Haunted Wolf

Cedar Creek Shifters #1

by Nikki Landis

5 Star Readers' Favorite
2021 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner Romance - Paranormal
2020 Kindle Book Awards Semi-finalist Romance
2019 Ready Reader Awards TOP PICK Gold Medal

A broken pack.
A dangerous rogue killer.
A wolf haunted by his past.

Cole Baxter has returned from exile. Banished by his pack for failing to protect his mate from a tragedy, he's remained in the shadows...until now. A rogue shifter is on the loose, and it's threatening the life of Briar, his former mate's little sister.

Guilt haunts him, and his promise to protect Briar brings up painful memories. Targeted by a dangerous enemy, will Cole and Briar survive? And will they be able to deny the heat that begins to grow between them or be forever haunted by the heartbreaking past?

First in the Cedar Creek Shifters. Each 40k+ novella in the series features hunky alpha wolf shifters who fiercely protect their mates. Steamy scenes. Recommended 18+.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Suspense

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2019

About the author

Nikki Landis is a romance enthusiast, tea addict, and book hoarder. She's the USA Today Bestselling Author of over seventy novels, including her widely popular Tonopah, NV GBMC series. She writes wickedly fierce, spicy romances featuring dirty talkin' bikers, deadly, possessive reapers, wild bad boys, and the feisty, independent women they love. Nikki loves to write character-driven, emotionally raw stories where protective, morally gray anti-heroes fall hard for their ride-or-die.

She's a mom to six sons, two of whom are Marines. Books are her favorite escape.

To learn about Nikki's next release, check out her website: https://nikkilandisbooks.com/

Reviews

[Dora Ilieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Wolf is the first book in the Cedar Creek Shifters series and the first book by Nikki Landers that I've read. It is a short, suspenseful read that kept me on my toes the entire time. I particularly enjoyed the shift in the POV, as well as the dramatic descriptions of the characters' feelings. The relationships between the characters are so intriguing that I found it difficult to put the book down. The plot unravels smoothly, the dialogue is swift and engaging. It is a great read, and I look forward to the continuation.

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great edge of your seat PNR read with involving shifter Wolves. Cole has faced an untimely event that has had him retreat from all that he has known. It takes another round of unfortunate events to bring him back to the pack. Throughout the story I couldn’t figure out who was behind it all and that is what kept me intrigued more then ever. The way the story is told has you constantly thinking of “who is it?” all while we’re alongside these characters and seeing them open themselves up after they’ve been so closed off. I can’t wait to read more.

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORGIVENESS COUNTS WHEN YOU FORGIVE YOURSELF

A very intriguing story for me. Cole is the haunted wolf because he believes that he is the cause of everyone he loves’ death. His mother died giving birth to him, his oldest brother died protecting him and he perceived mate died because of a clan fight he was in. Distancing himself from his family and clan was not the thing he needed to do, but he felt it necessary. Briar Lovell, his perceived mate’s younger sister, tries to help him through his troubles when he returns to the clan. She has her own guilt to deal with. The two of them try to make it through a healing process while Briar’s life is being threatened.

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was well written and fast paced. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling hot. This book has everything you need to keep you turning pages hot sexy men, steamy scenes and some conflict thrown in. I cannot wait for what this author writes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great book. The story and characters are well written and keeps you interested throughout. Another great book by Nikki Landis. I recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brianna Belbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to the Cedar Creek Shifters series! Three years after a tragic accident, attacks and threats are being made on the pack. Cole is ordered home to help find the rouge shifter and to protect Briar, his deceased mate’s younger sister. Will he be able to find forgiveness and protect the one he swore he would? Or will he remain haunted forever?
Cole and Briar were such tortured characters, all I could do was constantly feel for them and their misery. I feel like Seth would have been an amazing character (based on the flashbacks) and I honestly wish he wasn’t dead- Cole could seriously use him in his life. I really hated Dane, the replacement beta and guy who wants to mate Briar, because of his overly touchy personality and cockiness. Theo was the best friend you could ever ask for- he always had Cole’s back, could calm him down, or knock some sense into him and I loved their link to one another.
The forbidden/ unwanted chemistry between Cole and Briar was there from the moment he came back to the pack and saw her. The relationship between Cole and his father was sadly realistic and my heart aches for their pain. I enjoyed the dual POV and getting to see their emotions although I wasn’t too fond of repeating moments. I thought it was interesting that wolves had to obey their alpha’s commands in shifted form and didn’t have free will. Since I really loved Theo, I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful paranormal novella and a certain MUST-READ!
Well-written, with enough romance, angst, and action to keep me glued to the story’s every page; HAUNTED WOLF is a paranormal romance that readers will love! The chemistry is WOWZA, the characters rich and worthy, and the prose is descriptive and easy to read! The depth of Cole’s emotions swept me into the story so deeply, it was easy to root for his happy future. . . but with Renleigh’s death, where and with whom Cole could share that future was a fog that seemed unclear. However, Cole needed to help his brother and his pack, and for now, that was enough. HAUNTED WOLF is the perfect romance must-read to battle those fall evening chills. I voluntarily read an early copy of HAUNTED WOLF, and this is my honest 4.5-STAR review. Traditionally, novellas, because of their short length earn no more than four stars, but HAUNTED WOLF is such a wonderful story, I am giving it the other half star it has earned. Get your copy of HAUNTED WOLF today! Happy pages! 😉

[Dolores 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review

This is my first Paranormal book by Nikki Landis that I've read. This is a great varied emotional story.

It starts where we have the runaway Beta of the Cedar Creek Wolves, Cole Baxter, who left his family & pack mates behind after the savage death of his mate & Fiancee Renleigh Lovell even though he promised her that he'll be there for her younger sister Briar.
Even after his Brother Rinnick the Alpha & his Best Friend Theo & he hears that there's been a few savage murders, but it's NOT until he hears that Briar is at risk & his enemy wants to claim her & his Wolf NEEDS to get back to protect her, though I thought that was a bit too slacking to his promise but he hasn't been there for 3 yrs..
But its not until Briar's life is on the edge that his wolf & Cole himself stands up & realises what has been in front of his face for many a year
🐺😢🥰

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole Baxter is a broken wolf shifter. He had everything till three years ago and his life turned upside down. He lost everything.
Now 3 years later he is told he has to return because the pack is under attack, and one person has been getting threatening letters. And that happens to be his deceased mate younger sister Briar, after hearing her name Cole knows he will return to protect her.
And it doesn't take long before the rouge shifter has killed again but now its getting personal.
Briar had not blamed Cole for her sisters death, she has always wanted what her sister had and now that Cole was back her feelings for him were back.
Briar is un mated and that is becoming a problem with the pack, someone wants to be her mate but Briar only has eyes for one wolf but he needs to work
what he wants from life and her.
Their relationship is magical, Cole will do anything to protect her but can he give her what she wants??
This is a great read i just wanted it to keep going. These two were very special. I cant wait for the second book in the series. I think this is going to be a cracking series woooohoooo bring it on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good read and a wonderful start to this new series. Jam-packed with emotional turmoil, tension, mystery and suspense, this well written story quickly pulls you in and keeps you perched on the edge of your seat. My heart ached for Cole. This emotionally broken shifter carries a heavy mantle of guilt and fear. I liked Briar and I felt that the emotional turmoil she felt over Cole was very realistic and relatable. I'm very excited to read more of this series. This is my frank, freely posted review.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An on the edge of your seat read that'll have you hooked. There's twists and turns with a few surprises. The suspense, angst, turmoil, finding your way, fate and second chances all blend together to create a story that you'll love and want more of.

[Fabiola Cadet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly an amazing read for sure, not a lot authors can write shifter books like author Nikki Landis, with these characters she definitely keep me coming back for more.
See your full review

[Lynni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It hit all the right places for me in so many levels. Hot and steamy but also really well written characters. I am excited to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tena Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

He thought that he was so he cause of his mate to die. In anger and sorrow he leave. Oh but years later he learned the truth. It's a surprise to him ends the readers. Great story

[Astrid Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down cause really it's interesting and worth reading

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love is so strong but can it be wrong ?

A very emotional and well written shifter story with lots of twists and mystery as well as love and romance . The start of a series that you wont want to miss if you are a fan of paranormal romance stories or even just well written tales .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to the Cedar Creek shifter series. This is the first book that I have read by Nikki Landis and she didn't disappoint. Characters are well developed and I liked the way that their feelings were explored. Looking forward to the second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book it had me from the very first page and it kept my attention all the way to the very last I did not ever want it to end I need more

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Briar have a very tragic connection that ends up being their salvation. I enjoyed this book because it first deals with the grief of losing people close to you in a way that is relatable for those who have experienced it. Secondly, it has action, mystery, a bit of steamy romance. There is also drama laced with jealousy that is always a fun combination when delivered just right.

The story contains quite a mystery as Cole is called back to his former position in the Pack to help find a killer. He also has to deal with his past to claim his future. Briar gave up so much to support her parents as they dealt with the tragic loss of her sister. She did so at the expense of effectively coping with her grief and sense of abandonment by two people for whom she cared for deeply. There is drama as Cole's return is not celebrated by everyone, especially when it comes to who is going to claim Briar as their mate. I love that Briar is a woman who is not afraid to make sure the males in the Pack know she is not to be left out of decisions impacting her life. The Pack does what it needs to keep their loved ones safe, and it is an excellent reading as the author describes the action of a fight in a way that makes you feel a part of those observing. I was rooting for this couple and this Pack throughout the story.

I look forward to reading more books about the Cedar Creek Shifters, and the Baxter Pack in particular.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Haunted Wolf by Nikki Landis
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
First up, LOVED IT!! Great start to a new series!! I loved all the characters and how the chemistry was blazing hot!!
Cole lost his mate and couldn’t handle it so he totally peaced out on his family. He felt destroyed and lost with out her. Briar lost her sister when Cole’s mate was taken. She was devastated to lose her as well.
Cole returns to his pack when he learns Briar is to be mated to someone else. She has loved him and is super stoked when he comes back. The couple have this tragic loss they both suffered together yet alone. Briar is so worried when Cole tried to take her as his mate because she feared his love was not the full love she wanted and expected in a mate. I love her strong will and I love his fierce heart.
The couple must overcome a lot of issues but especially a rogue trying to kill the wolves. Cole’s gotta get his stuff figured out and save his girl before something happens to her and their HEA is lost!!

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Wolf is the first book in the Cedar Creek Shifters series and I almost couldn't stop reading. It's well-written, with enough emotions, passion and danger/angst and action to keep me glued to the story till the end. It's the story of Cole and Brair. Cole is very surprised when his brother and Alfa of the Cedar Creek Clan suddenly arrive at his door. Cole has been a lone wolf for three years, due to events three years ago. They ask him for help in finding a murderer who has already killed several members of the Clan. In addition, Brair, the little sister of his wife who was killed three years ago, is threatened by letters. Most likely by the murderer. What will happen, how will it end. Will he be able to save Brair ???
Read this exciting fast book and you will know. About a year ago I also reviewed this book. But it was my pleasure to read and review it again.
I loved it and want to read the next book in Series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A crazy, intense, emotional and heartbreaking story. I loved every word. I adored Briar and my heart went out to Cole. These two are connected and not because they lost someone they loved. It was more. The story has a slow and intense build up that kept me in it. I couldn't put it down. My eyes were watering as I read. I needed to know how it would end or what would happened. Was the past going to repeat it bite them in the butt. No pun intended. Lol

Overall, this is a book to read so go ahead and put it in your TBR list. You will not regret it. Nikki Landis, I love your writing, such a great story and can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowza!!!!! What a story!!!!!! Haunted Wolf by Nikki Landis was a heart-pounding, nerve-rattling tale that hooked me from the first sentence and never let up!!!! It’s the story of Cole and Briar. He is tortured because he believes he caused the death of his mate, Briar’s sister. He can’t forgive himself. He leaves the pack for three years and only returns when he is told that Briar’s life has been threatened. What follows is a wild, terrifying trip through their mutual angst, fear, and guilt….while attempting to discover who is killing their pack without mercy.

Nikki Landis has created a masterful story….and I’m eager to read more!!!!!! I'd give more than five stars if I could!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole left his pack after the death of his mate,he blamed himself.so he left now he drinks to get by.a knock at the door has he angry when he sees his brothers Rinnick the Alpha of the pack he left an Theo his younger brother.He tells them hes not interested until they say Briar. That gets Coles attention an when he hears someone is thinking of claiming her his wolf growls. There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page an it will leave you beggin for more. I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions an their pain. I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cole's fiance and several other wolves were killed, he went into exile, and became almost feral. Drinking kinda dulled the pain - until his brother and his alpha came to tell him that his fiance's sister was being targeted by a killer and is in danger. He knows he will have to go back to the pack to protect Briar - will he succeed in keeping her safe? Why does he feel so strongly about keeping her safe - and so angry about the thought of her mating with Dane. And how does Briar feel about everything that is happening? Who wants her dead so badly? Loved this story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional story of love, loss and guilt. Cole a wolf shifter had lost multiple people he loved and blamed himself for all their deaths. He left his pack to wallow in his guilt. One of the people Cole lost was his intended mate and Briar's sister. When Cole left Briar was devastated as she lost both her sister and Cole. Only a threat to Briar's safety brings Cole back to the pack. What follows is lots of action, some hard truths and a lot of soul searching. A beautiful story of love and forgiveness. I cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read by Nikki Landis! Cole Baxter left his pack after a horrible battle that he blames himself for, but now another shifter is killing his pack, and his mate's sister, Briar, is also in danger, so he must return to help them. The characters were so well developed and likeable, I fell in love with them from the get go. This story had plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged throughout, has romance, and it is extremely well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Wolf is the first book of the Cedar Creek Shifters and a great start to the series. Cole is a wolf shifter who blames himself for the death of his mate so he left the pack. Briar is his deceased mate's little sister. I loved how protective Cole is over Briar and how their feelings grow for each other. This is an action packed story filled with mystery, suspense, drama, romance and a great ending. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

On this series I seemed to go backwards because I had to then read this one after the one after this. So it would seem that this author got my attention. Cole grabs us in this one to go along with him and see his story. We also see who and what Briar is and how much she means to him. This one went quickly for me especially since I went in backwards. I like the level of suspense this author pours into the stories mixing it with the romance. I am glad this author has brought him out and he has to be active. So glad I did get this one also.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful Hot shifter story!

This is one fantastic, suspenseful, hot shifter romance. Cole is one hot sexy wolf who has a lot of dark issues to work out. It makes him angry and one hell of a beast of a man! There was so much suspense in this story with lots of twists and turns. I never knew who the actual bad guy was as the story kept me guessing right to the end.

Fantastic writing and storytelling. I can’t wait to read about Theo and Bec.

Highly recommend.