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Christmas Getaway Griffin
Always the sidekick, never the heroine...
June Lockley knows that life isn’t a Christmas rom-com. Okay, so she’s spending the holidays in a picturesque shifter town that goes way over the top with the decorations. Okay, so there’s ice-skating and hot chocolate and way too many people interested in her personal life. Even if this was a Hallmark movie, she’d be the funny BFF. And the quiet, devastatingly handsome shifter assigned as her tour guide would definitely be the hero...
The moment griffin shifter Toby Whitmore sees June, he knows she’s his fated mate. But he’s not exactly smooth. If this was a romance movie, he wouldn’t even have a speaking part. How can he win June's heart when she’s only in town for a few days?
For this pair of perpetual sidekicks, getting to happily-ever-after might just take a Christmas miracle...
June Lockley knows that life isn’t a Christmas rom-com. Okay, so she’s spending the holidays in a picturesque shifter town that goes way over the top with the decorations. Okay, so there’s ice-skating and hot chocolate and way too many people interested in her personal life. Even if this was a Hallmark movie, she’d be the funny BFF. And the quiet, devastatingly handsome shifter assigned as her tour guide would definitely be the hero...
The moment griffin shifter Toby Whitmore sees June, he knows she’s his fated mate. But he’s not exactly smooth. If this was a romance movie, he wouldn’t even have a speaking part. How can he win June's heart when she’s only in town for a few days?
For this pair of perpetual sidekicks, getting to happily-ever-after might just take a Christmas miracle...
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2022
118 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
326 books1,504 followersZoe Chant loves writing paranormal romance. Over a cup of tea (or something stronger) she whips up sexy tales of hunky heroes and adventurous heroines to tantalize and satisfy her readers. Sizzling hot romance, no cliffhangers!
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 29, 2022
This is a cute shifter romance, with likable characters, but I would have liked more backstory on Toby. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4 stars.
Toby and June were both likable, and it was sweet how they just "got" each other. Toby was a sweetheart, and it was cute how he worked so hard to overcome his shyness for her. They made a great couple.
I also liked that Toby was even willing to give June up, if it would make her happy. He didn't want to, but he wanted her happiness more than he wanted his own. Not many men would do that!
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Toby and June were both likable, and it was sweet how they just "got" each other. Toby was a sweetheart, and it was cute how he worked so hard to overcome his shyness for her. They made a great couple.
I also liked that Toby was even willing to give June up, if it would make her happy. He didn't want to, but he wanted her happiness more than he wanted his own. Not many men would do that!
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
January 2, 2023
I did enjoy this and I liked the fact these two are older but it just doesn’t feel right.
Typical instant shifter love plot with little substance but the town of Wolfwater sounded Christmas perfect.
Down to earth Toby was easy to love, I just didn’t feel the vibe towards June.
Her whole sham of a marriage to Steve just thwarted her life.
So though she comes out of her shocked shell, I didn’t really care or respect her as she wasted her best years living a lie.
Steve got everything out of their sham marriage and it sounds like June got nothing except friendship from Steve and disrespect from Steve’s workmates.
The author tries to spin this as them being (assholes with a blinkered view of the world), but at the same time, she also has the nowadays obligatory same sex couple in this book.
This all just seemed to be wrong on so many counts as this is not set years ago but is in the present time. I’m not saying sexual discrimination doesn’t exist today but it is not as prolific as say, 30 years ago.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
Typical instant shifter love plot with little substance but the town of Wolfwater sounded Christmas perfect.
Down to earth Toby was easy to love, I just didn’t feel the vibe towards June.
Her whole sham of a marriage to Steve just thwarted her life.
So though she comes out of her shocked shell, I didn’t really care or respect her as she wasted her best years living a lie.
Steve got everything out of their sham marriage and it sounds like June got nothing except friendship from Steve and disrespect from Steve’s workmates.
The author tries to spin this as them being (assholes with a blinkered view of the world), but at the same time, she also has the nowadays obligatory same sex couple in this book.
This all just seemed to be wrong on so many counts as this is not set years ago but is in the present time. I’m not saying sexual discrimination doesn’t exist today but it is not as prolific as say, 30 years ago.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
December 16, 2022
Fun Christmas shifter romance!
This story is just so sweet from the very start. Cozy mystery author June has had a bad year after the death of her husband. So she decides to try something different this Christmas and goes to a very Christmassy shifter town. Once there she meets gardener Toby. Toby is a Griffin shifter, so he knows she is his mate. But how should he handle that since she lost her husband this year? You will have to read this to find out! This is a very sweet shifter romance with a great dog Sylvester in it.
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has one steamy scene and no violent action. The characters are vibrant and endearing. This is a fun, sweet shorter read and would be a great pick-me-up story if that is what you need! I am hoping that this town will become a series, as it feels like there are some great stories that could come from there! Enjoy!
This story is just so sweet from the very start. Cozy mystery author June has had a bad year after the death of her husband. So she decides to try something different this Christmas and goes to a very Christmassy shifter town. Once there she meets gardener Toby. Toby is a Griffin shifter, so he knows she is his mate. But how should he handle that since she lost her husband this year? You will have to read this to find out! This is a very sweet shifter romance with a great dog Sylvester in it.
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has one steamy scene and no violent action. The characters are vibrant and endearing. This is a fun, sweet shorter read and would be a great pick-me-up story if that is what you need! I am hoping that this town will become a series, as it feels like there are some great stories that could come from there! Enjoy!
December 20, 2022
This reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie, but with a shifter twist. I loved that a more mature couple find love when they least expect it. After her husband’s death, cozy mystery writer June is in a slump and is having trouble writing her latest mystery. Feeling a change of scenery is in order, she heads to a small town’s Bread and Breakfast to stay for Christmas week with her dog.
When his collar breaks, her dog makes a dash to escape when someone is coming in the back entrance. At her shout, he gets the door closed in time and grabs the little dog in time.
I loved that the 2 main characters find a way to spend time together, and get to know each other before any physical action takes place. I fell in love with the town as much as June did. And I loved how everyone makes all these suggestions on ways candy can kill a person. You’ll have to read it to see why.
I also got a kick out of the 2nd epilogue!
When his collar breaks, her dog makes a dash to escape when someone is coming in the back entrance. At her shout, he gets the door closed in time and grabs the little dog in time.
I loved that the 2 main characters find a way to spend time together, and get to know each other before any physical action takes place. I fell in love with the town as much as June did. And I loved how everyone makes all these suggestions on ways candy can kill a person. You’ll have to read it to see why.
I also got a kick out of the 2nd epilogue!
March 23, 2023
LOVED this book!
I thought that this was a sweet, romantic holiday story--and the main characters were great. The only minor detail was her sham marriage to her gay friend in order to give him the cover be needed to advance his career. I thought 1) that it was a somewhat baffling element of sadness, but 2) that it was a little hard to believe based upon the nature of his job (that he would have even been able to maintain the deception w/o the truth having been known to his employer.)
But starting anew after his death, finding her true love at long last with Toby, and finally finding a place to belong are the delightful sort of fantasy story details that many of us can only ever dream about. Five stars for such a lovely story overall. ❤️
I thought that this was a sweet, romantic holiday story--and the main characters were great. The only minor detail was her sham marriage to her gay friend in order to give him the cover be needed to advance his career. I thought 1) that it was a somewhat baffling element of sadness, but 2) that it was a little hard to believe based upon the nature of his job (that he would have even been able to maintain the deception w/o the truth having been known to his employer.)
But starting anew after his death, finding her true love at long last with Toby, and finally finding a place to belong are the delightful sort of fantasy story details that many of us can only ever dream about. Five stars for such a lovely story overall. ❤️
December 27, 2022
Very cute and meaningful story of finding love a little bit later in life, and still the appreciation of that holiday season, and finding the love of your life. June needed a break after her husband died, but there’s always a different kind of relationship worn out of necessity, yet true friendship. So when husband died, she lost her best friend literally. A vacation was needed. Toby was a shifter and being in his late 40s he figured there was never a chance to find his true made anymore, until he met June and her little escape artist dog. They truly are meant to be together, it was a wonderful story, a real little Christmas miracle for both of them.
December 19, 2022
A happy true mate story with a Christmas theme
I really loved this true mate Christmas story. While they seem to follow a certain rhythm, they are all unique and I loved the fact that the hero and heroine were middle-aged.
Two very unique and creative people who have yet to find true love find each other in this adorable town. I hope there's another story in this setting. Would love to live there! But I always say that about the worlds that the Zoes create.
This story will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit!
I really loved this true mate Christmas story. While they seem to follow a certain rhythm, they are all unique and I loved the fact that the hero and heroine were middle-aged.
Two very unique and creative people who have yet to find true love find each other in this adorable town. I hope there's another story in this setting. Would love to live there! But I always say that about the worlds that the Zoes create.
This story will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit!
January 8, 2023
I loved everything about this book
I've read a lot of Zoe Chant books, but Christmas Getaway Griffin just took the lead as one of my favorites. It's a true mates love story of a Cozy Mystery Author and a small-town landscape architect, and it is a perfect snuggle-up-with-a-hot-cocoa cozy romance story. There's no mystery or suspense in the book, just a pure, beautiful love story that lit me up with warmth and happiness. It was perfectly cozy-sexy, and if I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would.
I've read a lot of Zoe Chant books, but Christmas Getaway Griffin just took the lead as one of my favorites. It's a true mates love story of a Cozy Mystery Author and a small-town landscape architect, and it is a perfect snuggle-up-with-a-hot-cocoa cozy romance story. There's no mystery or suspense in the book, just a pure, beautiful love story that lit me up with warmth and happiness. It was perfectly cozy-sexy, and if I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would.
December 19, 2022
A nice Christmas getaway…
….from wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating! June, a cozy mystery writer and recent widow, needs a getaway to get her life (and book) back on track. She heads to Wolfwater, a town that does Christmas up right for the residents. There she meets Toby, a griffin shifter, who wants to make it his life’s work to support her every way he can - and the whole town gets in on helping her think of different methods of murder by candy….
….from wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating! June, a cozy mystery writer and recent widow, needs a getaway to get her life (and book) back on track. She heads to Wolfwater, a town that does Christmas up right for the residents. There she meets Toby, a griffin shifter, who wants to make it his life’s work to support her every way he can - and the whole town gets in on helping her think of different methods of murder by candy….
December 25, 2022
Just finished this and I think it's one of the best written by Zoe Chant so far. I always enjoy this author's books and this was no exception. The characters are great and I especially loved June. It's refreshing when an older woman comes into her own. Reading about her discovering herself was most enjoyable. Also having the H be a bit shy was nice too. Well written and well worth the time it took to read it. Kind of wish it was longer simply because I was enjoying it so much.
December 25, 2022
Fun and romantic!!
I really enjoyed this book because it had some very sweet scenes betweens new mates, makes a commentary about not settling or just making do in life and reminded me to enjoy it. I especially loved reading about others being delighted with the relatively simple innate beauty of things and being happy to find someone you can just be yourself with, can be comfortable with! Left me with warm feelings!
I really enjoyed this book because it had some very sweet scenes betweens new mates, makes a commentary about not settling or just making do in life and reminded me to enjoy it. I especially loved reading about others being delighted with the relatively simple innate beauty of things and being happy to find someone you can just be yourself with, can be comfortable with! Left me with warm feelings!
April 14, 2023
This marvellous story
This is such a beautiful and delightful book, I really didn't want it to end. I loved the town, the townsfolk, the heroine and the hero. I especially loved Sylvester. I have two wee boys of my own. Not dachshunds but still tiny characters like him. You should read this book. It's one of the loveliest feel good books I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time.
This is such a beautiful and delightful book, I really didn't want it to end. I loved the town, the townsfolk, the heroine and the hero. I especially loved Sylvester. I have two wee boys of my own. Not dachshunds but still tiny characters like him. You should read this book. It's one of the loveliest feel good books I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time.
December 18, 2022
Best One Yet
I’ve read most of Zoe Chant’s books, and I can honestly say this is my favorite one I’ve read so far. June and Toby were adorable both separately and together. I also absolutely loved the shifter town setting and hope this becomes a series. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve read most of Zoe Chant’s books, and I can honestly say this is my favorite one I’ve read so far. June and Toby were adorable both separately and together. I also absolutely loved the shifter town setting and hope this becomes a series. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2022
simple, short,cute and happy
The story is the awakening of romance. It’s sweet, simple and a Hallmarkish romance. A delightful Christmas tale. Toby is shy self deprecating gardener. June is widowed from her best friend. They had a marriage in name only. Her husband was gay. She sacrificed her own happiness to help his career, but now it was her time and Toby helped her bloom.
The story is the awakening of romance. It’s sweet, simple and a Hallmarkish romance. A delightful Christmas tale. Toby is shy self deprecating gardener. June is widowed from her best friend. They had a marriage in name only. Her husband was gay. She sacrificed her own happiness to help his career, but now it was her time and Toby helped her bloom.
December 21, 2022
A great Christmas story
This is a one and only book but I would of liked it to be a series in the small shifter town, there could of been another guest staying in the ladybugs maybe a female artist who had a few chats with are lady but her book next.no one starts a series at Christmas but why not?
I found the storyline interesting and the town there was more room for more
This is a one and only book but I would of liked it to be a series in the small shifter town, there could of been another guest staying in the ladybugs maybe a female artist who had a few chats with are lady but her book next.no one starts a series at Christmas but why not?
I found the storyline interesting and the town there was more room for more
January 10, 2023
Christmas Getaway
This Zoe Chant book was another fantastic story of fantasy and love. The characters were so hopeful and loveable. I really enjoyed it all. The setting was really special. I could almost feel the cold snow crunch under my feet. I was thrilled when they acknowledged that they were mates. It's a fun read. I recommend this one!
This Zoe Chant book was another fantastic story of fantasy and love. The characters were so hopeful and loveable. I really enjoyed it all. The setting was really special. I could almost feel the cold snow crunch under my feet. I was thrilled when they acknowledged that they were mates. It's a fun read. I recommend this one!
February 3, 2023
Almost too sweet!
But actually just right! Loved this very sweet love story. Normally I like lots of intriguing plot twists and slow-smoldering love plots. But sometimes I need a break from that, and this was just the thing. The Christmas setting was perfect. Thank you, Zoe, for your very delightful book.
But actually just right! Loved this very sweet love story. Normally I like lots of intriguing plot twists and slow-smoldering love plots. But sometimes I need a break from that, and this was just the thing. The Christmas setting was perfect. Thank you, Zoe, for your very delightful book.
February 5, 2023
I specifically was looking for an average book because I wanted to read something but didn’t want it to consume me and all my time, which is always the case with me and good books. And that was exactly it. Average writing with too much over explaining. Average plot. Average everything. I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it. The good thing it is short.
October 13, 2025
cozy getaway
Christmas Getsway Griffin is a sweet read and a standalone book. I really enjoyed reading about a shifter love match. A much needed break and Christmas getaway for a young author who meets her shifter mate thanks to her little dog. A not exactly long winded story yet not exactly a short story but definitely just right
Christmas Getsway Griffin is a sweet read and a standalone book. I really enjoyed reading about a shifter love match. A much needed break and Christmas getaway for a young author who meets her shifter mate thanks to her little dog. A not exactly long winded story yet not exactly a short story but definitely just right
December 16, 2022
Absolutely loved this story. Full of emotion that takes you on a journey with the characters. So much fun with all the characters in this story. I wouldn't mind reading more about this fun world.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
December 16, 2022
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. So, reading this was such a joy. The town along with everyone in it, was absolutely magical. Toby and June were perfect for each other. Beautiful holiday read all shifter lovers will enjoy. This is my honest opinion of an advanced copy I received.
December 17, 2022
Nice Holiday Read
I love holiday books and this certainly fit the bill. Toby and June finding love at Christmas is special. I also enjoyed the fact that they are older and not twenty year olds. New love can happen at any age.
I love holiday books and this certainly fit the bill. Toby and June finding love at Christmas is special. I also enjoyed the fact that they are older and not twenty year olds. New love can happen at any age.
December 19, 2022
An enjoyable read
An enjoyable read, interesting plot and some delightful honest characters. You don't want to miss reading this delightful shifter story set in the winter holiday season..
An enjoyable read, interesting plot and some delightful honest characters. You don't want to miss reading this delightful shifter story set in the winter holiday season..
December 19, 2022
No angat, romantic Christmas story
The protagonists in this story are middle aged. They have a couple hurdles to overcome, but nothing two mates can't handle. Add a cute dog and a cozy Christmas village and you get happily ever after!
The protagonists in this story are middle aged. They have a couple hurdles to overcome, but nothing two mates can't handle. Add a cute dog and a cozy Christmas village and you get happily ever after!
December 22, 2022
A good holiday story
This story was a good holiday story. Was fun and some adventure, some good humor and some nice holiday traditions in a mostly shifter town. The characters were likeable and so was the town.
This story was a good holiday story. Was fun and some adventure, some good humor and some nice holiday traditions in a mostly shifter town. The characters were likeable and so was the town.
December 24, 2022
Delicious and sweet
An absolutely delightful and sweet holiday paranormal romance story from the talented Zoe Chant. I fell in love with the town and characters and I want more please.
An absolutely delightful and sweet holiday paranormal romance story from the talented Zoe Chant. I fell in love with the town and characters and I want more please.
December 27, 2022
Super sweet PR with a delightful lack of 3rd act drama. Probably because it's such a short book, but it was refreshing. The main characters are adorable, the town is wonderful, and there's even a cute doggo. Perfect quick read for the season!
December 27, 2022
Super cute Christmas shifter romance. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as A Very Meowy Christmas, but it was a close call, and it's made me decide to go for the trifecta of holiday romances this year and read Her Christmas Phoenix as well.
December 27, 2022
Great book
I loved how she went to a shifter town for some holiday cheer. She not only found her holiday cheer but she found her mate. She had been sad and missing her best friend / husband since his death. It's interesting how she gains confidence in her self and her work
I loved how she went to a shifter town for some holiday cheer. She not only found her holiday cheer but she found her mate. She had been sad and missing her best friend / husband since his death. It's interesting how she gains confidence in her self and her work
January 3, 2023
Wolfvale is a hometown for shifters
June goes to Wolfvale and falls in love with a Griffin shifter. He knows fight away that she's his mate. He helps her realize that she has come home.
June goes to Wolfvale and falls in love with a Griffin shifter. He knows fight away that she's his mate. He helps her realize that she has come home.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews