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Polar Bliss #1
Beary Overdue
After seven long years, curvy girl, Jillian Masters, returns to home to bury her late mother’s husband, and catch up with the Holland siblings, including her ex-boyfriend Reid. Though she hadn’t turned out to be his mate, he was the best man she’d ever known, and he’d set the standard for all of her future love interests. Unfortunately, no other man had ever come close to measuring up to her first love.
Polar bear shifter, Reid Holland, is a corrupt man. When his mate left him seven years ago, everything good and decent inside him died, leaving behind an angry and bitter shell. Instead of going after her, he abandoned his family, and his bear, and built his success on endless drinking, fighting and random sexual encounters.
A few glimpses into Reid’s life is all it takes to convince Jillian she made the right choice in leaving all those years ago. Reid had turned into a man she didn’t know, and worse, one she didn’t like. When the truth behind Jillian’s reason for leaving is exposed, Reid is devastated until clarity comes in the form of his bear. Now all he has to do is convince his mate that the man she once loved is back, and he’s here to stay.
Polar bear shifter, Reid Holland, is a corrupt man. When his mate left him seven years ago, everything good and decent inside him died, leaving behind an angry and bitter shell. Instead of going after her, he abandoned his family, and his bear, and built his success on endless drinking, fighting and random sexual encounters.
A few glimpses into Reid’s life is all it takes to convince Jillian she made the right choice in leaving all those years ago. Reid had turned into a man she didn’t know, and worse, one she didn’t like. When the truth behind Jillian’s reason for leaving is exposed, Reid is devastated until clarity comes in the form of his bear. Now all he has to do is convince his mate that the man she once loved is back, and he’s here to stay.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2016
191 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Shae
62 books248 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author
I write sizzling, sexy, shifter romance featuring women in all their beautiful forms and the alpha men who love them.
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I write sizzling, sexy, shifter romance featuring women in all their beautiful forms and the alpha men who love them.
Word Slayer | Coffee Drinker | Book Lover
Sign up for my Newsletter and stay up to date on all of my book news!
https://subscribepage.io/t6d7oI
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 7, 2016
I should have known better but when I saw the h had love interests I was like OK I can do it they both moved on.
80% in nope she still had only been with him.....the H turned into a manwhore who surprise the h walks in on him about to fuck someone. I was actually doing OK up until finding out about the h not being with anyone else. I knew going into it that he turned into something disgusting. I was hoping for some good grovel and the h moving on.
yet I got.... that...I really wonder why this type of trope has become so popular but whatever it fits in well with it.
good for everyone that has set the bar for this shit. ie over top manwhore ow angst and a doormat h. usually I'm not so pissed off about this type of trope I just avoid it but I feel lied to by the synopsis. She didn't have any "love interests". Otherwise I would have skipped knowing it wasn't a book for me.
80% in nope she still had only been with him.....the H turned into a manwhore who surprise the h walks in on him about to fuck someone. I was actually doing OK up until finding out about the h not being with anyone else. I knew going into it that he turned into something disgusting. I was hoping for some good grovel and the h moving on.
yet I got.... that...I really wonder why this type of trope has become so popular but whatever it fits in well with it.
good for everyone that has set the bar for this shit. ie over top manwhore ow angst and a doormat h. usually I'm not so pissed off about this type of trope I just avoid it but I feel lied to by the synopsis. She didn't have any "love interests". Otherwise I would have skipped knowing it wasn't a book for me.
can-never-read
February 7, 2016I absolutely fucking hate this trope...And to top it off she sees him going at it...No, just no...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 12, 2016
I haven't disliked a book, or a H, as much as this in a long long time. h walks in on him about to do a slut, later sees him selecting his next bang out of six women- when she didn't stick around and see him leave with said chick, he brings her to dinner to throw out in her face. She's a complete doormat and immediately takes him back once he changes.
And enough with fat comments, it isn't needed.
And enough with fat comments, it isn't needed.
February 9, 2025
Completely my fault here because I missed BBW in th title. Definitely not my preference nor do I understand the need for it. All it is, is pitting women against one another. Curvy versus skinny. Which is curvy women are goddesses and skinny women are gross with unpleasing bodies with unattractive small breasts. Don't come at me. I fall into the curvy category. Or whatever the f*** that means anymore. Which is this book. Also, not safe for the safety gang. Sorry for the rant.
November 11, 2017
1star
I hate to only give this one star. I really like Ruby's book but I WILL NOT like a book where the guy sleeps with hundreds of women after meeting his mate. If I were Jillian I would have never taken this jerk of a guy back and so easy at that. NOPE! Not at all!!
I hate to only give this one star. I really like Ruby's book but I WILL NOT like a book where the guy sleeps with hundreds of women after meeting his mate. If I were Jillian I would have never taken this jerk of a guy back and so easy at that. NOPE! Not at all!!
January 14, 2020
BEARy Overdi
I read this story for the first time years ago when it was first released. I'm super excited that Ruby Shae finally got back to writing the rest of the series. I'm currently rereading to refresh my memory before I read the new release.
Sorry guys this one is not necessarily "safe" it's a second chance romance. Reid and Jillian have been separated for about 7 years and he was with others in between time. Definitely was a manwhore. She however was celibate. There is no cheating or abuse. There is a touch of other women drama (hence the manwhore) A very Happily Ever After. Epilogue is only a week or so out but we will have updated on the happy couple throughout the series.
I read this story for the first time years ago when it was first released. I'm super excited that Ruby Shae finally got back to writing the rest of the series. I'm currently rereading to refresh my memory before I read the new release.
Sorry guys this one is not necessarily "safe" it's a second chance romance. Reid and Jillian have been separated for about 7 years and he was with others in between time. Definitely was a manwhore. She however was celibate. There is no cheating or abuse. There is a touch of other women drama (hence the manwhore) A very Happily Ever After. Epilogue is only a week or so out but we will have updated on the happy couple throughout the series.
July 22, 2020
2.5 for this one.
July 19, 2016
Loved this!
"Beary Overdue" Polar Bliss One by Ruby Shae...
Ruby Shae is an author I recently discovered through a shared page on Facebook. The cover was what caught my eye first. Then as I read a little bit more about the book, I discovered a trope I love...shifters and instalove/lust. "Beary Overdue was an extremely quick read of about sixty-nine pages telling the story of Jillian Masters and Reid Holland.
Jillian and Reid were each other's first loves. I won't tell you why she left because this is such a short novel but Jillian returns to town after having left seven years prior. Needless to say she is beyond shocked to learn how Reid has been living his life during those years she was gone.
Reid was definitely not a nice guy. In fact, I did not like him for a while. He was intense, selfish, uncaring and just plain nasty! I thought Reid was so immature and a jerk. The choices he made/makes are without a doubt, poor ones. There were some things that Reid did that I didn't like and I nearly tossed my Kindle during those moments. However, I liked Jillian and I knew she was what Reid needed to heal and change his wicked, whorish ways so I persevered. I'm glad I did because Reid became the man I knew he could be.
This novella had more anger than angst. I don't know if everyone will like it as much as I did. Truthfully if this was a full length novel, I might not have been so generous with my rating. But it wasn't and I loved it. As of now, there are two available novellas in the Polar Bliss series which I have read both and will review the second soon. In addition, Ruby has another shifter series of novellas as well.
"Beary Overdue" Polar Bliss One by Ruby Shae...
Ruby Shae is an author I recently discovered through a shared page on Facebook. The cover was what caught my eye first. Then as I read a little bit more about the book, I discovered a trope I love...shifters and instalove/lust. "Beary Overdue was an extremely quick read of about sixty-nine pages telling the story of Jillian Masters and Reid Holland.
Jillian and Reid were each other's first loves. I won't tell you why she left because this is such a short novel but Jillian returns to town after having left seven years prior. Needless to say she is beyond shocked to learn how Reid has been living his life during those years she was gone.
Reid was definitely not a nice guy. In fact, I did not like him for a while. He was intense, selfish, uncaring and just plain nasty! I thought Reid was so immature and a jerk. The choices he made/makes are without a doubt, poor ones. There were some things that Reid did that I didn't like and I nearly tossed my Kindle during those moments. However, I liked Jillian and I knew she was what Reid needed to heal and change his wicked, whorish ways so I persevered. I'm glad I did because Reid became the man I knew he could be.
This novella had more anger than angst. I don't know if everyone will like it as much as I did. Truthfully if this was a full length novel, I might not have been so generous with my rating. But it wasn't and I loved it. As of now, there are two available novellas in the Polar Bliss series which I have read both and will review the second soon. In addition, Ruby has another shifter series of novellas as well.
May 15, 2016
I gotta warn you that this is a little darker than her usual books. I sorta knew that going in but it still took some getting used to. I enjoyed it overall. The characters were interesting but I sorta felt the story needed a little more development. I mean the characters had development but the story itself needed a smidge more. For instance why didnt he ask her to stay? What actually took place when she left? Stuff like that. Small things. I wouldn't call Reid corrupt though and thats what the blurb says. He's definitely dark and has lost his way (understatement). When I think of corrupt I think illegal activities and that really wasn't what he did but in a way he was dishonest about some things. He turned into a bastard for sure! Treated people like crap and especially his family. He really pushed the envelope there. What he did to his sister Riley was almost unforgivable. He didnt hurt her physically but intimidated and made her afraid of him. Not cool. Jillian seeing him for the first time made me cringe...oooh so not the best meeting. Ouch. He sure was full of hate and there was a time I really thought he wasnt redeemable! I'm glad Ruby didnt write her to be a pushover and to just forgive him. Jillian made him prove himself. Overall I liked the book. Not everyone will like it and thats ok. I do look forward to reading about his siblings hopefully?
April 7, 2016
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
I believe there will be people who will not like Bearly Overdue for a couple reasons. Reid has truly become despondent at his mate’s leaving him seven years ago – that pain has shut him off from his bear, it has turned a steady, fun man into, well let’s just say it a man-whore more concerned with drinking, whoring around and getting into as many fights as possible in one night. He is a wrecked man/bear. The fact that he brought this onto himself by never asking his mate to stay in town with him seems totally lost on Reid. He is angry at the world and it’s going to take a huge wake up call for him to change his ways and win Jillian back once again.
Beary Overdue is a darker shifter romance, I admit that. And if you do not read the entire story and get to the redemption part then you will be missing a very good story and a slice of life. Because not everyone is perfect, sometimes the dark takes us over and it will take someone’s love to pull us back to sanity.
I enjoyed this one, in spite of the darkness, and will be downloading the next in the series since I want to know what happens to the other siblings at the coffee house Polar Bliss. I’d say take a chance, read all of the story, then make up your mind on this one.
I believe there will be people who will not like Bearly Overdue for a couple reasons. Reid has truly become despondent at his mate’s leaving him seven years ago – that pain has shut him off from his bear, it has turned a steady, fun man into, well let’s just say it a man-whore more concerned with drinking, whoring around and getting into as many fights as possible in one night. He is a wrecked man/bear. The fact that he brought this onto himself by never asking his mate to stay in town with him seems totally lost on Reid. He is angry at the world and it’s going to take a huge wake up call for him to change his ways and win Jillian back once again.
Beary Overdue is a darker shifter romance, I admit that. And if you do not read the entire story and get to the redemption part then you will be missing a very good story and a slice of life. Because not everyone is perfect, sometimes the dark takes us over and it will take someone’s love to pull us back to sanity.
I enjoyed this one, in spite of the darkness, and will be downloading the next in the series since I want to know what happens to the other siblings at the coffee house Polar Bliss. I’d say take a chance, read all of the story, then make up your mind on this one.
February 9, 2016
The reason they weren't together for 7 years or 10 or however long it was, was so unimaginative I had to reread the section several times to make sure I wasn't missing something. Seriously I felt like I missed something because yeah lack of communication can be a problem but that was just pathetic.
May 4, 2024
Honestly...
Honestly, I'd hoped for a better read. Three stars for Writer Ruby Shae's work to put this book together.
It's a fitting, fun title and the diner's name is perfect. Kudos, too, for writing the main character as a strong, independent woman who is bluntly honest with her mate Reid and unwilling to be shackled to a man who chooses anger and debauchery over family and respect for others. Reid's much maligned employees–a brother and sister–are also written as good people, people I would respect. Likewise, Reid's family is easy to respect and enjoy. The contrast between Reid and his family is likely deliberate, but it is effective and congruent with, and supports, the overall story. I can easily see many potential storylines emerging out of the interesting world Writer Shae has introduced us to.
2 stars off...
The plot needs a lot of work. It is limited to "shifter goes bad because his mate is gone" plus the annoying trope of "a man being too stupid to live" and staying that way for seven years. The stupidity grates because Reid's business is successful even with his drinking and the rest.
Another highly annoying trope is "can't control my sexuality around thoughts or presence of my mate." Sorry, I don't believe it. Worse, though this is not labeled as erotica or "spicy," there are detailed erotic descriptions, poorly written. The belief that "sex sells" may be at play here, but a better built plot sells to more people.
There are plot holes. We are left wondering about a handful of topics that are just dropped. Reid has been a drunk, angry man for seven years. I heartily believe in Reid's potent paradigm shift. I don't believe he's fully recovered, as is suggested. It takes time to rework behavior that's become so deeply ingrained. It also seems out of character for Jillian to accept him back into her life so easily after being so clear sighted about Reid's crude life choices. And, well, the book description? The whole plot is already described. There's nothing else, no layers, no plot twists, and a limited cast of characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little world Writer Shae created and the people in it. I may take a look at this writer again someday. Unfortunately, the shallow plot plus the erotica makes this book not worth rereading or keeping.
It's a great little world, but read at your own risk.
Honestly, I'd hoped for a better read. Three stars for Writer Ruby Shae's work to put this book together.
It's a fitting, fun title and the diner's name is perfect. Kudos, too, for writing the main character as a strong, independent woman who is bluntly honest with her mate Reid and unwilling to be shackled to a man who chooses anger and debauchery over family and respect for others. Reid's much maligned employees–a brother and sister–are also written as good people, people I would respect. Likewise, Reid's family is easy to respect and enjoy. The contrast between Reid and his family is likely deliberate, but it is effective and congruent with, and supports, the overall story. I can easily see many potential storylines emerging out of the interesting world Writer Shae has introduced us to.
2 stars off...
The plot needs a lot of work. It is limited to "shifter goes bad because his mate is gone" plus the annoying trope of "a man being too stupid to live" and staying that way for seven years. The stupidity grates because Reid's business is successful even with his drinking and the rest.
Another highly annoying trope is "can't control my sexuality around thoughts or presence of my mate." Sorry, I don't believe it. Worse, though this is not labeled as erotica or "spicy," there are detailed erotic descriptions, poorly written. The belief that "sex sells" may be at play here, but a better built plot sells to more people.
There are plot holes. We are left wondering about a handful of topics that are just dropped. Reid has been a drunk, angry man for seven years. I heartily believe in Reid's potent paradigm shift. I don't believe he's fully recovered, as is suggested. It takes time to rework behavior that's become so deeply ingrained. It also seems out of character for Jillian to accept him back into her life so easily after being so clear sighted about Reid's crude life choices. And, well, the book description? The whole plot is already described. There's nothing else, no layers, no plot twists, and a limited cast of characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little world Writer Shae created and the people in it. I may take a look at this writer again someday. Unfortunately, the shallow plot plus the erotica makes this book not worth rereading or keeping.
It's a great little world, but read at your own risk.
August 9, 2020
Wonderful Story The Straighten Out Your Mistakes OVER 18+ READING
A family of polar bear shifters orphaned when the oldest way 18 but he kept his sister and two brothers by using his inheritance to buy a coffee shop that they could all work in as they were old enough. They are all grown at this time and Reid has turned away from his family,opened a rough bad where the only thing on the minds of the people who come there is booze, fighting, generally quick one night stands with no strings attached and he is only looking for the same things. He lost his mate that he had been lucky enough to find at 17 but foolishly didn't tell her. So she didn't want to be left when he found his true mate so after school she left and he changed to a not so nice person who even cut away from his family. The death of her stepfather causes her to return and she can't resist finding out about the only guy she has ever loved. Her best friend is his sister and she plans to take her to his bar to see what he has done with is life in seven years but she couldn't wait and found him at his home. She got a shock at what she found but I think he got a bigger one as he thought he would never see her again. As shock wears off them both they start finding out what really happened seven years ago that led them to where they now find themselves. Reid will disappear for a month with his mistreated bear and clear his head to come back and try to win back all he had thrown away then get back his mate. Will they all forgive him? Can he recover what he threw away so carelessly? Will his mate come back to her hometown and more importantly him? Really want to read sister and the other boys stories. Loved this author.
A family of polar bear shifters orphaned when the oldest way 18 but he kept his sister and two brothers by using his inheritance to buy a coffee shop that they could all work in as they were old enough. They are all grown at this time and Reid has turned away from his family,opened a rough bad where the only thing on the minds of the people who come there is booze, fighting, generally quick one night stands with no strings attached and he is only looking for the same things. He lost his mate that he had been lucky enough to find at 17 but foolishly didn't tell her. So she didn't want to be left when he found his true mate so after school she left and he changed to a not so nice person who even cut away from his family. The death of her stepfather causes her to return and she can't resist finding out about the only guy she has ever loved. Her best friend is his sister and she plans to take her to his bar to see what he has done with is life in seven years but she couldn't wait and found him at his home. She got a shock at what she found but I think he got a bigger one as he thought he would never see her again. As shock wears off them both they start finding out what really happened seven years ago that led them to where they now find themselves. Reid will disappear for a month with his mistreated bear and clear his head to come back and try to win back all he had thrown away then get back his mate. Will they all forgive him? Can he recover what he threw away so carelessly? Will his mate come back to her hometown and more importantly him? Really want to read sister and the other boys stories. Loved this author.
July 27, 2020
Beary Overdue is an entertaining paranormal romance by Ruby Shae. Ms. Shae has provided readers with a book that is fun and fairly quick to read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Jillian is returning to her hometown to bury her stepfather after 7 years away. Reid is a polar bear shifter that buried everything good inside him when Jillian, his mate, left town all those years ago. Reid and Jillian's story is packed with drama, humor and sizzle. I enjoyed reading Beary Overdue and would happily read more from this author. Beary Overdue is book 1 of the Polar Bliss Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
January 27, 2024
Silly bear
If you don't ask someone to stay how do they know you want them to stay? If you don't tell a non shifter they are your mate how do they know? Silly bear if he only used words life would have been so different. I do not like the names being called to woman who are not a twig. It happens to often and shouldn't ever happen no one should ever be shamed for how they look. Its my one problem with these stories. I don't like it and yes it bothers me. Always has and always will.
If you don't ask someone to stay how do they know you want them to stay? If you don't tell a non shifter they are your mate how do they know? Silly bear if he only used words life would have been so different. I do not like the names being called to woman who are not a twig. It happens to often and shouldn't ever happen no one should ever be shamed for how they look. Its my one problem with these stories. I don't like it and yes it bothers me. Always has and always will.
February 11, 2025
This book had a ridiculously flimsy premise. Jillian left town because Reid didn’t ask her to stay and from that, she assumed that she wasn’t his mate. Reid knew she was his mate and was furious with her for leaving. If Reid knew that Jillian was his mate, why didn’t he tell her so? If he loved her and knew she loved him, why didn’t he ask her to stay? Why would he do nothing and just watch his mate, the woman he loved, walk away?
None of these questions were ever answered and the H didn't; grovel or even apologize. He just asked the h to start dating him again and she said, “Sure!”
None of these questions were ever answered and the H didn't; grovel or even apologize. He just asked the h to start dating him again and she said, “Sure!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2024
I know a lot of people have a problem with it when the H has basically been a manwhore, while the h has remained chaste during the separation in a second chance romance. That really doesn't bother me. I guess I see that as more of a personality trait in the characters rather than some misogynistic crap.
I will admit, however, that I found it misogynistic when in handing over half the bar, Reid gave it to Hayden. I felt he should have given it to BOTH siblings equally.l
I will admit, however, that I found it misogynistic when in handing over half the bar, Reid gave it to Hayden. I felt he should have given it to BOTH siblings equally.l
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
Good story!
The book is well written with only a couple of editing errors, which made me happy, as nothing ruins a book faster. It has likeable characters and one ass, but it gave the story more than having everyone nice and sweet. Did it go too far with that? For some, definitely. I liked that part which veers from the usual. Hopefully you enjoy it too!
The book is well written with only a couple of editing errors, which made me happy, as nothing ruins a book faster. It has likeable characters and one ass, but it gave the story more than having everyone nice and sweet. Did it go too far with that? For some, definitely. I liked that part which veers from the usual. Hopefully you enjoy it too!
August 15, 2020
Beary Awesome!!!
This story was perfectly written, IMO! Had my attention from page 1.
Did not like Reid for most of the book. Jillian? I loved from the beginning.
This series has 4 books and I will be reading all. Ruby Shae is a extremely talented author and I highly recommend her books. I can’t imagine anyone not liking them!
This story was perfectly written, IMO! Had my attention from page 1.
Did not like Reid for most of the book. Jillian? I loved from the beginning.
This series has 4 books and I will be reading all. Ruby Shae is a extremely talented author and I highly recommend her books. I can’t imagine anyone not liking them!
January 14, 2020
Reid and Jillian
Seven years in the making! A wonderful novel about love 💘 and devotion. Reid and Jillian had come A long way from high school but their love stood the test of time.
Seven years in the making! A wonderful novel about love 💘 and devotion. Reid and Jillian had come A long way from high school but their love stood the test of time.
January 15, 2020
Jillian and Reid caught me in the feels
The realness of their situation pulled me in. Once I was there how could I nott cheer for them!!! A misunderstanding almost destroyed them, but Fate would not be denied!!!
The realness of their situation pulled me in. Once I was there how could I nott cheer for them!!! A misunderstanding almost destroyed them, but Fate would not be denied!!!
July 27, 2020
Loved It
I absolutely loved reading this book and can't wait to read more about the remaining family members, Ruby Shae did an amazing job with this story and I highly recommend reading it
I absolutely loved reading this book and can't wait to read more about the remaining family members, Ruby Shae did an amazing job with this story and I highly recommend reading it
July 27, 2020
Ruby Shae never disappoints.
Thanks for giving us charactersthat pull our heartstrings and bring heat to our systems. Polar bear shifter Reid and curvy Jillian add to the Polar Bliss family
Thanks for giving us charactersthat pull our heartstrings and bring heat to our systems. Polar bear shifter Reid and curvy Jillian add to the Polar Bliss family
March 7, 2022
Great start
Great start to this series of books well written with great characters, a storyline that was easy to follow and I enjoyed this book very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
Great start to this series of books well written with great characters, a storyline that was easy to follow and I enjoyed this book very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 23, 2020
Excellent
I.m new to this author
I loved this story
Lots of laughter and very emotional
Can't wait to read the other books in this series
I.m new to this author
I loved this story
Lots of laughter and very emotional
Can't wait to read the other books in this series
December 6, 2020
I liked it
Not and earth shattering plot but a good second chance read with some lovable characters. I’m eager to read everyone else’s story
Not and earth shattering plot but a good second chance read with some lovable characters. I’m eager to read everyone else’s story
December 6, 2020
Another great read
Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 5, 2021
Meh
I love a happy ending and second chance romance, but Reid's indiscriminate behavior was a real turn-off. Jillian was very forgiving!
I love a happy ending and second chance romance, but Reid's indiscriminate behavior was a real turn-off. Jillian was very forgiving!
January 9, 2022
Loved this whole series just wish it had been longer. Characters were so loving and fun.
May 2, 2024
Beary overdue
This is a cute story about lol I've found and lost to the growth of the two wear mates and the find each other and find family future
This is a cute story about lol I've found and lost to the growth of the two wear mates and the find each other and find family future
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews