Holly and the Hunter by Lynnea Lee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deck the halls… or die trying.
I’ve spent months preparing for the holidays. Gifts for the children, hand-knit stockings, and enough decorations to cover New Franklin in Christmas cheer. It was going to be perfect.

Then the raiders came.

They didn’t take food. Or medicine. Or anything remotely useful for surviving winter. No, they stole the crate full of holiday magic. Everything is gone. Even the star for the tree.

Now the settlement’s focused on repairs and defense, and no one has time to recover what was lost. Except me. And the only person available to help? A grumpy, battle-hardened Xarc’n warrior who thinks tinsel is a tactical hazard.

But grumpy protector or not, we’re going to make this work. He’s got the blade, I’ve got the sparkle, and together, we are going to save Christmas.

Alien Bugs, Holiday Spirit & Unexpected Bonds

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: 😋😀😍☺️🥰

📚 Book Review: Holly and the Hunter (Xarc’n Warriors)

Author: Lynnea Lee
Genre: Science Fiction/Alien Romance

🦸🏼‍♀️ Holly – The Heart of New Franklin

In the ever-growing settlement of New Franklin, Holly shoulders the impossible task of bringing Christmas to life amid the Bugpocalypse. Between baking cookies, stringing decorations, and ensuring every child has a gift, she embodies the warmth and resilience of her community. Her determination to preserve joy—even in a world overrun by alien insects—makes her the settlement’s quiet heroine.

🦸🏻‍♂️ Burr’k – The Reluctant Protector

Burr’k, a gruff Xarc’n warrior, has little patience for human traditions. To him, Christmas is baffling—songs, lights, and gifts pale beside the honor of celebrating warriors. Yet beneath his surly exterior lies a fighter torn between duty and curiosity. Assigned to guard Holly on her dangerous foraging missions, he finds himself drawn into her world of stubborn hope and holiday magic.

📚 The Story

When raiders strike New Franklin, stealing vital supplies—including the decorations and presents meant for Christmas—the community faces heartbreak. Fueled by determination, Holly vows to replace what was lost, even with only a week left before the holiday. With Burr’k at her side, she braves toy stores and scavenging runs, confronting not only hostile raiders but the deeper mistrust humans harbor toward the Xarc’n. Together, they fight to reclaim joy in a fractured world.

🌟 Highlights

• Series Continuity: As a longtime fan of this dystopian saga, I loved seeing a holiday novella woven into the larger arc. The blend of action, alien warriors, and festive spirit felt fresh and fun.
• New Stakes: The raiders add a chilling twist—armed with stolen Xarc’n tech and fueled by dangerous beliefs, they raise the tension and hint at larger conflicts to come.
• Mate Bond Magic: The series’ signature mate bond remains a favorite. That sudden, unbreakable embrace—lasting hours or days—never fails to deliver emotional punch.

💔 Where It Fell Short

Novellas always leave me wanting more. While this story was engaging, I wished it had the length to fully explore the raider threat and resolve more of the lingering questions in this world.

💬 Final Thoughts

A festive, action-packed interlude in a beloved series, this novella balances alien battles with holiday heart. Holly’s determination and Burr’k’s reluctant partnership make for a charming clash of traditions, proving that even in the darkest times, joy is worth fighting for.

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