Cookies & Claws

by Fleur DeVillainy

From the author of Spellbound Scones and Sky of Thorns comes a spicy, forced proximity, lumberjack polar bear shifter romance.

When witch Hazel Tolbert moves to a snow-dusted mountain town the week before Christmas, all she wants is a cozy holiday season filled with lights, cocoa, and most importantly; the perfect Christmas tree.

Too bad the whole town is sold out.

Miles away, Benjamin Oakwood is ready to hang up his work gloves for the season. His family’s tree farm has been picked clean, and all he wants is some quiet mountain life and a break from the chaos of his boisterous polar bear shifter clan. But when a determined newcomer shows up at his land insisting on an oversized tree, he finds himself roped into helping her in more ways than he expected.

Hazel is stubborn, independent, and absolutely not looking for a grumpy lumberjack to interfere with her holiday plans. Benjamin is practical, brooding, and definitely not looking for a witch who makes his bear stir in ways it shouldn’t. But fate—and a snowstorm—has other plans.

As Christmas Eve approaches and secrets come to light, including Benjamin’s true nature. Hazel has to decide whether to guard her heart or risk everything for a love as wild and enduring as winter itself.

Snowstorms. Found family. Banter. Fated mates. A little holiday spice. This is one Christmas neither of them will forget.



Grumpy x SunshineSmall townMeet cuteAge gapPolar Bear x WitchFated matesSpicy 🌶🌶 (18+)‘Best.Slow.Burn.Ever. Totally worth the wait!!!’- V ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Polar bear shifter? Say no more...’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A spicy-sweet paranormal romance in the Cozy Christmas Collective

Four sweet and cozy holiday novellas featuring shifters. Each Christmas-themed short story takes place during the winter season, holiday settings, and seasonal treats.

Cookies & Claws by Fleur DeVillainy
Antics & Antlers by Ava Thorne
Sugar & Snowflakes by Kristin Cast
Seashells & Mistletoe by Kay Leyda

Genres: Christmas, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Witches, Holiday Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Fleur DeVillainy

Indie Author

Fleur DeVillainy is an American fantasy author. In the realm of imagination, where love and enchantment intertwine, she crafts tales of extraordinary adventure interwoven with romance, internal growth and found family. By day, she brings healing to little hearts as a pediatric nurse practitioner. By night, she lets her pen dance across pages, weaving magical worlds and captivating characters. When not weaving tales, she finds solace in baking, sewing, and gardening. Join her on the many whimsical journeys through words and discover the wonders that lie within. Check out her series The Vandeleur Trilogy, her comic series Wolf and I, and her co-written Calpa series today!

If you want to know when Fleur’s next book will come out, please visit her social media and website.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Cookies and Claws by Fleur DeVillainy📖🐻🎄

This was my first book by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised! Cookies and Claws is such a cozy, holiday novella that instantly puts you in the festive spirit! Fleur’s descriptive writing makes it so easy to picture the snowy setting and small town charm, it truly feels like you’re right there in the story.

The polar bear shifter was a fun and refreshing twist on the usual shifter world, and I loved the clever nods to Goldilocks. And as a total sucker for fated mates, that trope made this story even more enjoyable!

If you’re looking for a quick read to kick off your holiday season, grab a mug of hot cocoa (don’t forget the marshmallows!) and dive into this one.

What to expect:
​🐻Grumpy x Sunshine
❄️Small town
​🐻Meet cute
❄️Age gap
​🐻Polar Bear x Witch
❄️Fated mates
​🐻Spicy 🌶🌶 

Thank you to Fleur DeVillainy and Happily Booked PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! 💕

[Amanda Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is giving me all the cozy Christmas vibes!
Hazel and Benjamin's story is a sweet and spicy delight, with a dash of magic and a whole lot of heart. I love how their forced proximity leads to some seriously steamy moments, and the way their banter and opposites attract dynamic makes their romance feel so authentic. The snow dusted mountain town setting is perfection and his quirky family adds to the charm. It’s just so cute.

[Kristin Towers · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars ⭐️
1 of 5 chili peppers 🌶️

There’s a hedgehog in her pocket!

“Cookies and Claws” isn’t breaking any records for originality or topping any charts, but it is very sweet and cozy.

Everyone’s behavior is totally explainable, so the meet-cute is actually cute (and then the pace is off and running!) The magic isn’t shorthanded, either, but is accessible. And our characters are in their thirties! Benjamin and Hazel are totally fine people you want to see succeed.

Only two things throughout I really didn’t care for: (1) the bear’s voice — while also a little annoying and chauvinistic — is virtually meaningless; (2) on occasion, DeVillainy unnecessarily forwent the individual personalities she built for Benjamin and Hazel for safer, cheesier Hallmark humor or the fated mates trope.

Read to the folk guitar of Here with Rob.

[Raven Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to review this by Booksirens and I'm glad I did. I'm definitely new to these Hallmark shifter romances and I definitely am hooked. I really like the idea of this one as he was a polar bear shifter, something I never saw written and I thought it was executed well. Hazel and Benjamin are a cute couple brought together by pure stubbornness on Hazels part. I plan on finishing the holiday collection this is a part of as they all sound amazing. Thanks again Booksirens.

[Anna Christodoulou-Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️✨ ARC REVIEW ✨⭐️

Title: Cookies and Claws
Author: Fleur DeVillainy
Release: 🎄❄️ Holiday Season Magic Incoming ❄️🎄

From the very first page, this book gave me cozy-cabin vibes, snowy magic, and the perfect dose of spicy holiday tension 🌲🔥✨

Hazel our stubborn, independent witch 🧙‍♀️✨arrives in a winter-kissed mountain town dreaming of cocoa, twinkle lights, and the perfect Christmas tree… only to discover the entire town is sold out 😭🎄

Enter Benjamin Oakwood…
A grumpy, brooding, practical lumberjack with a polar bear shifter secret 🐻‍❄️🪓 who just wants peace and quiet. But fate (and a very determined witch) have other plans ❄️💫

A snowstorm traps them together…
Secrets get revealed…
And suddenly they’re fighting more than the cold. Their chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS. 🔥🔥🔥 (18+)

This novella delivers EVERYTHING:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Small Town Magic
✨ Witch x Polar Bear Shifter
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Found Family
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Cozy Snowstorm Vibes
✨ Slow. Burn. Torture. 🔥😮‍💨
✨ Holiday Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Thoughts:
I devoured this! The banter had me smiling, the tension had me kicking my feet, and the shifter reveal? ICONIC 😍🐻‍❄️💥 Hazel and Benjamin are such a perfect pairing warm, chaotic magic meets icy grump with a heart of gold.

This is the kind of Christmas romance that wraps you up tighter than a wool blanket in a blizzard ☃️🧣💕


“Best. Slow. Burn. Ever.”
“Polar bear shifter? SAY LESS.”
“A spicy-sweet holiday escape you won’t forget.”

If you love:
❄️ Cozy paranormal winter romances
🎄 Magical small towns
🔥 Lumberjack grumps
💫 Snowed-in chemistry
…then this will be your new holiday obsession

[Shakira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookies & Claws is exactly the kind of cozy, magical Christmas novella that fills your chest with warmth and your face with a grin. Hazel is an instantly lovable FMC who is a witch trying to rebuild her life in Pinetop after the devastating loss of her parents, bringing along only her courage, her determination, and her adorable hedgehog familiar, Pretzel. When all she wants is a simple Christmas tree for her new home and every farm is completely sold out, you already feel the holiday romcom energy bubbling.

And then Benjamin enters, a were-polar bear shifter with a heart the size of an iceberg and one spare tree left. Their meet-cute feels like it was plucked straight out of the best Hallmark holiday movie…but with the added charm of magic, shifters, and sparkling winter vibes. The chemistry between Hazel and Benjamin is instant yet tender, warm yet a little spicy, and full of that perfect “strangers-to-something-more” tension that makes you want to curl up with hot cocoa and devour the whole story.

What truly elevates this novella is the depth woven into the cozy wrapping. Hazel’s journey toward healing, her sweet bond with Pretzel, and Benjamin’s loving, over-the-top adorable were-polar bear family add heart and grounding to an otherwise delightfully whimsical tale. The blend of Christmas cheer, snow-filled antics, and steamy romance makes this a one-sitting read you’ll want to revisit every holiday season. Cookies & Claws is everything a magical winter love story should be: comforting, charming, spicy, and absolutely enchanting. 4.5 stars.

[Bek ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise! Cookies & Claws is the perfect cozy holiday novella that instantly puts you in the festive spirit.

Fleur Devillainy’s writing immerses you in a charming, snowy small town, making you feel like you’re part of the magic. The polar bear shifter twist is super fun, and I loved the playful nods to Goldilocks.

Benjamin, the grumpy polar bear shifter, and Hazel, a witch seeking a fresh start, make an adorable fated mates duo. Their banter is a highlight, and it’s heartwarming to see how their relationship blossoms over the holidays. Plus, Benjamin’s inner bear adds some great humor.

With lovable characters and whimsical magic, this novella is a must read for anyone craving cozy vibes! So grab your hot cocoa; marshmallows included and dive into this charming tale!

[Janet Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book… perfect for setting the holiday mood… the hot polar bear shifter helped a lil 🤣🤣🤣

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me, which was sad because I loved the idea of the polar bear shifter with a witch. Too cheesy, too cliche, not nearly enough magic. Not a fan of the writing style or the constant inner monologue.

[Dianna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ Rating: 5/5

Cookies & Claws by Fleur DeVillainy is one of those books that completely snuck up on me in the best way. I picked it up expecting something cute and cozy, but I absolutely fell in love with the characters, the setting, and the mix of magic, romance, and warmth that felt like being wrapped in a blanket fresh out of the dryer.

This book blends paranormal charm with small-town holiday sweetness, and it does it so well. I adored the baking element—those cookie scenes were so vivid I could practically smell cinnamon and sugar—and the supernatural touches added a fun twist that made everything feel whimsical without ever losing heart. The tone reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas romance… if Hallmark wasn’t afraid to add claws, sparks, and a little extra spice.

The main characters had such natural chemistry that I found myself grinning through half the book. Their banter, their tenderness, their moments of vulnerability—it all worked for me. And unlike some holiday romances that lean too heavily on fluff, this one had real emotional depth. There’s a theme of found family, embracing your true nature, and allowing yourself to be loved exactly as you are that genuinely touched me.

This story was comforting in a way I didn’t know I needed. Every chapter pulled me deeper in, and by the end I had this warm, happy feeling that lingered long after I closed the book. It’s the kind of read that reminds you why you love romance: the joy, the magic, the softness, the hope.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

[S Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute holiday novella! Hazel, a witch, is new to town and wants the perfect Christmas tree to help make her first holiday perfect. Too bad the entire town is sold out of trees! A long drive up a snowy mountain later and she meets the MMC, Benjamin, a polar bear shifter/lumberjack who has a farm full of them. While he’s a total grump, Hazel is undeterred and he grudgingly helps her and sends her on her way. Our grumpy bear’s chivalrous side leads him to make sure she made it back to town and they end up stranded in a snowstorm together in her cabin.

I found the banter to be really cute and fun, especially between Benjamin and his were-bear side. I am a sucker for a were story that gives us a juicy inner debate! He and Hazel develop a teasing turned flirtation that is really nice and the chemistry between them hits you as fast as that snowstorm!

My only complaint is that it was so short. I wish I’d gotten more with time with Hazel and Benjamin so we could have seen more of their backstories, their abilities, and gotten to know them as characters better. It was a great novella but I loved the characters and wanted more of them (a good problem, for sure!).

Overall this was a really nice, cozy holiday story with a side of spice that deserves a spot among your holiday TBR!


Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for a winter sweet treat? If you like winter, snow, hot chocolate or Christmas I recommend diving head first into this cute paranormal romance. This is a fast paced short story so if you don’t like things happening at a quicker pace this one isn’t for you.

Hazel loves Christmas and this time of year but this year is a little different. It’s her also her first Christmas alone and on top of that she’s starting over with a new town, home, and job. With her little hedgehog familiar and a determined mindset she heads out in search of a Christmas tree only to end up disappointed. A local tells her there may be one chance left….

Benjamin is a bear of a man, no really he’s a polar bear shifter and just what you imagine when picturing the handsome strong bearded lumberjack of your dreams. He’s got had the moment the sparks fly with a simple touch. Benjamin has been a rock helping step in on the farm and always being a dutiful son. A gentleman through and through.

Get ready for a sweet happily ever after with these two and the whole family.


This is a quick read. Fated mates sweet romance. It’s a stand alone but also a part of a 4 author short novellas along with:

Antics & Antlers by Ava Thorne
Sugar & Snowflakes by Kristin Cast
Seashells & Mistletoe by Kay Leyda


Thank you Fleur DeVillainy for this ARC, and allowing me to share my honest review.

[Aida Rivero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookies and Claws
By Fleur DeVillainy

Review deadline: November 25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you're looking for the perfect cozy, spicy, and magical holiday read, this is it! Cookies & Claws by Fleur DeVillainy delivers on all the best festive vibes and then some.
The story centers on Hazel, a charming witch new to town, and Benjamin, a grumpy but secretly sweet polar bear shifter who owns a Christmas tree farm. Their meet-cute is instantly engaging: Hazel needs a tree, Benjamin is a grinch about it, and a little car crash and a snowed-in night at her cabin later, the sparks are flying (literally and figuratively!).
I absolutely adored the character dynamics. We get that perfect mix of insta-lust and a satisfying slow burn as their relationship develops. The forced proximity trope is used to full effect here, complete with Christmas baking, snowy mountains, and mistletoe, creating an incredibly cozy atmosphere.
This book is a delightful holiday escape with strong chemistry, a fun plot, and just the right amount of magic and spice. It was an absolute joy to read and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Highly recommend adding this to your holiday TBR

10/10 Would recommend to family and friends.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four Stars for Cookies and Claws

Thank you to Book Sirens and Fleur DeVillainy for the advance reader copy. This is honest and voluntary review. I adore Fleur’s books—and after having the chance to meet her earlier this year, I was extra excited to dive into Cookies and Claws before publication.

This holiday novella delivers exactly what you want this time of year: warmth, magic, and a heroine trying to find her place during a season that’s especially tender for her after the loss of her parents. The FMC’s journey toward creating a new sense of home felt heartfelt and genuine. And her “chance” meeting with the MMC? Nothing about it was accidental—in the best, fated-mate way. Watching their connection spark and deepen was such a sweet, comforting touch of destiny.

My only wish? That this story was longer! Just when things were really getting delicious, it wrapped up, leaving me wanting more time with these characters and their world.

Overall, Cookies and Claws is a charming, cozy read that will absolutely get you in the holiday spirit. Perfect for anyone seeking a bite-sized dose of seasonal magic.

[Esther G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookies and Claws is such a cozy, wintery paranormal romance with all the vibes I love in a holiday read. Hazel, a witch spending Christmas on her own, crosses paths with Benjamin, a grumpy polar bear shifter, at his family’s Christmas tree farm and their connection sparks instantly. The whole “fated mates” angle mixed with a small-town backdrop gives the story this warm, magical feeling that’s perfect for the season.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Hazel and Benjamin. Their grumpy/sunshine energy makes their interactions feel fun and natural, and the slow-burn tension builds in a way that keeps you hooked. I also liked how the paranormal elements added flavor without overpowering the heart of the story. Benjamin’s protective moments, Hazel’s soft optimism, and the family warmth throughout make it an easy, comforting read.

The story has a nice balance of sweetness and spice (definitely 18+), and the little magical touches scattered throughout kept it charming. If you enjoy witchy romances, shifter stories, small-town winter settings, or fated-mate tropes, this one fits perfectly.

[Holly Capps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, cozy Christmas romance following the story of Hazel and Benjamin. Both too stubborn for their own good, both holding the keys to something the other didn’t know they desperately needed. When Hazel moves into town for her new start without her parents after their fatal accident, she is hellbent and determined to have a Christmas tree in her home, even if she doesn’t have any furniture. Priorities, though, right? Right. Benjamin finds the stubborn, fierce witch charming and instantly knows that she’s more than just a customer looking for a tree to him. But, what happens when two stubborn people, who have difficulty yielding to their desires, have their own flaring insecurities throw complications into the mix? Sweet, heartwarming, and putting special emphasis on the wonderful magic of found family, this cute read will have your heart melting like sugar.

Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes…life takes things from us we aren’t ready to lose. And sometimes…it puts something new in our path.”
“You deserve more than duty.”
“She’s mine…She’s always been mine.”

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Fleur DeVillainy for letting me read and review this sweet n cosy holiday story ♡

Hazel and Benjamin's love story is one I couldn't put down from start to finish. Our grumpy bear and sunshiney witch have a chemistry which you could feel radiate off the pages! Their struggle to fully dive into each other while everyone around them secretly smile and want for them to confess the love immediately. Hazel's feelings towards loving the Christmas spirit, but the past taking a hold on her. Benjamin's grumpiness preventing love from entering immediately. AND GRAN! I think she is my favorite character in this entire novel! I hope to see more from this community and family...maybe even a second with brother bear? ;)

Spice: 3/5
Genre: Goldilocks & The Bears Retelling (not really but definitely can remind a reader of it!)
Rating: 4/5♡

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookies and Claws by Fleur Devillainy is an irresistibly cute and cozy paranormal romance that hits all the right notes for anyone looking for comfort reading. The story is packed with charm, combining magical mishaps, lovable characters, and plenty of sweet moments in an enchanting, small-town setting.Devillainy’s writing wraps you in warmth, making every scene feel inviting and delightful. The blend of paranormal elements with romance adds a playful twist to classic cozy romance tropes, creating a light and uplifting atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.If you adore books with comforting vibes, whimsical magic, and lovable leads, Cookies and Claws is sure to satisfy. An adorable and entertaining read—highly recommended for fans of cozy fantasy romance. I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Dani Lindgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this fast paced, adorable novella with a paranormal twist👀. It has everything you could want in a paranormal small town festive romance - grumpy v sunshine, fated mates, spice, meet cute and more👏 I absolutely adored the main characters - Hazel and Benjamin. Benjamin and his "she's mine" vibes had me swooning 😍 whilst Hazel was a sweet, relatable FMC with an adorable and unique familiar🥰. The family vibes were pure perfection, bringing such a cosy feel to the whole read and honestly I loved it. The festive setting was done so beautifully, and there was a mixture of heartwarming moments and humour alongside the romance. Honestly just a fantastic and easy read that has gotten me right in the festive spirit. I definitely reccommend this story. Honestly I wish there was more because I loved it so much.

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

cozy holiday read

Y’all, this holiday read by Fleur was absolutely perfect for this time of year! It had all of the cozy, Christmas vibes that I love! Hazel is a witch that’s new to town, and in desperate need of a Christmas tree. Benjamin is a polar bear shifter who just so happens to own a Christmas tree farm. He’s grumpy and she’s insistent at their meet cute.

One car crash, a snowed in night at her cabin later, and things have started to heat up with our witch and her bear. These two are so good together! I love the insta-lust, but Fleur drug it out a bit for us giving us the feel of a slow burn! Throw in Christmas baking, snowy mountains and mistletoe, and you’ve got a perfect holiday read!

[Nika · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

This book was such a delightful read. It was cozy, Christmassy, and wonderfully light, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The characters were all fun and engaging, each adding something to the story. The relationship between Hazel and Benjamin felt well-paced and developed for the book’s length (which I really like, since a lot of novellas jump straight into fast-burn with no chemistry).

If anything, I would have loved to see a bit more focus on the whole storyline involving witches and polar bear shifters, because in the book it's kind of glossed over. But even with that, it’s still an easy five-star read for me. A quick, holiday escape!

[Michele Lisbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Christmas book this season and it is setting a pretty high standard for the rest of the books to follow. This was such an easy and enjoyable read the whole way through. It was my first time reading a shifter story that wasn't a wolf and I absolutely loved it. It makes me want to read more like it. I really connected with Benjamin and Hazel as they're both very much like my spouse and I. In general, they're very relatable. I do slightly wish there had been a little more details given on Hazel's background, but I don't feel it took away from the story in any way. This was a quick read and I definitely feel the story was complete but I also am sad it's over so quickly. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐❄
Do you like Christmas? Hallmark movies? Cute rom-coms with no fall out? Grumpy bear shifters? Goofy witches that brew chaos everywhere they go? Fated mates? Look no further then because this has exactly what you're looking for. What a fun way to spend my day. Hazel just moved into town and is hoping to get a fresh start in life. Benjamin's family owns a tree farm and supplies the local town with trees during the Christmas season. All she wants is a tree, all he wants is to enjoy the winter after a long, hard season. When their worlds collide queue the extra cute, super sweet, and indeed spicy week that neither of them anticipated. ❄❄❄

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect blend of just a nudge of holiday and a lot of sweet romance. Hazel has just moved and wants a Christmas tree for her new home, but of course they're sold out. So by chance, she learns about the Christmas tree farm up the mountain.

When Ben sees a car enter the tree lot, he's frustrated and done for the season. But then he sees her step out of the car looking for a tree. With what seems to be fate playing out for them, they end up spending the night together, and can't get the other out of their heads.

Family Christmas, shifter secrets and instant mate bonds, what could go wrong?

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch Hazel moves to town and she’s trying to hunt a Christmas tree down as there’s none to be had in town ,they’ve all sold out . So it looks like she might have to do without …or does she?… Cue Benjamin who owns the tree farm that’s been stripped bare ,no trees to be uprooted . A polar bear shifter he’s beat and he just wants to put up his feet . But see this pesky female ,there’s no shifting her from his lot she wants the biggest he’s not got for sale . A big whole fir ,he decides to help her out… Well suffice to say he wasn’t betting on meeting her ,this witch who gives him an itch and she wasn’t cared over a bear shifter ,not a snifter but soon there’s heavy petting when the snow drifts her. A dream read that’s immersive and cosy to read . Read in one sitting couldn’t put it down .

[Katherine Tricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novella offering all the charm and warmth you need from a Christmas story.

Benjamin, a Polar Bear shifter, and Hazel, a witch looking for a new start after losing her parents are a great fated mates, grumpy x sunshine duo.
I really enjoyed their banter and how their relationship blossomed over Christmas.

The dialogue between Benjamin and his inner bear was a great touch, and I loved how welcoming Benjamin's family are to Hazel.

All the characters had their own little quirks to make this a really cosy Christmas read.

[AW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel, a witch, who lost her parents and moved to a small town in order to start over. She finds herself in a meet-cute with a grumpy bear shifter named Benjamin, who operates a Christmas tree farm with his family.

This story has some of my favorite tropes: grumpy x sunshine, small town, fated mates, and age gap. Hazel's warmth and Benjamin's slow-burn protectiveness made their connection feel genuine, even in a novella-length format. Honestly, I would have gladly spent another hundred pages with them.

Huge thanks to Happily Booked PR and Fleur DeVillainy for the ARC copy!

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This steamy holiday novella was the perfect way to kick off the season. The sunshine and grumpy dynamic between Hazel and Benjamin delivered in the best way, and the added mix of forced proximity and fated mates kept things fun. I loved that Benjamin was a grumpy Christmas tree farmer. It was such a great twist on a role that is usually all cheer.

From start to finish, I was completely hooked. This story had everything I want from a small town holiday romance: emotional growth, Christmas magic, adorable animal costars, and of course meddling elders who add the best kind of humor.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read and I cannot wait to pick up the other books in this collection.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookies & Claws was a perfect holiday story.

Hazel is looking for a new start and new life after the death of her parents. Just before Christmas, she moves to a new town. All she wants is a Christmas tree, but the entire town has sold out. So, a local sends her a few hours up the mountain to a Christmas tree farm, where she meets Benjamin. Benjamin is a grumpy polar bear shifter who realizes immediately that Hazel is his fated mate, but tries to deny it.

I finished this whole book in one sitting. It's well paced and I loved it! I gave Cookies & Claws 5/5.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melody Ludholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story!!! Hazel came into town with nothing after her parents passed away and ready for a fresh start. She wanted a Christmas tree and would stop at nothing to get it. Even with everywhere sold out. Harry sends Hazel up the mountain to Benjamin’s family farm to get a tree. As soon as he sees her his inner bear knows she’s it. Both being incredibly stubborn, with different opportunities that keep putting them together the story is hard to put down. Benjamin finally tells her she’s his fated mate, and she’s beyond happy. His family is amazing!