Cowboy Wolf Christmas

Seven Range Shifters #6.5

by Kait Ballenger

For fans of sexy paranormal romance comes a novella from Kait Ballenger's action-packed Seven Range Shifters series...

Grumpy Grey Wolf, Silas Buck hates Christmas and everything that comes with it. As duty to ranch and pack force this cowboy wolf to confront his ghosts of Christmases past, his newfound packmate, Cheyenne, is saddled alongside him for the ride. But when a sudden snowstorm forces them to spend a heated night together, Silas may find Cheyenne’s sunshiny ways warm his long-frozen heart...

Genres: Paranormal, Westerns, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Holiday, Novella

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.

For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait's newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA

You can also find Kait on TikTok @kaitballenger or Instagram @kait.ballenger

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Wolf Christmas by Kait Ballenger
Seven Range Shifters series book 4.5. Paranormal wolf shifter, diverse, romance novella. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Silas has given his loyalty to the Grey Wolf Pack but he knows that he’s not trusted. When he’s told to take Cheyenne to pick up car parts and to take care of her, he takes the instructions seriously. That he’s attracted to Cheyenne should have no impact on his decisions, right?

Fast moving and plenty of action, this novella packs a lot into the pages. From dealing with her autism and his feeling undeserving of pack loyalty to attacking vampires, a snowstorm and an attraction that neither want to deny, it’s a steamy and full two days.

Release date 10/25/22. Previously published in anthology Shifters and Mistletoe 12/07/2021.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella in the Seven Range Shifters series that was previously released in Previously published in anthology Shifters and Mistletoe. So if you read that, you have already read this story-it's just available on it's own now! It can absolutely be read as a standalone but I recommend the other books in the series as well just because the characters are great characters. Silas Buck is a new member to the pack and he isn't happy that he has been tasked with protecting the mechanic on the way to pick up parts that they need. And when he finds out she is a woman, and a beautiful one at that, he is even less pleased. But they are forced to spend time together when they are caught in a snow storm and forced to take shelter. And it just happens to be in his family's old cabin. But when Cheyenne needs help to keep her autism under control, he steps up and helps her and is forced to face his own misconceptions.

I absolutely loved this story! Silas and Cheyenne both have struggles with their pasts and how it has affected their present. But they quickly find out that they have more in common than they thought. And that they are complete each other in ways that they weren't looking for or even expecting. I loved that a character with Autism was written in such a way that she wasn't portrayed as having something wrong with her. She just is and there is nothing wrong with that! I think that made the book even better in my opinion! It is a short, quick read but well worth it!

[Valentina Brudasca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested this book from netgalley as an arc and I was one of the lucky ones to get the chance to read it first. I received this arc via netgalley for an honest review. I requested it because anything with Christmas and shifters close to the holidays, I love. Two of my faves in one book. It did not disappoint. It is beautifully written combining all the elements of Christmas, finding love and working to see that you deserve it, and loving your partner as they are. This book allso brings you a female MC, Cheyenne, that is high functioning autistic which was a first and welcome surprise to me. It illustrates some of the struggles that persons with autism go through as adults. I loved how beautifully it was all woven through the story and how Silas, male MC, dealt with the instances in which Cheyenne struggled with processing their struggles/difficulties they face. I wanted to mention it in my review because you don’t really have authors that illustrate or have MCs with mental disabilities and I believe it’s important to write about them because it’s important we can see ourselves in the characters of the books we love and have others see us as more than our disability. My nephew is on the autistic spectrum and books such as this one will not only educate others and give him stories in which he seems himself. ( books appropriate for kids lol which this is not - 18 plus only) I fully recommend this sweet Christmas shifter story.

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

I will read anything Kait Ballenger writes. I don’t care if one day she decides to write non-fiction; I will still buy her books. I hope she continues to write Romance because she writes her characters so well that I have too many book boyfriends from her books that my other book boyfriends are getting jealous. There’s also the issue of her heroines and why I wish they were not fictional and I could have them as best friends, especially regarding the FMC in Cowboy Wolf Christmas.

How about those steamy moments between Mr. Grumpy Pants and Miss Sweet Sunshine? I’ll give you some quotes from the book to give you hints about how they were together.

“It’s okay baby, I’ve got you,” he whispered against her. “We don’t finish until you’re satisfied.”

“You’re the only kind of dessert I want to eat.”

“I mean I want to take you raw, bare, right here against this counter, sweetheart.” He drew back, spreading her legs wide. “Fill you up with a different kind of sugar.”

Silas, you dirty talker, how can Cheyenne resist those words out of your mouth?

I promise you that this book has a storyline, and I was not just there falling for the characters, but how can you not fall for them?

Trope(s)/Element(s): Grumpy MMC + Sunshine FMC. Autistic Rep FMC. One Bed. Wolf Shifter Cowboy. Mechanic FMC. All the Christmas Feels w/ Vampires and Shifters Oh My.

Would I recommend this book/series? Yes. If you are a fan of Paranormal Romance, this series is for you. Imagine the show Yellowstone but the characters turn into shifters. (These books came before the show Yellowstone though.)

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What a grumpy wolf! Silas has a rough past and even though he is now in a better pack, he is still not feeling part of the pack which makes him really grouchy, and he just can't believe that anyone can be as genuinely happy as Cheyenne is!

When they are thrown together (and we later learn this was intentional...lol) they learn more about each other and their personal struggles.

Along with their budding romance, there is a lot of drama going on and growth as they move from past hurts. Great HEA and looking forward to more of these wolf shifters!

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas Buck doesn't like Christmas and is called to the pack master for an assignment right at Christmas. He must take the resident mechanic Cheyenne to get a part off a snowplow and return before the yearly Christmas run.

Cheyenne is a little different from the other wolf shifters and keeps to herself. She has already had a run in with Silas.

They end up snowed in at Silas's old family cabin. When they return to headquarters the others have left for the run and nobody seems to be in control of the camp.

Short hot read. Loved all the Seven Range Shifters.

[D A · Rating 3 out of 5]

an enjoyable holiday novella with plenty of sweet & sexy and some holiday spirit. While part of the author's series Seven Range Shifters, this stands well on its own and new readers can jump in without feeling lost.



arc courtesy of net galley in exchange for an honest/fair review

[Dcw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading other reviews, you probably get the theme of the book so I don't need to go there again. I've enjoyed the series and appreciate how the author introduces topics/behaviors that are real. I've learned more about autism but I've also learned how honesty can produce a better, more fulfilling relationship.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella length addition to the Seven Range Shifter series though it can be read as a stand alone

It is the story of Grey Wolf Silas Buck a new member to the ranch and pack, He isn't very happy when he is tasked with protecting the packs mechanic on the way to pick up parts he is even less happy when he discovers she is one of the most gorgeous females he has ever seen. When a snow storm traps them he will have to use all his skills as he tires to help her as her autism causes her to react. Can these two form a bond You will have to read to see

[Jessica Kimbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Seven Range Shifter series and was happy to be back on the ranch, however brief, for this novella length book, Cowboy Wolf Christmas. Full of Christmas cheer, along with the signature action, suspense and steamy romance from the original series, this was great for a quick holiday read.

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

this is my favorite book in this series. i love Cheyenne. and Silas. I think the reason i like this book so much is there is no convaluted pack politics, the male werewolf doesn't assume the female is weak, but he protects her anyway, and not just in a physical sense, he truely cares for her and protects her feelings like she is precious to him, like she is more that just the hot female that he gets to claim as his own. which she is. and that is why this is my favorite book in this series.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Kat Ballenger and I will be reading more! I loved this sweet read. It's a story of two outsiders, one by choice and one by genetics, finding love and solace in each other. I really enjoyed both Silas and Cheyenne. If you want a cute, story with a grumpy but good hearted hero who feels judged and a sunshiny heroine who is used to being left on the outskirts because of her autism, werewolves, some occasional vamps, and some Christmas cheer, this is the book for you!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story! This is a quick grumpy/sunshine tale that left me with a silly grin. This story proves that acceptance is an aphrodisiac. Both Silas and Cheyenne feel ostracized for different reasons but find acceptance and love in each others arms.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about a relatively new member of the Grey Wolf pack and Cheyenne, a mechanic with autism. Having a daughter on the spectrum, it was lovely reading about her abilities and coping mechanisms. Silas was grumpy but kind and supportive to her. He helped when she was confused about his communication and he demonstrated patience and compassion. Such a lovely read!

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long road home

I really enjoyed this quick little holiday romance! I love how the author showed both of these characters how much better the holidays can be if you embrace and love yourself the way you are. The author kept the focus on the burgeoning relationship, and there was just enough danger to keep the story moving. This book is a wonderful addition to the series and perfect for the holiday season. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story! Cheyenne is autistic. It has it's drawbacks but she is a strong capable wolf. Rules has his own limitations from past events. Losses. This is such a heartfelt story. Their story.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

COWBOY WOLF CHRISTMAS is a holiday novella found in Kait Ballenger’s contemporary, adult, SEVEN RANGE SHIFTERS paranormal romance series. This is former Wild Eights rogue wolf shifter Silas Buck, and packmate /mechanic Cheyenne’s story line. COWBOY WOLF CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Silas was first introduced in book three Fierce Cowboy Wolf.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Silas and Cheyenne) COWBOY WOLF CHRISTMAS follows Silas, just days before the Grey Wolves Christmas celebrations, as he is tasked with escorting Cheyenne to Missoula, the abandoned site of the former Grey Wolf subpack .Cheyenne is the Grey Wolf Pack mechanic, and is in need of some spare parts from Missoula’s long forgotten machinery but Missoula holds too many bad memories for our story line hero, memories of which no one is aware. Believing he was ordered to protect Cheyenne, Silas took the demands to heart, protecting Cheyenne like she was his own but the vampires that had decimated the Missoula pack were still roaming in the area, and Silas was about to come face to face with the past. What ensues is the building relationship between Silas and Cheyenne, and the potential fall-out when Cheyenne reveals her plans for the future, a future that no longer included the Grey Wolf Pack.

Silas Buck’s history with the Wild Eights Pack has made him an enemy of the Grey Wolves, a Pack he has sworn to protect and defend. Silas has always felt like an outsider but never more so than when he hears the whispers and accusations by the other members he now calls his own. Cheyenne is different than most wolf shifter, and it is these differences that have Silas reconsidering his place in the pack. Cheyenne suspects Silas is her mate but Silas has built a proverbial wall around his heart, in the hopes of keeping everyone else away.

The relationship between Silas and Cheyenne began months earlier.Silas saved Cheyenne’s life, and Cheyenne freed Silas from a death sentence imposed by the Pack he had sworn to protect.Silas had kept his distance never forgetting about the woman that called to his heart but Silas believed he did not deserve his own happily ever after, especially one with a woman naive to the world. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited: Packmaster Maverick Grey, Maverick’s second in command and Silas’ former Wild Eights packmate Wes Calhoun, as well as Grey Wolf Cayden.

COWBOY WOLF CHRISTMAS is a fast paced story of want and need, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are broke, different yet strong.

Www.thereadingcafe.com

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was originally part of an anthology but was released on its own and can be read perfectly as a standalone.

This is Silas and Cheyenne's story.

Silas Buck, even though taken a vow to be a Grey Wolf member, doesn't feel that he is trusted or part of the pack. He sports an attitude that other members dub him grumpy. To make matters worse it was the most wonderful time of the year, and he hated it!

Maverick, the packmaster, summoned Silas to his office to ask a favor. He was to escort the pack's mechanic and stand as bodyguard over the last member he would've wanted to, Cheyenne Morgan.

His inner wolf stood at attention every time she was near but Silas felt the two of them couldn't be together because she was too good for him.

They were polar opposites, Cheyenne was all cheer and rays of sunbeams, and Silas was the grinch.

Silas grudgingly took Cheyenne to Missoula but as the hour grew late trouble brewed, and Silas had to act fast to lead Cheyenne to safety. He lead her to a cabin that once held and still held memories for him but the snow accumulation prevented them from leaving and forced them to spend a night together. It was enough to thaw the ice from Silas' heart.

Cheyenne let it slip that it was her last Christmas and she wanted to spend it with the pack. But by the time they returned, most of the pack had left early, leaving only the old, young, and a few warriors as protection. Silas is angry at the lack of security and realizing that Cheyenne would be hurt from being left behind, Silas makes a plan to protect the remaining members and bring new Christmas traditions to Cheyenne. Will it be enough to convince her to stay?

I absolutely love this series! I also liked how Kait brought autism into the story. It took Cheyenne to break through Silas' hard head to make him realize that he was a part of the pack.

I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley via Xpresso Book Tours and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family to you by MeemsAngel82

This is a new author for me and I have to say that this was fantastic! This is a full read and a great couple as our lead. They have great chemistry and the whole plot was great! Entertaining, steamy, sweet and with a sense of family and longing. Basically finding your place in the world and trusting again.

She was to be taken care of as they went to fix a problem off site. But by him? Her pack didn't trust him and he didn't feel like he could trust them. But he wanted her and needed her.

Oh, what to do? Sigh, how I wish we got their first meeting. I feel like that would have just made my day! It would have made this even better as far as establishing their connection even more, though they have an already wonderful one! I wish she had been innocent in that certain way because that's a me thing. She seemed so untouched in certain ways so I just assumed and then, nope. But again, a me thing. And she is wonderfully smart and innocent and kind and just makes him feel all cozy and warm. Her being her made him want and crave softness and what a special feeling that is! I love, love the resolution and wished there were so much more to this!! Ugh, an epilogue, please! I love their pack and I wanted more of them too! Some unanswered questions like their security around their land would have been great to get answered. He wanted answers too! A fantastic read leaving me wanting more!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Wolf Christmas by Kait Ballenger is a simple romance within a wolf/human shifter pack. Silas Buck is a shifter with no self esteem, despite the fact he is talented, gorgeous, and reasonably thoughtful. He’s is also grumbly and difficult to get along with. He has been tasked by the leader of the pack to accompany Cheyenne, one of the pack’s mechanics, to Missoula to retrieve parts. He couldn’t do it: Missoula was where his family had been killed, and he was too attracted to Cheyenne to make this trip. She was the pack’s darling, and too good for him. But to earn the leader’s trust, he had to do it. Turns out she is as attracted to him as he his to her. They didn’t make it back in time for her to join the pack on their traditional run. They left without her.

Cheyenne was unique. She was also autistic. This give her a singular view of the world, and of Silas. She was a unique character in this unique story. She and Silas were both damaged characters that came together to “cure” what ailed them, well, not entirely, but being together made it better. It was a thin, but enjoyable plot, and a good Christmas story, if shifters are your idea of Christmas. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Cowboy Wolf Christmas by Kate Ballenger LLC, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KateBallengerLLC #KateBallenger #CowboyWolfChristmas

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a wonderful short story in the Seven Range Shifters series. This is Silas Buck and Cheyenne Morgan's story. You couldn't find more two opposite people than these two. Silas is new to the Grey Wolf Pack as he was formerly one of the Wild Eight. He doesn't feel he fits in and that everyone in the pack is judging him. He's grumpy as all get out!.Packmaster Wes Calhoun has asked him to accompany the pack's mechanic to Missoula to retrieve a part they need for the coming snow. It's a day trip as the pack is leaving first thing in the morning for the annual Wolf Pack Run to their sister pack in Boseman before Christmas. The pack's mechanic is Cheyenne Morgan, the slightly odd but bursting with smiles and positivity darling of the pack. He on the other hand hates Christmas as it has too many bad memories.

This is the story of how they get snowed in at Missoula where Silas has to face his past and a pack of Vampires. He figures out she is Autistic and instinctively knows how to help her as his little brother had it. She in turn helps him see that he was, and is a Grey wolf with a guardian protector heart. I loved watching them fall in love.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Wolf Christmas was a fun addition to the Seven Range Shifter series. I haven't made my way through all of the books yet but it was very easy to enjoy this holiday shifter romance. Silas is one grumpy wolf! He doesn't feel like a true pack member of the Seven Range tribe and one of the first people to come to his aid is Cheyenne who is beloved by the entire pack. She's a talented yet quirky mechanic and he has been trying to keep his distance since they first met when she freed him from captivity. Cheyenne knows that she sees life differently from the rest of the pack. She also knows that under Silas' grumpy exterior lies a good wolf. When the pack Alpha sends them on a mission together Silas and Cheyenne get to know each other on a deeper and more personal level. Cowboy Wolf Christmas has it all, danger, drama, laughter, tears and ultimately love. It was told from dual POV and can easily stand alone however I plan on getting caught up with this series.

[Lisa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!! Here we meet Silas, a grumpy wolf, who believes he doesn’t belong; and Cheyenne, who is autistic and feels like an outsider. They are thrown together to retrieve a necessary vehicle part and encounter attacking vampires, a snowstorm, an unplanned overnight stay at an abandoned cabin and dealing with Cheyenne’s autism. and, of course, attraction to each other. This was a really well written story. I loved that one of the main characters had autism and appreciated that it was not just casually mentioned but went in depth on how it affected Cheyenne and how she was treated by others. This Novella is part of a series, but I was able to read it without reading any of the others.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kait Ballenger LLC, after publication, and am glad that I chose this one to read. I haven’t read any other books by Kait Ballenger, but will be reading them now.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Wolf Christmas is a Christmas novella set in Kait Ballenger’s Seven Range Shifters series. It was not as angsty or tense as the longer novels in the series which worked well with the holiday theme. This doesn’t mean there was no action, however. MC’s Silas and Cheyenne did face their enemies several times during the story. Silas is definitely a tortured hero. He is so devastated by his past mistakes he can’t open himself up to future happiness. I love that the heroine is neurodivergent and portrayed in a positive light. In books autistic characters are usually male. It was great to see a successful neurodivergent female. Despite his feelings of self-loathing, Silas was a good mate for Cheyenne. Once he finds out about Cheyenne’s autism, he knows how important her routine is to her. He goes out of his way to make it easier for her. I recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal romance. Although it is part of a series I can be read as a standalone.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas time at Wolf Pack Run which is great for everyone except Silas. Silas has been struggling for quite some time to fit back in with the pack. Cheyanne is the pack mechanic and needs to grab a snow plow part from a depot so they don’t get snowed in. Silas has been tasked with being Cheyanne’s escort to retrieve the part because they are still having an issue with vampires. This is a nice story of sharing and learning to forgive others and yourself.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good short novella. The female MC, Cheyenne, is autistic (she prefers this term) but it’s not really beat to death and Silas doesn’t even know about it until after he’s smitten with her. There’s forced proximity which is always a fun trope. I loved the reference to Die Hard being a Christmas movie. 😊 And there were vampires…bad vampires! All in all, a good story that can be enjoyed any time of year.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the seven range shifters in the 1st book. Kait weaves a enchanting tale that always gets me caught up in her stories. So much that I plan my read based upon my days off. Knowing that putting the story down is going to be hard. This Christmas tale was as awesome as the other books. Prepare for binge read.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and enjoyable read. The story is interesting with just the right amount of action and romance. I appreciated Cheyenne's uniqueness and the way Silas responded to her. I found both characters to be endearing in their own ways, thus perfect for each other. I thought this was an excellent way to pass an afternoon.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Silas is tasked to take Cheyene to get truck parts. Against his better judgement he goes with her but they get snowed in a cabin after vampires might be in the area. Sexy times happen, with regret of course. The story does not revolve around Cheyenne being autistic but we do see that part of her. As Silas says 'we are all weird!"

[Tabby Newcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick yet highly entertaining holiday adventure filed with witty and engaging characters. I read this entire book only to realize it was part of a series, but it could also be standalone. It was great and kept my attention the whole time. I recommend!