A Stars Hollow for Supernatural Beings???

 

TITLE: Howl (Monster Boyfriends #2)

AUTHOR: Meg Alivien

PUBLISHER: Duke Books

PUBLISHING DATE: September 2, 2025

PAGES: 252   

SOURCE: Kindle Unlimited 

FROM GOODREADS: In the small town of Shadow Hills, Tennessee, paranormals and humans coexist on charming cobblestone streets. For tourists, it's the perfect place to visit and experience Halloween all year round. But for Raegan Baker, it's home. Living among werewolves, vampires, and other beings unlike herself is perfectly normal, and besides the small town drama, Raegan’s life is peaceful. She’s happy working at the local bookstore, Bound & Buried, and spending time with her two best friends, Jamie and Joanna.

However, after a scary incident with an ex-boyfriend, things with Jamie start to change. Suddenly, Jamie is no longer just the sweet friend Raegan has known and loved since she was sixteen. Now he’s…sexy, and incredibly protective of her. 

But Jamie is harboring a deep secret. Sure, he’s been in love with his best friend since high school, but he’s also a werewolf. The grudge he’s held against the inner monster that stole his autonomy has dictated his life for far too long, and it’s time to come clean. 

Once the secret is out, both Raegan and Jamie will be forced to face all of their worries and fears head on, as well as their hidden feelings for one another. But where do they even start? 

This low stakes, minimal plot / mostly vibes, friends to lovers romance is perfect for fans of Halloweentown and Gilmore Girls!

MY THOUGHTS: I actually grabbed this one a month or so back when I needed a book that started with an "H" for a reading contest I am doing.  I saw the Gilmore Girls comparison and have to say, it really delivered on that vibe.

Raegan and Jamie have been besties since he moved to Shadow Hills in high school.  They have always relied on each other for everything so when Reagan decides to break up with her current idiot boyfriend, Jamie senses it may not go well and insists on going with her.  Jamie has always been protective of Reagan and while he has secretly been in love with her for years, but how can he ever share with her he is actually a werewolf when it's a side of himself he has resented for years.

I really liked Reagan and Jamie as characters and had so much fun getting to know the residents of Shadow Falls.  In town, humans and supernaturals live side by side as something happened years ago which led to sanctuary towns being created to protect those different from everyone else.  Reagan herself has no special powers, but she loves her town and holds no judgement for anyone.  It also doesn't hurt that the town is basically described as living in Halloween season all year long and I love that idea. As the synopsis says, the plot is pretty low stakes and there are a couple of steamy scenes but it's on the shorter side so everything pretty much worked together to create a really enjoyable read. 

This book would be great read now that Fall has actually commenced.  I can imagine curling up in a blanket on the couch with my hot beverage of choice and losing myself for a few hours in this cozy world.  Good thing there is a companion novel featuring some side characters from this book.  Now to work it in!

MY RATING: 5 PAWS