Man I really wanted to like this but it drug on. I felt like it was to long and I also did not love the writing. It's set in a small town and has a second chance romance which was cute but I just didn't love it.

Nothing beats a nice cozy PNR read in the Fall time!! Witches and Werewolves and Spice oh, my! There isn't a whole lot of substance but it is a nice simple quick read full of all sorts of magical creatures, an adorable raccoon familiar, and a sentient...microwave 🤣 how very fun.

This was not the book for me. The story dragged and felt forced at times. The overall tone was a lot more immature than I expected because the characters still acted like they were in high school. Some of the silly elements like the talking microwave were great touches, but the overall story just didn't click for me.

Reviewing this book is really hard because it’s fun. Like, weirdly absurd, hilarious fun. Sentient microwaves and raccoon familiars levels of fun. And while I did sort of like Cassie and Seth together, I thought there would be more plot that didn’t revolve around their truly next level lustful desperation for each other physically. I wanted more spooky season vibes, and less sex or thinking about sex.

I do think Charlotte Stein is a really fun writer though. I loved When Grumpy Met Sunshine, and I’ll absolutely give her next book a shot, as long as it doesn’t include a super horny werewolf.

Somebody will love this book, but that somebody is not me. I liked the cozy vibe, especially at the start, and the magical world-building. But the wordy internal monologue, childish characters, and cartoonish werewolf smut made it difficult to stay invested.

Good for readers who are into...
- Second-chance romance with former childhood friend
- Witchiness and werewolves
- Laser focus on the romance and paranormal world of the characters. No distracting side dramas here!

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf just didn’t connect for me. Stein has a clever concept here around a witch coming into her powers, but I had way too many questions about incongruities in the world setup to make the story work.

In addition, we have one of these situations where the couple were best friends growing up until a traumatic high-school incident separated them. And to me, both of them seemed to be arrested in high-school mentality and behavior, particularly the heroine Cassie, even though a full decade has passed. She obsesses over what happened to her to the point that she hasn’t been able to find lasting work or a steady relationship. Rekindling her friendship with Seth—which takes a long, tentative time—is key to her understanding why she’s done what she’s done.

Stein does some very clever things with Cassie’s witchiness—I loved her familiar, her magical objects, and how she figures out how to fly—and the gradual reveal of how being a witch has affected everything she’s done in life is well illustrated. Seth is the himbo of himbos, but I struggled with how his being a werewolf worked. I couldn’t understand how anyone could live and function under the conditions Seth had for a short time, much less for years and years.

This is also a very slow burn in all ways—reconnection, sensuality, action, and more. There is a lot that’s obvious to the reader that both Cassie and Seth don’t see. And it became a very rough read in the middle third of the book, where I knew what was coming and it just didn’t arrive—and I had to convince myself to keep reading.

Stein is a solid writer. I just wish the components of How to Help a Hungry Werewolf added up to a satisfying whole, and that didn’t happen for me.

Heat Factor: It gets more explicit than I was expecting, given how slow the burn is. Prepare for lots of dirty talk.

Character Chemistry: Half uncomfortable banter, half extremely comfortable banter. With a frosting layer of pining on top.

Plot: Cassie discovers that, actually, she’s a witch.

Overall: I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it.

A common generic criticism of romance is that it’s all the same. And while I will go to the mat for the genre every single time, I must admit that there are types of books that do read very “samey.” For example, I know exactly what I’m getting if I pick up a Harlequin Presents…or a cutesy small-town witch romance.

Or so I thought.

While How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is technically a romance set in a small town (it’s got a twee bookshop and everything!) and features a witch heroine, it was not at all what I was expecting. Not in a bad way. More like in a, “wow, Stein is going in a different direction than romances like this usually do.”

Let’s start with the hero. Seth is a werewolf. But he’s not part of a pack with a strict hierarchy and extensive landholdings who has control over when he shifts. Rather, he lives alone in a falling-down hunting lodge (and not the sexy kind of dilapidated) and turns into a horrifying monster whenever he gets horny. Poor guy hasn’t masturbated in ten years, because every time he gets turned on, he loses his opposable thumbs. He comes to Cassie to get a potion for keeping his wolf under control. He is, by the way, a complete golden retriever hero.

Our heroine Cassie is a witch, but she doesn’t know it. She’s been shoving that tiny voice in her ear away for years. After all, she’s not smart or strong or desirable, and why the heck would she make a deranged soup with nothing but garlic and chili oil anyways? Plus, her beloved grandma told her (years ago) to stop cooking before she gave someone food poisoning…so much for a supportive coven.

Since we’re in paranormal territory, this is a fated mates romance. And Seth and Cassie both go into heat, because of course they do. Their solution? To bang it out. Once they get the sex out of their systems, the whole mating drive will go away. Right? RIGHT? *cue lots of very explicit sex toward the end of the book where Cassie fakes not having an orgasm because that will show Seth that she’s not actually completely head-over-heels in love with him*

Anyways.

Before I talk about the relationship dynamic in this book, I want to talk about content and tone. And to do that, I’m going to quote Stein’s author note, where she lists the content warnings:

"While this book is very much a cozy, heartwarming, and hilarious paranormal romance— with a full-on proper HEA— it does contain some sensitive, heavier topics. These include brief references to parental neglect, bullying, and an incident that includes fatphobia, plus brief mentions at a few points of the effects that fatphobia can have."

While I do agree that this book is fairly heartwarming and has some hilarious imagery (my kingdom for a sentient microwave!), I gotta say that this *dramatically* undersells the “incident” and the impact it has on the story. In fact, Cassie’s entire self-perception—and therefore the entire conflict of this book—hinges on her being unlovable due to the fall-out from the “incident.”

The incident in question was that Cassie entered the high school talent show, and the mean boys at school rigged things so that Seth (her childhood best friend) called her a fatass in front of the entire school and then she got a cake dumped on her. In the moment, Cassie compares herself to Carrie at the prom. This incident doesn’t shape her life only because of the bullying or the fatphobia, but also because of the deep betrayal of someone who she loved and thought she could trust. Sure, Cassie talks a good game about Seth now being her “mortal enemy,” but it’s not so much enmity as hurt. In short, these are not “brief references” or “brief mentions,” but central components of the story. Plus, the mean boys come back and continue to be terrible and drive the external plot conflict!

As Seth and Cassie begin spending time together—first so that Cassie can make Seth some werewolf feel better juice, and then so he can introduce her to the supernatural world, and then because that’s what they do—the overriding impulse of both characters is self-protection by denying feelings. See above and my point about the fallout from the “incident” shaping the central conflict. We don’t see Seth’s perspective here, but it was very very clear that Seth has it bad for Cassie but is hiding it. Badly. And since we are privy to Cassie’s feelings, we get up close and personal with her internal debate about how she can’t believe she’s feeling like this because he hurt her so badly and obviously would never ever be attracted to her in any way. His giant boner whenever he’s around her is just a fluke.

You can see that my sarcasm is coming out, which should tell you that I found this dynamic a bit much. However, it did make for great push and pull with the banter, with Seth and Cassie stepping carefully for a bit and then pushing too far because they just can’t help themselves and then frantically back-pedaling. (Based on Ingrid’s review of Stein’s last book, this dynamic is a hallmark of Stein’s work. In fact, if you took just the “vibes” paragraphs of Ingrid’s review and replaced the plot with “werewolf and witch do shenanigans,” you would have a pretty accurate description of this one.)

I realize that this maybe isn’t coming across in my review, because I’m touching on the things I had trouble with, but I did really enjoy this one. I especially liked Stein’s narrative voice (close but not first person) and would read another book by her. Maybe I’ll start with the zombie apocalypse menage.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

DNF’d at 28%.

Cassie spends the first 20% of the book being mad at Seth for not explaining stuff, but then cuts him off when he tries to speak.

Like I get you hate the dude because he legit traumatized you in your teen years, but make up your mind. (He legit fat shamed her in front of the entire school when they had been best friends growing up.) even that alone was a touchy subject for me that made this hard to try and accept.

And the dialogue. I can’t. It’s too casual for legit hating his guts, and I felt that like extreme secondhand embarrassment half the time that made it so cringey.

*How to Help a Hungry Werewolf* by Charlotte Stein is an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped into the charming small town of Hollow Brook, I was utterly captivated by the blend of humour, romance, and a sprinkle of magic. Cassandra and Seth's dynamic is electric, filled with tension and unresolved feelings that keep you glued to the pages. Their banter is sharp and witty, adding layers to their relationship as they navigate their complicated past.

I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity of talking raccoons and the wild situations they encountered. The humour in this book is so well-crafted that it's impossible not to be entertained. The quirky small-town vibe is reminiscent of Gilmore Girls, while the supernatural elements give it a unique twist that sets it apart.

While I loved every moment spent in this enchanting world, I found myself intrigued by the possibility can't a change in perspective or a new point of view. It would have added an extra zesty layer to the story, making the experience even richer.

Overall, Stein has crafted a story that's swoon-worthy and filled with warmth and humour. I couldn't put it down, and I'm already craving more adventures in Hollow Brook!

I adored this story. It was sweet, funny, and an all-around good book. This author never disappoints.

When Cassie Camberwell inherits her beloved grandmother’s house, she returns to her hometown and encounters Seth Brubaker- the architect of her high school humiliation, and her former best friend. But Seth has changed, and not just because he feels really bad about what happened between them and seems to have been friends with her grandmother. Turns out, Seth is a werewolf! Yup, magic is real, Cassie’s grandmother was in on it, and oh, actually, Cassie is a powerful witch with a fantastical world to discover, werewolf hormones to overcome, and high school bullies to defeat!

This was a seasonal delight with immaculate autumn witchy vibes! It’s giving Practical Magic meets Buffy, or Beauty and the Beast if Belle were a witch and the beast was a puppy dog! There is an absurdity and wonder to Stein’s worldbuilding that is both hilarious and lovely. I hesitate to give anything away, so let me just say— she takes familiar tropes of shifters and witches and magic to truly unexpected, often silly places. (I clapped at a cinematic fight scene at the end that manages to be slapstick and badass at the same time!) If you’re anything like me you will be tickled by such elements as sentient kitchen appliances, magical self help books, a raccoon evoking Meeko from Pocahontas, and so much more.

It feels like Stein is speaking to something both deeply traditional and deeply feminist with her worldbuilding and theory of magic. Cassie’s power manifests initially through cooking and baking recipes. Stein imbues these traditionally feminine pursuits with power that transcends their typical domestic scope. Part of Cassie’s witchcraft is the intentional assembly and specific preparation of magical and mundane ingredients, creating concoctions like “feel better soup” and “werewolf killer” protective cleaning solution.

The other, very integral part of the magic is that these recipes come to Cassie via a magical voice in her head, but only when her mind is open to hearing it and trusting it. Similarly, only once she has accepted this witchy part of her can she see the magic in the world around her—as the book progresses, more of this world is only revealed to her when she is ready to accept it. This theory of magic/magical power is a metaphor for self-actuation. Cassie discovers that trusting herself, her intuition and her capability, is literally powerful—while doubting herself and giving in to insecurity literally closed her off from a fantastical world of possibility. Stein sets up a nice parallel between her conception of magic and love— like magic, love is there for those with the potential only when they are curious, open, and ready to receive it.

HTHAHW also has that classic Charlotte Stein banter, in my experience not something other romance authors successfully replicate. It’s like both MCs are perpetually startled into blurting things out, and the banter builds on itself and cascades in ways both ridiculous and conducive to truthtelling. Another Stein hallmark-- the banter and humor are balanced with deep empathy and sincere remorse for past mistakes (as well as very filthy dirty talk which we should all know to expect from her by now). I noticed many similarities between this book and Never Sweeter, Stein’s new adult romance from 2016. With similar tropes, MCs and plot lines, HTHAHW is like that book but with magic and slightly older protagonists.

As you can tell from the above, I liked so much about this book. But there were parts that did not have mileage for me. I’m growing tired of the perennial romance miscommunication conflict that arises because an mc is holding back based on old assumptions and insecurities, even in the face of new information. When the mutual pining is so obvious, it can almost feel as though the MCs have mutually agreed to continue pretending. It’s frustrating, and when it goes on too long it creates pacing issues for me. Also there is something so sad about the premise that the decade of the MCs lives between the end of high school and the present day just don’t matter, don’t register in importance at all. I think that’s why this childhood best friends/misunderstanding trope and conflict work better for me in a ya or new adult romance.

Long story short, in spite of a qualm or two, I loved this book a lot. I wholeheartedly recommend it!!

I really wanted to like this book. The description sounded exactly like someone I would love. Instead, it was a story full of sorta funny dialogue and a disjointed story.

Cassie was bullied in high school and ten years later that is still the most defining moment in her life. But in actuality she's a super powerful witch who can create positions from scratch. Seth was her best friend but also a tormenter in high school.

Cassie and Seth have weird magical chemistry which they can't control. But it adds lots of additional dialogue and length to the story.

This was a DNF for me! I just couldn't get past the fat shaming to actually like the male protagonist and get to his "redemption arc"

Based on my reading experience, and the author’s notes, it is clear the title was supposed to be How to Help a HORNY Werewolf. You might think it was a marketing and retailer algorithm dungeon risk decision that caused the name change, but I’m pretty sure it’s actually that the hero is such a sweetheart that he would be devastated if he made you feel uncomfortable from the word horny being in the title. He is also deeply embarrassed by his extreme horniness.

I loved this estranged friends to lovers story between a werewolf and a grieving woman who discovers she is a powerful witch. It was a really fun read.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I wanted to love this book because the cover is so pretty and the premise sounded promising. However, I struggled with this one and it ultimately fell flat.

The MCs felt immature, the world was confusing (I think this was purposeful as one MC is discovering this world for the first time but it didn’t work for me), the pacing felt off, and just overall I felt like I was constantly missing something. That being said, there were some cute moments, a few times I chuckled, and the spice was stupid hot. The spice read a bit like a Tessa Bailey book in my eyes, and I know a lot of people do not enjoy her spicy scenes, so heads up!

For a book that said it gave Gilmore Girls, small town vibes, there was not enough time spent in the town. A few side characters were introduced, but for the most part, the book takes place at one MC’s home. What I did see of the town intrigued me and left me wanting more, but I’m undecided on if I’ll read the next book. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for it, but it’s not high on my priority list.

Thank you to the publisher for the arc. All opinions are my own.

I DNFed this book at 43%. I could see where it was going, and the payoff wasn’t good enough for me. The writing was poor, and the FMC was unbearable. I really love the premise, but man… not my jam at all.

I had a little trouble getting my thoughts together one this one. Parts of this book were fun and cute. Other parts just seemed not fleshed out enough. Some of the reasons behind interactions/relationships didn't see justified. It just felt like I needed more from everything is this book. It had a lot of potential, but just didn't quite make it to where it could have been great!

If you are looking for witty banter, magic and some self discovery Charlotte Stein gives us all of that in this novel.

Cassie and Seth were best friends and Seth ruined it. He never thought he could fix it and he didn’t really try. I appreciate that he didn’t really grovel but his actions showed he was different and the his words. His high school actions didn’t make sense to me but that’s a me thing. Cassie didn’t trust anyone and for good reason. We got to see her find strength and confidence and trust as she learns about her powers.

I enjoyed this story. It’s cute and funny!

I would have loved this I think if the incident between the main character and her love interest had been anything other than fat shaming. I feel like anything else could have been chosen and I could've gotten past their issues and loved their romance. It just didn't hit for me. Otherwise, the characters were well written, the magic was fun, the world building was excellent.

Spicy, male female, paranormal (witch & werewolf), contemporary romance. How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlitte Stein is supposed to be What We Do in Shadows + Gilmore Girls (this is the 3rd book I've read this fall with Gilmore Girl vibes 😅) which might have pushed my expectations too high. It is a bit goofy with a fun premise and a lot of steam.