Overall, this was a fun and entertaining plot with a lot of supernatural elements I loved! However, I thought there were several parts in the story I didn't fully understand or didn't think were explained well enough. My biggest drawback from this book was the MMC. I believe the mix of how the MMC was written and the narrator made him sound like an annoying, dumb middle school or high school boy. By the end, I found the MMC enduring and goofy, but I wish I weren't so dismissive of his character.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook for How to Help a Hungry Werewolf in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun time. The audiobook was well done and the narrator was engaging. The book is a rom-com and so I expected and wanted to laugh, which I did, thank goodness. There are some rom-coms out there that aren't that funny and this was in parts. There's something about talking fairytale creatures and talking raccoons that just get me. The voices for these creatures were hilarious! The fairies! OMG. Listening to the audio definitely makes me rate this book higher than I otherwise would have reading it physically.

The book itself is not deep, even though it touches upon bullying. I still don't know what Seth's deal was in high school that made him treat Cass poorly. I might have missed that part or can't find any justification for it. I do wish we got more backstory on Cassie's family history and Seth's transformation. While listening to the book, I felt like parts were missing. Oh, and knotting was missing too. If there are weres, there had better be knots.

I so wanted to like this book and appreciated the author's content warning at the beginning. However, I just couldn't be sold on this romance after what happens to set up tension between these characters. I was so turned off of the MMC in the prologue that there was no way I wanted to continue reading about him finding love with the person he treated so disgustingly in high school. Not for me, and I won't be trying this author again.

My second Charlotte Stein read… I had honestly thought that the last release had been her debut since I’d not heard of her previously or seen her titles before, but now I’m seeing so many! It’s just these newer ones with the illustrated covers that are getting noticed and spread on social media (and I have her early ‘25 book in my hands, too)! I’ll have to check out some of her older works.

This storyline is a complete deviation from the last, as it’s a paranormal, werewolf and witch, former high school besties turned enemies, second chance romance. The previous book was a ghost writer and the “author” in forced proximity, complete opposites and not exactly liking each other from the start, who become lovers. Both main female characters are large girls, so we have fat girl representation in both books.

I enjoyed Werewolf far more than I expected to, and far more than the last book! This was quite a lighthearted paranormal tale, where the former friends, who had quite a terrible falling out in high school, reunite when she (Cassandra) has to return to the small town she fled after the horrific bullying got to be too much to endure, and dropped out, leaving for good. She’s back after her grandmother passed, and she has to clean up and sell the house. She’s got an intruder one evening, who happens to be the former best friend turned bully (Seth), searching the house for something her grandmother promised him…

Fast forward to the pair making a magical deal - something neither expected, but draws them back together in very unlikely circumstances. Those circumstances lead to a really fun book and very interesting storyline (quite unexpected, in so many ways)! I definitely had a good time reading this one, and think it’s a perfect addition to everyone’s Halloween TBR … though it would really be a good read any time of the year.

The audiobook was narrated by Yael Rizowy, a new-to-me voice (I’m always still so surprised, as a dozen + year listener, when I come across a new name as a narrator! So many new ones, it seems, recently, and all doing great). I enjoyed her performance, but it would of course be better to have two voices doing two viewpoints.

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin), and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.

Cassandra experiences regular bullying at school for her weight. She is most disappointed in her old best friend, Seth when he crosses the boundary between silent acceptance of her bullying to active bullying when he yells at her on stage during a talent show like experience.

Fast forward to 10 years later, and Seth is at her door looking for her grandmother. Cassie is her grandmothers house to clean it out after she died. He reveals more to her than she ever knew about her own family.

She reveals that he is rummaging around and desperate to find something her grandma used to provide to help with his symptoms of being a werewolf. Yes, a werewolf… and it only gets cheesier from there 😅

Not my flavor of spice, but I won’t yuck anyone else’s yum 🤷🏻‍♀️
Male character came off more like a dumb jock, ehh..

A look into the long term impact into bullying, I felt the topic was handled well. This is different from the typical I love my bully now, but can’t share why without spoilers so give it a chance!

Narrator did a great job with expressing humor, sassy attitude, and emotion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Out on 10/1/24

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Macmillan Audio.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t know what I was expecting but I didn’t expect it to be this spicy and I was so here for it.
I thought Cassie was so very relatable. She is a plus-sized woman who was bullied for her size. So, when she reconnects with Seth who was her friend until he made some remarks she isn’t easy to forgive.

In time he shows her who she is and that she is worthy of love in any size while also showing her who she is. She learns that she is more than just a woman she is a witch, and she can help him and others with her gift.

I really enjoyed the back and forth I felt like that story was the right balance of plot and romance.

I thought the narrator did a fantastic job and I would completely listen to her again.

Laugh out loud funny! Their rivalry both tense and lighthearted as they understand their past. Her journey to discovery was endearing and charming as she took in her new reality. I got sucked in fast, the storytelling (especially in audio) is really fun, kinda carefree and light but not, if that makes sense. Just when I settled into the fun and intrigue of the story, the heat hit hard and I mean hard! A delightful, intense spice that absolutely works for their characters. I fell hook, line and sinker for this story from start to finish. So emotionally invested that I practically threw the book at the wall at a certain intense moment. I felt everything Cassie felt and that is truly masterful writing. I adored this story and will definitely be snatching up all of Stein’s books.
The narration was top tier. I am used to dual narration and often miss the alternate voice in single, but not in this case. The dual voices created by Yael Rizowy are just as good as any two narrators.

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.

There was both too much happening and yet not enough. But the narrator was PHENOMENAL and I will absolutely be listening to more audiobooks read by her. Her voice was engaging and smooth and I really loved this audio. I wish I loved the book as much as I did the audio.

Okay, here’s a more casual review:
So, I just finished How to Help a Hungry Werewolf and let me tell you, it was a total blast! The banter between the characters was hilarious, the smut was 🔥, and the magic was just plain cool. I loved the world-building—it felt like a place I could actually visit.

The only thing that kinda bugged me was how quick Cassie was to forgive Seth. Like, witch, he really messed up. I mean, he should’ve at least apologized or something, right?

But other than that, the narrator did a great job and the book was a total win. Definitely recommend it if you’re into fantasy with a side of hotness.

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.

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!

I’m excited for all the paranormal spooky reads this season, and a werewolf romance seemed like a good start. This started cute, although a bit quirky and corny, with Seth, a former high school best friend, showing up on Cassie’s doorstep as a werewolf. Apparently, he knows she has witchy powers, but she doesn’t.

This had the potential to be a sweet second-chance romance. Seth shows Cassie parts of the magical world as she comes into her witchiness. They also have to work out some lingering past hurts between them. But things quickly go from paranormal cozy to crazy steamy - and that’s where we stay. This one needed way more depth for me.



Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.

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

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.

I had a lot of fun listening to this audiobook. Charlotte Stein is a new to me author and I kept hearing such great things from other authors celebrating her style. Honestly I saw several not so stellar reviews which really only made me more curious to read this, and can see some of their points, but I think depending on what type of reader you are, this book may or may not be your jam. If you are a hardcore paranormal fan that likes a dash of romance, perhaps this is not for you. But as a romance reader who’s read very little paranormal, I easily jumped on board with the story of a witch and werewolf and was interested to see how Stein would turn around the relationship between best friends to enemies to co-conspirators and fated mates.

Throughout much of the story, Cassie and Seth are learning more and more about their super powers. In fact, Cassie isn’t even unaware that she’s a witch at all until she stumbles upon Seth acting very strangely at her grandmother’s house. I liked how the magical aspects revealed themselves bit by bit. We are always in Cassie’s point of view so the way she has to make decisions, mask her emotions around Seth, and come to terms with her newfound magical powers felt very much like how I would react if also put into that situation. Cassie and Seth talk to one another in a teasing silly manner which is indicative of a friendship begun in youth. I could tell they weren’t quite sure how to navigate the grown up hypersexualized feelings they now have for one another, and so most of their interactions are playful and youthful. I think this is because Yael Rizowy perfectly captures both Cassie and Seth’s personalities. Her voice for Seth is somewhat “dude-bro” but it works so well with his dialogue at seeming somewhat naive about most everything, which gives Cassie the upper hand. I would definitely listen to her narrate another story because she is so versatile in her character voices and knew how to play into the ridiculousness of the plot.

Stein hilariously pulls off the fated mates plotline—“oh no! We have urges for each other that can’t be controlled because we are destined for each other, whatever will we do?” and makes those scenes unbelievably sexy and hot all while making you laugh. In fact, I’m now convinced I need to be reincarnated as a werewolf’s mate because that stuff is HOT! And again, Rizowy does an excellent job switching from humor to intimacy to fighting for your life and takes it all in stride. So if you’re looking for a spicy story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is definitely a good time, I would recommend How to Help a Hungry Werewolf. I received an early copy from Macmillan audio. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭.5
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed it. It made me laugh out loud numerous times. It was light and funny and very, very steamy. Hot flash steamy. A perfect friend’s to enemies to lovers story with a touch of magic thrown in for fun.

How To Help A Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein narrated by Yayile’ll Rizoyi. Let me start by saying I cannot believe I wasted a good Saturday listening to this book that really should minus the sex, be for middle schoolers or teenagers. It’s about 28 year old Cassie who because of a prank her ex best friend and then bully Seth played on her at the school talent show that she now doesn’t have friends cannot get a job and is pretty much a wastrel. To me that’s almost an insult to people who were really bullied because I mean really that one event and I get it the fat shaming I really did get it, but to have it affect your whole life… Get some counseling. OK in chapter 1 I wanted to DNF the book I mean he’s asking about her grandma and is shocked that Adeline has passed away but Cassie is so stuck in her own teenage mind that she not only doesn’t answer his questions but slams a door in his face. No worries though because soon she listens to his problem and decides to help him. Thankfully Seth is now hot and so there’s no need for redemption, apologies or remorse because before we know it things get hot and heavy and I do mean hot and heavy so as not to give anything away I’m going to stop my review here but I do have a question. In the beginning of the book she said her mom and dad lived out of town and that she spent one magical summer at her grandmothers house so here’s my question how did she go to high school with Seth? Not to mention almost the whole second half of the book is detailed unnecessary sexual encounters I will be honest and say I didn’t even listen to the last hour because by that point I knew I did not like this book. I thought the narrator was only OK she made male characters sound like teenage prepubescent boys, but regardless for many reasons this book was not for me and it said because I was looking so forward to reading it.#NetGalley, #McMillanAudio, #CharlotteStein, #HowToHelpAHungryWerewolf,

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf was really fun to read! It was definitely a little silly and ridiculous but in a fun way. My only complaint about the book and it’s not anything major, is that the ending felt super rushed.

This was a cute witchy book filled with banter and HEAT. I have noticed some other reviews seeming upset or confused at the amount of sexy scenes - personally it was pretty clear to me going into this book based on the description that this was to be expected. So if you are not interested in a handful (sorry) of open door scenes, this may not be the book for you. The banter also veers strongly toward the sexual and immature side, so proceed accordingly. In the audiobook (can’t speak to the other versions but I assume it is there as well) there was a very clear and specific trigger warning at the beginning regarding bullying and fat-phobia, among other topics. Please make sure not to skip this warning and, again, decide if this may not be for you.

That said, I did really enjoy this book! It was fun and zany, low stakes, perfect for autumn/spooky-ish (not scary!). The banter was immature but not in a way that bothered me - it kind of made sense for the characters as they were essentially picking back up after several years from being friends in high school, so the banter among other parts of their relationship hadn’t evolved. I would have loved for the familiar and enchanted household appliances to be featured in the book more prominently. They brought so much extra whimsy and personality to the story!

The audiobook and narration were perfect! I will definitely be on the lookout for more audiobooks narrated by Yael Rizowy in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I just could not get into this one. The step up was not for me and I felt like the writing was immature. The audio narration was also not my favorite.