Curvy Girl and the Shifter Next Door

by Jessa Joy

The gigantic, brooding guy next door is such a grump they've nicknamed him "Grizz" like a bear. Which should warn me to stay far, far away from him. But following the rules has never appealed to me...

Constance
It's Halloween in Snowflake Falls.
I'm here to write an article about the so-called 'Love Town'.
Then some seriously spooky things start happening.
Including my 6'8" neighbor hunting me down and throwing me over his shoulder.
This enormous, grumpy firefighter has all my senses tingling.
The way he stares at me is unreal...
It awakens something primal in both of us.
There's danger in the air, but I'm determined to solve this mystery.
But the huge guy next door keeps taking my breath away...

Part of the Curvy Girls Date series featuring curvy women and the men who fall head over heels for them. A grizzly bear shifter 90-minute romance short read with no cheating and always a HEA!

The Curvy Girls Date series features interconnected standalone short stories perfect for a lunch break or an indulgent bedtime.

Genres: Romance

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

I'm Jessa Joy and I write about curvy women and the alpha men who can't resist them. Short, steamy and upbeat is the name of the game. I hope you (like me) enjoy a guaranteed Happy Ever After! Whether you're into office, holiday or second chance romance, hot billionaires, small town shenanigans or enemies to lovers intrigue, I'm here to fulfil your reading desires!

Reviews

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance is a journalist for a lifestyle magazine and visits Snowflake Falls to investigate the loved up couples and how so many of them found their way to each other. But she is investigating another matter and it's a secret project. She meets the hot firefighter Grizz and is instantly smitten. Grizz never thought that fated mates were real, that changes when he meets Constance. He knows she is his and nothing and nobody can stop him from claiming his mate😉 Instalove, age gap, sweet, OTT, fun to read, romantic, steamy and totally safe (both of them were virgins -never even dated☺️) without drama and with an awesome HEA 😍😍😍😍 can't wait for the next story 😊

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC 🎃🖤

[Riley 02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grizz & Constance - alpha & strong girl

OMG, he can talk to bees!!! I love this!! And their conversations are so funny, I almost cried. Zeeb is awesome ♥️.

I really loved this book. What I didn’t like was that it was too short. The storyline is amazing and I really wanted to keep living in it.

Grizz is big, alpha, protective, but also respectful. And old!! He was born in 1890s. Didn’t believe in fated mates until BAM 💥 Constance came.

And she is a strong, independent woman trying to write an expose on the villain while writing an article about the love brewing in the town. Everyone is in love there!! She is stark honest and direct. And I love her spontaneous spirit with her hair.

I love their interactions. The push and pull. And eventually they gave in to their bond. I didn’t like her response because it sounded a little childish and too forward. But it was ok I guess.

Loved his amazing cousins and that they can communicate with their minds. Loved that there was some thriller/action. That she also has powers.

Yeah, I loved the book. And the bees!!


SAFE
virgin/celibate/manwhore: both virgins (not even dated)
age gap: a lot
ow/om: a little om trying to capture her for her power
separation/breakups: nope
cheating/sharing: nope
possible triggers: no for me
HEA

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fucking love that the bear shifter has a sentient honey hive that makes fun of him. Amazing. I liked her healing too, and the magical vibes. The rest was odd though. He barely explains anything to her, I'm not sold on the love, he's like a century older than her, and he skips her baby checkup?

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the bees 🐝

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Place at the Right Time -
Constance had a plan when she arrived in Snowflake Falls, which was to interview the residents and also investigate another matter, but everything changed from the moment she locked eyes with Grizz and she felt an inexplicable connection with him. Grizz didn’t believe in fated mates, but he felt a pull towards Constance and his protective instincts kicked in from the moment her laid eyes on her.

Unfortunately, Constance was weary of Grizz’s attempt to get close to her, that is until an incident occurred that shook her to the core. Nevertheless, Grizz persevered and explained everything to her, but Constance found herself in trouble before she could accept her fate. Luckily, Grizz was able to rescue her with some help, which gave them a chance to finally acknowledge the bond between them and get back on track towards their future together.

This was a heartwarming, feel good romance with a mystical twist, that had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what was going to happen next, as I turned the pages. I am sure you will love reading this book, just as much as I did and be happy to recommend it to all your friends and family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween themed instaromance from Jessa Joy following Grizz a firefighter at Snowflake falls, who just so happens to be a bear shifter. And Constance a writer for an online blog/website whose has mystical healing powers she didn't know about.
Heading to Snowflake falls to chase a story following on from an expose she did, she's there under the guise of romance and finding more about the couples of Snowflake Falls, but secretly she's wanting more information on a wellbeing company.
Grizz happens upon Constance, when rushing out to deal with a fire, he scents her and his bear wants her. Fated mates is something Grizz never allowed himself to believe in, until he scented Constance.
Can they have a HEA, or is Constance's drive to know more and unravel the truth set to keep them apart?

Dual pov writing, spice, pure love, strong lovable characters, strong willed female lead, alpha male lead, dual virgin, halloween romance, small town romance, interlinking characters, instalove, instaromance, no cheating, head.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in the Curvy Girls Date series featuring the short and spicy age-gap, firefighter, fated mates, holiday, shifter romance between Grizz and Constance. You may remember Grizz from the Snowflake Falls Fire Dept. series where we were introduced to him and now we get his story. Constance is a journalist who wants to do more serious journalism not just the fluff pieces that her boss keeps giving her. That's why Constance decides to go to Snowflake Falls during Halloween to write an article about the "Love Town." About how every couple found their soul mate here. Grizz is a firefighter as well as a bear shifter who has given up hope on finding his soul mate and he has never believed in fated mates. That all changes once he sees Constance who his bear instantly recognizes is his. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this short and steamy age-gap, firefighter, fated mates, holiday, shifter romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bees know everything

Curvy Girl and the Shifter Next Door is the twelfth book in the Curvy Girls Date and it puts a spooky Halloween/PNR slant on the story. When Constance Lytton came to Snowflake Falls to write an article for the online website she works for she was not quite expecting all the eerie and spooky happenings to be going on. She also was not expecting that when the hotel she was staying in moved her up the mountain to a cabin that she would see a naked man running off the porch next door. Well hello to Griff Oakmont and all his grizzly bear sexiness. Griff has been alive for a long time and has never found his mate. But one look at the sexy, curvy, beauty that comes to the firehouse and then moves into the cabin next door and he is a goner. But there is something around Constance that threatens to harm her. When Griff gets told this he knows that she is his to protect, along with his bees that is.
This is a very fun, entertaining, delightful, happy and smile inducing story. I really loved and enjoyed reading about the latest couple to fall in love in Snowflake Falls.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curvy Girl and the Shifter Next Door is Book 12 of Curvy Girls Date. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, double virgin, paranormal fated mates, curvy girl gets her bear shifter romance. Constance is a 27 year old smart, sassy, and curvy journalist. Grizz is a huge, hunky, grumpy, 100+ year old grizzly bear shifter and firefighter. When Constance comes to Snowflake Falls to do a story on the "Love Town" at Halloween, she never expects to meet her fated mate or find out that she has some magic of her own in her blood. When dark magic puts her in danger, can Grizz keep her safe? I was excited for Grizz's story ever since we saw him in the last story, and it did not disappoint. They had insane chemistry, and we got a very happy ending after some drama. I loved all the whimsical elements, the bees, and all the character Easter eggs we saw (red demon 😈:). I loved it!!! This was another fabulous read from Jessa!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance Lytton is in Snowflake Falls for an article. Her editor, Priscilla, sent her there to do an article with a love town angle. She also wants to investigate Mr. Veilstone, who was misrepresenting his business. Constance did an article about fake vitamins that could have been harmful. He was not happy with Constance’s article. He happens to be running a wellness retreat in the mountains of Snowflake Falls.

Griff Oakmont is called Grizz because he is sort of like a big grizzly bear. In fact, he is a bear shifter. He is a firefighter in town. When Constance visits the firehouse for her love article, she sees Grizz. Then, she ends up being put in the cabin next door to Grizz by the hotel. She learns more about him at the beauty shop. Grizz’s inner bear senses that Constance is his true mate.

I loved that Constance and Grizz learned more about themselves as they got to know each other. Cute story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so totally here for this book. Jessa always has a way of writing that totally pulls you into the story, whatever that might be!

Constance might be in Snowflake Falls for a article, but she always wants to work on a expose article at the same tie. She didn't expect to put herself back in harms way, or have a hunky bulky firefighter next door.

I love how Constance doesn't give into Grizz's growly, want to take her away vibes, and isn't afraid to just question what Grizz means when he goes all caveman on her about.

I freaking ADORE Grizz's bees. This is the first time i've heard of talking bees, but i'm here for it. They really add some humor to the story

THere is love, fate mate love, evil bad buys, a new healing power, and a beautiful HEA!!!! You will be SOOO thankful you read this book of Jessa's. You will get the insta-love, beauty of a fated mate, not how everyone flirts, and sometimes we see more in people we never would have thought of otherwise.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Age-gap (He was born in 1899), Shifter/Healer
Curvy Girls Date
Snowflake Falls

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger/ Content warnings
He's a bear
She finds out she's a Healer
Warlock villain
Kidnapping
Death of parents
Dual V-cards

He's a firefighter; she's a journalist. He's also a bear shifter in a secretly magical town. The town is mostly full of humans that just think people fall in love easily in this town. The magical folk know Snowflake Falls has hidden magic and special "people." When she comes to town to write a story about how people fall in love, she notices strange things happening. While she's in town, she's also determined to find out more about a person she previously had a negative run-in with. But will she live long enough to write her story?

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grizz is a firefighter in Snowflake Falls and a grizzly bear shifter. When Constance comes to town he knows he has found his mate.
Constance is a reporter. She is writing a story on the love connections the town is famous for. She has other plans. A wellness guru from a previous story seems like a fraud and she wants to expose him.
There is magic at work here. Can Grizz convince Constance he is her mate and keep her safe.
Cute short read just in time for spooky season.
Expect a grumpy protective mate and a ray of sunshine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance is writing a story about Snowflake Falls and why it’s called the love town. She is also investigating a charlatan selling vitamins that do not work not realizing that he’s a warlock looking for victims. When Constance meets Grizz, a bear shifter, he realizes she’s his fated mate. Can Grizz protect her from the warlock who wants her power. Loved this fast paced intriguing read, sweet and steamy with a wonderful couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, Snowflake Fall and the Halloween Spooktacular event! Pumpkins, and all walks of life falling in love. Constance is there for an expose and a article for her boss. But there are things going on in this town that makes it enchanting and spooky. Grizz is one of those hiding in plan sight. Grouchy and a huge, giant firefighter and shifter. But he is attracted to her smell. Funny, suspense, learning the way are tourist become residents. Then never leave town. Grizz is warned that Constance is in trouble? Why? the expose'. Enough said. or is it? Loved it!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance is tired of writing fluff pieces for her boss and wants to do serious journalism. She goes to Snowflake Falls to write an article about all the couples and how they found their soulmates. Grizz is a bear shifter who gave up on his soulmate years ago until he sees Constance. His bear instantly takes notice. I love the bit of suspense and mystery in this plot. Grizz and Constance have excellent chemistry and the perfect amount of spice. This is a wonderful short Halloween romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this one was no exception. Grizz is a firefighter who is a litte rough round the edges but then again he's kind of lost hope. He doesn't believe in fated mates and he is certain that he is not going to find his soulmate. That would be enough to make anyone's day less bright. Constance is a journalist who wants to write things that mean something, not just some random fluff to fill a spare gap on a page. She goes to Snowflake with a mission except what she ends up with is nowhere near what she bargained for!

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s spooky season and this story hits the spot! Grizz is a firefighter we met in the Snowflake Falls Fire Department series that was a memorable character. I love that he got his HEA and him being a shifter was a fun twist to take with his story. Constance is his perfect match and I love their dynamic. Another perfectly paced and spicy love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big, gruff and totally extra!

I loved this visit to Snowflake Falls! It's totally over the top, has shifters, magic, a fancy dress ball and rescue bees all served with a side of crazy.....but it is the perfect escape to curl up with on a cold autumn evening with howling winds and torrential rain outside. I am so glad Grizz the none believer finds his mate, and Constance finally finds her home.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curvy Girl and the Shifter Next Door is magical, funny, and delightfully entertaining. Grizz is a gorgeous firefighter, bear shifter, and beautiful being. Constance is a ballsy journalist who is a bit goofy, aloof to the magical world, and infinitely curious. Theirs is an interesting match. With a bit of mystery and a twist of action, this short read is so much fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance is in town to write a story above the Love Town, but has other stories brewing about a shifty herbalist. But once Grizz sees her she’s going to have a lot more to investigate.
I love when the mystical side of Snowflake Falls shines. This time there’s a shifter who finds his mate, a warlock on the loose, an unsuspecting healer and it’s Halloween.
As always, Ms Joy has created a quick, action packed, sweet and steamy read with a cute HEA.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance is a reporter who came to Snowflake Falls to interview the residents about it being the town of love but really she was investigating a shady businessman. Firefighter and bear shifter, Grizz, scents her as his mate and is determined to keep her safe.
This story was fabulous! Fun, steamy, an amazing 5 star read with a loving, protective hero and a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicolle Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Constance comes to snowflake falls for an article. She's heard about all the love stories, and wants to learn more. She ends up learning just how much magic is truly in the town, and within herself.

Griff is a firefighter and grizzly bear shifter who never believes in fated mates, until he met Constance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was right back in to Snowflake Falls and ready to move back. I would love to find my own love and be there. It should be interesting to see what will happen next and who will get the next story. I loved the new twist with the shifters. It would be interesting to get more of a background on that with more stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the town of Snowflake Falls and it just got more magical now that there are shifters, healers, warlocks and buzzing bees. There's a bit of suspense to the story, a lot of steam, and some humor too. I loved Zeeb and Grizz's interactions and how they are best friends. It's just too adorable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute fated mates romance. It was a short story with a good flow. The storyline was entertaining and had a little unexpected twist that I enjoyed. Grizz and Constance had good chemistry and I liked them together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent shifter story. The MCs are relatable and very likeable. Grizz is sort of a grump but Constance can sooth the bear. There is much danger around her but with some help Grizz saves the day. I recommend this short novella to all paranormal romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lee-anna Dunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Damn🔥🔥

Well it looks like I've just found a new favorite author.

Totally loved this story of a bear shifter and his fated mate who had no idea she was magical.
I love this story and it's not one of the normal shifter stories I totally love how this town of snowflake falls has all different paranormal characters. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance is in Snowflake Falls to write a story about the love town. What she does not know is that from their first meeting Grizz knows she is his mate. Grizz is a bear shifter that never thought he wanted his mate, works at the fire department.

Can he convince her that Snowflake Falls is the place for her?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.