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Christmas at Riverton #1
Her Holiday Bear
A BBW gets her own holiday bear!
As soon as she had seen the ad for an elementary schoolteacher in Riverton, Colorado, Ally Stephens had felt a pull to the shifter town. Okay, so maybe she’d filled her head with fairy tales and hoped she’d be some shifter’s one and only. She had nothing stopping her from answering the ad. No parents. No siblings. Taking a chance, she moved to the small town–and promptly lost her heart to the town’s sheriff, a gruff bear shifter who had no use for a mate. After months of exchanging panty-melting glances and light flirtations, Ally resigns herself to being alone again for Christmas–and possibly for the rest of her life.
Bear shifter Jagger Houston was a loner by nature, both as a man and a bear. He didn’t believe in true mates, didn’t believe in love. However, he did believe in lust. He tried to convince himself—and his bear—that was all he was feeling for the curvy chocolate-haired schoolteacher who had come to town. It didn’t matter how good she tasted or how sweet she looked, neither he nor his bear wanted to be tied to someone for the rest of their lives.
Or did they…
As soon as she had seen the ad for an elementary schoolteacher in Riverton, Colorado, Ally Stephens had felt a pull to the shifter town. Okay, so maybe she’d filled her head with fairy tales and hoped she’d be some shifter’s one and only. She had nothing stopping her from answering the ad. No parents. No siblings. Taking a chance, she moved to the small town–and promptly lost her heart to the town’s sheriff, a gruff bear shifter who had no use for a mate. After months of exchanging panty-melting glances and light flirtations, Ally resigns herself to being alone again for Christmas–and possibly for the rest of her life.
Bear shifter Jagger Houston was a loner by nature, both as a man and a bear. He didn’t believe in true mates, didn’t believe in love. However, he did believe in lust. He tried to convince himself—and his bear—that was all he was feeling for the curvy chocolate-haired schoolteacher who had come to town. It didn’t matter how good she tasted or how sweet she looked, neither he nor his bear wanted to be tied to someone for the rest of their lives.
Or did they…
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2016
48 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
dnf-buh-bye
December 29, 2022So, how'd this one end up on my DNF shelf?
Within the first 3% of the book, the author introduced "Ally Stephens". In the first sentence of the second paragraph, Ally's added an 'e' to her name ... "The void Alley carried inside her ...".
Tell me, how'd that make it by the author and the proofreader? Come on; that's a nope for me. D.N.F.
Within the first 3% of the book, the author introduced "Ally Stephens". In the first sentence of the second paragraph, Ally's added an 'e' to her name ... "The void Alley carried inside her ...".
Tell me, how'd that make it by the author and the proofreader? Come on; that's a nope for me. D.N.F.
February 17, 2016
This is the first book I read of Marie Mason's and I read it in the Shifter's Holiday box set but never did a review on it. So I reread it and here is my review of this book. I loved the story line behind this book. It really got you ready for the inevitable. This was such an awesome book that you could not help but fall in love with the school teacher and the grumpy bear shifting sheriff. I have a hard time with short stories because if they are very good as this one is, they leave me wanting MORE!!! This is a definite must read. You will love it and will not be disappointed. This story is for adults 18 and over because of the very explicit panty wetting sex.
Ally Stephens is a school teacher and no family, but she wants a family of her own. So when she heard that shifters go for women with lots of curves she went to hunting her a shifter town. So when she finds an ad for a elementary school teacher in a shifter town she jumps on it right away. So she is now headed for Riverton, Colorado and she felt as though there were forces at work pulling her to this town. She has her hopes built up that a shifter will find her to be their one and only true mate. As soon as she moved to the small town she lost her heart to the grumpy but gorgeously handsome sheriff, Jagger Houston and he isn't looking for a mate. After several months of flirting back and forth between the two Ally again feels as though this will be another Christmas that she will be alone.
Jagger Houston is a bear shifter and sheriff of the small shifter town of Riverton, Colorado. He is ruggedly handsome, and very grumpy, not to mention he has no time for a woman, much less a mate. Jagger is a loner by nature and does not believe in true mates. He does however, lust after the curvy elementary school teacher, Ally. After getting a smell of her and tasting her he still tried to convince his bear they didn't need a mate. Was he just fooling himself and his bear? Does he actually want Ally?
No spoilers given. If you want to know more you will have to read the book.
Ally Stephens is a school teacher and no family, but she wants a family of her own. So when she heard that shifters go for women with lots of curves she went to hunting her a shifter town. So when she finds an ad for a elementary school teacher in a shifter town she jumps on it right away. So she is now headed for Riverton, Colorado and she felt as though there were forces at work pulling her to this town. She has her hopes built up that a shifter will find her to be their one and only true mate. As soon as she moved to the small town she lost her heart to the grumpy but gorgeously handsome sheriff, Jagger Houston and he isn't looking for a mate. After several months of flirting back and forth between the two Ally again feels as though this will be another Christmas that she will be alone.
Jagger Houston is a bear shifter and sheriff of the small shifter town of Riverton, Colorado. He is ruggedly handsome, and very grumpy, not to mention he has no time for a woman, much less a mate. Jagger is a loner by nature and does not believe in true mates. He does however, lust after the curvy elementary school teacher, Ally. After getting a smell of her and tasting her he still tried to convince his bear they didn't need a mate. Was he just fooling himself and his bear? Does he actually want Ally?
No spoilers given. If you want to know more you will have to read the book.
December 24, 2023
This is a novella-length fated mate inst-love romance.
Ally moved to the town after seeing a job advert and wanting a change. Jagger is the town sheriff and bear shifter.
Ally fully admits that she is hoping to be the mate of a shifter, and actively shows interest in Jagger. She is actually his mate, but she doesn't know that, and following him around town just makes her seem like love sick puppy. Jagger is trying to avoid her, but his bear is demanding his mate.
So eventually Jagger is forced to confront the fact he is her mate, but I think without the forced proximity he would have continued to try and ignore her. He even managed to make her cry but never acknowledged or apologised.
An interesting story, but just didn't quite make it for me.
Ally moved to the town after seeing a job advert and wanting a change. Jagger is the town sheriff and bear shifter.
Ally fully admits that she is hoping to be the mate of a shifter, and actively shows interest in Jagger. She is actually his mate, but she doesn't know that, and following him around town just makes her seem like love sick puppy. Jagger is trying to avoid her, but his bear is demanding his mate.
So eventually Jagger is forced to confront the fact he is her mate, but I think without the forced proximity he would have continued to try and ignore her. He even managed to make her cry but never acknowledged or apologised.
An interesting story, but just didn't quite make it for me.
December 5, 2024
I'd read a few previous books of Marie's which, though good stories, had a lot of spelling and grammatical errors that were distracting. I am pleased to say that this book had NOT ONE error and was such a smooth fun read. It was perfect for holiday reading. The small town setting. The snowy weather. The hunky sheriff. The curvy school teacher. What a perfect Christmas story. I wish I could somehow contact the author to let her know how much I appreciate her writing and encourage her to continue with her work.
October 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
Ally moved to the small shifter town in Colorado because she felt even though she was human fate would find her a shifter mate. She found him, Jagger, the town's hot, growly Sheriff. The only problem, he wasn't reciprocating.
Jagger wanted Ally...his bear demanded Ally. But he wasn't fit for a mate, he was a loner. But one taste and an accident has him rethinking his ways.
Ally moved to the small shifter town in Colorado because she felt even though she was human fate would find her a shifter mate. She found him, Jagger, the town's hot, growly Sheriff. The only problem, he wasn't reciprocating.
Jagger wanted Ally...his bear demanded Ally. But he wasn't fit for a mate, he was a loner. But one taste and an accident has him rethinking his ways.
May 23, 2018
Though hot and sexy, I'm a little disappointed in Jagger. The story is that Bears don't hurt their mates, but he rips into Ally's heart time again after she moves to town with his refusal to admit their connection. I didn't like that part of the story so much, but enjoyed the rest. Good storytelling.
January 11, 2025
This is a short holiday story about Ally, a librarian new to Riverton, whose attraction to the local sheriff named Jagger, is very strong. Jaggar, the local sheriff and bear shifter, has been fighting his attraction to the new librarian but his bear is not. His bear wants his mate. This is a steamy romance with a happy ending.
January 28, 2023
Her Holiday Bear
Riverton Colorado Sheriff, Jagger, a Bear Shifter, had known his Fated Mate had arrived a few months ago. Ally Stephens a school teacher was his. Now he had to make the move to bring them together.
Riverton Colorado Sheriff, Jagger, a Bear Shifter, had known his Fated Mate had arrived a few months ago. Ally Stephens a school teacher was his. Now he had to make the move to bring them together.
November 11, 2018
Amazon Customer
First time reader but now a fan! Loved this book can't get enough. Loved Holiday Ball series! Recommended to friends!
First time reader but now a fan! Loved this book can't get enough. Loved Holiday Ball series! Recommended to friends!
May 18, 2019
Loved loved this book
This was such a great read. The characters are likeable and their love story is sweet as honey.
A must read!
This was such a great read. The characters are likeable and their love story is sweet as honey.
A must read!
December 29, 2021
Great story
Love shifters. Enjoy people who follow their hearts.
HEA is always good.
I could not put book down.
Great story
Love shifters. Enjoy people who follow their hearts.
HEA is always good.
I could not put book down.
Great story
November 24, 2022
A good story
Fast paced realistic story. With great world building that makes you believe in not just the bear and teacher but also in the town. Had to read in one go!
Fast paced realistic story. With great world building that makes you believe in not just the bear and teacher but also in the town. Had to read in one go!
November 25, 2022
Delightful story
I very much enjoyed reading Her Holiday Bear. I very much recommend everyone to read this. I definitely found a new author to follow and read.
I very much enjoyed reading Her Holiday Bear. I very much recommend everyone to read this. I definitely found a new author to follow and read.
December 7, 2022
I love it
It was full of heat and a good story line one I'm happy I got to read I can't Waite to read the 2nd book
It was full of heat and a good story line one I'm happy I got to read I can't Waite to read the 2nd book
July 9, 2023
Good read🐻
Nice short novella, two people one bear shifter who finally realized that there was love💘 in the cards for him. Nothing like a HEA!
Nice short novella, two people one bear shifter who finally realized that there was love💘 in the cards for him. Nothing like a HEA!
Want to read
July 11, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/11/2023)! 🎁
December 10, 2023
Enjoyed reading this short story. Couldn't put down until finished. Recommend
May 31, 2025
Good short story
Good short story. Strong characters, and good story but was wondering why not more about the stranger. Was potential for more.
Good short story. Strong characters, and good story but was wondering why not more about the stranger. Was potential for more.
March 4, 2017
Ally is tired of getting the brush-off from Jagger and finally decides she is done with that---good for her! Jagger is one of those "I refuse to want her & I refuse to let anyone else have her", really now? When they end up "stranded" at her place, he can fight his attraction anymore, lol. Somewhat predictable but I really like Ally and her outlook on her life regardless of whether Jagger is a part of it or not.
February 12, 2017
Her Holiday Bear was a great book to read. Sweet and wild.
March 13, 2016
Great holiday story
Allie a human schoolteacher could not believe how attracted she was to the bear shifter Sheriff Jagger . She had moved to town six months earlier in the hopes of possibly finding a match with the shifter. She had her eyes set on Jager, appear to be interested in her.
Jagger has been sheriff in town for about 10 years. He was always a loner and preferred it that way. What he did not count on, was a cute schoolteacher making his bear believe she was there meet. He was not meet material in his eyes .
These two have desire issues and while Ally believes they are meets Jager fights his beer about the whole situation every step of the way.
I truly enjoyed this holiday story I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
Allie a human schoolteacher could not believe how attracted she was to the bear shifter Sheriff Jagger . She had moved to town six months earlier in the hopes of possibly finding a match with the shifter. She had her eyes set on Jager, appear to be interested in her.
Jagger has been sheriff in town for about 10 years. He was always a loner and preferred it that way. What he did not count on, was a cute schoolteacher making his bear believe she was there meet. He was not meet material in his eyes .
These two have desire issues and while Ally believes they are meets Jager fights his beer about the whole situation every step of the way.
I truly enjoyed this holiday story I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
March 7, 2020
First read in the SHIFTER WONDERLAND box set. Didn’t even remember reading it.
Simple read with no connection between the H’s.
A very simplistic and easy Christmas themed read but lacking real depth.
Don’t expect talking or connection between these two.
She has lusted after the sheriff since moving to town months earlier.
He has no knowledge of family or mating and is very negative.
Pushes her away and ignores her, then after saving her in a snowstorm, mates her without any discussion.
But then she has sex with him.
These two knew no more about the other at the end of this story than they did at the beginning.
Reread through KU.
Simple read with no connection between the H’s.
A very simplistic and easy Christmas themed read but lacking real depth.
Don’t expect talking or connection between these two.
She has lusted after the sheriff since moving to town months earlier.
He has no knowledge of family or mating and is very negative.
Pushes her away and ignores her, then after saving her in a snowstorm, mates her without any discussion.
But then she has sex with him.
These two knew no more about the other at the end of this story than they did at the beginning.
Reread through KU.
January 15, 2016
I love a Grumpy Bear!!!
Who can resist a grumpy sheriff and a sweet school teacher? Jagger trying to resist the mating pull almost lost out on his mate but Ally wasn't about to give up her love. Marie Mason did it again another amazing love story.
Who can resist a grumpy sheriff and a sweet school teacher? Jagger trying to resist the mating pull almost lost out on his mate but Ally wasn't about to give up her love. Marie Mason did it again another amazing love story.
February 14, 2016
Fantastic
Her Holiday Bear is a fantastic story about a curvy school teacher and a stubborn bear shifter. I loved the characters and the story was very interesting. I liked how worry made Jagger realize he needed Ally. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Her Holiday Bear is a fantastic story about a curvy school teacher and a stubborn bear shifter. I loved the characters and the story was very interesting. I liked how worry made Jagger realize he needed Ally. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 27, 2016
Love for the Bear
Very sweet bear shifter romance, I really enjoyed it. Jagger is a big tough bear shifter, but inside he is just a stubborn and huggable teddy bear. Can Ally convince him that they can love one another?
Very sweet bear shifter romance, I really enjoyed it. Jagger is a big tough bear shifter, but inside he is just a stubborn and huggable teddy bear. Can Ally convince him that they can love one another?
September 11, 2016
I was given this for free in a contest. This was an okay read. It was a quick and steamy read but just okay for me. I just wasn't a huge fan of the bear her was too gruff for me. He just played it too hot and cold for me to love the story.
December 1, 2016
I love Alpha bears!!
This one it just as short and filled with a wonderful scene of the Christmas holidays. It has a strong woman trying to get the stubborn out of her alpha bear. She how she does it.
This one it just as short and filled with a wonderful scene of the Christmas holidays. It has a strong woman trying to get the stubborn out of her alpha bear. She how she does it.
January 14, 2016
This was a fun sexy read! A very short story but enjoyable!
July 26, 2016
Another quality story by Marie Mason. I loved it.
April 3, 2016
book 1
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews