Member Reviews
I would like to thank the publisher for giving me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
This was so cute!! Cassandra comes to.her grandma's house to clean it out after she passes away, only to be confronted with her ex best friend, who juat so happens to be a Werewolf, and he needs her help since, you know, she's a witch. Surprise! And now he can't seem to stay away from her.
I loved the whole dynamic between Cassandra and Seth. Seth is 100% a himbo/golden retriever compared to Cassandra's very logical way of thinking. They had a friends to enemies to lovers romance that is actually adorable. And the magic is actually really cool. Plus, the raccoon familiar is adorable.
Overall, I found this to be an adorable fantasy romcom with not much action (there is some), but mostly this book focused more on the characters and the world and I loved it.
And if you can, check the audiobook out. The narrator does a fantastic job bringing this book to life.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!
This book was great! I did have a hard time getting in to it but about 20-25% in to it I couldn’t stop listening. I loved the writing style and I loved the characters and their chemistry.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Charlotte Stein, and NetGalley for this ALC. All opinions are my own.
I went into this book hoping for a cozy, witchy novel. One with atmosphere and friendship and all the fall vibes. Unfortunately, this was not the one for me. I knew within the first 10% that it wasn’t going in the direction I expected. I ended up DNF’ing at 47%, and my rating is based on what I read.
I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t connect with our FMC, Cassie, or MMC, Seth. They felt way younger than their supposed 27 years. Cassie was whiny, and I almost wish this had been dual-perspective with Seth. I feel like I would’ve enjoyed the story more that way. I also wish that there had been more characters. Why was it constantly only Cassie and Seth doing mundane things? My favorite character was probably the sentient microwave.
I think I just didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I requested this book. It just felt very one note to me. I’m hopeful that other readers will enjoy this book more than me. Onto the next!
This book was a lot, and in the end it was too much for me.
The writing and characters acted very immature, and I had a hard time liking anyone. It took a solid 30% of this book for me to even figure out what was going on.
Also the naughty bits were really weird most of the time. I won't get into it, but I truly had to stop what I was doing a few times just to give a grotesque face to my desk. Like, "what in the actual world is going on. Why is this being treated like it's normal?" It was all way too bloody weird and made no sense. Then there was like 30% of this book that was literally just naughty bits. Sometimes they were together, other times they weren't but we were listening to it? I don't know.
Also, it was like the author needed to throw in literally every single supernatural thing into this book but we have no explanation for any of it. Which again, was weird and confusing.
I was looking forward to this one. I was intrigued by the book but it really fell short in execution.
If you're in the mood for a silly goofy read, this is probably the book for you! I rather unfortunately wasn't for the first 50% of the book. I probably just should have come back to it at a different time, but I kept listening.
I will say I enjoyed the last 50% a lot more because I was in the right mood. It was definitely leaning into the ridiculous very much at that point!
I enjoyed the narration for the audiobook - though I will say that 3x speed was a bit too fast for this one
*How to Help a Hungry Werewolf* by Charlotte Stein is a cozy, whimsical read that’s perfect for this time of year! The small-town charm mixed with werewolf magic gave me all the *Gilmore Girls* vibes, and I loved the quirky moments like the talking raccoons. However, both Cassie and Seth came off a bit juvenile, and I honestly feel like this would be better marketed as a YA novel without the spicy scenes. Despite that, the story had a cozy, comforting feel that made it an enjoyable listen, especially if you're in the mood for something light and fun with a touch of magic!
Let's normalize putting triggers in the description on NetGalley. Not a book I'm actually interested in.
I honestly did not expect to like #howtohelpahungrywerewolf by @charlotte.stein as much as I did!! It was so stinking cute!! I loved the plot! You follow the story of Cassie as she rekindles a high school romance with a guy who treated her like dump once in high school. There is only one problem, he has since turned into a werewolf and is now HUNGRY in more than one way (😉) and Cassie has just the right magical abilities to satiate him! I loved the drama, I loved the tension, I loved the romance, I loved the little raccoon familiar?! So cute.
Def recommend for a cute, flirty, fun read!
⭐ - 1.5/5 - ⭐ DNF
✦ Witch x werewolf
✦ Friends to lovers
✦ Small town romance
✦ Bullying
⚠️ - Bullying
🌶️ - 2/5
💕 - 2/5
👥 - 3/5
🌎 - 4/5
🗡️ - 2/5
💀 - 1/5
Cassie returns to her hometown to clear out her late grandmothers old house. She left a long time ago after her best friend, Seth, humiliated her in front of the whole school. One day, Seth shows up at her doorstep. He's changed in more ways than one, mostly because he's a werewolf. He begs her to help him and she begrudgingly agrees. Come to find out, she's actually a witch and has a knack for spells and potions. As things go on, Cassie and Seth find themselves in many interesting predicaments, including fairy orgies, talking raccoons, and a mating pull that its too strong to resist.
Ok so when I started this, I knew there were some not great reviews, but I powered through anyways. My opinion doesn't always line up with others but, unfortunately, with this, it did.
The world that the author build is charming and whimsical. I was sold by the 'What We Do' meets 'Gilmore Girls' vibes, but unfortunately it didn't pan out.
The characters are immature, awkward, and, even though they're in their late 20's, act like children. Cassie is so wrapped up in her own little pity party and keeps throwing that back in Seths face.
The writing in the beginning was clever and witty but it got old very fast. I also noticed that there were a lot of weird repeated phrases like 'for some reason'. I don't know, it just seems like the author didn't know how her characters worked?
I was pretty with it until about 60% then things got weird. I could handle the childish banter, the semi bad writing, and all the bad, because the good was actually pretty good. Like I said, whimsical world, some funny moments, and some cool witchy stuff...but as soon as the spice overwhelmed the story, I STRUGGLED. These are childhood friends, they grew up together, then he hurt her and she talks about it ALL THE TIME, so with the overall child like immaturity surrounding the book, the spice was weird and felt wrong.
Don't get me wrong, I love me some spice, like LOVE me some SPICE, but at the 70% mark when these 2 'buddies' are locked in a closet, evading the bad guys, and she starts getting off on his knee...nope. I turned off my Kindle there and then. I couldn't take it anymore.
The whole story left me feeling icky and confused. I was really disappointed that the reviews were correct. It was a fun ride in the beginning, but quickly became a mess.
Thank you #netgalley and #MacmillanAudio for the ARC of this book and giving me the chance to read and review it with my own thoughts and opinions.
Woof and I don't mean that in a funny way! This was too cutesy or something I couldn't get into this story at all. It was all the fantasy things in one but a love story between a witch and a werewolf. The narrator was awful too so that didn't help
This was such a good book. It's a cozy paranormal romance. I love that a plus size character was represented. I highly recommend.
This was an interesting read for me. Looking at the cover I expected a cute paranormal rom com and what I got was a book that took a left turn straight to horny town full of chaotic energy. I did enjoy the best friends turned enemies turn friends and more vibes of the story brought around via forced proximity as well as the unknown witch aspect. I also enjoyed the banter that we did get between the 2 main characters. However with the rapid and chaotic pacing of the story, I missed the tension and build up to the relationship. I do appreciate how Stein handled the fatphobia the FMC was dealing with and how the MMC helped her learn to love herself. I combo read this via ebook and audiobook. I definitely enjoyed the audiobook more and found myself gravitating towards that. I found that the narration by Yael Rizowy fit the overall vibe of the story well. Overall, I was engaged and plan to read the next book in the series.
2 stars.
I did not like "How to Help a Hungry Werewolf" by Charlotte Stein. I am disappointed because I was really looking forward to it based in its description. This book should have been a young adult novel, especially considering the main characters act like they are 16. There was no reason this book needed to focus on adults because they certainly don't act like it. The spicy scenes feel added in at the last minute in an effort to broaden the reading audience. I totally understand why the main character, Cassie, is mad about what her supposed best friend, Seth, did to her in high school. Rightfully so! He fat-shamed her in front of the entire school, embarrassed her, and then ditched her for the "cool kids" while making fun of everything they used to love together. I get it, and I know what that feels like, so I can totally empathize. I don't need to read about it in a romance. It may have felt a little easier to believe if there was a big redemption, but Seth *barely* apologizes. Excuse me??! I did not like these characters. Cassie is SUCH A WHINER!!!! Oh my GOD, I wanted to slap her so frequently. On top of that, she deserves SO MUCH BETTER. She's just supposed to forgive Seth because he needs her help? Because he got hot? I say "F that!," BUT THEN SHE GOES AND DOES IT after complaining about him for over half the book!!! And Seth is *barely* a functioning person. He still doesn't know how to communicate in a basic conversation and she's falling for this dude?!? GIRL WHAT!?!? Baffling!!! AND!! Why are women still writing characters who fall for their bullies and not labeling them bully romances?! There is nothing lighthearted or funny about demeaning people only to turn around and let that person walk all over them years later. Even with the reason given, I was still pįssed off about how Seth treated Cassie. This is my second Charlotte Stein novel, and I have come to the conclusion that she is not the author for me. Despite the cool paranormal premise, I had a difficult time swallowing this book. It drags and drags and drags, and when I felt like it was nearly over, there was 37% OF THE BOOK LEFT. Nothing happens except talking for long stretches of time. It's plodding and infuriating. I appreciate that Stein writes about plus size characters, but they are almost always bleeding hearts with no backbone who let people trample over them for just one ounce of "love." Contrary to popular belief, you *can* have a good heart and not continue to accept disrespect from those who have wronged you. There are so many wonderful, funny, diverse paranormal romances out there with spectacular characters who have a genuine connection and know how to communicate with one another. Read those instead.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlotte Stein, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
This was a fun read! I love a good paranormal romantic comedy. I will be honest, there wasn’t much to the plot. But it was fun and spicy and cozy! If you’re looking for a low stakes, fun paranormal read, then this is a good option.
DNF at 60%.
I enjoyed Stein's first book and was excited to see her take on a paranormal romantic comedy. However, I cannot continue. The dialogue is bothering me. It is very cringy. I read this via the ebook and tried the audio to see if it would help. It didn't. I will continue to read her books.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cassie heads back home to clean out her recently deceased grandmother's home only to meet her ex-best friend Seth who is now a werewolf. They stopped being friends due to a horrible and humiliating moment that destroyed her so much that she had to be homeschooled in her final year of high school. I would think that would make him unforgivable but the story's premise is about how she realizes and explores her newly realized witch powers while Seth tries to restore their friendship.
I have to say that there were many positives to this book. I loved this little town and the magical creatures. Cassie is quippy and always looking for the good in everything even when it's so bad. She is stunted from the damage in high school as she seems not to have any deep friendships and avoids college and any major connections. The story is told completely from her POV but it gets frustrating as sometimes the dialogue is not written out but told after the fact from her perspective. I was in the moment with her one moment and then it was as if she was now looking back and relaying the incident back to the reader. It threw me off sometimes as the scenes were so lovely sometimes. Her interactions with the talking raccoon, the home coming alive, and discussions with Seth, should have continued to play out. However, it many times didn't. The chapters ended abruptly sometimes and I would scream because I wanted more. This is a good and bad thing. I loved this little world that Charlotte Stein created and felt like I only had a taste. I think this is a series so I hope to see more with other characters like Nancy and even more magical creatures.
I have to say this. I wanted to smack Seth around way too much. His lack of communication about anything drove me nuts. Just speak up Seth! Explain yourself! This would go so much easier. I just got so mad at him. Maybe this is a positive as an emotional reaction to a character is a sign the author wrote them well. However, I felt Cassie deserved better. My heart felt for her. Her friend is a fool and I wish he treasured her as she should be. Groveling should have been better.
The story was the slowest burn of slowest burns. Around the 60 percent to 90 percent mark things did get nuts and I was biting my nails and covering my eyes. It went from Gilmore Girls to Melrose Place. (Cassie, you're the beast!)
I loved Cassie and bonded with her and her struggles with her worthiness to be loved. I want more of her self-empowerment in the next books and wish I had her powers.
I was provided the audiobook as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. The narrator Yael Rizowy was amazing and I LOVED listening to her. She was the voice of Cassie and she captured the surfer bro tone of Seth that I wanted him to have.
This book started off as a cute cozy paranormal romance but switched into smut pretty quickly. I think I would have enjoyed it more if there was more of the cute story. There was a lot of smut, which isn't bad persay, but I think it would have had more story it would have had a better impact.
Seth and Cassie are the two main characters in this story. Seth is a werewolf, which she finds out as he is breaking into her grandmother's house. Seth has said some cruel things to her in their past, which ruined their friendship. After he breaks into her grandmother's house, they rekindle their friendship and it blooms into a very romantic one. There was a lot of built up tension and sexual frustration from their long time friendship and feelings.
I really enjoyed the narration of this audiobook and I feel that the narrator did a great job distinguishing between the characters. I think their voices matched how I would have imagined them sounding. The smutty scenes were very well narrorated also.
Thank you Netgalley, Macmillian audio, and Charolotte Stein for an ARC of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
I have mixed feelings about this book.
Honestly, it just wasn’t great and the FMC was not relatable and was so insecure that it wasn’t really enjoyable to listen to a story from her point of view. But I actually really liked the MMC and found his nerdy werewolf vibe really adorable. So it was a hard mix match of writing for me.
A lot of time, stories like this are salvageable because of the spice, and once the spice kicks in, it’s good…but it doesn’t kick in until 80% into the book. So it just was a little too late for me.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the free ALC. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I really wanted to love this but felt a tad repetitive and felt like I heard something similar before. It felt longer then needed and that's at 2x speed.
3.5/5
I went into this werewolf romance thinking I was about to get a fun ride—romance, maybe some humor. But instead, I ended up with a book I couldn’t even finish. And trust me, I tried. It's unfortunate because I really wanted to. DNF at 35%
The main character? Exhausting. She spent half the time ranting about how much she hated the romantic interest and the other half going on about how attractive he was. She forgave him way too easily for the ridiculous thing he did to her before he even really gave a reason for it. I mean, if someone treated me like that, we’d need way more than a smoldering stare to patch things up.
As for the humor, well...I was promised laughs, but what I got was cringey banter. It seemed like the characters felt the need to crack a bad joke every five seconds. After a while, I was just tired of the attempts at being funny when there was absolutely nothing to laugh about.
In the end, I had to give up. The plot wasn’t going anywhere, the romance was frustrating, and I couldn’t connect with anyone in the story. I really wanted to like it, but it just wasn’t for me.