I love the concept of Christmas in July. It’s a great time to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and who wouldn’t love a Christopher Radko ornament at 40% off?

That’s why I decided to review Wolfsbane and Mistletoe on the 4th of July. I absolutely love the theme of this anthology: short stories about werewolves that take place during Christmas.

These 15 short stories provide an interesting insight into the lives of some of our favorite characters: Sookie Stackhouse, Kitty Norville and Cal Leandros as well as new characters. Here’s a peek at a few of the stories in the book:

Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris
Sookie, alone for the Christmas holiday, decides to take a walk through the woods. She comes upon an injured werewolf who needs her help. She soon learns that good things come in all sizes and shapes.

The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews
This is a light-hearted story involving revenge. A witch starts out researching a spell to turn her brother into a werewolf, but also decides to make some magical brownies for Christmas to feed her ex. The result is unexpected and funny.

The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson
This wicked tale features Mathias, a werewolf who’s been naughty, but not so nice. After Mathias chows down on Rudolph, Santa makes him the lead reindeer. This story was lots of fun to read.

Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon
The inseparable team of werewolf and dog work together to fight evil and show the world that harmony is possible between the unlikeliest of creatures. This is an intelligent and entertaining story where justice is served up nicely.

Il Est Ne by Carrie Vaughn
Can’t a girl just enjoy her pancakes in peace? Popular werewolf radio DJ Kitty meets a werewolf newbie at a Waffle House and ends up working with him to solve a murder mystery. Along the way they learn a bit more about themselves.

The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow
Two police officers are tracking down serial killers in Alaska. One is a werewolf and the other one isn’t. You have to guess who’s who.

Christmas Past by Keri Arthur
This is a sensual story of rekindled passion that involves two ex-lovers who are forced to work together to find a murderer. In the process the hunky werewolf and the beautiful psychic find romance.

SA by Joe Konrath
Shapeshifters Anonymous (SA) includes were-turtles, were-coral and more twisted but highly imaginative characters. This Christmas tale is wildly amusing and outrageous and will change your image of Santa forever.

The Star of David by Patricia Briggs
The human daughter of a werewolf comes to her father for help despite his violent past involving her mother. This poignant piece is a touching Christmas story about reconciliation and forgiveness.

You’d Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard
What if you discovered that Santa is actually a vampire that uses the cover of Christmas to enter homes and snack on humans? Well, if you’re two ex-Soviet vampires you decide you want a piece of the action as well. Unfortunately, these guys aren’t the smartest vamps around and end up embarking on an outrageously funny adventure.

Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman
The author of the Cal Leandros series delivers a wickedly amusing tale of werewolf kids and what they’re really hoping to find under the Christmas tree. It’s not what you would expect.

Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L. P. Kelner
Jake is a young shapeshifter who becomes a hero overnight after rescuing a missing girl. But to protect his pack, Jake has to shapeshift into something completely unusual and unexpected.

The stories in Wolfbane and Mistletoe run from eerily scary to laugh out loud funny. It’s definitely got something for everyone. It can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon.