2.5 stars rounded up. This book had a cute premise, but it ultimately ended up being a skim read for me. I love What We Do in the Shadows and Gilmore Girls, so the summary sounded like it'd be right up my alley. Unfortunately, I just couldn't really bring myself to care about the characters or anything that was happening. It's the kind of book that I can see appealing to other readers though, especially because of slightly spooky/fall vibes.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Friends to enemies, small town, slow burn, werewolf shifters!? What more could you want in a swoony romance? This was such a fun read and my first from this author. Thoroughly enjoyed.

I have been a fan of Charlotte Stein for years so I am very familiar with her writing style. I adore her dialogue, how her characters feel, and the way she writes her spicy scenes. I feel like her writing takes a bit to get into. She drags you along and chooses to not sit in scenes long. This suits her well in her short stories but is the reason I knocked off 1 star.

This is a vibes book. You are not getting dense worldbuilding here but Stein does hint at the greater world (and future books). If you like grovely heros, take no prisoners heroines, light paranormal happenings, and possibly kind of sinister but also wholesome small towns you will enjoy this one.

This was just okay for me. I really enjoyed the magic parts of the book, as Cassie experimented to see what she could do. But once the "romance" part hit, it was like the rest of the plot was forgotten until the very end. And the raccoon should have been introduced earlier.

How To Help a Hungry Werewolf:

Thank you Macmillan Audio and SMP Romance for my gifted copies.

Honestly, i enjoyed this one. You have to get over the fact that the love interest fathomed the gal in school, but people grow and change. So yay growth yay change.

This was saucy. I loved Cassie and Seth. There is a lot of dirty talk as they don’t know if they can touch (werewolf probs, ya know?), and definitely your fill of spice. Audio was wonderful but keep those headphones on around kids if you don’t want to answer werewolf mating questions.

I feel like it was really long, like really long. We were in track for the plot and the side quest galore. I just wanted the plot. Regardless I loved the audio, the familiar (all familiars are life) and the forgiveness finally.

Out now!

ALC Audiobook Review ✨
Thank you @macmillan.audio & @smpromance for my gifted copy of
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein narrated by Yael Rizowy

I really wanted to love this book, I’ve heard some negative things and I said nah it cannot be *that* bad. Welp, it started off with the past of an unfortunate situation High School drama of the “popular” boys picking on the heavy set girl. ( side note, the author listed this as fatphobic, and I personally don’t feel its labeled correctly, this novel played out more into the Body Shaming than a fear ). Being a girl who was subjected to this type of behavior as a teen it was an emotional rollercoaster.

Overall, this story was quirky to the extreme straight into steamy spice? It felt too *rushed* yet slow. While I can appreciate the character development and growth it was.. lengthy. Even at 2.3 x speed on the audio I found myself checking how much time I had left.

Bonus points for the raccoon 🦝 familiar! Trash Pandas are some of my favorite.

Cassie and Seth were childhood friends until he fat shamed her trying to be in the “cool” kids club. She hasn’t seen Seth in years. Cassie returns home to handle her grandmother’s estate. She unintentionally bumps into Seth when she finds him in her basement. There she finds out some truths. This is a fun paranormal friends to enemies to lovers plot. Audio provided by Netgalley for a honest review.

So I forgot I had this before it came out and didn’t have it on my review schedule, so this review is behind. I picked it up after two other books that were Halloween type of reads disappointed me, and this one grabbed me and was enjoyable thankfully. And it was definitely pretty wild!

First of all a better title would have been How to Help a Horny Werewolf, and I think I read in the afterward by the author that it was originally named that. Because honestly it was more about the serious sexual tension/connection between Cassie and Seth than about any hunger per se. And there were some points in those scenes that might have been a little extreme or out there. But then I reminded myself it was a monster romance, so that was something that could be expected.

Usually I have issues with third person, but the way this one was told worked okay for me. It was easy enough to tell her voice. One thing I did love was how hilariously awkward the whole being horny and being attracted to each other. I get that to some that might come off as adolescent, but I’m here to tell you as an adult I can’t say that I wouldn’t be awkward myself as long as it’s been since I’ve been in a relationship. Or even just because I’m basically an awkward person.

The world in this was so hilarious. I loved her familiar. I loved how certain spells did not work at all like you’d expect. Like having a sentient microwave and other furniture/appliances. And the way that Seth became a werewolf? Well, I kind of wondered when something happened if that would be what it did actually turn out to be. And then the fairies and all the other supernatural creatures we got to meet in this book were original and so much fun to read about.

While I give it 4.5 stars here on my blog for the few issues I had with it, I’m giving it a full 5 stars on other sites that I can’t do half stars. I’m also hoping that we do get a sequel since it says it is going to be a series, and that the next book is her friend who might be a witch? We will see!

"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵."


I REALLY wanted to like this book. And I did, but not as much as I would have liked.

Like, the PREMISE is there, but I just didn't connect with how it was executed? The FMC kind of bugged me - lol - and it was a slow burn, but like, a spicy slow burn.

And it was just a lot of "he's my mortal enemy", even though the poor guy is CLEARLY trying. LOL I mean, I get it, I have trust issues too, but it took it a bit further than I think it needed to.

🧙🏻‍♀️ Witch FMC
🐺 Werewolf MMC
🧙🏻‍♀️ Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🐺 Paranormal/Supernatural
🧙🏻‍♀️ Spicy Slow Burn
🐺 Second Chances

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for this review!
.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #booksta #books #booksbooksbooks #avidreader #ilovereading #thetwistedlibrarian #professionalbookworm #howtohelpahungrywerewolf #charlottestein #book76of2024 #whatsnikkireading #advancedreadercopy #netgalley #stmartinspress #paranormalromance #supernaturalromance #slowburn #friendstoenemiestolovers #witch #werewolf

So this book was OK. I was really grabbed by the premise, and that's really what kept me going. However, I did consider DNFing it several times.

If you've ever read a book that had a basically great premise but the writing felt immature, and even subpar at times, well this is the same thing. The intriguing premise kept me going, but gosh it was a slog. It was so hard to keep going with seeing how poorly written it was on page, that I missed finishing this by the publish date and I switched to the audiobook to see if I would feel any different about it. The audiobook certainly helped, a great performance that helped me finish this book.

There are some positives - a haunted house, enchanted objects, and a delightful raccoon.

Cassie got on my nerves as the book wore on because she forgives Seth but then fakes feelings and holds back even though he is pouring his heart out. Seth isn't without his faults though, the high school fat-shaming situation wasn't great, but I could have done with the misunderstanding reveal about that instance happening much sooner in the book. Were that reveal to happen sooner, maybe Cassie would have been more bearable.

Some parts of this book were a lot of fun, but I'm certainly not shirking my long TBR for the sequel as soon as it appears. Maybe someday when I have ample time I can reconsider this author. Also, it just felt unnecessarily long, and I do not mind long romance novels, but the length paired with sophomoric writing made it nearly unbearable.

This was my second book by Charlotte Stein. I struggled with When Grumpy Met Sunshine so I was a bit hesitant going into this one. The premise sounded really interesting so I gave it a shot. I'm happy to say I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I still dont like how the author repeats phrases in the same paragraph, but it seems that's just their writing style. I liked the fantasy elements. The relationship was a bit problematic, but the witch/werewolf love was fun.

The slow burn of this story is delicious and frustrating at the same time. While I wanted Cassie and Seth to clear the air from years ago and just kiss and makeup, I love that the author explored the depths of Cassie’s insecurities because of Seth. It has affected every aspect of her life, for good or bad. We only get Cassie’s POV, but the author made it very clear that Seth has had to wrestle with the incident that drove the final nail in their friendship. Cassie does not necessarily see this because she’s too in her head about their past.

I love the banter and genuine friendship that is obvious between these two. No matter how much Cassie tries to keep Seth at arm’s length, she cannot turn her back on him; even when he tells her to and tries to push her away! The depth of their friendship all those years ago never fully went away. It made Cassie’s discoveries and Seth’s cheerleading a joy to read.

It may take a long time for this couple to come together physically, but they have the art of dirty talk down pat. Especially Seth. They both spend so much time thinking they know what the other means with each small action and reaction, but sometimes their mouths don’t listen to their brains and what results is HOT!

I had a lot of fun with this book and hope to see more from this wacky and interesting world. Some characters are introduced but not used, but enough is known to make me intrigued.

Cassie returns to her small town childhood home when her grandmother passes away. She has stayed away after a high school bullying incident that involved her best friend growing up, and the last person she wants to run into is him. So naturally, Seth is the first person she sees and he seems to need her help. Somehow Seth has become a werewolf and believes that Cassie is a powerful witch who can help him control his beastly urges. Can Cassie forgive him, and can they both control some urges of a different kind?

I liked the writing style of this book, and found their banter amusing. They were both blunt and honest in conversations, which is always refreshing, instead of characters beating around the bush for most of the story. Cassie was witty and awkward in a great way, and Seth was rueful and endearing enough to forgive him (although his explanation of THE EVENT lacked a bit). It was fun to read about all the supernatural stuff and to see Cassie start to accept her powers and herself. Her potion concoctions were creative and such a cool form of magic. It was interesting to see all this magic surrounding nonmagical people without them having a clue. I really enjoyed the raccoon sidekick and found the fairies and microwave amusing. A solid 30% of the book gets very spicy, with attraction and mating bonds taking a priority to the plot, but it picks back up again.

Overall this was a solid read if you don't take things too seriously and enjoy a bit of supernatural mixed with a lot of open door scenes. Very much a friends-to enemies-to lovers story, with some touch her and die/mating bond also. Trigger Warning for bullying or fat shaming that occurred in the past. It appears to be the first in the series, and I would definitely read more in it, especially with more supernatural creatures involved. I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for my opinions.

3.5 rounded up

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein is officially one of my favorite books of the year. Great character arcs, a swoonworthy relationship with funny characters and fantastical world building ie magical realism. Loved it so much! You will enjoy the plot points and small town vibes.

Cassandra Camberwell lived a happy childhood with Seth Brubaker in the small town of Hollow Brook. Seth was her best friend. Until high school when he embarrassed her at the high school’s talent show. She ran out of the school upset. She was home schooled for her senior year. She had agood relationship with her grandma. They would make up recipes and laughed when what ever they made it for such as rain, it actually rain. They would laugh about it. Cassandra always thought it was just a coincidence. When Cassandra’s grandm dies, Cassandra is the one to go back to Hollow Point to take care of things that one does after a death. She can’t believe that Seth is knocking at the door and doesn’t quit. He starts yelling her grandma’s first name and saying let me in. Seth doesn’t know that grandma is dead. When Cassandra tells him, he can’t believe it. He wants to know how she died. Cassandra keeps running into Seth at her grandma’s house. He scares her one night as he breaks into the house. She finds him in the basement. Why? He ends up telling her to go back up the stairs and shut the hatch and slide something heavy over it? Why? Will she find out what is going on with him?

The author has written a story that involves a magical world that is fun to read. In this magical world, there are flying vacuum cleaners, fairies riding caterpillars who feed on thimbles full of honey, and a sentient microwave oven threatening legal action. Cassandra discovers herself when she realizes that she has suppressed herself in the magical world. It’s a story that is about friendship, the beginning of romance and a magical world. I enjoyed how Cassandra thinks when she sees Seth for the first time at her grandma’s home and how their relationship grows. I hope that this is the first book of a series or at least another book about Cassandra and Seth.

This book wasn't for me. I didn't enjoy the rekindling of the friendship after what Seth did to her all those years. Just not my favorite trope.

This wasn't the best fit for me. I liked some different aspects of it, but I just felt a bit bogged down by some of the prose. I think if it was shorter with more detailed encounters I might have gotten through it quicker. It also reads young for the age of the characters in my opinion, but if you're looking for a book about supernatural creatures and reconnecting with the past you might like this one!

I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was not quite what I had been expecting, and now I’m really kind of torn about this book. I loved it more than I didn’t, but my reaction is still very split over it. The banter between Cassie and Seth was fun. The world-building was especially fantastic. But the awkward self-deprecation between these two made getting them together feel like an exercise in frustration. Definitely not how I thought this would go. Also, the big twist at the end didn’t feel like much of a surprise to me. However, I’m very curious about some of their supporting cast so I’m looking forward to seeing where the author will take this world next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

Charlotte Stein writes fun, sexy stories. Her latest is a perfect spooky time romance. I was blown away by her worldbuilding and can't wait for her next entry.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

"How to Help a Hungry Werewolf" is a cutesy paranormal romance between a werewolf and a witchy woman.

However, there is a big obstacle in their way, former best friends turned enemies. As teenagers, bullying came into play to break up the friendship and that childhood trauma is greatly focused on throughout.

While there was a clear trigger warning about the bullying, it still felt like it was excessive at times.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for selecting me for this ARC.