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Wounded Christmas Wolf: A Small Town Paranormal Holiday Romance
She only meant to dodge her ex…
Not kiss a grumpy, gorgeous wolf shifter under the mistletoe.
After losing her big-city job, Holly is home for the holidays at the family Christmas tree farm run by her retired military dad, juggling holiday customers, financial trouble, and a newly adopted hairless rescue dog. The last thing she needs is attraction—especially to Jace, the brooding wounded warrior wolf shifter recovering on the ranch.
Jace can fix the guesthouse furnace, but not the mess his life has become. He’s physically and emotionally wounded, unemployed, and barely keeping his wolf side under control. Getting close to Holly is the one thing he shouldn’t do… especially after their accidental, very public kiss.
But with Holly’s dangerous ex stalking her, and the ranch in deep trouble, Jace realizes he’ll fight anyone—and anything—to protect her. Even if it means facing up to his fears, or her terrifying bear-shifter dad.
Wounded Christmas Wolf is a spicy, feel-good standalone featuring a protective wolf shifter vet, a resilient heroine, cute pets, family chaos, and a snow-covered Christmas tree farm full of heart, heat, and holiday magic.
Not kiss a grumpy, gorgeous wolf shifter under the mistletoe.
After losing her big-city job, Holly is home for the holidays at the family Christmas tree farm run by her retired military dad, juggling holiday customers, financial trouble, and a newly adopted hairless rescue dog. The last thing she needs is attraction—especially to Jace, the brooding wounded warrior wolf shifter recovering on the ranch.
Jace can fix the guesthouse furnace, but not the mess his life has become. He’s physically and emotionally wounded, unemployed, and barely keeping his wolf side under control. Getting close to Holly is the one thing he shouldn’t do… especially after their accidental, very public kiss.
But with Holly’s dangerous ex stalking her, and the ranch in deep trouble, Jace realizes he’ll fight anyone—and anything—to protect her. Even if it means facing up to his fears, or her terrifying bear-shifter dad.
Wounded Christmas Wolf is a spicy, feel-good standalone featuring a protective wolf shifter vet, a resilient heroine, cute pets, family chaos, and a snow-covered Christmas tree farm full of heart, heat, and holiday magic.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
235 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Esker
80 books77 followersLauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 26, 2025
3.5 stars. It's cute but I hate when characters lie to each other to protect them. It's annoying. And negative motivation is annoying. But it's still fun.
December 20, 2025
3.75 This was just what I needed for a Christmas read. Holly lives on a Christmas tree farm, she meets Jace a homeless veteran who is a shifter. A very cute love story.
November 16, 2025
Wonderful small town/shifter romance for the holidays.. Hopeful, heartfelt, and cozy..
December 2, 2025
Holly and Jace . . .
The mixture of Christmas, shifters, and a dog is a guarantee of a story you can't help but
love. Holly Porter came home and offered to help her father and the community. She first encounters an adorable small dog at the holiday pet adoption event where she volunteered. The small dog had no fur, and Mags, the shelter volunteer coordinator explained he was a Chinese crested hairless named Cupcake. It almost felt like the little dog was begging her to take him home with her. She had promised her father she would not come home with another pet unless it was needed on the farm. Cupcake obviously was not suited to farm life. He would freeze in the cold at the first snowfall! She glanced across the room and watched a man doing repair work on the vents. She usually knew everyone in town, having grown up with them. But this man was a stranger. He was attractive, so she continued watching him.
When an ex-boyfriend she wanted nothing to do with began pestering her, he refused to listen to her requests that he leave her alone. He totally ignored each protest she made. Even her former classmates began to assume she and Rob must be getting back together! Then she heard Cupcake bark as if he wanted to rescue her from Rob's annoying harassment. She suddenly realized that Rob had deliberately maneuvered her under the mistletoe that had been hung around the room and intended to help himself to her by force! He smelled of booze and claimed their flame was still there which he was now going to prove to the whole town... until a deep quiet voice addressed her as "honey" and asked if that guy was bothering her as he moved between them to stop Rob from forcing himself on her. Holly immediately caught on and eagerly welcomed the stranger, military veteran Jace, as she flung herself against him and kissed him with enthusiasm, the two of them perfectly blending together. She noticed his eyes had changed to gold and she realized he was a shifter as he quickly moved away and left the room. Meanwhile, Holly lost her balance and fell back into the puppy pen. When she felt her lip continue to tingle, she realized the man had actually bitten her when they kissed! Her dad was a shifter, but she had never heard of shifters randomly biting people despite what the movies claimed. But at least Rob now left her alone, so it was all worth it. And the loving that Cupcake was giving her assured him of a new forever home with her.
Staying on the tree farm as he recovers, Jace realizes Holly's dad needs help with the ranch, and he finds himself growing protective of Holly, willing to keep her safe from her harasser regardless of the potential danger. Will the two of them work out their personal issues and healing as they feel the attraction to each other? Will they fall in love and share a future they both deserve? Or will her ex continue his unwanted pursuit and put her in danger?
The mixture of Christmas, shifters, and a dog is a guarantee of a story you can't help but
love. Holly Porter came home and offered to help her father and the community. She first encounters an adorable small dog at the holiday pet adoption event where she volunteered. The small dog had no fur, and Mags, the shelter volunteer coordinator explained he was a Chinese crested hairless named Cupcake. It almost felt like the little dog was begging her to take him home with her. She had promised her father she would not come home with another pet unless it was needed on the farm. Cupcake obviously was not suited to farm life. He would freeze in the cold at the first snowfall! She glanced across the room and watched a man doing repair work on the vents. She usually knew everyone in town, having grown up with them. But this man was a stranger. He was attractive, so she continued watching him.
When an ex-boyfriend she wanted nothing to do with began pestering her, he refused to listen to her requests that he leave her alone. He totally ignored each protest she made. Even her former classmates began to assume she and Rob must be getting back together! Then she heard Cupcake bark as if he wanted to rescue her from Rob's annoying harassment. She suddenly realized that Rob had deliberately maneuvered her under the mistletoe that had been hung around the room and intended to help himself to her by force! He smelled of booze and claimed their flame was still there which he was now going to prove to the whole town... until a deep quiet voice addressed her as "honey" and asked if that guy was bothering her as he moved between them to stop Rob from forcing himself on her. Holly immediately caught on and eagerly welcomed the stranger, military veteran Jace, as she flung herself against him and kissed him with enthusiasm, the two of them perfectly blending together. She noticed his eyes had changed to gold and she realized he was a shifter as he quickly moved away and left the room. Meanwhile, Holly lost her balance and fell back into the puppy pen. When she felt her lip continue to tingle, she realized the man had actually bitten her when they kissed! Her dad was a shifter, but she had never heard of shifters randomly biting people despite what the movies claimed. But at least Rob now left her alone, so it was all worth it. And the loving that Cupcake was giving her assured him of a new forever home with her.
Staying on the tree farm as he recovers, Jace realizes Holly's dad needs help with the ranch, and he finds himself growing protective of Holly, willing to keep her safe from her harasser regardless of the potential danger. Will the two of them work out their personal issues and healing as they feel the attraction to each other? Will they fall in love and share a future they both deserve? Or will her ex continue his unwanted pursuit and put her in danger?
January 2, 2026
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
Wounded Christmas Wolf begins the Christmas Ranch Shifters series as Holly returns home to her father’s Christmas tree farm/small resort after losing her job and her focus. Some time at home with Dad, the animals, and the holiday season is just what she needs to rebuild her life in a different direction. While volunteering at a local pet adoption event, Holly will not only find herself adopting the cutest little hairless dog ever (even though she promised her dad that she’d adopt no more animals unless they were helpful on the farm), meets the most handsome stranger she’s ever seen, and runs into an obnoxious ex with delusions of them still being/getting back together again (not gonna happen in a million years), all in one day! Life is about to get complicated for Holly, in the best way possible, but she’ll have to get through some rough times before that prize can be hers.
Jace is a wounded soldier, a shifter who is having real problems controlling his shift. He’s homeless at the moment, resigned to picking up small jobs and, hopefully, finding shelter at a small resort where he’s told he can recover, regroup, and build his life back… he’s not so sure about that, but desperate times mean desperate actions. While working at a pet adoption event, he’ll see a lovely lady being harassed by a goon and can’t help but step in. That one action is about to change his life… if he’s willing to take the risk of trusting someone again.
I enjoyed Wounded Christmas Wolf by Lauren Esker so much. It’s a tender tale of two people who need to step outside of their comfort zones and trust in someone again. Oh, don’t get me wrong, they are definitely a passionate couple, but they give off vibes of both being wounded and finding solid ground again with each other… gradually. We have one vile, spoiled, rotten villain to contend with, an adorable hairless pup who is fearless (and doesn’t acknowledge size, at all), and one protective bear shifter dad (who has a heart of gold hidden beneath the gruff). Together they’re about to save the Christmas tree farm, redefine family, and work their way to a happy ending for all (well, except for the jerk villain). Their story is well-written, emotional, passionate, and a delightful beginning to the series.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Wounded Christmas Wolf begins the Christmas Ranch Shifters series as Holly returns home to her father’s Christmas tree farm/small resort after losing her job and her focus. Some time at home with Dad, the animals, and the holiday season is just what she needs to rebuild her life in a different direction. While volunteering at a local pet adoption event, Holly will not only find herself adopting the cutest little hairless dog ever (even though she promised her dad that she’d adopt no more animals unless they were helpful on the farm), meets the most handsome stranger she’s ever seen, and runs into an obnoxious ex with delusions of them still being/getting back together again (not gonna happen in a million years), all in one day! Life is about to get complicated for Holly, in the best way possible, but she’ll have to get through some rough times before that prize can be hers.
Jace is a wounded soldier, a shifter who is having real problems controlling his shift. He’s homeless at the moment, resigned to picking up small jobs and, hopefully, finding shelter at a small resort where he’s told he can recover, regroup, and build his life back… he’s not so sure about that, but desperate times mean desperate actions. While working at a pet adoption event, he’ll see a lovely lady being harassed by a goon and can’t help but step in. That one action is about to change his life… if he’s willing to take the risk of trusting someone again.
I enjoyed Wounded Christmas Wolf by Lauren Esker so much. It’s a tender tale of two people who need to step outside of their comfort zones and trust in someone again. Oh, don’t get me wrong, they are definitely a passionate couple, but they give off vibes of both being wounded and finding solid ground again with each other… gradually. We have one vile, spoiled, rotten villain to contend with, an adorable hairless pup who is fearless (and doesn’t acknowledge size, at all), and one protective bear shifter dad (who has a heart of gold hidden beneath the gruff). Together they’re about to save the Christmas tree farm, redefine family, and work their way to a happy ending for all (well, except for the jerk villain). Their story is well-written, emotional, passionate, and a delightful beginning to the series.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 19, 2025
Finding love and a home
I loved, loved this heartwarming and healing holiday shifter romance. I am sucker for holiday and shifter romances so I was prepared to love the swoons and storyline but I was not prepared for the level of big feels wrapped up in this one. Expect to feel all the things reading Holly and Jace’s story - laughing, crying, teeth gritting, annoyed sighing, swooning, and cheering. Holly is currently living and working at her family Christmas tree farm after getting laid off from her corporate job in the city. Jace is a wolf shifter and military vet who was wounded in the military. He is rudderless and having difficulty controlling his shifting. They meet when Jace steps in at a pet adoption event when Holly’s ex is harassing her. They meet a second time when Jace arrives at Holly’s farm to stay in one of the cabins her family rents for free to vets. There is immediate chemistry and attraction between them but they both have reasons for keeping their distance including one of Holly’s father’s “rules.” Despite this artificial line in the sand, their relationship grows and deepens, moment by moment, interaction by interaction as they spend time together and get to know each other while living and working on the farm. What follows is a swoony and emotional journey toward their HEA and includes laughter, goodness, healing, baggage unpacking, holiday joy, cute dogs, spice, and life path rearranging. I hope there will be stories for the rest of Holly’s sisters. 4.5 stars.
I loved, loved this heartwarming and healing holiday shifter romance. I am sucker for holiday and shifter romances so I was prepared to love the swoons and storyline but I was not prepared for the level of big feels wrapped up in this one. Expect to feel all the things reading Holly and Jace’s story - laughing, crying, teeth gritting, annoyed sighing, swooning, and cheering. Holly is currently living and working at her family Christmas tree farm after getting laid off from her corporate job in the city. Jace is a wolf shifter and military vet who was wounded in the military. He is rudderless and having difficulty controlling his shifting. They meet when Jace steps in at a pet adoption event when Holly’s ex is harassing her. They meet a second time when Jace arrives at Holly’s farm to stay in one of the cabins her family rents for free to vets. There is immediate chemistry and attraction between them but they both have reasons for keeping their distance including one of Holly’s father’s “rules.” Despite this artificial line in the sand, their relationship grows and deepens, moment by moment, interaction by interaction as they spend time together and get to know each other while living and working on the farm. What follows is a swoony and emotional journey toward their HEA and includes laughter, goodness, healing, baggage unpacking, holiday joy, cute dogs, spice, and life path rearranging. I hope there will be stories for the rest of Holly’s sisters. 4.5 stars.
November 20, 2025
There's a reason that Lauren Esker is on my auto-buy list (or auto-borrow, if I spot one at the library), and here she's turned out another satisfying cozy romance. Unusually for Esker, this one has a bit less humor and includes enough serious subjects (stalker ex, death in the family) that she includes a brief content warning. Even so, it doesn't begin to get as traumatic as some popular authors, so on with the review!
Holly has been laid off and returns to the family Christmas-tree farm to regroup. Her ex-military, shapeshifter widower father has been carrying on, though without enough staff to open the B&B cottages that brought in year-round income. Jace is a shapeshifter invalided out of the military whose former officer told him to look up his old buddy who runs a B&B and lets veterans stay for the holidays. Add in a rescued Chinese crested dog, the family's border collie, a creepy stalker ex, big man in a small town with Mr. Potter vibes, and top it with four nosy sisters. A charming small-town holiday romance, with just enough action to keep it from getting cloyingly sweet and make everybody earn the happy ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holly has been laid off and returns to the family Christmas-tree farm to regroup. Her ex-military, shapeshifter widower father has been carrying on, though without enough staff to open the B&B cottages that brought in year-round income. Jace is a shapeshifter invalided out of the military whose former officer told him to look up his old buddy who runs a B&B and lets veterans stay for the holidays. Add in a rescued Chinese crested dog, the family's border collie, a creepy stalker ex, big man in a small town with Mr. Potter vibes, and top it with four nosy sisters. A charming small-town holiday romance, with just enough action to keep it from getting cloyingly sweet and make everybody earn the happy ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2025
A little mystery and a lot of shifter romance... Super read!
Jace is working on fixing something at a Christmas market/pet adoption event. Holly is helping at the pet adoption event when her ex-boyfriend starts hassling her. Jace steps in to get him away from her and then kisses her under the mistletoe. But then he runs away. Holly's father, the Colonel has offered cabins to down on their luck shifter veterans before. When Jace shows up to use one, he can't hide his interest in Holly. But the wounded wolf shifter has issues to work out first. Can he figure out how to solve his issues, or will Jace have to leave the first place that has felt like home to him? Read this to find out.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. I really want to see the other sisters get their story too! Noelle's story next please!!! Enjoy this shifter romance with a fantastic set of characters and suggestions for at least 4 more books in the series! Yay!
Jace is working on fixing something at a Christmas market/pet adoption event. Holly is helping at the pet adoption event when her ex-boyfriend starts hassling her. Jace steps in to get him away from her and then kisses her under the mistletoe. But then he runs away. Holly's father, the Colonel has offered cabins to down on their luck shifter veterans before. When Jace shows up to use one, he can't hide his interest in Holly. But the wounded wolf shifter has issues to work out first. Can he figure out how to solve his issues, or will Jace have to leave the first place that has felt like home to him? Read this to find out.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. I really want to see the other sisters get their story too! Noelle's story next please!!! Enjoy this shifter romance with a fantastic set of characters and suggestions for at least 4 more books in the series! Yay!
December 3, 2025
This is probably one of those books that has it all and works so nicely together,
The story is set in a town that is magical -to say it best- full with shifters and normies, and here is where Holly comes back to, after she finds herself down on her luck. She starts to help in the animal shelter and the family farm, and meets Jace, a shifter vet in need of TLC. He will come to her rescue and she will use him for a kiss that will deterr her ex, Well she invites him to her father's ranch as he has cabins for shifter vets, and she accepts as he feels that he needs to be close to her,
Her father is a shifter and recognizes a few things in Jace so he lets him stay as long as he stays away from her, but we all know that close proximity, brings insights, moments, conversations that lead to love , passion and HEA. BE ready to laugh, cry, smile, swoon, gasp, and feel their pain. Because the road to their HEA is filled with revelations that will hit hard but are so worthy at the end,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is set in a town that is magical -to say it best- full with shifters and normies, and here is where Holly comes back to, after she finds herself down on her luck. She starts to help in the animal shelter and the family farm, and meets Jace, a shifter vet in need of TLC. He will come to her rescue and she will use him for a kiss that will deterr her ex, Well she invites him to her father's ranch as he has cabins for shifter vets, and she accepts as he feels that he needs to be close to her,
Her father is a shifter and recognizes a few things in Jace so he lets him stay as long as he stays away from her, but we all know that close proximity, brings insights, moments, conversations that lead to love , passion and HEA. BE ready to laugh, cry, smile, swoon, gasp, and feel their pain. Because the road to their HEA is filled with revelations that will hit hard but are so worthy at the end,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
Cozy, Heartfelt Christmas Shifter Romance with a Slow-Burn Spark
This paranormal shifter Christmas romance was such a warm and comforting read. The story explores themes of healing from trauma in a gentle, heartfelt way, and the shifter hero is especially endearing. He’s struggling with the fact that he knows surprisingly little about his own kind—something that feels odd at first, but becomes genuinely cute as he tries so hard to learn everything he should have already known.
The romance itself is a true slow burn, but that makes the emotional payoff even sweeter. Combined with its cozy Christmas setting, this book creates the perfect atmosphere for a winter read. It’s a full-length novel, so you really get to settle into the story and enjoy the characters’ journey.
Overall, it’s a lovely, heartwarming romance with just the right mix of tenderness, growth, and holiday spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This paranormal shifter Christmas romance was such a warm and comforting read. The story explores themes of healing from trauma in a gentle, heartfelt way, and the shifter hero is especially endearing. He’s struggling with the fact that he knows surprisingly little about his own kind—something that feels odd at first, but becomes genuinely cute as he tries so hard to learn everything he should have already known.
The romance itself is a true slow burn, but that makes the emotional payoff even sweeter. Combined with its cozy Christmas setting, this book creates the perfect atmosphere for a winter read. It’s a full-length novel, so you really get to settle into the story and enjoy the characters’ journey.
Overall, it’s a lovely, heartwarming romance with just the right mix of tenderness, growth, and holiday spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2025
This such a good story. It flowed very good and the characters, timeline and plot all were very consistent though out the story.
Jace - you can feel his sorrow from the start. Yet you see what a good guy he is despite the way he grew up. You don't get much history on him other than parents are gone and he grew up in foster care. Holly- 2nd oldest of a large family of girls, you get lots of history from her but it is scattered in the book which is nice . You were a fly on the wall during their conversations. Jace knows nothing about being a shifter other than he is one. I would have liked Holly's dad be more alpha and talk to him about being a shifter and the aspects of that. Even the girls being born from a shifter dad but not being shifters know nothing. I feel like this was a missed opportunity within the story. The trouble from Rob was a nice addition to the story there could have been more but what was there was balanced. I enjoyed this story and will read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jace - you can feel his sorrow from the start. Yet you see what a good guy he is despite the way he grew up. You don't get much history on him other than parents are gone and he grew up in foster care. Holly- 2nd oldest of a large family of girls, you get lots of history from her but it is scattered in the book which is nice . You were a fly on the wall during their conversations. Jace knows nothing about being a shifter other than he is one. I would have liked Holly's dad be more alpha and talk to him about being a shifter and the aspects of that. Even the girls being born from a shifter dad but not being shifters know nothing. I feel like this was a missed opportunity within the story. The trouble from Rob was a nice addition to the story there could have been more but what was there was balanced. I enjoyed this story and will read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2025
Holly moved home after losing her job, helping her father on the Christmas tree farm plus volunteered at a pet adoption open house in the community center. Her father had said no more pets but cupcake adopted her went to leave her ex Rob tried to kiss her under the mistletoe so Jace rescues her and kisses her. Rob was still trying to get her to date him again she didn’t want that. When Jace got out of the military his CO told him about a B&B that helped the military people to get on their feet but he was told that it was closed. Holly’s father a retired Colonel had closed the cabins when her mother died she told her father about Jace needing a place to stay and Jace was told that he could use a cabin. Jace and Holly were attracted to each other and she was his fated mate, Jace helps on the tree farm. His wolf having problems after he had been caught in a fire he finally learned to control his wolf.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2025
This is a beautiful Christmas story about healing, trust and love. It is heartwarming with moments that will make you laugh, especially with Cupcake, and moments that will break your heart. Christmas, while a time of joy, is also a time of remembrance of those we have lost and Holly and her family have always found Christmas difficult after her mother passed away as it was her favourite time of year. Jace, a military vet, has his own demons to deal with and find himself helping Holly and her father at the Christmas tree farm. While Jace struggles keeping his wolf under control, the chemistry between him and Holly is immense, but with Holly dealing with a stalker, Jace will do whatever he has to to protect Holly. This story will melt your heart, is full of what Christmas is all about, and is perfect for a cosy afternoon of reading.
November 20, 2025
4.25 stars. This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet, almost melancholy, lower spice, contemporary, Christmas, shifter romance between Holly, the non-shifting female Christmas tree farmer lead, and Jace, the ex-military, ex-foster system, homeless, male wolf shifter lead. I enjoyed the empathy shown by Holly and her father towards those in need. I enjoyed Jace’s character development. I enjoyed the relationship development between Holly and Jace, and the intimate moments. I enjoyed the hysterically funny moments caused by Holly’s dog. I enjoyed the introduction of her whole family and I hope her sisters each have a story coming.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
November 29, 2025
Sweet, Christmassy shifter romance
Jace was a foster kid discharged from the military after a grievous injury. That's hard enough, but he's also a wolf shifter, and his wolf was traumatized and not well socialized to begin with. Things finally turn around for him when he steps in to help a girl getting unwanted attention.
Holly list her city office job and had to come home to the family Christmas tree farm, which is probably a good thing, because her dad hasn't recovered from losing his wife. And that's just scratching the surface of the family's problems.
There's plenty of angst here, some sweet Christmas cheer, adorable dogs and a cute toddler. I hope all the sisters get their own stories! I also want to know what happened to Jace's foster pack...
Jace was a foster kid discharged from the military after a grievous injury. That's hard enough, but he's also a wolf shifter, and his wolf was traumatized and not well socialized to begin with. Things finally turn around for him when he steps in to help a girl getting unwanted attention.
Holly list her city office job and had to come home to the family Christmas tree farm, which is probably a good thing, because her dad hasn't recovered from losing his wife. And that's just scratching the surface of the family's problems.
There's plenty of angst here, some sweet Christmas cheer, adorable dogs and a cute toddler. I hope all the sisters get their own stories! I also want to know what happened to Jace's foster pack...
December 1, 2025
Jace has landed in town looking for somewhere to live that isn’t a shelter. There was another military vet that started a place for vets to stay during the holidays but it’s not open now. Holly meets Jace at a pet adoption event and gives him the address for the Christmas tree farm and invites him to stay in one of the cabins. They meet up again at the Christmas tree farm and he is able to help with the busy season. They get to know each other as she is stalked and he starts healing. This is a great book about an interesting couple with other wonderful characters in a quirky town. I loved every minute of reading this book and didn’t want it to end!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2025
Meh
This had a cute premise, I just wanted more I think. I wanted more shifter aspects. Like why was she who help him so much? Were they fated mates? Is there fated mates in this? What was the significance of the bites? What was Jace's history? I felt his history was very vague. I wanted to know more about him. Also were shifters trying to hide themselves from humans? Where humans aware of them or just those that already know? I just got left with a lot of questions from this book. I understand it was just a quick standalone but I wanted more in depth background. Also I felt the characters were very immature for their age. They were suppose to be in their 30s but I felt I was reading a high school romance. Spice was minimal.
This had a cute premise, I just wanted more I think. I wanted more shifter aspects. Like why was she who help him so much? Were they fated mates? Is there fated mates in this? What was the significance of the bites? What was Jace's history? I felt his history was very vague. I wanted to know more about him. Also were shifters trying to hide themselves from humans? Where humans aware of them or just those that already know? I just got left with a lot of questions from this book. I understand it was just a quick standalone but I wanted more in depth background. Also I felt the characters were very immature for their age. They were suppose to be in their 30s but I felt I was reading a high school romance. Spice was minimal.
November 22, 2025
Holly had to return home to her father`s Christmas Tree farm from the city. Not only does she fight the loss of her mother and her "city-identity", but her ex-boyfriend from highschool days cannot accept a no and starts harrassing her.
This already seems enough trouble - but enter Jace, a veteran wolf shifter, who cannot control his shifts and has abandonment issues of his own in addition to PTSD. Jace finds refuge at the tree farm and slowly these two get closer and help each other.
But of course, there is other trouble brewing, nothing is ever easy....
A well-told story that still makes you laugh and realise, life will always continue and often provide answers that one did not expect.
This already seems enough trouble - but enter Jace, a veteran wolf shifter, who cannot control his shifts and has abandonment issues of his own in addition to PTSD. Jace finds refuge at the tree farm and slowly these two get closer and help each other.
But of course, there is other trouble brewing, nothing is ever easy....
A well-told story that still makes you laugh and realise, life will always continue and often provide answers that one did not expect.
November 30, 2025
Wounded Christmas Wolf is a small-town, holiday paranormal romance that is an excellent read. This well-written story has wonderful characters that make this story even more enjoyable. I loved Holly and Jace, from their first cute meeting to as they began to explore their emotions and what they desired. They both share a determination that adds to their journey in helping family, themselves, and finding their own HEA. This story is full of holiday spirit, heart-felt emotion, mystery, family, and romance and is worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
Shifter romance at Christmas.
TW: stalker, loss of mother, foster care and group homes in backstory
Holly is the second daughter of a shifter who has returned to the family Christmas tree farm after losing her job in the city. None of her sisters nor her got the shifter gene but she knows what it means when someone’s eyes change to gold.
And that’s what she sees in the handsome young man who has come by hard times and is hanging around doing odd jobs in town.
It takes her ex getting in her way for her to snatch a moment with the newcomer, and it’s a kiss under the mistletoe which confuses them both!
A nice romance for the holidays with shifter fun thrown in.
TW: stalker, loss of mother, foster care and group homes in backstory
Holly is the second daughter of a shifter who has returned to the family Christmas tree farm after losing her job in the city. None of her sisters nor her got the shifter gene but she knows what it means when someone’s eyes change to gold.
And that’s what she sees in the handsome young man who has come by hard times and is hanging around doing odd jobs in town.
It takes her ex getting in her way for her to snatch a moment with the newcomer, and it’s a kiss under the mistletoe which confuses them both!
A nice romance for the holidays with shifter fun thrown in.
November 19, 2025
Delightful shifter romance with Jace who is a homeless familyless veteran with poorly controlled shifter abilities and Holly who was some sad memories and is the daughter of a veteran and bear shifter owner of a Christmas tree farm and B&B. A stalker brings trouble to the farm for Holly and her family and brings out the protective instincts in Jace as their romance blooms. Dad is a protective grump with a tender heart, especially towards Holly’s delightful little dog Cupcake. A lovely romance of finding joy amidst sad memories.
December 2, 2025
A nice, sweet story around Christmastime.
Interesting first encounter between Holly and Jace, and her choosing of a new, unusual dog. Both the dog and Jace were protective against an old high school ex whose rekindling ways was totally unreasonable and unacceptable.
Jase's reaction to Holly was unpredictable from the start, so she often misinterpreted his behavior around her. I liked their interactions afterward when communication got better, as well as the nightly protection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting first encounter between Holly and Jace, and her choosing of a new, unusual dog. Both the dog and Jace were protective against an old high school ex whose rekindling ways was totally unreasonable and unacceptable.
Jase's reaction to Holly was unpredictable from the start, so she often misinterpreted his behavior around her. I liked their interactions afterward when communication got better, as well as the nightly protection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2025
This Book 1 in The Christmas Ranch Shifters Book Series has a intriguing pzranormal roamance story with amazing characters who are interesting, strong, and intense. These characters are well constructed with a story that hooks you from start to finish. This story has believable scenes and unique characters. This story has a protective wolf shifter-wounded warrior vet, a woman who lost her job & home to help her father for the holidays, dangerous Ex, cute pets, family chaos, action, adventure, twists, turns, chemistry and love.
January 14, 2026
A bit crime, a bit romance, and a bit family dynamics
A good story, well plotted with a variety of characters—most you’ll love, but there is one I’d like to shake some sense into, and it’s not Jace. The story moves along at a good pace giving the reader time to absorb each character’s personality. The setting is delightful with enough detail to make me want to visit the town at Christmas, even though I don’t like cold weather.
If you want a seasonal read that’s easy, quick, and interesting, then I highly recommend this book.
A good story, well plotted with a variety of characters—most you’ll love, but there is one I’d like to shake some sense into, and it’s not Jace. The story moves along at a good pace giving the reader time to absorb each character’s personality. The setting is delightful with enough detail to make me want to visit the town at Christmas, even though I don’t like cold weather.
If you want a seasonal read that’s easy, quick, and interesting, then I highly recommend this book.
November 21, 2025
You Have To Do The work
Lauren Esker writes shifter stories about the triumph of rebuilding one’s life after a tragedy. This book is beautifully easy to read, engaging, very clever in its choices of characters, all of whom find their life in this town can be full of love when they stop running from their past. It’s got a Christmas theme, a farm and hard physical and emotional work. Oh, snd and a cute couple of dogs, a bear snd and a wolf.
Lauren Esker writes shifter stories about the triumph of rebuilding one’s life after a tragedy. This book is beautifully easy to read, engaging, very clever in its choices of characters, all of whom find their life in this town can be full of love when they stop running from their past. It’s got a Christmas theme, a farm and hard physical and emotional work. Oh, snd and a cute couple of dogs, a bear snd and a wolf.
November 24, 2025
enjoyable
This was book 1 in a new series. I really enjoyed it. It has shifters, but the story isn’t based on typical shifter stories. No talk of fated mates. And although Jace is a lone wolf, he isn’t going feral and he doesn’t really talk to his wolf or control it. The love story is sweet. They both have past issues, but the attraction is undeniable. I loved how it all came together for a happy ending
This was book 1 in a new series. I really enjoyed it. It has shifters, but the story isn’t based on typical shifter stories. No talk of fated mates. And although Jace is a lone wolf, he isn’t going feral and he doesn’t really talk to his wolf or control it. The love story is sweet. They both have past issues, but the attraction is undeniable. I loved how it all came together for a happy ending
November 24, 2025
Book 1 of Christmas Ranch Shifters series. This is Holly and Jace's story. This is a lovely shifter holiday romance book. I loved how giving everyone seemed, the protectiveness of Jace, Holly's empathy, Colonel's thoughtfulness despite his tough exterior, and taking a chance on something real. I really can’t wait to read Noelle’s story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2025
Pleasant and enjoyable Christmas themed story.
Nothing majorly exciting happens, a sort of stalker situation, a wolf shifter with shifting problems, but both are dealt with without any real major excitement.
A light romance without real heat.
I would have liked more background story about Jace.
A few errors but nothing too annoying.
Likeable characters and a decent light plot line.
I’ll read the next book if it’s in KU.
Nothing majorly exciting happens, a sort of stalker situation, a wolf shifter with shifting problems, but both are dealt with without any real major excitement.
A light romance without real heat.
I would have liked more background story about Jace.
A few errors but nothing too annoying.
Likeable characters and a decent light plot line.
I’ll read the next book if it’s in KU.
December 8, 2025
loved it !! a great start for this new series !!! love Holly and Jace... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... they meet at the pet adoption booth in town... he saves her from her stalker ex...they have a moment under the mistletoe... he moves into one of the cabins at the Christmas tree farm... and helps around the farm... sweet and cute !!! but, also, heart felt !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
Man, we already established that I’m a die heart fan of shifter stories. They are my weakness, even more so a fantastic werewolf romance!! A holiday l romance that is an excellent read. This well-written story has wonderful characters that make this story even more enjoyable. HEA. This story is full of holiday spirit, heart-felt emotion, mystery, family, and romance. The characters are fully developed and likable. Slight angst but not too deep.I The plot is well paced with a lovely ending.
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