Thank you, Berkley Romance and Netgalley, for a copy of this eARC for an honest review.
When I say that Patricia Briggs had a new novel coming out this October, and I had the opportunity to check it out, I screamed. This novel of well-written, combined short stories did not disappoint. While they are short stories, they seamlessly lead from one story to another, making it a full-length novel that is well formatted. I love the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series, and this was the perfect addition. The characters were well written, the stories had just the right amount of chaos, and the MMC was, of course, loveable in his grumpy, old, protective way. While I think readers who enjoy paranormal romance would get a kick out of reading this book and don't necessarily need to read the other series, I think the background information regarding the world and characters makes it much more enjoyable. I recommend this novel to anyone who has enjoyed any of Briggs’ series, even if they have not finished them yet.

Blind Date with a Werewolf is a series of short stories that Patricia Briggs put together about everyone’s favorite charming old werewolf, Asil. The stories are connected by the thread of Asil being challenged to accept five blind dates from “Concerned Friends,” and some have been released before, but all were fun to read.

Asil’s five dates are a series of disasters and ancient evils that need to be defeated, but one of them is a young half-fae that his wolf wants as his mate. Asil and his wolf are so sweet about Ruby (Mashallah!), and readers will love seeing them grow closer together. There’s also the delight of finding out what happens to the “Concerned Friends” and how Asil heals from his trauma with Mariposa.

The only complaint that might be voiced about this anthology concerns Asil’s partner for the cat lovers date….Was she evil? Is she alive?

A collection of Asil themed short stories, in which he is coerced into a series of blind dates- none of which go completely to plan, but all of which of absolutely wonderful.
Asil is one of my favorite wolves, and to have a series of stories focusing solely on him? Amazing!
Each date becomes more of an adventure than a romantic endeavor, with Asil swooping into to save the day on several occasions. Maybe even find a little love of him own?



Thank you to netGalley for an e-Ar in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved reading this book! I've read a few of the short stories that were published in various anthologies, but there were 2 more, and yeah, I enjoyed reading them back to back! I'd forgotten a lot of details, so I'm glad that collection of all 5 stories, new and old, exists!

The main things that I remembered was that one of the dates was a bad guy, and that the 4th date might be end-game. To see the adventures that Asil had on these dates, with good people and bad people, was really great! Plus we got the missing 3rd date, which was great, and I loved how there were some connections to the 5th date!

That 5th date was really interesting, because with the end of the 4th, Asil said he was done. But I'm glad that he did go on it, because that was a really bad situation that he was perfect to help solve and make better. The way it wrapped up was just so fantastic!

I totally had no clue who was behind this whole endeavor. So to find out who it was, that was pretty shocking! But the reveal was really well done, I could see a spin off series of novellas of retaliation, not that Asil is upset with the results of these dates!

This was so much fun to read and I can't wait to read more by Patricia Briggs!

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs is the story of ancient, deadly werewolf Asil, whose friends have decided that he needs to get out more so they gift him with five blind dates. Of course much mayhem occurs on each date and Asil's life changes in ways he couldn't imagine. This is another good story by the master of werewolf stories, Patricia Briggs.

I love this series and all the side characters. Fun, hilarious and entertaining. Could not put down. Loved how everything went so wrong it turned right.

It’s been a while since I read a Patricia Briggs book (no real reason why. Just lost track of her). I’m so glad I picked her back up again. I was happy to be back in the world of Mercy Thompson. Asil is such a compelling character. I think I read one of the stories a few years ago but didn’t mind revisiting it. Definitely put Blind Date with a Werewolf on your bookshelf.

Asil, Asil, Asil…. What does life have for you but your roses. Wait! What is this? A date? Hmmmmm, non-spoiler: Asil turns it into an adventure. Do not miss this!

This short story novel weaves a mesmerizing tale full of magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. The world-building is lush and immersive, making every setting feel vivid and alive. The story balances epic battles with heartfelt moments, creating a rich emotional journey. It’s a magical, captivating read that will stay with you long after the last page.

Patricia Briggs has incredible skill writing short stories that convey so much in just a few pages. Some of my all time favourites have been Wishing Well, Gray, Fairy Gifts, and my favourite and the first in this amazing collection of short stories, Unappreciated Gifts. I’ve read along with Asil’s online dating exploits as the first three stories were released individually, so to get all five dates now in one volume is an incredible delight. Asil is unabashedly confident in his stunning looks which always gets a giggle out of me, and the shenanigans he has to undergo in this volume of short stories are fun while still treating the plot and how it relates to Asil’s complicated back story seriously. He has long since been one of my favourite side characters, ever since he first held Anna’s hand in Alpha and Omega book 1, so a volume of just him is something I can get on board with. If you love werewolves, mischeif, and romance, this might just be a Christmas read for you, certainly something I’ll be rereading when the winter time comes.

I have been looking forward to reading this since I first heard about it and was so excited to get the ARC from NetGalley, and it didn’t disappoint. After a “concerned friend” gifts Asil with 5 blind dates for Christmas, Asil embarks on an adventure that will change his life in ways he could have never imagined. I have always loved Asil, and I loved this glimpse into his life and the opportunity it gave us to learn more about him. While this book can be read as a standalone, there are a few things that are easier to understand if you have the context of the other series. Also, I always recommend reading both the Mercy Thompson Series and the Alpha Omaga Series just because they are amazing!

A collection of stories about Asil the Moor and blind dating. In the world of Mercy where things happen for a reason . ARC from NetGalley.

I enjoy this book very much and found the idea of setting up a werewolf with a blind date both scary and intriguing. That the Werewolf in question would be willing to go on these adventures was an unexpected treat. I enjoy the date and loved the fact that although they did not exactly go as planned they were a good date. Asil was a good sport and went with the adventure wish the book was longer I also enjoyed how the dates and stories connect at the last story. The pacing was well done that as the date continued the story and the action picked up.

This collection of short stories centers around Asil, whom we have come to love through the Alpha and Omega novels but he does make an appearance in the Mercy Thompson series also. Asil's pack sets him up on a series of blind dates and interesting things follow. He is such a wonderful character and it's good to see him get so many stories.

I love The Moor and he's always been a favorite of mine since his appearance in the series. It was delightful to get to know him a bit better and see a more comedic side to him. I can't wait to see where the next title goes!

4.5 stars

An Asil short story collection--hooray! There are three previously published stories and two new ones in this collection, and I loved having all five of Asil's blind dates together in chronological order. I liked the continuity, especially the humor of how the first story ended and the second story started.
The second story, "Must Love Cats: Aftermath," was one of the two new ones in the collection. It felt more like half a story, but I can appreciate the creative choice she made, started it where she did. It was great comedic timing for the transition from the first story, and I'm pretty sure I didn't need to see these particular villains in action anyway. It also provided important setup for the other new story, "Sheherazade," which I loved.
There's a line from the first episode of Veronica Mars, when her new friend Wallace sees through her tough exterior to the person who's willing to go to great lengths to help people (to be fair, she's also willing to go to great lengths for revenge, but that's another discussion). He says, "Veronica Mars, you're a marshmallow." And I think we could say the same of Asil. Briggs has established him in the series as this ticking time bomb about to go on a killing spree at any moment, and she continues that characterization in these stories. But, when confronted with innocents in danger, or people exhibiting admirable bravery, our dear, beautiful Asil is in fact, a marshmallow. And I love him for it.
I said in a previous review when I read the first story that introduced Ruby, "Dating Terrors," originally published in 2022, that Asil fans were going to lose their minds. That goes for "Sheherazade" as well. Ruby is a fantastic new character to the series, as well as Asil's wolf, who started talking to him in "Dating Terrors" after centuries of just being a rage-filled internal presence. I hope to see much more of both characters in the main Alpha and Omega series or in future stories.

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs is an absolute delight, delivering exactly the kind of action-packed, twisty fun that fans of the Mercyverse have come to expect. Asil, one of the most intriguing werewolves in the series, finds himself navigating five hilariously chaotic blind dates that quickly spiral into a thrilling guessing game of victims and perpetrators. Patricia Briggs once again proves her mastery of urban fantasy, blending humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments seamlessly. The fourth date in particular was a standout, and the epilogue added a satisfying layer of depth to the Mercyverse. If there’s one downside, it’s that I wish it were longer—I just can’t get enough of Asil! Highly recommended for anyone who loves action-packed adventures with a touch of werewolf charm.

I love you, Patricia Briggs. There is nothing you could write that I would not get my hands on to devour in an evening. This is another spin off from Mercy Thompson's universe. I love this.

Everyone’s fave killer werewolf gets a book of his own!
Asil is set up on a series of 5 blind dates by a mysterious friend as a Christmas gift. In order to get him to go , it is set up as a challenge. The only problem- there seems to be something wrong with the vetting as every date ends in mayhem. Can Asil survive to win?
Fun read. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Poor Asil, an old werewolf who thinks life is over and is ready to die before he loses control and hurts an innocent. In this latest addition to the Mercy Thompson world, we find a "concerned" friend setting Asil up with 5 blind dates as a Christmas gift. While not enthusiastic, he plays along simply as a way to pass the time before the end. It turns out nothing is ever that simple, and sometimes what an old wolf needs is some romance and murder. This is an enjoyable look into a character that has only been in the background of other stories, and is very satisfying by the end.