Okay so I liked this. A lot. But oh my god. These two were so incredibly stupid. The highest level of idiots to lovers there ever has been. I wanted to smack their heads together and yell at them. But then hold them. I don't know. Truly liked it and yet, also hated parts of it???? I knew going in that this was a bully romance, and I expected more of a grovel. The world building in this was shaky and the pacing was both too fast and too slow. This book was a true three-star read for me. The good parts of this book were EXCELLENT. I loved the chemistry between Cassie and Seth. They were explosivley hot. There's nothing I like more than a "for science" or "of course there's no feelings here" sex scene. But Cassie faking NOT having O's was just weird. I love Charlotte's writing and I just think this book was not a testament to how incredible an author she is.

The title of this book intrigued me immediately, and I tried to go in as blind as I could. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. It has everything you need for a hit story - the magical realism creates a fantasy world that is still relatable, and the funny but flawed characters are so easy to root for. It made me laugh and cry, it masters the heartwarming and the heartbreaking. At certain points the word choices were a little confusing to me, but overall it was massively enjoyable and I couldn't put it down.

This is a really fun, romcom paranormal romance with steam. Cassandra is back in her old hometown to clean out her grandmothers place and finds herself running into her ex best friend who she blames for a horrible experience in high school. she finds out that Seth is actually aw werewolf, and he convinces her to help him and he will help her deal with her unknown to this time magical abilities. It’s definitely a second chance romance, but there’s a lot of complications because of the paranormal elements. There is banter, and there is steam, so for me this is a perfect book for the fall season

This is the most satisfying slow burn because you have so many laughs to keep you busy until they get busy.

It’s so very obvious that this was originally called “how to help a horny werewolf”because this book is so horny, even though they don’t bang it out until the 80% mark. I blame the romance haters for not allowing us this gorgeous cover with the word horny strutting across it. Although “hungry” is also very accurate because Seth is so hungry for any and everything Cassie has to offer.

This is the most vulnerable enemies-to-lovers setup I’ve ever seen played out. Seth and Cassie were childhood best friends until Seth got “too cool” and Seth’s friends bullied Cassie into homeschool. She’s recently returned to the small town she ran from to attend to the estate of her recent decreased grandmother.

Then Seth shows up and is a werewolf. And then she discovers things about herself and they have to work together. Along the way the discover many other supernatural creatures, like goblins who poop valuable marbles, fairies that fight, and raccoons that talk. It’s such a delightful little world but I love seeing them be vulnerable with one another in their forced togetherness. The book is single POV but we still get Seth’s devotion without being in his head.

Seth and Cassie make you believe in growth and forgiveness and fate.

I love them and look forward to more from this world!

TW: fatphobia

Cassandra Camberwell learned from a young age not to count on others and that point was driven home when her ex-best friend pulled a terrible prank on her in front of the entire school. Cassie’s ability to trust was obliterated and she found herself adrift, unable to settle anywhere permanently. Years later, Cassie has returned to her hometown after her grandmother’s death in order to clean out and possibly sell her house. But things are a bit weirder in Hollow Brook than she remembers. Her grandma’s house is filled with creepy tchotchkes, unusual substances, and strange noises. And to make things even stranger, Cassie’s former bff turned mortal enemy, Seth Brubaker, keeps showing up uninvited. When Cassie finds Seth in her grandma’s basement in the middle of the night, she makes a shocking discovery. Magic is real, Seth is a werewolf, and he’s desperate for the medicine Cassie’s grandma used to make for him. Even more surprising, her grandma’s concoctions came from recipes Cassie created as a teenager and Cassie is, in fact, a witch! With that revelation, Cassie starts to really see the world around her and it’s full of mythological creatures, ghosts, and magic. As Seth teaches Cassie about her new world, they come to an understanding about their past and their friendship starts to heal. Then an unexpected mating bond and former bullies turned werewolves throw a wrench into their fragile new bond. Cassie and Seth must navigate these obstacles or their renewed relationship might just blow up in their faces.

Charlotte Stein has cooked up a magical little morsel in her new book, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf. She has concocted an intriguing and unique magical system that is layered, well thought out, and fun for the reader. Stein sprinkles in tidbits, fun asides, and quirky secondary characters that help build a strong basis for her world and could lead to future books set in it. Cassie and Seth are both complex and interesting main characters. They are well matched and the reader can clearly see how they were once best friends. I just love a friends to enemies to lovers story! Seth is just so great…a cuddly puppy in wolf’s clothing. And Cassie is determined and strong even when she thinks she isn’t. They are just two perfect peas in a pod. How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is steamy, mysterious, and hysterical with a big helping of magical mayhem. Utterly delicious!

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a cozy, entertaining paranormal romcom that leans into the absurd. The story follows Cassie and Seth, childhood friends turned nemeses, as the former returns to her hometown to clean out her grandmother’s home. There, Cassie runs into her old friend and discovers that the years have changed Seth in more ways than she could ever imagine. Seth is a werewolf and he needs Cassie’s help, claiming she is a witch who can provide him with the proper potions to keep his affliction at bay. With no one to rely on but each other, Cassie and Seth form a tentative alliance, but can they tamp down their mounting desires or will the spark that has always crackled between them finally ignite?

This novel was comped to one of my favorite TV shows, What We Do In the Shadows, but that comparison feels a tad misplaced. It was definitely funny, oozing with innuendo and banter, but instead of an ensemble comedy, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf relies on the camaraderie of its two leads to propel it forward. The writing in the first half of the novel felt like it was geared towards a young adult audience (the amount of butt references was endless), but the latter half of the book turned into werewolf smut faster than Seth could sprout claws. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the shift, I just wasn’t expecting it based on the slow burn beginning. Speaking of said slow burn, the “will they or won’t they” factor was a little too drawn out for my taste. It caused the story to drag but once the spicy scenes kicked in about 60% of the way through, the narrative picked up. I also, wasn’t the biggest fan of the situation that led to Seth and Cassie’s friendship breakup in high school (TW: fatphobia & harassment) but I think author Charlotte Stein explained Seth’s culpability and remorse enough to make their romance work in the present.

If you’re looking for a fluffy yet spicy fall read, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a low stakes romp that embraces its silly side. There are many funny moments and I enjoyed the expansive paranormal world that Stein created.

What You’ll Find:
-Friends to enemies to lovers
-Plus sized FMC
-Werewolf x Witch
-Slow burn
-Sentient bespelled microwave
-Potions and kitchen magic
-Vibrant paranormal universe

Thank you St. Martin’s Press/St. Martins Griffin and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was looking forward to reading this book. The story summary and the cover was such a draw! What a great hook. It has to be a great read.
But actually reading it? It slagged along. I spent 5 days just to get to 40% and I had to DNF. The story did not move along at a pace that could keep me engaged. And I wish it had. Because I really wanted to enjoy it.

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein is a steamy supernatural book with a plus size FMC. I do love when the plus size girlies are represented. There are witches, werewolves, goblins, faeries and more in this magical story. If you like a friends to enemies to lovers trope with lots of magic and spice, this is a great choice. Just a heads up though, there is some body shaming and bullying so if that bothers you, this may not be the book for you. Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for my review.

I’ll admit I was initially drawn to this book because the cover reminds me of characters from a video game I played. I think the cover is pretty neat and it definitely drew my eyes. The story is a nice paranormal romance between a witch and a werewolf. I thought it was a good story and I would read it again.

I didn't hate this, but I don't think I'll be seeking out the rest of the series. It started off strong for me, but it veered into ridiculous pretty quickly. I know that was intentional and will absolutely work for some, it just didn't land for me. The back half of the book is positively brimming with spice, so if that's what you are there for you'll probably enjoy that aspect. The werewolf change was somewhat unique, but the jokes often didn't land well and tropes I usually enjoy felt off - sentient objects, talking animals, fated mates.

Cassie and Seth are childhood best friends, turned enemies after a high school betrayal. They’re brought together again years later after Cassie’s Gram passes away and Cassie is thrown into a supernatural world she didn’t know existed.

The banter between Cassie and Seth is sassy and slightly ridiculous but funny enough that it made me laugh out loud a few times. But if you’re looking for anything particularly deep, this is not it. It could be pretty immature sometimes. So if you’re looking for any easy, low stakes read with a little bit of spice for spooky season this is perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf was a bit of an enigma for me. The storyline captured me from the beginning and I was finished the book in a matter of days. I was constantly drawn to the book but I had a few issues with the main characters. Cassandra has come back to the small town she grew up in to clean out and sell her grandmothers home. Seth drops by, her old best friend, because he needs her grandma to help him. She sees him as an enemy because of a prank he played on her and his deciding to hang out with her tormentors in their last year of high school. But as he keeps on trying to get help for his werewolf condition she starts to trust him again until a mating bond snaps into place and they have to face the truth that they have always been more then just friends even if they struggled to admit it out of fear. Can they be brave enough to go after what they want?

I loved the banter between the two MC’s, their chemistry and friendship was really sweet. The book had some great humorous moments and the ending was fun. I also really liked the overall plot line even if a few of the fantasy elements were a bit farther in their explanation. Where I struggled was the emotional immaturity of both characters when it came to admitting their feelings for each other. This miscommunication trope seemed to drag on and the burn was almost too slow. Overall a decent book, I did enjoy it but I found myself a bit annoyed at times.

Two ex best friends mend fences as they help each other come to terms with their newfound supernatural powers (her as a witch, him as a werewolf) and slowly fall in love. The first in a new series, this was a really fun paranormal romance featuring a fat FMC and a lovable cinnamon roll hero. Great on audio and perfect for spooky season reading!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

A fun, witty and witchy paranormal romance, perfect for spooky season!

I really enjoyed this story, with the two ex-best-friends-now-enemies trying to navigate their new supernatural circumstances. This was a light and easy read, not too heavy on the world-building but just enough to keep you guessing!

Seth was such a sweet dork, and I was really rooting for him from the beginning. Cassie had a big heart, and I really enjoyed getting to see her grow into her own.

Also, I was obsessed with the raccoon familiar and couldn't get enough of him! I wish he'd shown up as early as Chapter 1 in the book!

This was definitely a sloooow burn, but when it starts, the spice is spicing!

I definitely recommend this cute, funny paranormal romance!

3 ⭐
3.5 🌶️

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf has a great premise, and I enjoyed the lighthearted story when I could follow it. However, this story is not to be taken seriously. Both characters are socially inept and completely oblivious most of the time. Since this is the first book in a new series, I understand we met some characters who won't be known fully until later. Still, they were inserted into the story awkwardly, leaving me wondering what the point was in introducing them. But I moved on because, as I said earlier, I enjoyed this highly quirky story. I enjoyed the funky magic, magic car, sentient kitchen, and Pod. But what kept taking me out of the story was the unending internal dialogue of the FMC. Every time she uttered a sentence, it started a landslide of internal babbling that went on and on. If someone spoke a sentence to the FMC or even looked at her, it also started the deluge of internal monologues, which was frustrating. By the time she finished and she responded, or someone else had responded to her, I had to go back and find out what the scene was about. It was very disconcerting and made reading the novel difficult. I kept at it because it was a cute story. However, I don't know if I can handle wrangling through all the internal monologues droning on and on again to make it through another in the series.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the eArc. These opinions are my own.

This was a cozy and funny paranormal romance. There are some really great silly moments in this book as Cassie and Seth navigate being back in each other’s lives.

Cassie is back in Hollow Brook to clean out her late grandmother’s house. Her former BFF (now mortal enemy) shows up…and keeps showing up. That’s when Seth breaks the news that he is a werewolf…and he believes she is a witch…oh and he needs her help. Cassie begrudgingly agrees.

No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal….oh and a little do-or-die mating bond problem.

These characters are unique and quirky and just cannot get their own way! This is a very slow burn! Cassie was deeply hurt by Seth and she wasn’t going to easily forgive him. I also liked that he knew he didn’t easily deserve her forgiveness.

I loved her raccoon familiar and the other paranormal elements to the story. I found myself laughing and shaking my head reading this story. There are some steamy scenes and there are instances of bullying, body shaming and fat phobia, but the end is most definitely a HEA!

✨What to Expect:
🐺Paranormal Romance
❤️‍🔥Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥Very Slow Burn
2️⃣Second Chance
😂So Much Banter
💋Curvy FMC
🔮Witches & Werewolves & Magic
🌶️Spicy Scenes
🦝Familiar

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Spoilers!! This book had some incredible fall vibes and I loved the first half of the book. It was so interesting to see Cassie learn about herself and her magic and I had a great time with it. I didn’t love the second part of the book, specifically the weird mating thing between Cassie and Seth. I wouldn’t have minded it as much except it went on for sooo long. I felt like we missed out on so much plot development and world building for something that could’ve been like 1-2 chapters. Charlotte Stein does do a great job at writing those scenes though. I did love the characters though. They were so sweet, and I LOVED the childhood best friends to lovers dynamic.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5
Spice: 2

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf kicks off Charlotte Stein’s The Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures series with a delightful mix of humor, heart, and supernatural charm. The story centers on Josie, a quirky, lovable FMC, who’s now working at a sanctuary for magical creatures. She reunites with Ben, her childhood best friend turned grumpy werewolf, and their chemistry is impossible to resist. Their banter and connection give the story a fun, nostalgic vibe, and watching them navigate their friendship-turned-romance is a treat.

The audiobook really enhances the playful dynamic between Josie and Ben, making the humor and their history even more enjoyable. This is a light, feel-good read perfect for fans of supernatural romance with a big dash of humor. I’d definitely recommend the audio for extra personality!

Tropes:

Supernatural Creatures
Found Family
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Quirky Humor
Series Opener

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein
By: Charlotte Stein

Stars: 2.5/3-Star
Spice: 3
Format: E-Book
Review: The adorable cover instantly drew me in—seriously, why is it so cute? But unfortunately, I’m not sure the story fully delivers. How to Help a Hungry Werewolf, the first book in The Sanctuary of Supernatural Creatures series promises a quirky, cozy romance that blends What We Do in the Shadows with the small-town vibes of Gilmore Girls. While it had all the elements of a swoon-worthy romance, the execution fell a little flat for me.

The story follows Cassandra Camberwell, who returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s house, only to be met with Seth Brubaker—her former best friend and the guy who humiliated her in high school. Now he’s back, claiming to be a werewolf in desperate need of her witchy powers to ease his suffering. The catch? She didn’t even know she had magic. The two strike a deal: she’ll learn to brew the potions he needs, and he’ll teach her about her untapped power. No emotions, no funny business…until they’re hit with an unexpected mating bond.

While the setup is charming, the romance didn’t quite land for me. The chemistry between Cassie and Seth was lukewarm at best, making it hard to root for them as a couple. Seth’s past behavior as a high school bully—teasing Cassie for her weight—added an awkward dynamic that made their romantic tension feel forced and a bit uncomfortable. His attempt to atone for his actions felt a little too easy, making it difficult to see him as the swoon-worthy hero the story was aiming for.

The writing style is exaggerated and a bit over-the-top, with a lot of quippy dialogue and a tone that never seems to take itself too seriously. While some readers might find this fun and lighthearted, I found it teetered between entertaining and silly--and not the good kind silly. It’s a fine line between quirky and chaotic, and for me, this book often crossed into the latter.

However, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf still has some charm, especially for readers looking for a fun, spice-filled paranormal romance. The small-town setting, magical shenanigans, and supernatural elements give it potential, and the series could grow into something more engaging as it continues. I wish the characters felt a bit more mature and the romance had more emotional depth. Despite my reservations, it’s a cute fall read that some may find delightfully cozy. I may keep an eye out for future installments to see how it evolves!

Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): Maybe…if you want a spicy paranormal romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you may enjoy this.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for allowing me the opportunity to review the title.

I did not enjoy this story as I felt the characters were very immature as was the humor. I could see where the writer was going with the story - something like 'That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon' but it did not land for me. The story felt simultaneously rushed but then also nothing happened.