The Shifter's Choice

by Jenna Kernan

They took his humanity…but left a hero's heart.

Feisty and street-wise, Private Sofia Touma has too much at stake to risk being distracted from her duty to the marine corps. That is, until she's assigned to help the compelling and disabled veteran Johnny Lam. More than a war hero, he's also a werewolf who can't shift back to human form. And Sofia is quickly, inexplicably drawn to him. Unlike Sofia, Johnny understands the risks involved in her loving a monster. But with each day bringing them closer together, he isn't sure he'll be able to continue to do the honorable thing…or protect her from the enemies intent on keeping him a werewolf forever.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Harlequin

297 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Thank you for finding me on GoodReads.

Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan

Here's a bit more about me...

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.

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Reviews

[Traceys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed Johnny and Sofia's story.

When I started this book I was like I know these characthers, what book was it I had read, so had to investigate! It was Brianna the Vamp and Mac's book. In this book the previous couple have a strong part in the story too.

This is not your average vampire/werewolf story. The male vamps are hideous and not nice. The werewolves, not your average wolves running through the woods, more like 9ft tall hairy wolves!

Johnny is a werewolf, disillusioned as he is stuck as a werewolf, he can't transform back to human, he lives in a bungalow in the forest, staying away from others as much as possible.

Sofia, has had a tough time and was given a choice - join the marines or go to prison, she chose the marines and now her latest posting is teaching a marine sign language. What she didn't expect was it to be a 9ft hairy wolf!

I liked both the characthers, I found there developing relationship heartwarming and the way it developed which was slowly added depth to the story and made the angst/danger parts even more difficult to read!

The characthers have faults, don't we all! Sofia has a tendency to run and Johnny to push people away, it was part of them and the story so I had no problem with that, other than wanting to tell them noooo don't do that.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all pnr fans.

4.5 stars


**i received an arc of this book from publisher via Netgalley for an honest review **

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

street smart ... be a marine or go to jail woman is put on special assignment...

he is a marine, who was tested on and became a werewolf - but can not change back to human...

she (who knows sign language because her sister is deaf) is assigned to teach the werewolf (who is a wolf/man hybrid) to sign..

and through the process, he comes to know her deeper secrets of loss and betrayal and struggle to just survive... and she comes to care for him...

and they fight off a few vampires... and he ultimately he becomes a werewolf who can change... and they live... happily... ever... after... ahhh

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sergeant Johnny Lam appeared in the previous book titled THE VAMPIRE’S WOLF, he had particularly challenging issues in his life. He and another marine had been changed into werewolves when attacked by another shifter. But for some reason, he cannot return to his human form and is stuck looking like a dangerous beast. In his own book, Johnny is given an opportunity that might alter his future but the cost could be huge. The vivid imaginings of Jenna Kernan creates innovative scenes in THE SHIFTER’S CHOICE, where each moment is constantly entertaining with originality.

The decision to become a U.S. Marine sounded better than going to prison, but that does not keep Sofia Touma from being anxious about her latest assignment which is in Hawaii. Upon hearing her task will be working with a soldier who needs to be taught sign language, she worries about failing yet will give it her all. When she realizes the reason Sergeant Johnny Lam cannot speak normally, she is horrified. But the consequences of not aiding a fellow marine are too great to back down, even if he does look like a werewolf at all times

Though Johnny does his best to frighten Sofia at their first meeting, she is just as determined to follow her orders to make communicating with him much easier. He sees learning how to sign as just one step closer to completely giving up on a cure being found that will allow him to once again become human. Slowly, she gains his trust because her lack of fear intrigues him. In the beginning, Sofia only wanted to succeed because of her own needs. Yet the more she is around Johnny, the more she actually wants him to do well as her mission becomes personal.

With all the distinctive traits given to the supernatural beings in THE SHIFTER’S CHOICE, I found the novel to be very interesting. Werewolves and vampires are featured in the story, and each has capabilities that are fascinating and definitely unmatched. Since I have always been a big fan of werewolves, I was certainly happy to see these creatures being capable of compassion and even love. While the concept began in a prior book, details that inform the reader about present events are scattered through the story and make things clear. There are countless problems in Johnny’s life caused by various reasons, yet attempting to solve them will force him to make one tough decision after another. My own heart ached for this very likable man who is under so much pressure.

Since Johnny was a werewolf and not a normal man when he and Sofia met, their relationship was certainly not average either. The caring feelings she showed toward him made me respect her very much, as he truly was still human inside and she could overlook his appearance enough to respond accordingly and not flee. Jenna Kernan had numerous difficulties develop in their lives, where I often never knew what the final outcome was going to be until the final second. What takes place near the end of the story really made my heart race from all the uncertainty, yet everything concludes in a most satisfactory way. THE SHIFTER’S CHOICE is emotionally moving plus extraordinarily unique.

CataRomance review

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Vampire's Wolf by Jenna Kernan over the summer, and while I didn't particularly love the book I was intrigued by Johnny, one of the side characters, and was really hoping to be able to learn more about him. Well, imagine my excitement when I found out that Jenna Kernan was indeed giving Johhny his own book.

Johnny in a marine that was involved in a viscous werewolf attack while serving in Afghanistan and while he survived the attack, he's been stuck in werewolf form ever since. Poor Johnny is depressed and considering suicide as opposed to spending the rest of his life as a monster.

In walks his new sign language teacher, Sonia, and suddenly he's hopeful again. Of course, Johnny doesn't want to learn to sign as he feels that he's giving up if he does, so he tries to push Sonia away. Luckily, Sonia doesn't have any other option so she sticks it out.

Sonia has had a rough life and joining the marine corps was her only option. She wants to finish her four years, get out, and get a home with her little sister. Sonia is tough, yet vulnerable, and she feels an instant connection with Johhny, which leads to a great friendship.

The romance between Johnny and Sonia is slow because he spends the first 50% stuck in werewolf form, but you can really feel their connection and can't help but be hopeful that they'll eventually find a cure for Johnny and they'll get their HEA.

There are definitely some ups and downs in this book. One minute I was hopeful that Johnny would get his cure, and the next I was fearing the worst. Johnny definitely makes some stupid choices, in my opinion, but who am I to judge since I've never been stuck in werewolf form?!

I don't want to go into to much detail... Does Johnny get his cure? Does he stay stuck as a werewolf? Do Sonia and Johnny get their HEA? I can't really say too much without ruining the experience so I'll just say this... If you enjoy a good paranormal romance, you should definitely check out The Shifter's Choice.

*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny is a werewolf who can’t shift back to human form and he’s he keeps scaring off everyone they bring in to help him until they send the feisty and street wise Sofia to help him in this riveting paranormal romance.

The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring this fast paced and smooth flowing plot to life. Sofia and Johnny both have some issues that cause quite a few sparks to fly in every direction upon first meeting, but despite that and the fact that Johnny can’t shift back to human they find themselves drawn to each other. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as these two characters grab the reader’s attention and capture the heart while the well orchestrated suspense of the different possible cures for Johnny as lots of spine tingling tension.

Danger from the vampires that are after Brianna, the vampire wife of his captain and friend adds lots of danger and excitement to the story and the author provide enough surprising twists to keep the readers guessing. But the emotionally gripping choices that Johnny has to make is what really keeps the reader on the edge of anticipation, first because the cure may kill him or make things worse but can he live a half life forever, especially once his feelings for Sofia start to grow and then he has a very difficult decision to make in order to save Sofia and Brianna when their enemies find them.

The story has some interesting elements that add spice and depth to this fascinating world that the author created. I haven’t read The Vampire’s Wolf (yet) but I was completely caught up in this story from the very beginning although I did feel as if I missed out on the events that lead up to Johnny’s predicament. I couldn’t find any information whether there are going to be more books related to these two but I hope so.
- Eva

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shifter's Choice They took his humanity…but left a hero's heart. Feisty and street-wise, Private Sofia Touma has too much at stake to risk being distracted from her duty to the marine corps. That is, until she's assigned to help the compelling and disabled veteran Johnny Lam. More than a war hero, he's also a werewolf who can't shift back to human form. And Sofia is quickly, inexplicably drawn to him. Unlike Sofia, Johnny understands the risks involved in her loving a monster. But with each day bringing them closer together, he isn't sure he'll be able to continue to do the honorable thing…or protect her from the enemies intent on keeping him a werewolf forever.
 
*
 


 
I received a digital copy from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. Picking up this book I seriously couldn't get over the fact that the guy on the cover reminded me of the guy who plays Johnny Tram on Fast and Furious. Maybe its just me but Johnny Lam ... Johnny Tram... He pretty much played the part of the character for me through the book. It was interesting to be a part of the dynamic relationship between Johnny and Sofia because they both found something redeeming and healing in eachother despite their own "issues" What's more is that I respected the fact that flaws and all they found a way to accept themselves and the other. I liked that message. Although the disabled vet thing is a little played out for me these days the characters and the fact that I imagined the Johnny Tram guy in the part saved it for me.



 

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a digital copy from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

Picking up this book I seriously couldn't get over the fact that the guy on the cover reminded me of the guy who plays Johnny Tram on Fast and Furious. Maybe its just me but Johnny Lam ... Johnny Tram...
He pretty much played the part of the character for me through the book. It was interesting to be a part of the dynamic relationship between Johnny and Sofia because they both found something redeeming and healing in eachother despite their own "issues"
What's more is that I respected the fact that flaws and all they found a way to accept themselves and the other. I liked that message.
Although the disabled vet thing is a little played out for me these days the characters and the fact that I imagined the Johnny Tram guy in the part saved it for me.

[Norma Dunphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book (signed by the author!) through the Goodreads First reads program. Thank you Jenna!

This is a fresh take on the vampire/werewolf genre. I haven't seen anything quite like it elsewhere and I really enjoyed it. Having read the previous book, I knew the story leading up to this one and was interested in learning more about Johnny's situation. I feared initially that the story might focus too much on the main characters from the original book but that did not happen. The focus here was squarely on Johnny and Sonia, his love interest.

The editorial concerns that I had from the first book were much less in the second one. I did notice a few minor syntax or grammatical errors but if you ignore them they don't detract from the story.

I thought the story was a good balance between action and emotional entanglement. There were a couple of twists near the end to keep things interesting. There are some side storylines that could still be explored in later books, and I would definitely like to read more in this series.

[susan murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Sonia has a chance of getting out of prison all she has to do is teach sign language to Johnny lam what could be easier. When shown a picture he looks nice then shown a picture of something you would see in your nightmares she's not sure she can do it that means back to prison. Sonia decides to give it a go when she first meets him he really frightens her and Sonia wonders if she has made the right choice and can she teach Johnny sign language . Why the perimeters keep Johnny in or is it to keep the captains wife in or safe as she is a vampire. Why can't johnny change back to human form will they find a cure and will Sonia and Johnny get it together read and find out intriguing story.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johnny is a werewolf who can’t shift back to human form and he’s he keeps scaring off everyone they bring in to help him until they send the feisty and street wise Sofia to help him in this riveting paranormal romance. The story has some interesting elements that add spice and depth to this fascinating world that the author created. I haven’t read The Vampire’s Wolf (yet) but I was completely caught up in this story from the very beginning although I did feel as if I missed out on the events that lead up to Johnny’s predicament. I couldn’t find any information whether there are going to be more books related to these two but I hope so.


See my full review at:

http://paranormalhaven.com/2015/02/re...

[Tasneem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another fast read. I liked Sonia and Johnny. I did tire of Sonia running away in fear of everything, but I did admire her always trying to come back, no matter the reason for that. She did come across as rather stupid though, but then, the character does have a lack of education and there is much made of her disadvantaged background. She is simple and it shows. But it didn't matter because she fell for Johnny when he was supposedly monstrous and that won her kudos in my book. A nice easy read.

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book thru Goodreads giveaway. absolutely fantastic. great characters, great plot, great writing. a page turner at best. a must read for paranormal. adding this author to my must read list.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Kernan has written a wonderful paranormal love story with a great twist on shifters and vampires. If you're a harlequin fan, I highly recommend this story.