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Another romantic mystery from Scarlett Grove

A woman betrayed ...

Knitting artisan, Layla Watson, is a master of her craft. Life in Fate Valley is good ... until she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her. On a whim, she signs up for a shifter-human dating website and gets an instant match: Liam Nash.

A Christmas wish ...

Liam has built a successful career as a real estate investor, but his wealth hasn’t brought him happiness. All he really wants is to finally find his fated mate. When he learns he’s been matched with Layla, he’s thrilled -- but meeting her is just the beginning.

A Holiday Plot
The discovery of a body at the Holiday Market embroils Liam and Layla in a murder investigation. With everyone around them a potential suspect, can they carry on a courtship while they uncover a killer? And is Layla ready to trust a man who wants to claim her forever?

Holiday Bear is a steamy romance cozy mystery. This is a quick and fun short read with sexy times ahead.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2017

112 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Grove

162 books438 followers
Scarlett Grove is a USA Today Bestselling Paranormal and Science Fiction Romance Author. Scarlett started publishing her adventurous, sexy stories in 2014 and now has dozens of titles spanning multiple worlds.

Her Best Selling Series Include:
Fate Mountain Shifters
Braving Darkness
Draconians and Elemental Dragons
The White Queen

She is currently obsessed with reverse harems, all things paranormal, and super steamy space operas.

Sign up for her mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/bURRZz

www.scarlettgrove.com

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5 stars
254 (50%)
4 stars
141 (28%)
3 stars
87 (17%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2017
Fate Valley is the place to be for the Holidays, especially when a hunk of a bear called Holiday Bear is in charge of setting up the yearly Holiday Market not because he has to because he's way wealthy, but because he loves it....But this year he's kind of not in the Holiday mood he usually is and it's probably because he is feeling lonely.....All his friends have found their mates through Mate.com, but Liam been waiting for years and nada. That is until he gets a ping on his cell.

Layla Watson has been living in Fate Valley for a year and already had a very bad experience in the love department, she has no hopes, or trust that it will ever happen for her, but what the heck she might as well sign up to Match.com just for fun....But when she gets a look at her 98% match, she goes gaga. No way, no how will that ever come to be for her. Time to set up her knitting display for the Holiday Market and lo and behold there he is in the yummy flesh!

Another win for Match.com and just in time for XMas.
Profile Image for Lisa.
899 reviews12 followers
January 6, 2019
Fast, sweet read

I loved this story. It is set in a shifter town that is made up of grizzlies. Each has their own nickname, like at the bakery, that bear is Baker Bear. Layla is human and has moved to town to getaway from the let downs of life. She signs up on a dating site for shifters that can find the special mate for each bear. Little does she know, she’s a 100% match! I can’t do it justice. It’s so sweet.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 287 books623 followers
December 24, 2017
I loved this! Holiday Bear meets his mate in this sexy murder mystery!
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,396 reviews33 followers
December 19, 2017
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Liam and Layla. Layla broke up with her last boyfriend after she found out he was cheating. So she wonders will she ever find someone who will want her for her? She hears her grandmother in her head telling her that she is beautiful and she shouldn't give up. So she decides to give mate.com a try because why not right? One look at Laim and she just hopes that he likes what he sees as much as she does. Can she really have found her one or has she found one more man to hurt her?

Liam has been waiting for years to find his mate. For some reason this year seems even harder without her. He wonders if he will ever find his one. So when mate.com bing telling him they have found his 100% match he can hardly believe it. One look at his mate and he knows he will do anything for her. He wonders though with everything that is happening around them can he keep her or will her fears have her running from him?

This is an amazing story that will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. There is so much I want to tell you about this story but don't want to ruin it for anyone else. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2018
Liam and Layla

Layla runs a knitting business out of her home. She moves to Fate Valley six months ago for a new start. As soon as she got there she met someone and they started dating until she realized that he had been cheating on her the whole time. The Holiday Market is coming up and she is one of the vendors. She decided the night before the market to go on mate.com to try to see if she had a shifter mate.
Liam is named Holiday Bear because he loves Christmas and organizes the market every year. He is real estate investor. He has waited for a long time without finding his mate. He has been on mate.com for years with no luck and he is starting to get depressed. All of the sudden he gets a text alert saying that his !ate was found. They contacted each other and decided to meet at the market.
There is a murder mystery going on in the story. One of the vendors was a pushy salesman that no one liked. He ended up shot and was found by Liam and Layla on the first day the met.
The story was good and gave you plenty of suspects to consider while Liam and Layla get to know one another. I love Scarlett Grove's short stories. They are enough to pull you in and give you an hour or two of fun and HEAs.
556 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2018
I enjoyed my second visit to Fate Valley and getting to know the residents of the town. Here we have Liam Nash aka Holiday Bear, he is a real estate entreprenor(excuse the spelling) who has the knack and made it big. He loves Christmas and runs the celebration in the marketplace every year and this year we have a new crafty lady who recently moved to Fate Valley. Layla aka Spinner Lady does marvelous crafts with yarn she even made Santa Bears and wolves as she knew this was a shifter town. Liam has been with mate.com for years hoping for his fated mate, Layla signs up and she is that 100% match Liam has been waiting for. They meet for the first time during the celebration and while walking her to her car they come across a crime. Now Liam is itching to solve it.

Of course there is more and I only regret that it wasn't longer, it seemed a bit rushed but I cannot wait to see which bachelor is next. I voluntarily read an advance copy and have not been compensated in any way for this opinion but don't take my word for it if cozy mysteries and romance with a shifter twist are your thing, grab one I think you'll like it too.
Profile Image for Lynn Vincent.
653 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2017
This is the second book in the Fate Valley Mysteries series. I really liked this story about a death at the Holiday Market.
Liam Nash aka Holiday Bear loves Christmas so much he helps put on the Holiday Market every year. He is very proud of its success and the excitement it brings to the town. Layla is new to the town and has opened a web business called Layla's Spin and Knit. She is a master spinner and knitter and one of the best in the country.
Layla has signed up for a booth at the market to sell her wares. While packing her wares she signs up for Mate.com and is matched with Liam. While meeting for the first time a fellow vendor is murdered.
Is this a bad omen for Liam and Layla? Will it ruin the Holiday Market or make it better? Will Liam be able to solve this murder before the police?
"I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy without pressure to do so". I give it 5 stars.
1,281 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2018
Great quick shifter romance with a touch of mystery!

This is a fun read and a fast read. There are a few grammar or other errors, but they don't detract from the story's appeal. Liam is a bear who loves the holidays, and Kayla is a wonderful knitter and spinner who was just burned by a cheating boyfriend. The romance is the focus of this story, but the mystery adds to it well.

This story has a quick pace, a positive tone, a character oriented storyline with some action, cute characters who are very appealing and some steamy scenes. If this is how you like your shifter romances, try this and see. I would recommend getting the box set of Fate Mountain and reading it before this one. If not, you do want to read book 1 first and then this story. I am looking forward to reading book 3! Enjoy!
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
December 23, 2018
2.5 Stars
This story started off so well, and with so much promise, I was really looking forward to reading this. I love Christmas, and I'm absolutely crazy about Christmas-themed books. Liam is sweet and sexy and such a gentlemen. Layla has insecurities, but she's talented and beautiful and sweet, as well. But even though I adored Layla and Liam, their story fizzled out for me after the murder takes place. The dialogue becomes a little awkward and uncomfortable. Some things just become too repetitive. Liam then takes it upon himself to play "detective." For former military, his tactlessness in trying to acquire info or details about the murder, was a little weird, and not to mention dangerous. The actual murder mystery wasn't as suspenseful or intriguing as I'd hope. I like Scarlett Grove books, but so far, this one is my least favorite.
3,423 reviews20 followers
December 15, 2017
She's a master weaver. She has moved to Fate Valley to start over after a disappointing relationship. The Holiday Fair drew her and she made extra products to display and sell. Just before it started she and after a couple glasses of wine, she decided to sign up for a trustworthy shifter on mate.com.
He'd been waiting for a 100% match for years with no luck. Then they matched. The two hit it off. Their relationship is sweet and steamy. What any woman would want. But could she trust him?
When things seem to be going well they were interrupted by a....well you'll need to read it.
I really enjoyed this story. It was touching and fun.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
2,881 reviews17 followers
December 15, 2017
Layla is new to Fate Valley, and after breaking up with her boyfriend, she is lonely. She decides to join Mate.com and is surprised when she gets a 100% match. Liam, Holiday Bear to his friends, has been a member of Mate.com for a while and is delighted when he gets an alert informing him that he has a mate. After some texting, Layla and Liam meet at the Holiday market which Liam organized and Layla is a vendor.
Sexy, sweet characters with a mystery and a little suspense. This is a must read Holiday romance with a happily ever after, I loved it. Fantastic book.

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
December 15, 2017
Love and a Mystery

Holiday love brings cheer to two lonely hearts, but something dangerous lurks in he shadows! Layla is tired of cheaters and men who let her down, and she decided to sign up for Mate.com, knowing that when a shifter finds his mate, it’s for life. When she is matched with Holiday Bear, she is shocked by how handsome and sexy he is. Liam Nash has been on Mate.com for years without a match, and is lonely without a mate to love. When he gets matched with Layla he is over the moon. But after a murder occurs at the Holiday Market, things get a bit mysterious. Will they ever be happy and Mated?
239 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2017
This book is a love story with a mysterious twist to it. Layla, a master weaver moved to Fate Valley after a disappointing relationship. While Liam has been waiting for years to meet his fated mate. Imagine their surprise when they are 100% mate matched thru MATE.COM the night before the Holiday Fair and meet for the first time at the Holiday Fair. Then just when things seem to be going well, fate stepped in with a murder mystery.
 
This is a must-read Holiday romance with a happily ever after. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. 
1,896 reviews13 followers
December 15, 2017
Lovely characters matched by Mate.com and taking their relationship slowly to know each other better. Layla had been disappointed before by a cheating boyfriend and she didn’t want another bad experience. Liam didn’t want to force things and scare the girl even if his bear was pushing him. When something awful happened at the Holiday Market, Liam was in detective mode. Too much suspects and an investigation to carry out. Romance, passion, some suspense and an entertaining mystery to resolve. A short sweet story that I liked.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,264 reviews33 followers
December 15, 2017
As usual another enjoyable and entertaining read. I can't seem to get enough of this series. Even though I like Layla and Holiday Bear story I didn't care to much from the insecurity that Layla expressed. I always like for my heroine to be outspoken, fierce, and sassy. I understand to a certain extent why she was hesitant but if she would've just communicate and expressed her concern she could've illuminated a lot of that self doubts. Overall a cute holiday read. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
417 reviews35 followers
December 18, 2017
Welcome back to Fate valley this is the second book of the series but each can be read as a standalone.Layla and Liam are both lonely and want to find love.Liam has been on mate.com for awhile now and though he's had many close matches he's not interested they aren't his fated. Layla signs up on mate.com and these two are matched at 100 percent .The Holiday market is going on ,both Liam and Layla are working hard .and there's a murder .It's a busy time but these two are fated and there is a holiday hea.All of Scarletts books are great reading and I highly recommend them to everyone.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,193 reviews34 followers
December 15, 2017
A sweet and romantic Christmas shifter story. Mate.com has a 100% rating with finding the fated mate of shifters. They’ve never been wrong. After Layla’s last boyfriend cheated on her she decided to give them mate.com a chance. Her match will lead her to a sweet and very romantic man and some hot bedroom action.

A fun and very romantic fast read. Perfect Christmas story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
1,232 reviews3 followers
December 25, 2017
Holiday and Mystery Story

Holiday Bear Liam is in for a very special holiday. After years of waiting, Liam has found his mate through mate.com. Layla is new to Fate Valley. Layla and Liam meet for the first time at the holiday market, Liam's event. Usually a holiday sales opportunity for Fate Valley vendors, the event is rocked by the murder of its least liked vendor. Liam is determined to win Paula's heart and discover who tried to ruin his event.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2020
Holiday Bear(Bear Shifter Small Town Mystery Romance)(Fate Valley Mysteries Book 2)

The love story of Liam and Layle. Holiday Bear (Liam) has the blue, he has been on Mate.Com for years and has not found his fated mate. Layle has move to Fate Valley after a bad broken up and she just sign up on Mate.com looking for love, she has found it and it's Holiday Bear. At the Holiday Market a vendor is murder and Holiday Bear want to find the killer. Can he? Great story.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,660 reviews27 followers
December 5, 2020
Finding his festive spirit

Such a cute little Christmas story! I really enjoyed the characters and the way they connected right away, but took the time to learn about each other. The author gave us just the right amount of excitement with a mystery that was more than it seemed. This was my first experience with this author and I enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series and seeing what else the author has to offer.
1,067 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2017
Wonderful

This book is a sweet love story with a murder mystery twist. Layla and Liam are good hearted people who need someone to love. They find love and peace in each other. The book has an interesting murder mystery that add drama to the story but still has a romantic HEA. A must read for any shifter lover
1,523 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2017
Quick holiday story filled with mystery and romance. This is the second book book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Scarlett Grove's series have just the right amount of sexy romance and mystery and the story doesn't feel rushed. You're left feeling happy for the couples.
I voluntarily received this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Treena Beavers.
623 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2017
Yeah ! 100 % Match for spinner girl and holiday bear, things are going well as they make plans to meet at the christmas market.

Holiday chaos has begun the place is buzzing with energy. The scene pulls you into the market so well, you can almost taste the gingerbread lattes.

I voluntarily read & reviewed this Advance Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Tanya Brown.
384 reviews7 followers
December 19, 2017
Another cute short story with the Fate Valley Bears. Holiday Bear Liam meets his mate Layla, after waiting years on Mate.com. Layla is looking for a new start in a new town and after having a bad experience right off the bat she joins Mate.com. These 2 hit it right off with one being a bear and the other a human. Great read! This is my honest review for a book given to me by the author.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Loved the book!
As always it is such a pleasure to read a book by Scarlett.
This was a such a sweet story.
I loved the storytelling.
I loved the characters.
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
Profile Image for Mizunderstood.
205 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2018
A wonderful romance about fate

Layla is recovering from a nasty break up with her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her. This made her wary of ever finding love. Will meeting Liam and having him declare her his fated mate make her finally decide to believe her grandmother's words of wisdom? You'll have to read to find out! Great read folks.
103 reviews
December 20, 2018
Awesome

I have to say that for a short book it was an awesome read. It is so true to life teaching someone who has been deceived by a cheating boyfriend that you can over come all the bad comments and learn to love when true love finds you. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about SHIFTERS and their true fated mate.
Profile Image for Sheena.
988 reviews26 followers
December 15, 2017
Enjoyable and hot...

Seasonal steamy shifter novella....this book was fun packed and refreshingly light without too much angst or drama...

A really enjoyable and hot romance just perfect for the season of goodwill and cheer...I received an advanced copy of this novella from the author
Profile Image for Sue.
1,012 reviews10 followers
December 17, 2017
An enjoyable enough read, the fate valley bear stories are on the lovey dovey side with a bit of a who dunnit thrown in.
I’m used to shifters being a bit more growly Alpha so I’m finding these fate valley mysteries a little tame. Still a pleasant read tho.
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,186 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2017
Oh wow!

Oh wow, what a great story for Christmas! Holiday bear Loam has just met his mate Kayla at the Christmas market. On the same day somebody gets shot!
Most of the book is about Liam & Kayla, there budding relationship, the murder is just a little extra mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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