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Bracken Creek Wolves #1
Campfires and Canines
Hazel’s quiet getaway takes a wild turn when she discovers she’s staying with an actual wolf shifter pack - and one of them has fallen for her. Cozy fantasy meets rom-com in this stand alone shifter romance.
Hazel has always dreamed of seeing her dad's quaint hometown in the mountains, but she never imagined her visit would come after being dumped by her fiance and losing her job - all in the same day. She needs to figure her life out, and a cozy cabin in the woods is the perfect place to start.
The only problem? Her uncle’s absurd set of rules, including a strict curfew. Worse, he’s tasked his assistant to keep an eye on her. Slate is far too serious, but at least he's gorgeous and keeps losing his shirt.
Eager to prove himself, Slate needs to keep Hazel safe and away from the town’s secrets. He’s intensely attracted to her - she's sweet, sassy, and has a knack for stumbling into danger. But discovering the truth puts her in danger, and Hazel must trust her instincts and her growing connection with Slate to survive.
Hazel has always dreamed of seeing her dad's quaint hometown in the mountains, but she never imagined her visit would come after being dumped by her fiance and losing her job - all in the same day. She needs to figure her life out, and a cozy cabin in the woods is the perfect place to start.
The only problem? Her uncle’s absurd set of rules, including a strict curfew. Worse, he’s tasked his assistant to keep an eye on her. Slate is far too serious, but at least he's gorgeous and keeps losing his shirt.
Eager to prove himself, Slate needs to keep Hazel safe and away from the town’s secrets. He’s intensely attracted to her - she's sweet, sassy, and has a knack for stumbling into danger. But discovering the truth puts her in danger, and Hazel must trust her instincts and her growing connection with Slate to survive.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2024
255 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Aly Hollis
12 books86 followersAly Hollis lives in the southwest with her family and a collection of blue heelers, sassy cats, and a singular aquatic turtle. She loves art, crafting, sewing, and anything else creative, especially writing fantasy stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 8, 2024
This story follows Hazel, who after getting cheated on by her fiancé, and being fired from his family business finds herself heading toward the mountains to stay with her elusive uncle Heath while she sorts her life out. While exploring this small-knit community where everyone eats together mess hall style and seems to follow her uncle's command, she finds herself being captivated by Slate, her uncle's serious and responsible right-hand man. As Hazel starts to make friends with others in the community and be around nature she starts to imagine her life in this small community instead of back to the hustle and bustle of L.A. The only problem is that her uncle seems keen on cutting her stay short, and everyone seems to provide generic answers to her questions and keep sneaking secretive glances at each other. Oh, and that guy Hazel, can’t seem to stop thinking about, Slate? Yeah, one minute he’s interested and the next it’s like he can’t be around her.
Although this starts cozy, there are some higher stakes, violence, and action from the middle onwards. The author does provide a list of triggers and page numbers for the spicy scenes on the first page that can be viewed for free as a first look in the Kindle version on Amazon. I enjoyed reading about the secondary characters and felt like we got a sense of who each person was and their role in the pack. Even though this book is technically a stand-alone, it was nice to find out that there will be a couple more books in this world that center around each side character and their journey to finding a mate.
Now for cons ( because this wouldn’t be my review if I didn’t mention cons) 💁🏽♀️.
- This is basically “insta-love” - the entire story, Hazel arriving, saying I love you, to getting the equivalent of married happens in about 1 1/2 weeks.
- This is not “cozy”. This wouldn’t have kept me from reading but I disagree with it being advertised as a cozy paranormal romance. It’s got: violence, kidnappings, guns, child abuse/ physical abuse, and so on. It is not dark or overly graphic but it’s still there and therefore not cozy. More like a rom-com with action.
Overall, I look forward to continuing this series, and would recommend this if you like:
- Dual pov
- Found family
- Mutual pining
- Protective boyfriend
- “Who hurt you”?
- Bonded mates
- Found family/ community
- Happily Endings
- Light Spice: .5 to 1🌶️
June 11, 2024
I heard about this book in a writers group on Facebook just after I finished reading the entire True Blood (Sookie Stackhouse) series and the Legends & Lattes books. I was dying to stay hooked into the paranormal romance genre, and was so glad this book was also a "cozy" read.
Campfires & Canines kept me immersed in the story the entire time. I loved the characters, the dialogue, the setting, and the story! I immediately pre-ordered Aly's next book. I've read a number of self-published books, but this one was in a different league. Truly enjoyable and just what I was looking for!
Campfires & Canines kept me immersed in the story the entire time. I loved the characters, the dialogue, the setting, and the story! I immediately pre-ordered Aly's next book. I've read a number of self-published books, but this one was in a different league. Truly enjoyable and just what I was looking for!
October 16, 2024
This book is described as ‘cosy’ and that’s certainly what it is. I picked it up as a light read after finishing a huge book that dragged a bit for me, and it was a good palate cleanser.
The plot is uncomplicated, the slow-burn more slow than burn, and the plot ‘twist’ was expected, but I still enjoyed it.
If you’re looking for an easy read with a HEA and no cliffhanger then this book is for you.
The plot is uncomplicated, the slow-burn more slow than burn, and the plot ‘twist’ was expected, but I still enjoyed it.
If you’re looking for an easy read with a HEA and no cliffhanger then this book is for you.
March 23, 2024
Hello hello
It took me a minute to get this book finished. I liked the idea of it, but I felt like the development was lacking. The tags of “morally grey” were not at all relevant to the book.
There’s also the fact that the main couple said I love you after knowing each other three days? It was strange. After the main plot twist happened, I was lowkey rooting for Hazel and Jasper as an enemies to lovers, true morally grey character. Slade just felt so boring and devoted way too early.
But overall a fun read if you want to read a cozy shifter romance. Definitely wish there was a longer timeline and the characters got to know each other a bit more before declaring undying devotion but I guess wolves will be wolves?
It took me a minute to get this book finished. I liked the idea of it, but I felt like the development was lacking. The tags of “morally grey” were not at all relevant to the book.
There’s also the fact that the main couple said I love you after knowing each other three days? It was strange. After the main plot twist happened, I was lowkey rooting for Hazel and Jasper as an enemies to lovers, true morally grey character. Slade just felt so boring and devoted way too early.
But overall a fun read if you want to read a cozy shifter romance. Definitely wish there was a longer timeline and the characters got to know each other a bit more before declaring undying devotion but I guess wolves will be wolves?
December 23, 2024
I was getting frustrated with how many times they got interrupted and spicy time took the back burner.
But with that being said I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to read marigolds story.
But with that being said I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to read marigolds story.
March 18, 2024
Campfires and Canines was such a good, cute, cozy, and easy read! I love a good wolf shifter romance and it delivered.
⭐4
🌶️3.5
🏕️Dual POV
🏕️Wolf shifters
🏕️Chosen Mates
🏕️Family Secrets
🏕️Chosen Family
🏕️MG MMC
⭐4
🌶️3.5
🏕️Dual POV
🏕️Wolf shifters
🏕️Chosen Mates
🏕️Family Secrets
🏕️Chosen Family
🏕️MG MMC
September 10, 2025
The plot was a great pace in this cozy werewolf fantasy. The build up between Hazel and Slate was enjoyable.
I loved the Bracken Creek Pack family dynamic and the fact that there was so much lore wrapped into this little story. It was such a relief knowing that there is so much depth to this world and it doesnt rely on the sex buildup as the main plot.
The romance between the main characters was so sweet but also hot. So dont think this no spice, but I enjoyed the neighbor pack drama and the side characters and world building, even more than the spicy scenes, which were also amazing, by the way.
Hazel is a relatable character that will capture your interest quickly. The fun part about her is, you never know what she could do next.
Slate is the beta of the pack, so calling him an obsessive protector might be an understatement, but I love him for it.
Campfires and Canines was a great intro to the werewolves at Bracken Creek and there is more to the series, so buckle up.
I loved the Bracken Creek Pack family dynamic and the fact that there was so much lore wrapped into this little story. It was such a relief knowing that there is so much depth to this world and it doesnt rely on the sex buildup as the main plot.
The romance between the main characters was so sweet but also hot. So dont think this no spice, but I enjoyed the neighbor pack drama and the side characters and world building, even more than the spicy scenes, which were also amazing, by the way.
Hazel is a relatable character that will capture your interest quickly. The fun part about her is, you never know what she could do next.
Slate is the beta of the pack, so calling him an obsessive protector might be an understatement, but I love him for it.
Campfires and Canines was a great intro to the werewolves at Bracken Creek and there is more to the series, so buckle up.
July 23, 2025
2,5 stars
Was it great? No. The writing style felt a bit juvenile sometimes. There were a few things I wished the writer would have done a little research on, for example getting - and taking care of - a tattoo. The way it was described in the book is a one way ticket to an infection. Speaking of infections: do not have sex in a pond. Ew. But I still had fun reading it and I am curious to see what else will take place in the little community of Bracken Creek.
Was it great? No. The writing style felt a bit juvenile sometimes. There were a few things I wished the writer would have done a little research on, for example getting - and taking care of - a tattoo. The way it was described in the book is a one way ticket to an infection. Speaking of infections: do not have sex in a pond. Ew. But I still had fun reading it and I am curious to see what else will take place in the little community of Bracken Creek.
December 21, 2025
4,25
This is what i’be been craving after finding out I’m team Jacob!
Lo único q me molesta (que ya nose si es q no lo dicen o q yo tengo problemas con la comprensión lectora) pero nunca entendí el color de ella cuando es lobo
This is what i’be been craving after finding out I’m team Jacob!
Lo único q me molesta (que ya nose si es q no lo dicen o q yo tengo problemas con la comprensión lectora) pero nunca entendí el color de ella cuando es lobo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Super cute and a great laid back read
March 14, 2025
This was honestly a slog to get through. Everything felt kind of choppy and the relationship was very shallow and I just feel very meh about it
April 20, 2025
This was a lovely little read! A little too fast paced for me personally but highly enjoyable all the same
March 9, 2024
Good book, I liked it but it wasn’t my most memorable book, I feel like it’s easily forgettable but a very good read in the moment. I feel like the characters were fun. This was a good rom-com!
April 28, 2025
I feel this was written just for me to fulfill my yearning to read werewolf stories like I used to on wattpad when I was 13 again.
This was a very easy read, the story flowed quite well and they got together kind of earlish but there wasn’t much actual lovey dovey moments till the end due to complications. I adored onyx and the friends Hazel made. Slate was definitely a moody man but who doesn’t love a little grumpy man.
I feel the fmc was strong, she made some rash choices and didn’t always think everything through but that is fine. Overall, I throughly enjoyed the book and it definitely scratched the itch I have to my werewolf book nothing will ever entirely but came very, very close.
This was a very easy read, the story flowed quite well and they got together kind of earlish but there wasn’t much actual lovey dovey moments till the end due to complications. I adored onyx and the friends Hazel made. Slate was definitely a moody man but who doesn’t love a little grumpy man.
I feel the fmc was strong, she made some rash choices and didn’t always think everything through but that is fine. Overall, I throughly enjoyed the book and it definitely scratched the itch I have to my werewolf book nothing will ever entirely but came very, very close.
August 6, 2025
In the authors note in the beginning it says that this book is supposed to be a silly fun time and it delivered. Great book to read in between my library holds.
‘Hazel, I would love you if you were a giraffe. I would love you if you were a worm." I punctuate my words with a kiss on the top of her head. "I would love you if you were a loaf of bread.’
‘Hazel, I would love you if you were a giraffe. I would love you if you were a worm." I punctuate my words with a kiss on the top of her head. "I would love you if you were a loaf of bread.’
February 22, 2025
The first half was a cute cozy romance that got me hooked on the story and characters. The second half introduced the main conflict and wolf shifters which kept me flipping pages wanting to know what would happen next. I really enjoyed the story and getting to know this world and the characters were great, I especially liked the friend group and I am excited to read their stories in the next books.
April 27, 2024
The constant blue balls was annoying and too many words like “fuck nuggets”
Otherwise, enjoyable.
Otherwise, enjoyable.
July 14, 2024
This was such a fun and entertaining story! It had just the perfect amount of tension and unexpected conflict to keep me in anticipation all the while having enough heat and “will they won’t they” spice to keep one hot and bothered the whole book through. But then there is this perfectly executed vibe of coziness sprinkled generously throughout to give you all the warm and fuzzies!
After a terrible breakup and the loss of her job Hazel has been floundering. Not being particularly close to her mom or younger sister she decides to take some time to stay with her uncle Heath—her deceased dad’s younger brother. And as she pulls into the small community Hazel finds herself not only out in the wilderness, completely different from the city life of California, but suddenly in the midst of a world and people that feel like home. But as Hazel settles in her uncle’s strange rules and everyone’s talk of danger leaves her perplexed and confused. What is the truth about Bracken Ridge? Why is her uncle’s assistant so hot and cold? And why the heck can’t she get any internet?
This is definitely one fun, funny, sweet, spicy and yet a tad angsty, romcom of a story! Which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. The urban setting with it’s reclusive and unique circumstances was intriguing and well devised, the story was lovely, wonderful, with the perfect amount tension woven in with all of the cozy, and the characters were distinct, delightful (some delightfully evil), and all around fantastic!
The grumpy/sunshine, forbidden, fated mates romance was both completely sweet and swoony and yet also filled with heat and spiciness that was a constant push and pull of will they won’t they. It created delicious tension the whole story through.
My favorite character was definitely Slate. I must admit I enjoy me a broody cinnamon roll of a male main character with a heart of gold and Slate was nothing short of completely yummy and endearing!
So yep, this was a perfectly executed, sweet and spicy, cozy, romcom of a story filled with so many wonderful aspects from the endearing characters, to the unique world dynamics and setup, to the unexpected twists that I never anticipated, and I recommend it to any one who loves a little heat and spice on the pages, humor, warmth, and coziness, and a completely delightful stories.
After a terrible breakup and the loss of her job Hazel has been floundering. Not being particularly close to her mom or younger sister she decides to take some time to stay with her uncle Heath—her deceased dad’s younger brother. And as she pulls into the small community Hazel finds herself not only out in the wilderness, completely different from the city life of California, but suddenly in the midst of a world and people that feel like home. But as Hazel settles in her uncle’s strange rules and everyone’s talk of danger leaves her perplexed and confused. What is the truth about Bracken Ridge? Why is her uncle’s assistant so hot and cold? And why the heck can’t she get any internet?
This is definitely one fun, funny, sweet, spicy and yet a tad angsty, romcom of a story! Which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. The urban setting with it’s reclusive and unique circumstances was intriguing and well devised, the story was lovely, wonderful, with the perfect amount tension woven in with all of the cozy, and the characters were distinct, delightful (some delightfully evil), and all around fantastic!
The grumpy/sunshine, forbidden, fated mates romance was both completely sweet and swoony and yet also filled with heat and spiciness that was a constant push and pull of will they won’t they. It created delicious tension the whole story through.
My favorite character was definitely Slate. I must admit I enjoy me a broody cinnamon roll of a male main character with a heart of gold and Slate was nothing short of completely yummy and endearing!
So yep, this was a perfectly executed, sweet and spicy, cozy, romcom of a story filled with so many wonderful aspects from the endearing characters, to the unique world dynamics and setup, to the unexpected twists that I never anticipated, and I recommend it to any one who loves a little heat and spice on the pages, humor, warmth, and coziness, and a completely delightful stories.
March 11, 2025
Our MC Hazel just had a wicked break up with a cheating jerk fiancé who caused her to lose her job at his family's business. Her Mom is awful and she's not close to her sister so she decides to take a vacation and visit her Uncle's town in a secluded area of the mountains, for the first time ever, and see the place where her father grew up.
The town is a small, tight-knit community where there's one school, one teacher, everyone eats meals together and they all seem to follow her uncle's commands, which seems more than a little cult-ish. On top of that, her Uncle is super strict about where she can go and doesn't want her going anywhere alone.
So of course, Hazel instantly finds herself drawn to Slate, her uncle's moody assistant, and very quickly decides she wants to move her whole life to this town. Just as obviously, her uncle wants her to leave. Totally foreseen things happen, and she learns the secrets of the town, and it puts her in danger because, "humans can't know." Chaos, a kidnapping, romance and spice follows...
This book was fun, I found the characters to be a bit flat and underdeveloped, but it’s understandable as this was a debut novel. I expect this series will improve as she gets in her groove. I gave this a solid 3 stars, I will probably pick up the second in the series when I'm more in the mood for a Fantasy romance, but I doubt this will ever be a reread.
What I didn't like: I grabbed this because it was listed as Cozy and it is NOT a cozy. Even the original title was "Campfires & Canines: Stand Alone Cozy Fantasy Rom-Com". Not being a Cozy wouldn’t have kept me from reading this, but it really didn't fit my current mood. YMMV.
This book has violence, a kidnapping, guns, child abuse/ physical abuse, and threats of SA. It isn't dark per se, or graphic but the elements are there and that makes it NOT A COZY. This was more of a paranormal or fantasy romance with suspense, action with a thriller-esque feel.
The town is a small, tight-knit community where there's one school, one teacher, everyone eats meals together and they all seem to follow her uncle's commands, which seems more than a little cult-ish. On top of that, her Uncle is super strict about where she can go and doesn't want her going anywhere alone.
So of course, Hazel instantly finds herself drawn to Slate, her uncle's moody assistant, and very quickly decides she wants to move her whole life to this town. Just as obviously, her uncle wants her to leave. Totally foreseen things happen, and she learns the secrets of the town, and it puts her in danger because, "humans can't know." Chaos, a kidnapping, romance and spice follows...
This book was fun, I found the characters to be a bit flat and underdeveloped, but it’s understandable as this was a debut novel. I expect this series will improve as she gets in her groove. I gave this a solid 3 stars, I will probably pick up the second in the series when I'm more in the mood for a Fantasy romance, but I doubt this will ever be a reread.
What I didn't like: I grabbed this because it was listed as Cozy and it is NOT a cozy. Even the original title was "Campfires & Canines: Stand Alone Cozy Fantasy Rom-Com". Not being a Cozy wouldn’t have kept me from reading this, but it really didn't fit my current mood. YMMV.
This book has violence, a kidnapping, guns, child abuse/ physical abuse, and threats of SA. It isn't dark per se, or graphic but the elements are there and that makes it NOT A COZY. This was more of a paranormal or fantasy romance with suspense, action with a thriller-esque feel.
May 5, 2025
This was a cute shifter romance and I'm interested in reading the rest of the series. However some of the development was more told than seen and happened too quickly to fully appreciate. I loved that pretty much everyone had nature themed names, and the found family aspect was very sweet. I do wish the story, espe ially the first half, too place over a longer period of time for Hazel's relationship with the pack to develop more prior to everything that happened. Even if we just got a skip ahead but we know she was there even anlther week or so longer and those relationships got a little deeper would have made things a little more believable. I also wish we got a little more world building to be able to understand the dynamics of the wolf pack more and the magic of the world.
Some spoilers ...
For instance I wish there was more explanation on mates, are they chosen or fated? The instant attraction and love made it seem more like soul mates/fated mates, but that was never really explained. And I wish we got more actual development in Hazel and Slate's relationship. He went from pushing her away to marriage and love in pretty much a day. I wanted a little more tension and learning each other first.
Overall it was a very cute story and an interesting world. I hope we get more world building in the rest of the series. Also there were several typos that did take away from the book.
Some spoilers ...
For instance I wish there was more explanation on mates, are they chosen or fated? The instant attraction and love made it seem more like soul mates/fated mates, but that was never really explained. And I wish we got more actual development in Hazel and Slate's relationship. He went from pushing her away to marriage and love in pretty much a day. I wanted a little more tension and learning each other first.
Overall it was a very cute story and an interesting world. I hope we get more world building in the rest of the series. Also there were several typos that did take away from the book.
March 6, 2024
⭐️ 3
🌶 3
⛺️ Morally Grey MMC
⛺️ Dual POV’s
⛺️ Wolf Shifters
⛺️ Found Family
⛺️ Chosen Mates
⛺️ Family Secrets
Campfires and Canines is a little bit of a different writing style than I typically read. It’s cozy, it’s easy, it’s fun, it’s entertaining! We do however, still have our fantasy element to it- our fav wolf-shifters.
I thought there was a fun and sensible character arc for Hazel, Slate and Jasper. Definitely gives off rom-com vibes. It’s very character and plot driven. The writing style feels a little jumpy and choppy at times, but it’s not detrimental to the story or reading. I felt like the characters conceded a little easily, and sometimes the dialogue was a little juvenile- but again, this is an easy, fun, breezy paranormal romance.
It can get pretty steamy in terms of riling you up (see what I did there? 😏), and there’s a lot of moments where you’re like YES THEY’RE FINALLY GONNA DO IT- but don’t. Literally, the spice doesn’t happen until the last chapter. So, prepare yourself.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, easy, entertaining read- this is it. Characters are fun, the plot is easy to follow, the progression makes sense.
🌶 3
⛺️ Morally Grey MMC
⛺️ Dual POV’s
⛺️ Wolf Shifters
⛺️ Found Family
⛺️ Chosen Mates
⛺️ Family Secrets
Campfires and Canines is a little bit of a different writing style than I typically read. It’s cozy, it’s easy, it’s fun, it’s entertaining! We do however, still have our fantasy element to it- our fav wolf-shifters.
I thought there was a fun and sensible character arc for Hazel, Slate and Jasper. Definitely gives off rom-com vibes. It’s very character and plot driven. The writing style feels a little jumpy and choppy at times, but it’s not detrimental to the story or reading. I felt like the characters conceded a little easily, and sometimes the dialogue was a little juvenile- but again, this is an easy, fun, breezy paranormal romance.
It can get pretty steamy in terms of riling you up (see what I did there? 😏), and there’s a lot of moments where you’re like YES THEY’RE FINALLY GONNA DO IT- but don’t. Literally, the spice doesn’t happen until the last chapter. So, prepare yourself.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, easy, entertaining read- this is it. Characters are fun, the plot is easy to follow, the progression makes sense.
January 3, 2025
It was hard to tell how old the characters were really supposed to be as many of them felt quite immature in how they spoke and acted. The writing was alright, but not my most memorable read and not something I will come back and read again. I won't be continuing the series either. There were a few typos but no major errors that I noticed.
Hazel's mom felt like an unnecessary character, they only interacted a couple times and none of those interactions really added anything to the story. It didn't feel like her therapist or anti-depression meds did either other than a reason for her to be away from the pack headquarters. It is also a pet peeve of mine when authors use "I'm on the pill" as an excuse for not practicing safe sex.
Most of the story I believe is supposed to revolve around the push and pull between Hazel and Slate but I got bored with it quickly and ended up not caring if they were ever going to get together. The dialogue was rather "meh" for me and felt juvenile in parts, as a few other reviews noted.
Hazel's mom felt like an unnecessary character, they only interacted a couple times and none of those interactions really added anything to the story. It didn't feel like her therapist or anti-depression meds did either other than a reason for her to be away from the pack headquarters. It is also a pet peeve of mine when authors use "I'm on the pill" as an excuse for not practicing safe sex.
Most of the story I believe is supposed to revolve around the push and pull between Hazel and Slate but I got bored with it quickly and ended up not caring if they were ever going to get together. The dialogue was rather "meh" for me and felt juvenile in parts, as a few other reviews noted.
August 18, 2025
I am so disappointed in this book. I liked it at the beginning. There were some typos/repeats that were annoying, but I can overlook that. What I CANNOT overlook is the fact that they say there are explicit sexual scenes in the trigger warnings yet they don't actually have sex until 94% into the book and when I say it's underwhelming I mean it is UNDER-FUCKING-WHELMING. Literally like only 2 pages. I am so sad I got so far into this book only to be horribly disappointed in the writing. I mean, good god, how many times are they gonna "almost" have sex? Someone or something was always interrupting. I understand creating angst but this just felt like homegirl didn't know how to write a sex scene so she pushed it off to the end so she'd only have to write one and still be able to label this book as "spicy". It was such a waste of my time. Sorely disappointed. And for you ladies getting on here writing reviews saying this is a 3 on the spice scale, y'all must be having some major vanilla sex. Y'all need help.
October 10, 2024
more cozy paranormal
A generally enjoyable cozy-ish. I’d still classify this as more paranormal than anything, since there’s nothing particularly fantasy about the world except wolf shifting. The writing is a bit stilted, and based on formatting and style it is incredibly difficult at times to follow conversations, but the story is enjoyable.
The reason it falls into meh category for me is that the characters don’t exactly maintain individuality. Some are juvenile and then turn around to be serious. Even Slate who is a MC pov character did not really stay consistent. Between that, the difficulty of conversation tracking without dialogue tags, and the passing of time / action, it’s probably a book I won’t pick up again. There’s enough curiosity I might stumble upon the next book and try it out if I’m in the right mood, but overall fairly middle ground for me.
0.5/5 spice
A generally enjoyable cozy-ish. I’d still classify this as more paranormal than anything, since there’s nothing particularly fantasy about the world except wolf shifting. The writing is a bit stilted, and based on formatting and style it is incredibly difficult at times to follow conversations, but the story is enjoyable.
The reason it falls into meh category for me is that the characters don’t exactly maintain individuality. Some are juvenile and then turn around to be serious. Even Slate who is a MC pov character did not really stay consistent. Between that, the difficulty of conversation tracking without dialogue tags, and the passing of time / action, it’s probably a book I won’t pick up again. There’s enough curiosity I might stumble upon the next book and try it out if I’m in the right mood, but overall fairly middle ground for me.
0.5/5 spice
January 21, 2025
This story follows Hazel, whose fiancé was unfaithful and was fired from his family's business. She takes a much needed vacation to a secluded mountainous area to visit her uncle Heath, while she sorts her life out. This is a small-knit community where everyone has a job assisting the community, there's one school with one teacher, everyone eats meals together and seems to follow her uncle's command, which seems a bit cult-like. However, she finds herself being drawn to Slate, her uncle's stoic and grumpy assistant. The longer she is there, it feels more like home. But, her uncle is encouraging her to leave. But, why? Little does she know the truth about this little secluded community...
This book is cozy and cute (besides the normal paranormal violence) with some slow burn tension. The man character's tension is there, however, once they give in to temptation the affirmations of love and desire happen rather quickly. Which tends to happen between fated mates. We never do find out if they are "fated" or chosen mates. I will say, I have been reading these books out of order, and this one is my favorite so far. I do like that the journey continues with the other characters in the community.
Troupes include:
🐺 Dual pov
🐺 Found family
🐺 Family Secrets
🐺 Slow burn
🐺 Werewolf mates
🌶️ Light Spice
This book is cozy and cute (besides the normal paranormal violence) with some slow burn tension. The man character's tension is there, however, once they give in to temptation the affirmations of love and desire happen rather quickly. Which tends to happen between fated mates. We never do find out if they are "fated" or chosen mates. I will say, I have been reading these books out of order, and this one is my favorite so far. I do like that the journey continues with the other characters in the community.
Troupes include:
🐺 Dual pov
🐺 Found family
🐺 Family Secrets
🐺 Slow burn
🐺 Werewolf mates
🌶️ Light Spice
April 27, 2024
I was happily entertained by this new Author's shifter romance story telling and would recommend it for any reader that enjoys the shifter romance genre. Considerably lighter to my recent reads and possibly why I enjoyed it due to it being a RomCom. I thought they were well created characters that held a good level of chemistry to enable readers to make that emotional connection required to enjoy a story. A decently devised plot that was easy to read, kept my attention from page to page with a good balance of drama, action, sexual tensions between the lead characters, character chemistry and scenarios of good laughter.
I'm defintely more than happy to have found this Authors work and look forward to exploring more of their world of storytelling.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm defintely more than happy to have found this Authors work and look forward to exploring more of their world of storytelling.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2024
This was an easy quick read that made me giggle, had cute banter and I really enjoyed. Perfect book for a palate cleanser to read in between books. Hazel doesn't have a great relationship with her mom and sister and dad passed away when she was young. She has an uncle who always came to see her when she was younger but she never went to see him. She breaks up with a fiancé and loses her job so she talks her uncle into coming to see him in the PNW woods. There she meets Slate, her uncles right hand man who is hot AF and they quickly realize they have chemistry. He's the possessive, protective broody type who would do anything for Hazel. The woods are dangerous place for Hazel because it turns out that her uncle is the Alpha of a wolf pack and there are other packs that boarder theirs and there's bad blood between them.
February 6, 2025
Hazel has broken up with her cheating fiancé, lost her job and wants to get away from it all so she goes to visit her uncle in Bracken Creek.
After finally getting there, she is welcomed but there are a lot of rules she has to follow like no wandering off into the forest or no going out at night. Everyone seems pretty nice but she’s not sure about her uncle’s right-hand man, Slate, she can’t figure out if he’s attracted to her or dislikes her.
While getting to know the people around her she also goes into the nearby town to get a better wi-fi signal where she meets Jasper who seems to be innocently flirting with her.
Then the surprises start, first she and Slate are attacked by wolves and he turns into one. Then others show up trying to claim her.
There is some action, humour, romance, and surprises.
This was a light, quick, fun read. A nice change of pace for me.
After finally getting there, she is welcomed but there are a lot of rules she has to follow like no wandering off into the forest or no going out at night. Everyone seems pretty nice but she’s not sure about her uncle’s right-hand man, Slate, she can’t figure out if he’s attracted to her or dislikes her.
While getting to know the people around her she also goes into the nearby town to get a better wi-fi signal where she meets Jasper who seems to be innocently flirting with her.
Then the surprises start, first she and Slate are attacked by wolves and he turns into one. Then others show up trying to claim her.
There is some action, humour, romance, and surprises.
This was a light, quick, fun read. A nice change of pace for me.
March 17, 2024
This was a really interesting story for me. Hazel goes to live with her uncle after her live basically implodes on her. She's broken, and wants to put herself back together somewhere that isn't the city. She feels like this is where she belongs, but it doesn't seem like her uncle, or his Beta, Slate, want her there long term.
When their secret is revealed, everything changes and things get really complicated. A rival pack decides to kidnap Hazel and lay a claim on her for their pack, but she's determined to return to Slate despite his hesitance. Their only goal is to keep her safe.
There was a lot that happened in this that was your typical werewolf teen drama, but it had a lot of aspects that made it unique as well.
When their secret is revealed, everything changes and things get really complicated. A rival pack decides to kidnap Hazel and lay a claim on her for their pack, but she's determined to return to Slate despite his hesitance. Their only goal is to keep her safe.
There was a lot that happened in this that was your typical werewolf teen drama, but it had a lot of aspects that made it unique as well.
March 17, 2024
I love a good cozy Fantasy romance and Campfires and Canines delivered! The writing was engaging, the tension kept me wondering what would happen next, and I had a hard time putting the book down.
This is an urban fantasy with wolf shifters and common wolf shifter conventions were followed making it easy to jump into the story. There isn’t a lot of world building and there doesn’t need to be.
As the story progressed, the two love birds have inopportune interruptions and I was inwardly yelling at them to just get it on already! But it keeps the tension high. Fortunately there is an HEA.
There were a few predictable moments which is the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars. I can’t wait to read Book 2!
This is an urban fantasy with wolf shifters and common wolf shifter conventions were followed making it easy to jump into the story. There isn’t a lot of world building and there doesn’t need to be.
As the story progressed, the two love birds have inopportune interruptions and I was inwardly yelling at them to just get it on already! But it keeps the tension high. Fortunately there is an HEA.
There were a few predictable moments which is the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars. I can’t wait to read Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews