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Wolves of Pine Falls #2
Growls & Greeting Cards
She's used to folding paper, not folding under pressure from a werewolf ...
Juliet moved to Pine Falls, Colorado for a reason. The small town is full of werewolves. Hopefully the kind that will keep out of her business as long as she keeps out of theirs. Unfortunately, the pack alpha seems to have formed a grudge against the new librarian, and he wants nothing more than to see her pack up and move along.
Roderick Jameson doesn't trust Juliet. She's an outsider, but more than that, she's hoarding secrets. As the leader of the Pine Falls werewolf pack, it is his job to keep his people safe. Any knowledge he doesn't have is dangerous. But the human scoffs at his intimidation tactics, and she somehow convinces him to install a state-of-the-art security system in her house when his goal was to drive her away. Doesn't help that his inner wolf is lovesick for the fiery greeting card crafter.
These two enemies find their animosity flaring hotter until the thin sheet of paper between loathing and longing goes up in flames. But if any kind of lasting connection can be formed, both woman and wolf will need to learn to trust despite the betrayals that lurk in their past.
The same shadows that become solid, threatening their future...
Juliet moved to Pine Falls, Colorado for a reason. The small town is full of werewolves. Hopefully the kind that will keep out of her business as long as she keeps out of theirs. Unfortunately, the pack alpha seems to have formed a grudge against the new librarian, and he wants nothing more than to see her pack up and move along.
Roderick Jameson doesn't trust Juliet. She's an outsider, but more than that, she's hoarding secrets. As the leader of the Pine Falls werewolf pack, it is his job to keep his people safe. Any knowledge he doesn't have is dangerous. But the human scoffs at his intimidation tactics, and she somehow convinces him to install a state-of-the-art security system in her house when his goal was to drive her away. Doesn't help that his inner wolf is lovesick for the fiery greeting card crafter.
These two enemies find their animosity flaring hotter until the thin sheet of paper between loathing and longing goes up in flames. But if any kind of lasting connection can be formed, both woman and wolf will need to learn to trust despite the betrayals that lurk in their past.
The same shadows that become solid, threatening their future...
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2026
About the author
Lauren Connolly
42 books1,379 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 15, 2025
Not as great as Claws and Crochet, but still a lovely read!
July 27, 2025
This was a great book and once she publishes them, I'll most likely buy them. I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a deeply emotional, small town, contemporary fantasy romance between Roderick, the male wolf shifter alpha/electrician lead who has a deep distrust of human outsiders, and Juliet, the female human librarian lead, who is escaping an abusive relationship with a wolf shifter and chose a different territory for safety but doesn’t trust wolf shifters. I empathised with the emotional trauma both characters were carrying, especially the mental scars that made Juliet flinch and withdraw. I applauded her resilience and the way she’d been able to escape her previous situation. I enjoyed her determination to create a new life for herself and her unwillingness to allow Roderick to dissuade her. I enjoyed Roderick’s gruff and grouchy persona. I appreciated the compassion with which he dealt with his pack mates. I laughed at his disgruntlement with his wolf’s declaration that Juliet was his mate. I enjoyed the building relationship and the steamy intimate scenes. I appreciated the acknowledgment that trauma doesn’t vanish and that Juliet (and Roderick) would be dealing with it in the future. I adored the relationship Juliet established with her neighbour, and with others in town; the literal support provided when threats emerged was beautiful to see.
Both this and the first story in the series are 5 star reads but this story contains darker and more emotionally complex material than the first and readers should check their triggers before reading.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Both this and the first story in the series are 5 star reads but this story contains darker and more emotionally complex material than the first and readers should check their triggers before reading.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
June 13, 2026
In her paranormals, Lauren Connolly usually writes sweet, swoony cinnamon roll MMCs who are all in for their partner pretty much as soon as they meet them. Claws & Crochet was in that mold, but Growls & Greeting Cards is a bit different with an enemies to lovers vibe that takes a while to resolve. Roderick is the grumpy alpha of the local werewolf pack who recognizes his attraction to Juliet, the new human librarian right off the bat but fights it hard due to a prior relationship with a human that didn't end well. Juliet also has reason to be wary as her past experience with werewolves was not good. Her werewolf ex was controlling and physically abusive and no one in his pack did anything to stop him or help her. As soon as she and Rod meet, she resolves to stay far away from him but of course, there's no fighting the mate attraction.
I really enjoyed this book. Although Rod was a bit surly and gruff, he cared deeply for his family, friends, and pack, and was protective and helpful. Once he gave in to the attraction, he quickly extended that caring to Juliet and even though she refused to share her secrets, he was willing to go at her speed and back off when she needed him to. Juliet was so resilient, determined to move on from her bad experience and open to reevaluating her opinion of werewolves as she saw how differently Rod and his pack acted. I'm not sure if this series is going to continue but if so, I'll keep reading it. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. Although Rod was a bit surly and gruff, he cared deeply for his family, friends, and pack, and was protective and helpful. Once he gave in to the attraction, he quickly extended that caring to Juliet and even though she refused to share her secrets, he was willing to go at her speed and back off when she needed him to. Juliet was so resilient, determined to move on from her bad experience and open to reevaluating her opinion of werewolves as she saw how differently Rod and his pack acted. I'm not sure if this series is going to continue but if so, I'll keep reading it. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 16, 2026
Amazing addition to the series
This is book 2 in the Wolves of Pine Falls series and features Alpha of the pack, Roderick and newcomer Juliet.
On sight his wolf knows what she is to them but Roderick does not accept it and treats the gorgeous woman horribly, wanting her to leave his town.
Juliet’s a spitfire who’s hiding secrets and has come to this town for a reason.
Being bullied by the hot male does not sit well with her and she sure lets him have it.
Which his wolf absolutely loves.
This starts off much angst between the two as they often run into each other.
Eventually Roderick accepts who she is to him, keeps seeking her out and the chemistry between the two ignites and leads to more.
However Juliet has a lot to work through after running from her old life and the similarities between Roderick and her ex spark memories she wants to forget.
Knowing she is hurting, Roderick goes slow and will do anything to take away her fears.
Will her ex ever find her?
Will she be on the lookout forever?
This is a story of a strong woman trying to overcome her past, start afresh, make new friends, fall in love and find a family that will treat her with love and respect.
I also loved the special bond that Hester and Juliet formed.
Lauren’s stories are always so wonderful to read, they’re interesting, fun and full of magic and drama - which I love.
This was a great addition to the series with amazing characters and a storyline that had me eagerly reading chapter after chapter.
Thank you Lauren Connolly for the opportunity to read this story.
This is book 2 in the Wolves of Pine Falls series and features Alpha of the pack, Roderick and newcomer Juliet.
On sight his wolf knows what she is to them but Roderick does not accept it and treats the gorgeous woman horribly, wanting her to leave his town.
Juliet’s a spitfire who’s hiding secrets and has come to this town for a reason.
Being bullied by the hot male does not sit well with her and she sure lets him have it.
Which his wolf absolutely loves.
This starts off much angst between the two as they often run into each other.
Eventually Roderick accepts who she is to him, keeps seeking her out and the chemistry between the two ignites and leads to more.
However Juliet has a lot to work through after running from her old life and the similarities between Roderick and her ex spark memories she wants to forget.
Knowing she is hurting, Roderick goes slow and will do anything to take away her fears.
Will her ex ever find her?
Will she be on the lookout forever?
This is a story of a strong woman trying to overcome her past, start afresh, make new friends, fall in love and find a family that will treat her with love and respect.
I also loved the special bond that Hester and Juliet formed.
Lauren’s stories are always so wonderful to read, they’re interesting, fun and full of magic and drama - which I love.
This was a great addition to the series with amazing characters and a storyline that had me eagerly reading chapter after chapter.
Thank you Lauren Connolly for the opportunity to read this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked it. Both Juliet and Roderick are complex characters who were hurt in the past and now are having problems because of those wounds. In Juliet’s case, she’s still healing, has panic attacks, and a deep mistrust of werewolves. Roderick has been hurt by outsiders before, so he doesn’t trust Juliet at first. The book has darker themes than the usual Ms Connoly story, but it was well done and their backstory gave depth to the characters. It wasn’t trauma just for shock value, it served a purpose in the story. And it didn’t excuse the character’s actions, they took accountability for what they did (except for the villains, but that’s why they're villains, after all). I like how Roderick let Juliet lead, because he knew that’s what she needed, and didn’t hesitate in giving it to her. There’s mention of therapy and seeking professional help as something positive. The worldbuilding isn’t too complex, but it’s enough to understand the conflict and the characters. There’s a deeper focus on werewolf culture, so witches and warlocks are not explained, even though they play a big role in the story, but the little there is is enough to understand what’s going on. Maybe it will be explored in future books.
I received an ARC from the author and I leave this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from the author and I leave this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2026
In book two of the Wolves of Pine Falls series we get to know the story of Roderick Jameson, the alpha of Pine Falls wolves, and Juliet Adair, the FMC who changed her name due to her running away from her violent ex-were partner.
Next, you'll see why I gave it a 3 star rating versus the 4 star I gave the first book of this series.
Everything starts a few months before Zoey's arrival to Pine Falls and meeting Warner, Roderick's younger brother. The first 20-30% of the book shows a few encounters in which you can feel the hate vibes, kind-of like an enemies to lovers trope, but not quite developed. It is not until the debacle between Zoey Gunner and the Jameson's mom, Rebecca, occurs that Roderick's mistrust of Juliet's secrecy changes for something totally different. I get the author's intent on creating a FMC who is more dominant and a MMC who is more comprehensive, patient, and understanding ... but in my humble opinion there were times in which Juliet also deserved to be put in her place, she wasn't the only one carrying baggage and trauma. Everything was so instantaneous after Roderick decided to fight for their mating bond that it doesn't feel as well developed as the first couple.
Next, you'll see why I gave it a 3 star rating versus the 4 star I gave the first book of this series.
Everything starts a few months before Zoey's arrival to Pine Falls and meeting Warner, Roderick's younger brother. The first 20-30% of the book shows a few encounters in which you can feel the hate vibes, kind-of like an enemies to lovers trope, but not quite developed. It is not until the debacle between Zoey Gunner and the Jameson's mom, Rebecca, occurs that Roderick's mistrust of Juliet's secrecy changes for something totally different. I get the author's intent on creating a FMC who is more dominant and a MMC who is more comprehensive, patient, and understanding ... but in my humble opinion there were times in which Juliet also deserved to be put in her place, she wasn't the only one carrying baggage and trauma. Everything was so instantaneous after Roderick decided to fight for their mating bond that it doesn't feel as well developed as the first couple.
June 2, 2026
Guaranteed reading slump-buster
I was in an ebook reading slump before I received this book, and unsurprisingly, it pulled me right out of it. Lauren worked her magic - just like usual.
This story is a beautiful blend of deeper issues and well-timed, balanced, light relief. There were plenty of chuckle moments from early on in the book, despite some of the heavier topics.
I loved how this story is partially concurrent with the previous book in the series (but you don’t have to have read the first to enjoy this one). The concurrency gave the story a realistic feel, and you got some glimpses of the first story from another point of view - which was lovely to read.
Unsurprisingly, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
I was in an ebook reading slump before I received this book, and unsurprisingly, it pulled me right out of it. Lauren worked her magic - just like usual.
This story is a beautiful blend of deeper issues and well-timed, balanced, light relief. There were plenty of chuckle moments from early on in the book, despite some of the heavier topics.
I loved how this story is partially concurrent with the previous book in the series (but you don’t have to have read the first to enjoy this one). The concurrency gave the story a realistic feel, and you got some glimpses of the first story from another point of view - which was lovely to read.
Unsurprisingly, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
May 24, 2026
I have been waiting for Juliet and Roderick’s book ever since I finished Zoey and Warner. And it did not disappoint.
Here we have Juliet who is running away from a very bad past. Enter Roderick who doesn’t want to cause too much upheaval in his little Colorado werewolf pack. They butt heads until they finally reason for their mutual hatred is actually lust. One thing I didn’t like about this was that seemingly instantaneous flip.
Overall it is a great story. The first one is a little bit better but I’m still very eager to stay in Pine Falls. I would love to have stories for Courtney, Thad and even the twins!
Here we have Juliet who is running away from a very bad past. Enter Roderick who doesn’t want to cause too much upheaval in his little Colorado werewolf pack. They butt heads until they finally reason for their mutual hatred is actually lust. One thing I didn’t like about this was that seemingly instantaneous flip.
Overall it is a great story. The first one is a little bit better but I’m still very eager to stay in Pine Falls. I would love to have stories for Courtney, Thad and even the twins!
June 19, 2026
This is the second book in the Wolves of Pine Falls series and I’m so happy to be back in Pine Falls. Abby/Juliet gets away from her wolf shifter abuser and pieces her life back together in a small mountain town. She is strong and wants her freedom but struggles with her trauma. She meets the grumpy wolf alpha of the town and he’s rude right off the bat. She owns her sass and he likes it. There’s family drama/trauma, magic, found family, love and pie. This was a great book and I hope there’s a new one with either Courtney or Hester. They both intrigue me.
June 18, 2026
Yanno it was cute and good for the most part. I felt like the romance was lacking though. The story was more about Juliet’s healing and honestly same with Rodrick, which was lovely and heartfelt and well done, but the rest of it fell flat for me. And the ending was too rushed sadly :/ overall I’m happy I read the two books but I am slightly disappointed. Spice scale like .5/5 - it was really skipped over and not very detailed as well.
May 22, 2026
Initial review, pending a second read:
Cathartic and satisfying, but...
This was not a cozy, comfortable read. It still has Connolly's signature brand of humor and brightness, but interlaced into a story of surviving trauma and coming out the other side.
I may have more to say after another go-round.
*ARC copy received for honest review*
Cathartic and satisfying, but...
This was not a cozy, comfortable read. It still has Connolly's signature brand of humor and brightness, but interlaced into a story of surviving trauma and coming out the other side.
I may have more to say after another go-round.
*ARC copy received for honest review*
June 26, 2026
A very entertaining story with great characters. An enemies to lovers romance that has Roderick, the pack Alpha, trying to run Juliet, the new librarian, out of town. Both have issues as Juliet is running from an abusive ex and he was hurt before . Loved the chemistry between them and the way their relationship grows. A read full of action, danger and humour.
June 20, 2026
Kinda clunky and heavy handed. Got whiplash from Juliet’s 180 after a single apology. We get “Who hurt you”s from TWO different characters and both were jarring in the obvious trope-pandering. I liked Claws and Crochet but I won’t be reading anymore from this author.
June 7, 2026
I was very pleasantly surprised by this story and author. I was expecting the regular shifter story but this one had some great twists and indeed surprises. Great read!
June 18, 2026
3.5 stars
June 18, 2026
It was slightly different to the normal recipe and that made it more interesting. I had a good time
June 23, 2026
Pls no one judge me for reading this. I liked this book in the same way I like watching glee: for a hit of campy, cheesy story
June 30, 2026
This made my heart happy. I enjoyed this so much. I did love the drama from the first book a bit more. But it was very good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
Really enjoyed this read. I appreciated how the FMC tried working through her trauma and reclaiming her sense of self. Overall it was a good read and I stayed up late to finish it.
June 17, 2026
Great Shifter romance
This author writes the best paranormal romances. This is an exceptional story that I read in one sitting. Loved Roderick and Juliet. Juliet has left her abusive past behind and come to Pine Falls after hearing the pack there treats everyone respectfully. But Alpha Roderick has concerns because Juliet won’t tell him anything about her past. The in depth characters keep you rooting for them. Excellent writing and story telling. I loved this book and as I said Lauren Connolly knows how to write PNR romances. Great read.
This author writes the best paranormal romances. This is an exceptional story that I read in one sitting. Loved Roderick and Juliet. Juliet has left her abusive past behind and come to Pine Falls after hearing the pack there treats everyone respectfully. But Alpha Roderick has concerns because Juliet won’t tell him anything about her past. The in depth characters keep you rooting for them. Excellent writing and story telling. I loved this book and as I said Lauren Connolly knows how to write PNR romances. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews