Keeper of the Light: A Magical Small Town Wolf & Cat Shifter Romance

by Frankie McClaw

Two shifters. One cursed light. And a bond neither of us can outrun.

I am the storm in a thousand skins, a spy who anchors the wolf I was never meant to love again. Koen is all fire and fury—brooding heir, secret bloodline, curse sharp as broken glass. We swore off each other years ago, but prophecy doesn’t care about promises. The Hollow Light is dying, and it’s hungry for a keeper. For us.

Small-town magic tangles around every step. Shadows fuse when we fight. Spectral guardians whisper warnings we can’t ignore. History says a wolf must burn to keep the beacon lit. But when Koen’s snarl softens, when his fire curls around my wild wind, I taste the second chance I never thought I’d have.

The lighthouse demands sacrifice. If we fail, the Hollow Light dies…and so does everyone. If we succeed, we’ll have to choose—let fate tear us apart. Or risk everything to claim the bond that could save the Hollow—and each other.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

Reviews

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary fantasy romance offers a delightful and sweet reading experience, perfect for fans of small-town settings and second-chance narratives. Told with a dual point-of-view, the story centres on Koen, a wolf shifter, and Lo, a feline shifter, as they navigate their rekindled connection.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is its excellent character development. The author skilfully crafts characters that feel real and relatable, allowing readers to deeply invest in their journeys. Beyond the romantic arc, the narrative thoughtfully explores both historical and contemporary issues, adding a layer of depth and resonance to the story. The supportive secondary characters also play a crucial role, providing humour, wisdom, and emotional backing for the protagonists. A particularly charming detail is how the shifters' animal forms are imbued with their own distinct personalities, adding an extra layer of enjoyment and whimsy. The story concludes on a "happy-for-now" note, offering satisfying resolution for the characters' personal arcs while cleverly leaving a cliff-hanger for the overarching main plot, ensuring readers will eagerly anticipate the next instalment.

This review is based on an honest assessment of a free Advance Reader Copy (ARC) received.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and sweet, nearly clean, contemporary fantasy, small town, second chance, romantic comedy between male wolf shifter lead, Koen, and female feline shifter lead, Lo. I enjoyed the character development for both lead characters. I particularly appreciated the recognition of historical and current issues that had led to the current situation. I enjoyed the non-romance plot. I enjoyed the supportive and engaged secondary characters, especially the lead characters from a previous story. I enjoyed the way the shift animals have their own personalities, opinions, and character traits. The story finishes with a happy for now, with cliffhanger for the overarching plot.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very slow burn all round. Once again evil threatens the town and an unlikely pair are given a second chance to rewrite their own and others perceptions of themselves and save the town in doing so. Trust, belief in yourself, redemption, courage and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds are all explored in this small town cozy. The moments of dread are lightened by outbursts of zany funny magic as we've come to expect from this author. However the multiple voices were not as well handled as previously and led to some confusion together with the unexplained backstory meant it wasn't as delightful as it's predecessor.
I received this as a free copy as an arc and this a true review.

[Gina Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had everything: evil fighting action, romance and save the magical town vibes.
Lo, our sassy feline shifter’s inner world is apparently sponsored by tuna and chaos. She's got a bazillion cats in her head (maybe 12) and they all have names, opinions and an entire chorus of judgmental purrs going on!
Her perfect, growly match is Koen, a wolf shifter with a curse. Watching these two clash and spark was the ultimate "wolf/cat" adventure. I loved the magical town and seeing familiar characters, but my ultimate love goes to Squeak, who also appeared in this story and played a role in helping them. Such a good otter! I love the author's engaging style and quick phrases. Her writing is pure fun: smart and snappy, a small town saving shifter romance with a cliffy, of course.

[Kalexreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shifter romance was funny and entertaining. Koen and Lo have to figure out what’s going on with the magical barriers around town and with the lighthouse. They have a connection that is finally calling them to stop ignoring. Very slow burn and low spice, but it’s worth the read. Fun characters in this magical town.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action, lightshows and sparkles in this fantastical second chance romance crossed with homecoming crossed with coming of age adventure, never mind that the main characters are adults. This was lots of fun to read (particularly with Squeak's contribution to the activities).

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.