A crafter walks into the wrong bar… and finds a biker-werewolf determined to unravel her guarded heart. Claws & Crochet is the first book in the Wolves of Pine Falls series. It can be read as a standalone.
Romance Snapshot:
- Emotional Intimacy: 4/5 There is vulnerability on both sides of the relationship with intense emotional healing.
- Physical Intimacy: 2/5 There are some steamy bits, but nothing overly explicit.
Overview
Zoey is only in town to prepare her grandmother’s cabin for sale. In an effort to be more sociable, she shows up to a local “sip N stitch” to meet with other crafters. When one of the beautiful bikers approaches her to ask, nicely, who she is, she tries to explain by pulling up the flyer. At this point, she is horrified to find out she is at the wrong bar.
Warner is taken with the newcomer who can casually knit in a biker bar. He does everything he can to be near her and to help her. He wonders how she will take the news of him being a werewolf. But first thing, he needs to convince her to stay.
Positives
While reflecting on this book, it dawned on me that I don’t see many characters who are crafters. In Claws & Crochet, she not only creates a variety of crafts but also plays a role in the story. Most of us crafters use our hobby as more than entertainment; we crochet, knit, embroider, etc, to cope with heightened emotions. For example, in the middle of a strange bar when you don’t know anyone, keeping your hands busy redirects your anxiety, or making something for someone because you feel guilty over something you did.
The author also covers chronic depression. Zoey suffers from depression at times and is using the experience of living on her own while preparing her grandmother’s cabin to sell to prove to herself that she can be on her own. In the past, her introverted nature left her isolated; she got stuck in her head, and her brothers had to step in to help.
Negative
There is an underlying mystery that isn’t noticeable throughout the plot. Each event is swept under the rug until the reveal. I think the intent is to keep the cozy element, but I would have appreciated a little more acknowledgement of those events.
Recommendations
The author does a great job of intertwining mental health struggles with the romance and cozy feel. I give Claws & Crochet five stars. There are moments when I cringed, laughed, and cried, but I was never overwhelmed. I can’t wait for the next one!
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