Eager Beaver

Double-Booked for the Holidays

by Trisha Linde

Mistakes were made… or maybe it was fate.

Canadian alpha beaver shifter Guy sees himself as an entrepreneur, slowly growing his one-man maple syrup company to compete on an international market, but this unfortunately has meant making sacrifices when it comes to his personal life. He definitely should’ve taken the time to date, but there simply hasn’t been anyone in his lodge to interest his beast. But when he travels south of the border for a condiment convention (So close to Christmas? Whose idea was that?), he finds himself accidentally double-booked in a tiny cabin with an omega who smells suspiciously like his mate… Suddenly, his business is no longer his top priority.

For American human omega Fable, the holidays have always been a source of judgment. His parents, his happily married siblings, all asking him when he’s going to hurry up and settle down. But this year, it’s so much worse, because it also happens to coincide with his ten-year high school reunion (So close to Christmas? Whose idea was that?). He simply can’t bring himself to look his peers in the eye and admit that the man voted most likely to take over the world has simply… fizzled out. It’s a good thing the cabin he booked comes with an unexpected ally. And if there just so happens to be only one bed, then he’s willing to pay the price gladly.

Eager Beaver is part of the shared world, Double Booked for the Holidays, by some of your favorite mpreg authors. Eager Beaver is a light-hearted mm mpreg romance that closes the gap between nations and species. It features an omega who learns that appearances aren’t everything, an alpha shifter willing to make any sacrifice for love, and the clerical error that brings them together. Distance and borders mean nothing in the face of fate.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

Trisha Linde spends all her time immersed in books, both reading and writing, mainly because she lives where it’s too cold to do anything else, and what better way to keep warm than with a hot book. The first time she read mpreg, it was love at first sight, and there’s no turning back now.

When she gets older, she will likely invite strangers over for dinner, and you can bet your ass there will be sequins.

Check me out on Ream for FREE short stories for followers. https://reamstories.com/trishalinde

Reviews

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed every single moment of this book. If you’re interested in a fun, sexy story with a French Canadian beaver shifter then I highly recommend! There were so many moments that made me swoon, laugh out loud and just smile! Guy and Fable were perfect together! I loved their fated meeting and how it ended up working out between them. Can’t wait to read more by this author and more from this series!

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He booked a fake boyfriend. Fate sent him a flannel-wrapped beaver shifter.

Human omega Fable is just trying to survive the holidays. A high school reunion, a judgmental family, and the creeping fear that he peaked a decade ago are more than enough. When a booking error sticks him in a mountain cabin with a gruff, soft-spoken stranger, things get complicated fast. Especially when that stranger starts looking a lot like safety.

Guy came for syrup samples and business cards, not soulmates. But the moment he meets Fable, his priorities shift. The lodge is small, the bed is shared, and every day brings him closer to someone he never thought he’d find. He’s quiet, grounded, and fiercely loyal, and he falls harder than he ever expected.

What starts as awkward and accidental turns into something deeper. Slow touches. Honest words. Feelings that refuse to be packed away when the week ends. Across distance and doubt, their bond stretches but doesn’t break. Because love, the real kind, shows up, leans in, and stays through all of it.

Fable grows from guarded and burnt-out to someone open, passionate, and full of fight for what he wants. Guy shifts from lone alpha to nurturing partner, ready to share his home and heart. Together, they build something rooted in trust, shaped by laughter, and strengthened by the love they never saw coming.

A steamy, omegaverse, fated mates, MM, human-shifter, small town Christmas romance with mpreg, fake dating, forced proximity, and only one bed. It explores identity, belonging, vulnerability, second chances, chosen family, and transformation. It's about showing up when it counts, choosing love when it's messy and real, and building a life through trust, laughter, and late-night confessions. It's about finding home in the one who sees you and stays.

The Elevator Pitch: A human omega down on his luck meets a flannel-wrapped beaver shifter with a quiet voice and a syrup empire in the making. One bed, one kiss, and a holiday snowstorm spark a connection that’s messy, magnetic, and meant to last. Steamy, sweet, and full of heart, this is a winter romance where fate does the matchmaking and love does the heavy lifting.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trisha Linde's Eager Beaver is a very nice addition to the Double-Booked series. It's funny and full of trophy good fun. Yes, same as the others, it is one room/one bed and it has the shifter/human situation some of the other stories offer. There's also fake boyfriends, and a school reunion.
Who carries a bottle of maple syrup in their pocket all the time? Guy Charpentier, a Canadian alpha beaver shifter, that's who. His niche maple syrup business is in it's infancy and he's at Winter Wonderland Wilderness Lodge because Pinevale is having a Condiments Convention. Besides, you never know, there could be a maple syrup emergency.
Who carries cheese grater in their luggage (and how did he get it past LA-X security?)? American Fable Everly, human omega, that's who. He's originally from Pinevale and back for his ten year HS reunion. Problem is, he's an insurance adjuster, not the world famous food blogger he'd love to be. The alpha he hired to act as his doting, successful husband, got covid, so he's at the lodge partnerless.
And you never know, there could be a cheese emergency.
Guy attends the reunion with Fable. The tales of success he creates get more and more fanciful as people ask Fable, "So what have you been up to since graduation?" Totally hilarious. Fable attends the Condiments Convention with Guy. He collects a ton of sample bottles and enters a spicy chicken wing competition. Lots of fun. And once again, LA-X????
The reveal was so cute. And there's also the whole 'we live in two different countries' obstacle. I loved how the author addressed it. A little angsty. But ever so sweet.
This was a quick, fun read. Definitely one of my favorites from the series.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an eager beaver is a wonderful phrase, used as a title for this book it takes on an extra special meaning. Not only is one of the characters a Beaver shifter but the man who is destined to be his fated mate characterises someone to whom the phrase could be applied, certainly when it comes to condiments and cooking at least!

I hope you've been reading all the books in this wonderful seasonal author collaboration. They all link to the same lodge where double bookings seem to have happened because fate has wanted to bring her men together and they have resulted in some charming stories with the very best of HEA's.

Guy and Fable are a shifter and a human, a Canadian and an American. Guy hopes to set up his own condiments company whist Fable works for an insurance firm but when they discover they are going to have to share a cabin for a few days they realise they have been put in what could be an uncomfortable position but one they both want to make work. Can they? Will Guy's beaver prove to be a helpful addition? Will Fable's mother stop nagging her son and will they be able to work through the mountains of paperwork them finding one another creates?

Utterly charming, a true delight as a Christmas read but, quite honestly, a story to be read at any time of year, if you ever find yourself needing a pick-me-up.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was such a sweet holiday romance. Good world building and wonderful characters. I really loved Branson's prequel chapter at the beginning explaining how all these cabins ended up overbooked. And his boss's reaction- which was way better than I'd have expected. It also made me super curious to learn more about these two!

I loved both human omega Fable and alpha beaver Guy. Their first meeting was fun, and I thought they were so cute together. There were actually several parallels between them that I liked. I'd swear I drooled a little reading Fable's first taste of Guy's maple syrup (literal- no pun):

'And then I put a bite of food in my mouth, and I swore my entire world was turned on its axis. I saw heaven, I tell you! Sweet and rich, a hint of maple without the overpowering artificial flavors. The gastronomical glory! I swore my eyes rolled back into my head. I was ruined for all other syrups for the rest of time.
“Ohmygods,” I mumbled around my mouthful, finally coming back to my senses. “How much time has passed? What day of the week is it? I might’ve blacked out for a second. How have I never tried this before?”'

I felt that experience down to my soul! lol I liked how they supported each other at the reunion/convention. Overall a sweet and fluffy romance! 4 stars

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This doubled booked Holidays series is so much fun to read. It brings me into a Christmas spirit. The MM combination shifter and human works so good, especially since fate had a hand in them meeting at the holiday resort in the same cabin.

This book is about beaver shifter Guy who is from the French part of Canada. He speaks French from time to time and come on, a man with an accent is always cute, isn't it? The other main character is Fable who is there because of his high school reunion. He didn't want to go alone, so he hired an escort, but the escort is sick and doesn't show up.

Guy and Fable end up together in the same cabin. Guy goes with Fable to the reunion and the stories he makes up what Fable is doing with his life now are very fun to read.
Fable goes with Guy to his convention he is visiting because of his one-man maple syrup company he owns. Since Fable is a food blogger in his spare time he likes the convention very much.

How they end up together and if they stay together, for the answer to that you have to read the book. You won't regret reading it. This book is such a nice read, there is some spice in it, but it more a feelgood story in general.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, entertaining tale of Canadian beaver shifter Guy and his American human omega Fable, his fated mate. They meet in Fable’s hometown when he returns for his 10 years high school reunion and Guy is attending a conference, hoping to drum up interest in his maple syrup. Fate intervenes as they are both booked into the same cabin at the resort, throwing them together most of the time they are there, with Guy acting as Fable’s husband/boyfriend during reunion and family obligations. Guy knows Fable is his mate, and Fable feels a strong pull to Guy, but has no idea about the shifter or mate thing. As they try to stay connected while 3000 miles apart, Mother Nature throws another curve ball to bring them together and lead them closer to their HEA. Cute encounters, creative “lies” to support Fable at the reunion, meeting the parents and making a good impression, a stuffed beaver “bouquet “, many maple recipes, and a growing family make for an enjoyable, light-hearted read, sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

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

[Penumbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eager Beaver is part of the ‘Double-Booked for the Holidays’ collection written by various authors. It stars Guy, an Alpha beaver shifter, and Fable, a human omega. This is told in first person from Guy and Fable’s povs.

The blurb does a great job of explaining the plot but I’ll add a bit more. I’ve read one other book in this collection and it appears to be the forced proximity trope. It’s based on the premise that lodgings are double booked by accident and the couple that’s double booked, are forced to share a bed.

The story starts out a bit confusing, at least for me. It explains what the Double-Booked Collection is about. Then goes into what reads as the beginning of the story, but it’s not. It’s like a prologue about Branson, the booking clerk and how the bookings became messed up. Then there’s the ‘About the Book’ explanation. It read like these three sections were out of order. I think the explanation about the collection should have come first, ‘About the Book’ should have come second, and finally the explanation about Branson should have been third, which would then lead smoothly into the first chapter with Fable. Anyway, I found the beginning sections of this book arranged awkwardly.

When readers first meet Guy, he’s shown as grumpy because he hates going to conventions to promote his maple syrup but know he has to. When Guy meets Fable, he knows immediately that Fable is his mate and he must fight his beaver’s instincts to mark Fable. Fable is a hyper person. The author had him speak with lots of exclamations, which I thought was overdone. Fable was excitable and talkative. He was also nervous because he had a school reunion to attend and he knew his classmates would expect him to be a huge success since he was most likely to succeed, but he had not. His fake date couldn’t make it and now he was stuck. As the story progresses, Guy becomes less grumpy, but that seems like a natural progression because he’s found his mate so now, he’s happier, which means he wasn’t really a grumpy man in the first place. Fable’s personality changed as the story went along. He was no longer as hyper and the author didn’t use as many exclamation points. Which to me meant that his personality wasn’t consistent. There didn’t seem to be a reason for him to change from an excitable, talkative person to less of a one.

This author had the characters using a lot of inner monologue, more than dialogue. I dislike a lot of monologue, but this author was able to write it well and make it so the characters’ voices remained distinct. This made the inner monologue more interesting than most of the other such stories I’ve read which have excessive monologue.

Overall, Eager Beaver is a cute, fun, and fast read. The characters are interesting, and there is a definite wintery holiday feel to this story. The one thing I think needs fixing, is the arrangement of the multiple sections at the beginning of the book, which I found confusing. Still, I recommend this and give it 4 Stars.

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

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super sweet and funny. Fable had put a log cabin to stay in when he was going home for his 10-year class reunion. Guy had booked a log cabin for a condiment conference he was going to. Unbeknownst to them the lodge that they were both booked at had double booked them for the same room. Guide new immediately that Fable was his mate but Fable is human and guy is a shifter. I really enjoyed this story my one and only complaint was I wish they had shared the recipes. One of my favorite quotes from the book was
(What what's wrong with me? He was just some Lumberjack with an accent, no need for me to provide the wood.)
And my second one was ( my parents' Golden Retriever Padawan under the table looking for scraps like a four-legged Roomba.).

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

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You never know when you’ll find yourself in a cheese emergency!"

This is the fourth book I've read in the multi-author series, Double-Booked for the Holidays. This one was written by Trisha Linde and when I saw it pop up on Booksprout I went for it immediately since I love this author.

What a cute story and I'm loving the theme that runs throughout the books in this series. Due to an issue in the booking system rooms are double booked for the holiday. Apparently fate has a hand in this and shifters are finding their fated mates.

Fated mates, shifter/human, French Canadian accent (the language of love), fake husband, ten year reunions should always be avoided, a pillow wall never works, a condiment convention could be fun, mpreg

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I've read (or tried to read) a few in this series now and this is definitely my favourite. It starts off strong and just keeps getting better, with the the last few chapters being just adorable. Beaver teeth are possibly a less sexy prospect than cat or canid teeth, but I still missed having the mating bite on page. There were also some absolutely stellar wtf sentences due to the beaver references, which I very much enjoyed. I loved the beaver was French and spoke exclusively in French. There wasn't much shifted time on page but the comments and references to his ever-present beaver more than made up for it. A really good read.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun addition to the multi-author Double-Booked for the Holidays series. Each book features a different couple. This is the story of Guy and Fable. Guy is an adorable French Canadian Beaver shifter and alpha. Fable is a human omega. The two meet at their double booked cabin just before Christmas. Guy knows instantly that Fable is his fated mate but as a human, Fable needs much more time. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. You be smiling or laughing out loud as you read this book. It is a fun holiday read. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eager Beaver was an absolute delight from start to finish. If you’re after a fun, light-hearted mpreg romance with a charming French Canadian beaver shifter, no less, this one is a must. Guy and Fable’s accidental cabin mix-up leads to a fated connection that’s sweet, sexy, and wonderfully funny. Their chemistry is effortless, their moments together made me grin, and the whole story left me feeling warm and happy. I adored their match and can’t wait to read more from this author and the Double Booked for the Holidays series.

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

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful holiday story! Another cabin double booked brings two more people together at the holidays! Guy and Fable find themselves sharing a cabin when the lodge double books it. Guy, a beaver shifter, knows right away that Fable is his mate but Fable is human and doesn’t know. Their time together is wonderful but soon, it’s time to go home and Fable heads back to California and Guy back to Canada. But that’s not the end of their story! They find a way to be together across the distance and when Guy finally reveals his secret, it’s on to their happily ever after!.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting reflexes, great storytelling! Guy, is a Canadian entrepreneur creating maple syrup. He's in town for a condiment convention. He's double booked Fable, is in town for his 10 year high school reunion and battling his perceived presurres from family to settle down. He is carrying several heavy burdens and panicking from the pressure. Guy, agrees to be his pretend boyfriend and the adventure begins. This is a very funny story of adjusting on a dime, creative life building and a friendship born nurtured and sustained. Guy and Fable are absolutely delightful! Good. story, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually really cute and I loved both MCs, they're both very likable and even though I hate the name 'Guy' I loved him the most.🥺

...but Was he really going to let his mate go without even trying to ask for his number? Thankfully the omega asked but still!

I couldn't give this a higher rating because at a certain point in the story the author completely stopped showing and just did a lot of telling.

We don't get to see the claiming bites.
We don't get a proposal but we get the ending scene of a wedding
Honestly, my enjoyment went down once they left the cabin they shared because that's when all the telling started. 😭

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guy and Fable were endearing. They story had funny moments, but also emotional ones, as well as a little bittersweet caused by insecurities and temporary separation.
I totally adored the French words and expressions, as well as the confusion it created.
I loved their moments together, the way they connected, and how the shifter side was accepted.
I loved their growing family and the community they created, as well as all their accomplishments along time.

* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion

[PalenMisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty cute read. Guy and Fable are adorable with each other and there's not much angst to speak of in the story. The reunion ends up being pretty funny with Guy's antics and they both end up having lovely families. This was just a nice bit of Christmas fluff that put me in a good mood (with a satisfying epilogue to cap things off). Definitely recommended if you're looking to pad out your Christmas romance collection.

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

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eager Beaver is part of the multi author Double-Booked for the Holidays series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Guy an alpha beaver shifter and Fable a human omega. This was just a fun perfect holiday story. I loved both of the main characters. There is some funny parts, some steamy parts, some cute parts and a French accent thrown in. This was one of my favorites of the series so far. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that I picked this story to read because of the cute beaver on the cover. I found an entertaining story between the covers. Guy is an alpha beaver, and Fable is a human omega. They are brought together when the hotel room is double booked because the staff booked the same room on both the paranormal and human hotel booking websites. I thought that this concept was so cool. To find your happily ever after like that is fate. I was so entertained that I did not want it to end.

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

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Guy and Fable are just plain adorkable together. From an awkward first meeting to going to each other's events to help them ease into something neither was ready to face alone. Fable's high school reunion was hilarious and brought that right amount of humor to the story to ease these two into something more. Appreciated these two were fated mates yet had to work at being able to be together. With being from different countries, it wasn't meet and be able to be together. They had to show they were in it for the long haul and wanted something lasting. Mix in showing the 'fun' quirks of being pregnant and wanting the baby out it was just that right blend of sweetness and humor for a perfect dose of Christmas cheer. Really enjoyed this installment into the universe.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet and endearing book.
Fable and Guy were absolutely made for one another!
This book is a quick read, it is fast paced, has two truly likeable MC's who each have wonderful families, so many laughs, giant Christmas feels, steamy sexy times, and a lovely HEA.
This book had me smiling through the majority of it. I would definitely recommend it.

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

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the reason I wanna visit Canada...LOL...I'm with Fable...I fell in love with from the start. I was wrapped up all in what Guy was talking and doing. Just imagining his voice was thrilling to me. This double booked for the holidays was a fun and sweet read. Yeah there was some sad self inflection but Guy put a stopped to that and showed Fable how wonderful he is. Their romance was a delight and a

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice addition to the Double Booked for the Holidays series. Fable and Guy are lovely characters, I enjoyed the interaction between them. I enjoyed reading their story and loved the maple syrup content. Would be good to see some of the recipes, they sounded great.

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

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would be writing about how much I loved a story about a French Beaver Shifter, but here we are! This one had nonstop fun and sweet feels. Food issues and French expressions galore. I could not have liked Guy and Fable together more. I would be the happiest girl alive if I could hear this on audible for the French accents!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Guy and Fable meet and then help each other out. Guy recognizes Fable as his mate and soon they were falling in love. I liked the realistic part about how they managed to be together in one location. The shared delight in maple syrup was nice. I liked how good their lives were in the end.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet as maple syrup

This story is so sweet. The alpha, Guy, is the biggest cinnamon roll for his mate. Omega Fable is a nervous wreck when going to his high school reunion. Thanks to the Branson oops, they share a cabin then their life. Get into the holiday spirit with this human and beaver.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their names alone will get you into the spirit. Guy and Fable... a Canadian alpha and an American omega. You honestly can't help but fall in love with them. Loads of fun and joy to all who indulge in this multi-author series.

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

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and great charterers to boot. Fable meets Guy and wonders why he is so hard to resist. Guy being a beaver shifter knows Fable is his mate and proceeds to pursue him. They find their HEA in each other and their family.

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

[Nicholle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only one bed troupe with fated mates. Fable is in town for a high school reunion and Guy is in town for a convention. Both gentlemen attend each other's events with sparks flying all over the place.

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