from each person.
I really hope there are more books in this series!
June 21, 2024
A Town I Would Love to Live In
Bear shifter, Dash Hawthorne lost his mate near Valentine’s Day 10 years ago. Since then, he avoids the holiday. He is building a resort near Bear Creek and ventures into a new life. He meets candy maker Aiden Romero, and his bear is awakened and has his sights on Aiden. Can Dash calm his bear or will he need to break free from the past and follow his bear’s wishes.
The writing was wonderful, and everything flowed well from beginning to end. There was drama, suspense, romance, steamy sex, laughter, tears and heart. A little something for everyone. It included enough twists and turns to keep me interested until the end.
Aiden and Dash are great characters, carrying baggage but working through it. What struck me the most was that they sat down and talked instead of letting things fester like what happens in many novels. It made their relationship that much more real. The supporting characters were also great. The Hawthornes, Toby, Blanche, Mayor Tillman, Ryder, Levi, Knox, Serena, and Leo all added depth to the story - the interaction between them was realistic and fun. Even Heather was great - full of angst, cunning, hate, and revenge - she was the perfect antagonist.
The ending was fantastic and left enough mystery for a continuation of the series. I look forward to reading more about Bear Creek.
Two things though, one I would have loved for Toby to have more of a story line so we can follow him as he comes into his sexuality. And two, Ryder needs a mate.
Bear shifter, Dash Hawthorne lost his mate near Valentine’s Day 10 years ago. Since then, he avoids the holiday. He is building a resort near Bear Creek and ventures into a new life. He meets candy maker Aiden Romero, and his bear is awakened and has his sights on Aiden. Can Dash calm his bear or will he need to break free from the past and follow his bear’s wishes.
The writing was wonderful, and everything flowed well from beginning to end. There was drama, suspense, romance, steamy sex, laughter, tears and heart. A little something for everyone. It included enough twists and turns to keep me interested until the end.
Aiden and Dash are great characters, carrying baggage but working through it. What struck me the most was that they sat down and talked instead of letting things fester like what happens in many novels. It made their relationship that much more real. The supporting characters were also great. The Hawthornes, Toby, Blanche, Mayor Tillman, Ryder, Levi, Knox, Serena, and Leo all added depth to the story - the interaction between them was realistic and fun. Even Heather was great - full of angst, cunning, hate, and revenge - she was the perfect antagonist.
The ending was fantastic and left enough mystery for a continuation of the series. I look forward to reading more about Bear Creek.
Two things though, one I would have loved for Toby to have more of a story line so we can follow him as he comes into his sexuality. And two, Ryder needs a mate.
March 9, 2023
Widowed bear shifter finds another mate
This is a long story, with much detail, and covers a lot of ground. Dash has suffered a great loss, grieving for years. Aiden went through a horrible experience with family, and for years has been mostly just going through the motions. They both hate Valentine’s Day, even though it makes plenty of profit for both of them, since they are both connected to the service industry. When they meet, bear shifters just know. Instantly. Aiden, being human takes a bit longer to get with the program, but still, it’s quick! Then a year of problems, leading to a fabulous HEA.
This is a long story, with much detail, and covers a lot of ground. Dash has suffered a great loss, grieving for years. Aiden went through a horrible experience with family, and for years has been mostly just going through the motions. They both hate Valentine’s Day, even though it makes plenty of profit for both of them, since they are both connected to the service industry. When they meet, bear shifters just know. Instantly. Aiden, being human takes a bit longer to get with the program, but still, it’s quick! Then a year of problems, leading to a fabulous HEA.
March 28, 2023
The writing style just isn't my cuppa. Dry, too detailed, and the book was just too long. I also didn't get the reason for the mystery villain - why was that even included? The romance would have unfolded the same way either way. Also there was entirely too much on-page sex. Yeah, I said that.
I felt sorry for Dash's loss that happens before he meets Aiden. I felt sorry for how Aiden's family has treated him in the past. Still, nothing that happened inside the book as the romance unfolds made me want to read faster. Considering it took me 8 days to work my way through this... I probably won't try another book by this author.
As always, YMMV.
I felt sorry for Dash's loss that happens before he meets Aiden. I felt sorry for how Aiden's family has treated him in the past. Still, nothing that happened inside the book as the romance unfolds made me want to read faster. Considering it took me 8 days to work my way through this... I probably won't try another book by this author.
As always, YMMV.
January 17, 2024
Long and heady
This is by no means a short book, and perhaps longer than it needed to be but I've found this author's use of the omniscient POV refreshing. No other MM author does it as well as Mr. Elliott. His scenes flow organically and I rarely find myself confused over whose head I'm reading about.
Nice continuation of the Bear Creek series. Confectionaire Aiden finds his forever mate in shifter, Dash, the new resort owner and philanthropic donor.
KU, own, paranormal, book in a series (best read in order), fated mates, bear, mystery, chocolate.... so much chocolate!!
This is by no means a short book, and perhaps longer than it needed to be but I've found this author's use of the omniscient POV refreshing. No other MM author does it as well as Mr. Elliott. His scenes flow organically and I rarely find myself confused over whose head I'm reading about.
Nice continuation of the Bear Creek series. Confectionaire Aiden finds his forever mate in shifter, Dash, the new resort owner and philanthropic donor.
KU, own, paranormal, book in a series (best read in order), fated mates, bear, mystery, chocolate.... so much chocolate!!
March 24, 2025
Bear creek valentine
Definitely can't wait to read more in this series couldn't put this book down enjoyed the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Definitely can't wait to read more in this series couldn't put this book down enjoyed the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
April 16, 2023
While the first installment of this shifter series was a fun and cute novella length book, this is the writing by Alexander Elliot I know and love. A full book of amazing details and planning, characters that we get to spend MORE time with! I’m a big fan of this author’s style of writing. Without giving away spoilers, I truly enjoyed the way his characters developed from beginning to the super stellar ending. ;-)
I see soooo many potential books for the future from new characters that got introduced too! *hint hint*
I see soooo many potential books for the future from new characters that got introduced too! *hint hint*
March 14, 2023
Like the first story in this series, Bear Creek Christmas I found this one to be too wordy,(EG... way too descriptive, too many scenes that weren't necessary). It's a shame because the all the characters are great. The MCs are sweet and definitely belong together but there was so much going on around them I kind of lost interest. Also, the amount of times these guys had sex, whether on page or off, felt overwhelming. The small mystery was intriguing at first but ended in a fizzle. Unfortunately, I ended up skimming more than I like in a story.
QUICK THOUGHTS
● Holiday/Valentine and Christmas
● Bear shifter/Human pairing
● Age difference (27 yr old & 40 yr old)
● Dealing with grief from a loss of a mate
● Finding a new mate
● One great family, one with issues
● A mystery that wasn't necessary
● Some really sweet parts
● Way too much sex (one or off page)
● TOO wordy, needs a good trimming
● Found myself skimming and that's never good
● Really likeable MCs... Dash & Aiden
● Satisfying enough ending
● Recurring characters from book one
● Can be read as a stand-alone
March 21, 2023
When we think of “Valentine Books,” we normally think of sweet words, charming tales, and a Hallmark movie-esque confection that will temporarily satisfy us. Whilst this book has those things, do not be fooled into thinking that this is all that this book is. There is So. Much. More. There is drama. There is heartache. There are laughter and tears and giggles.
Bear Creek Valentine tells the year-long story of Aiden and Dash, from one Valentine’s Day to the next. Alexander Elliott is a masterful storyteller who builds his worlds with the care of an architect and describes them with a powerful command of the language. His excellent skill at character development makes us feel as if we not only know the main characters, but care about them as well. Even many of the “supporting characters” become dear to us.
I, for one, am already anxiously awaiting yet another return trip to Bear Creek! This reviewer strongly recommends Bear Creek Valentine. Once click with confidence and enjoy! Once click with confidence and enjoy! I certainly did!
Bear Creek Valentine tells the year-long story of Aiden and Dash, from one Valentine’s Day to the next. Alexander Elliott is a masterful storyteller who builds his worlds with the care of an architect and describes them with a powerful command of the language. His excellent skill at character development makes us feel as if we not only know the main characters, but care about them as well. Even many of the “supporting characters” become dear to us.
I, for one, am already anxiously awaiting yet another return trip to Bear Creek! This reviewer strongly recommends Bear Creek Valentine. Once click with confidence and enjoy! Once click with confidence and enjoy! I certainly did!
July 10, 2025
It was a good story.
I have to say that, although this was a good story, I liked the first one better. It seemed as though I was reading a porn book with sex in every chapter. It became boring after a while. I almost closed the book up. Dash remained too grumpy for me throughout the entire book. I've read shifter books before, but I don't remember all of this scenting going on. Aiden is a strong MC, even though it seemed as though every disaster had it in his business, and you thought he would give up.
I have to say that, although this was a good story, I liked the first one better. It seemed as though I was reading a porn book with sex in every chapter. It became boring after a while. I almost closed the book up. Dash remained too grumpy for me throughout the entire book. I've read shifter books before, but I don't remember all of this scenting going on. Aiden is a strong MC, even though it seemed as though every disaster had it in his business, and you thought he would give up.
Want to read
February 28, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/28/2023)! 🎁
June 24, 2023
Good book
September 7, 2025
Unputdownable!!
Well written story and well developed characters. I laughed, cried, panted and got very emotional! Loved it and can't wait to read the next one!
Well written story and well developed characters. I laughed, cried, panted and got very emotional! Loved it and can't wait to read the next one!
July 9, 2023
BEAR CREEK VALENTINE is a second-chance romance between a bear shifter and a human. Dash's first mate was killed 'by accident' and he has been alone ever since. Aiden is getting ready for Valentine's Day with his amazing baked goods, a day that reminds him how alone he is. Will these two be able to find their HEA?
Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.
It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.
Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2023
Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.
It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.
Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2023
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews