What do you think?
Rate this book
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!
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!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
483 people are currently reading
1628 people want to read
About the author
Meg Alivien
4 books110 followersMeg Alivien is a writer, cat-mom, and wife.
Other than writing, you can find Meg listening to audiobooks, binging her favorite tv shows, learning new recipes, and fangirling over her favorite fictional characters.
Meg is the author of cozy and spicy paranormal romance. Her small town Monster Boyfriends series, described as Halloweentown meets Gilmore Girls, has over 2 million pages read on Amazon and can be found in indie bookstores nationwide!
Represented by Brittney Brunelle at The Seymour Agency.
Other than writing, you can find Meg listening to audiobooks, binging her favorite tv shows, learning new recipes, and fangirling over her favorite fictional characters.
Meg is the author of cozy and spicy paranormal romance. Her small town Monster Boyfriends series, described as Halloweentown meets Gilmore Girls, has over 2 million pages read on Amazon and can be found in indie bookstores nationwide!
Represented by Brittney Brunelle at The Seymour Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
November 26, 2024
I really wanted to love this small town, friends to lovers, werewolf romance, but between the miscommunication, weird pacing, and lack of plot; I couldn't get into it at all. The romance follows two friends, Raegan and Jamie, who have always had secret crushes on one another. With Jamie hesitant to say anything because a mate bond has not kicked in between the two of them, they continue on as friends. However, when Raegan is threatened by her ex-boyfriend, and Jaime goes into protective mode, the two are forced to admit they feel something more.
While the small town was absolutely adorable and Jamie was so sweet and caring, I was quite disappointed with this story. What little plot the romance had was very surface level and lacking any depth, it didn't aid in developing their relationship, if anything it seemed to get in the way. I swear, these two barely had more than 2 conversations about their relationship and their feelings outside of the mate bond. I was expecting so much more swoon and romancing but Jamie and Raegan left so much to be desired, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
While the small town was absolutely adorable and Jamie was so sweet and caring, I was quite disappointed with this story. What little plot the romance had was very surface level and lacking any depth, it didn't aid in developing their relationship, if anything it seemed to get in the way. I swear, these two barely had more than 2 conversations about their relationship and their feelings outside of the mate bond. I was expecting so much more swoon and romancing but Jamie and Raegan left so much to be desired, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
December 31, 2025
this was such a sweet, low-stakes, cozy paranormal romance 🥰
thank you Tantor Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
✨ best friends to lovers
🍂 fall + Halloween vibes
📚 bookstore employee/romance reader fmc
🐺 protective cinnamon roll werewolf mmc
🫣 hidden identity
💫 MCs in their 30s
🛏 only one bed
🌟 fated mates
🪢 knotting
🫶🏼 found family
🚫 no 3rd act breakup
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4 | 🌶️: 2 |
“I wonder if it’s possible for humans to have soulmates. If so, I’m pretty sure he’s mine.”
I love a best friends to lovers story 🥹
They’ve been friends since they were teens, and now they’re in their 30s (also love reading older MCs!)
I adored that Jamie had always been in love with Raegan, the yearning 🥹
Once his protective side comes out 🫠
I love this small town Meg’s created, a safe place for humans + paranormals to coexist 🥰
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I think both narrators fit their characters well, and I enjoyed the audio.
📖 Howl by Meg Alivien
📚 book 1 • Monster Boyfriends series
🐺: paranormal romance
🎙 narrated by: Stephanie Rose & Tim Paige
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
thank you Tantor Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
✨ best friends to lovers
🍂 fall + Halloween vibes
📚 bookstore employee/romance reader fmc
🐺 protective cinnamon roll werewolf mmc
🫣 hidden identity
💫 MCs in their 30s
🛏 only one bed
🌟 fated mates
🪢 knotting
🫶🏼 found family
🚫 no 3rd act breakup
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio+ebook | ⭐️: 4 | 🌶️: 2 |
“I wonder if it’s possible for humans to have soulmates. If so, I’m pretty sure he’s mine.”
I love a best friends to lovers story 🥹
They’ve been friends since they were teens, and now they’re in their 30s (also love reading older MCs!)
I adored that Jamie had always been in love with Raegan, the yearning 🥹
Once his protective side comes out 🫠
I love this small town Meg’s created, a safe place for humans + paranormals to coexist 🥰
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
I think both narrators fit their characters well, and I enjoyed the audio.
📖 Howl by Meg Alivien
📚 book 1 • Monster Boyfriends series
🐺: paranormal romance
🎙 narrated by: Stephanie Rose & Tim Paige
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
September 20, 2025
3.7 stars. Sweet best friends to lovers that made me realise I emjpy that throne. paranormal with werewolf and made me very interested to read book two with another couple
December 3, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Fajna, krótka ale właśnie możliwe, że to jest jej minus. Chciałabym trochę więcej ich relacji, trochę więcej dowiedzieć się o całym miasteczku, trochę więcej wilkołaków. Mimo, że przyjemna to była historia i zaraz zabiorę się za kolejną część, to wiem że raczej szybko o niej zapomnę i przypomnę sobie dopiero jak będę robić podsumowanie miesiąca.
Fajna, krótka ale właśnie możliwe, że to jest jej minus. Chciałabym trochę więcej ich relacji, trochę więcej dowiedzieć się o całym miasteczku, trochę więcej wilkołaków. Mimo, że przyjemna to była historia i zaraz zabiorę się za kolejną część, to wiem że raczej szybko o niej zapomnę i przypomnę sobie dopiero jak będę robić podsumowanie miesiąca.
October 26, 2024
Thank you so much to Meg Alivien for the ARC! <3
“Howl” is the first novel in the Monster boyfriend series. Although the author promises a low stakes, mostly vibes romance I think that is a bit underselling it. “Howl” is meant to be a feel-good novel, something safe you sometimes crave when you just want something that you know will not let you down, but its female main character has a lot of depth to explore.
Raegan Baker is a timid and mostly reserved person, given this is a dual POV romance, we get to see her deepest thoughts. There are things we witness from her mind where we can see that she struggles a lot with imagery. She sees other people thinking about her with pity when it’s really just her idea of herself. She sees in other people what she sees for herself. I am unsure if I can assess her as someone with low self-esteem but there are things that she said about herself that resonated with me. “I am afraid of ruining this friendship”, she never expects Jamie to be the person to cause trouble. She puts the weight of messing up something good on her. Jamie has a good reason to fear messing up their relationship - he is a werewolf and Raegan finding that out may cause a strain on their relationship. But Raegan only fears her feelings and how their relationship will evolve.
Though Jamie feels like the one that has a lot more to lose since his feelings for her are more intense, a possible bump in their friendship would cause more harm mentally to Raegan. When she says she’s not ready to be completely naked in front of him, I wasn’t sure if it was because she thought that was such an intimate step in their relationship or that she did not feel comfortable with her body. I believe it could be both: maybe she thinks it’s a little too soon but also as she is shy she probably feels self-conscious being around him without any clothes.
Jamie also has some questions in regards to their relationship and how Raegan will see him but that is mostly because his body is different and knowing her too well, he is afraid to let her down. Jamie struggles with accepting the wolf and his part as a werewolf in society, while Raegan's battles are more within.
That does not mean that this romance is not cosy and adorable, because it is. But it’s not without its depth and meaning on the character’s side. The plot is very straightforward because the main focus is definitely the characters and their struggles with relationships and accepting how they are. “Howl” is a journey through the minds of two people who struggle to navigate their feelings from friends to lovers. It has lots of endearing moments that will make the reader smile and feel that they’ve read a good story.
“Howl” is the first novel in the Monster boyfriend series. Although the author promises a low stakes, mostly vibes romance I think that is a bit underselling it. “Howl” is meant to be a feel-good novel, something safe you sometimes crave when you just want something that you know will not let you down, but its female main character has a lot of depth to explore.
Raegan Baker is a timid and mostly reserved person, given this is a dual POV romance, we get to see her deepest thoughts. There are things we witness from her mind where we can see that she struggles a lot with imagery. She sees other people thinking about her with pity when it’s really just her idea of herself. She sees in other people what she sees for herself. I am unsure if I can assess her as someone with low self-esteem but there are things that she said about herself that resonated with me. “I am afraid of ruining this friendship”, she never expects Jamie to be the person to cause trouble. She puts the weight of messing up something good on her. Jamie has a good reason to fear messing up their relationship - he is a werewolf and Raegan finding that out may cause a strain on their relationship. But Raegan only fears her feelings and how their relationship will evolve.
Though Jamie feels like the one that has a lot more to lose since his feelings for her are more intense, a possible bump in their friendship would cause more harm mentally to Raegan. When she says she’s not ready to be completely naked in front of him, I wasn’t sure if it was because she thought that was such an intimate step in their relationship or that she did not feel comfortable with her body. I believe it could be both: maybe she thinks it’s a little too soon but also as she is shy she probably feels self-conscious being around him without any clothes.
Jamie also has some questions in regards to their relationship and how Raegan will see him but that is mostly because his body is different and knowing her too well, he is afraid to let her down. Jamie struggles with accepting the wolf and his part as a werewolf in society, while Raegan's battles are more within.
That does not mean that this romance is not cosy and adorable, because it is. But it’s not without its depth and meaning on the character’s side. The plot is very straightforward because the main focus is definitely the characters and their struggles with relationships and accepting how they are. “Howl” is a journey through the minds of two people who struggle to navigate their feelings from friends to lovers. It has lots of endearing moments that will make the reader smile and feel that they’ve read a good story.
December 8, 2024
yalllllll this was exactly what i needed after a bout of meh reads. i LOVED jamie so so much. if you’re interested in getting into monster romance this would be such a sweet and cozy start!!! it was the perfect length too and im so excited for the rest of the series!
October 22, 2024
Howl
Meg Alivien
252 pgs
4.5 Stars
"A smile warms my face. There are so many versions of her, and I love every one of them. The stubborn, confrontational Raegan, the overthinker, the playful and lighthearted Raegan, and the one I'm looking at now: the unguarded Raegan in her safe place. A perfect little burrito protected from the world."
Ahh! What a fun and superbly different take on a werewolf romance! If Gilmore Girls were mixed with a splash of Vampire Diaries, a dollop of Halloweentown, and just a sprinkle of bookish sparkle, you'd have Howl, a fun, small-town, Halloween werewolf romance. Reagan is the FMC that vibes and seems like one that would make a great friend, and Jamie is the protective cinnamon roll MMC with a supernatural secret. Meg wrote characters that were easy to get to know and fun to read, making for an enjoyable story. I loved Jamie's character, his witty comebacks, his support of his friends, and his nickname for Raegan. UGH, perfection. Raegan was a fun FMC, and I loved that she worked at the bookstore, finding new books for her bookshelf being a priority of hers. I stand behind her 100%. Her cat, Cleetus, was a perfect addition, and I hope he sticks around in the series. The supernatural touches to the book were perfectly written, and the ex-boyfriend arc delivered some deliciously protective behavior from Jamie. I do have to say that I need more Aidan, though!
"As I drift off listening to the sound of his steady breathing, I wonder if it's possible for humans to have soulmates. If so, I'm pretty sure he's mine."
Howl was a quick read and perfect for the Halloween season, and I will definitely continue the series! I recommend that it be added to all TBRs, but especially if you want a spicer Halloween Gilmore Girls vibe, like a protective, mate-possessive golden retriever type wolf, or need a quick, spicy Halloween read! Thank you, Meg Alivien, for the book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Meg Alivien
252 pgs
4.5 Stars
"A smile warms my face. There are so many versions of her, and I love every one of them. The stubborn, confrontational Raegan, the overthinker, the playful and lighthearted Raegan, and the one I'm looking at now: the unguarded Raegan in her safe place. A perfect little burrito protected from the world."
Ahh! What a fun and superbly different take on a werewolf romance! If Gilmore Girls were mixed with a splash of Vampire Diaries, a dollop of Halloweentown, and just a sprinkle of bookish sparkle, you'd have Howl, a fun, small-town, Halloween werewolf romance. Reagan is the FMC that vibes and seems like one that would make a great friend, and Jamie is the protective cinnamon roll MMC with a supernatural secret. Meg wrote characters that were easy to get to know and fun to read, making for an enjoyable story. I loved Jamie's character, his witty comebacks, his support of his friends, and his nickname for Raegan. UGH, perfection. Raegan was a fun FMC, and I loved that she worked at the bookstore, finding new books for her bookshelf being a priority of hers. I stand behind her 100%. Her cat, Cleetus, was a perfect addition, and I hope he sticks around in the series. The supernatural touches to the book were perfectly written, and the ex-boyfriend arc delivered some deliciously protective behavior from Jamie. I do have to say that I need more Aidan, though!
"As I drift off listening to the sound of his steady breathing, I wonder if it's possible for humans to have soulmates. If so, I'm pretty sure he's mine."
Howl was a quick read and perfect for the Halloween season, and I will definitely continue the series! I recommend that it be added to all TBRs, but especially if you want a spicer Halloween Gilmore Girls vibe, like a protective, mate-possessive golden retriever type wolf, or need a quick, spicy Halloween read! Thank you, Meg Alivien, for the book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 23, 2024
This was such a fun read!! If you love paranormal romance and are in the market for a cozy but also a little spicy spooky season one - Pick. This. Up. 🐺🍂
I absolutely loved both the MCs in this book. The FMC Raegan is so relatable, she is me and I am her. Refer to the quote below for reference lol. She has anxiety, is in her early thirties and loves to read! As for our MMC, what a guy! He is an incredible friend, he cooks for her, and takes care of her so much, to see that translate into lovers had me kicking my feet.
♡ “Most of my time is spent in loungewear and t-shirts. As a thirty-two year old, I find I’d rather be comfortable than fashionable. ‘I thought you read on your kindle? What’s the point of all these books?’ ‘They’re my trophies,’ I say, completely serious. ‘I read the ebook or listen to the audiobook, and then if I really liked it, I buy a physical copy for my shelves.’” ♡
I also really enjoyed the human x paranormal relations in this story. The fact that they can co-exist but only in specifically assigned towns was really interesting. Aside from werewolves, there are also tons of other paranormals in this town.
Another detail that stood out in this story for me was the mating bond ritual. While I’m sure if you’ve read any werewolf story you know about 🪢🪢🪢 already, so that wasn’t a surprise. What I did find unique was the fact that an event can trigger a bond to snap into place, but if ignored for long enough it can fade away. Plus he gives her a choice in the mating bond, love a respectful MMC 😮💨
Overall, definitely recommend Howl!
✨Available now on KU!✨
Thank you for sharing this e-arc with me @authormegalivien 🫶🏻
I absolutely loved both the MCs in this book. The FMC Raegan is so relatable, she is me and I am her. Refer to the quote below for reference lol. She has anxiety, is in her early thirties and loves to read! As for our MMC, what a guy! He is an incredible friend, he cooks for her, and takes care of her so much, to see that translate into lovers had me kicking my feet.
♡ “Most of my time is spent in loungewear and t-shirts. As a thirty-two year old, I find I’d rather be comfortable than fashionable. ‘I thought you read on your kindle? What’s the point of all these books?’ ‘They’re my trophies,’ I say, completely serious. ‘I read the ebook or listen to the audiobook, and then if I really liked it, I buy a physical copy for my shelves.’” ♡
I also really enjoyed the human x paranormal relations in this story. The fact that they can co-exist but only in specifically assigned towns was really interesting. Aside from werewolves, there are also tons of other paranormals in this town.
Another detail that stood out in this story for me was the mating bond ritual. While I’m sure if you’ve read any werewolf story you know about 🪢🪢🪢 already, so that wasn’t a surprise. What I did find unique was the fact that an event can trigger a bond to snap into place, but if ignored for long enough it can fade away. Plus he gives her a choice in the mating bond, love a respectful MMC 😮💨
Overall, definitely recommend Howl!
✨Available now on KU!✨
Thank you for sharing this e-arc with me @authormegalivien 🫶🏻
October 18, 2024
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Friends to lovers 🍋
• Only one bed 🛏️
• Low stakes, mostly vibes 🫶🏻
• No third act breakup 🤎
• She reads romance 📚
• Small town in the fall 🍂
• Cinnamon roll werewolf boy 🐺
• Spice with 🪢
Get ready to cozy up because "Howl" by Meg Alivien is coming out just in time for Halloween, releasing on October 22nd! This book is the perfect fall treat, with a charming blend of Halloweentown vibes and Gilmore Girls' small-town feel. With its mix of supernatural creatures—werewolves, witches, vampires, banshees, and even a cuddly cat named Cleetus—it captures the magic and coziness of the season effortlessly.
The story delivers a friends-to-lovers romance that’s sweet, funny, and full of thoughtful moments. Alivien really knows how to set the mood, and the characters' bond shines through acts of service and little gestures that make you want to root for them from the start. The atmosphere is perfectly autumnal, giving you that warm-and-fuzzy feeling of fall leaves crunching underfoot and a crisp breeze in the air. It’s a low-stakes, all-vibes read that lets you escape into a world where Halloween magic is real.
A few plot points did feel a bit scattered, and the touch of drama felt less necessary than the slow-burn romance itself. But hey, the cozy ambiance and supportive friendships made up for it.
If you’re looking for a Halloween read that’s more about cuddles and sweet moments than high drama, "Howl" should be at the top of your list. Big thanks to Meg Alivien for the early copy—it’s a seasonal treat you don’t want to miss! Grab your pumpkin spice and dive in on October 22nd! 🎃
• Friends to lovers 🍋
• Only one bed 🛏️
• Low stakes, mostly vibes 🫶🏻
• No third act breakup 🤎
• She reads romance 📚
• Small town in the fall 🍂
• Cinnamon roll werewolf boy 🐺
• Spice with 🪢
Get ready to cozy up because "Howl" by Meg Alivien is coming out just in time for Halloween, releasing on October 22nd! This book is the perfect fall treat, with a charming blend of Halloweentown vibes and Gilmore Girls' small-town feel. With its mix of supernatural creatures—werewolves, witches, vampires, banshees, and even a cuddly cat named Cleetus—it captures the magic and coziness of the season effortlessly.
The story delivers a friends-to-lovers romance that’s sweet, funny, and full of thoughtful moments. Alivien really knows how to set the mood, and the characters' bond shines through acts of service and little gestures that make you want to root for them from the start. The atmosphere is perfectly autumnal, giving you that warm-and-fuzzy feeling of fall leaves crunching underfoot and a crisp breeze in the air. It’s a low-stakes, all-vibes read that lets you escape into a world where Halloween magic is real.
A few plot points did feel a bit scattered, and the touch of drama felt less necessary than the slow-burn romance itself. But hey, the cozy ambiance and supportive friendships made up for it.
If you’re looking for a Halloween read that’s more about cuddles and sweet moments than high drama, "Howl" should be at the top of your list. Big thanks to Meg Alivien for the early copy—it’s a seasonal treat you don’t want to miss! Grab your pumpkin spice and dive in on October 22nd! 🎃
January 16, 2025
This was a cute, quick read that gives Halloweentown x Gilmore Girls vibes!! If you’re wanting to get into shifter romances, this would be a great book to start with!
Raegan, the FMC, was so relatable and I loved that she was a book girly, just like us. And that scene where Jamie has her read her book out loud?? 👀🔥
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
🐺 Werewolf Shifter MMC
🍋 Slow Burn
🐺 Friends to Lovers
🍋 Low Stakes
🐺 Knotting
🍋 Small Town in the Fall
Raegan, the FMC, was so relatable and I loved that she was a book girly, just like us. And that scene where Jamie has her read her book out loud?? 👀🔥
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
🐺 Werewolf Shifter MMC
🍋 Slow Burn
🐺 Friends to Lovers
🍋 Low Stakes
🐺 Knotting
🍋 Small Town in the Fall
August 22, 2025
i looooved this
September 28, 2025
Perfect cozy vacation read! Very cute! I will be reading the rest of the series.
October 20, 2024
A GREAT paranormal romance read perfect for fall! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Howl. It's a perfect standalone short read with:
•Cozy fall vibes 🍂
•A relatable FMC who reads romance and struggles with anxiety
•The perfect amount of spice 🪢
• A dreamy werewolf MMC 🐺
•Friends to Lovers 🍋
• Glimore girls x Halloween town vibes 🎃
•Cozy fall vibes 🍂
•A relatable FMC who reads romance and struggles with anxiety
•The perfect amount of spice 🪢
• A dreamy werewolf MMC 🐺
•Friends to Lovers 🍋
• Glimore girls x Halloween town vibes 🎃
April 14, 2025
4 ⭐️
2 🌶
This was a super cute and cozy werewolf/shifter romance. I liked the feel of the cozy town, and I liked the characters introduced!
If you want:
▪︎small town romance
▪︎friends to lovers
▪︎werewolves
▪︎mates
▪︎protective little baby cats
▪︎audibook lovers
▪︎romance book readers
▪︎spice
Then look no further! 😎
2 🌶
This was a super cute and cozy werewolf/shifter romance. I liked the feel of the cozy town, and I liked the characters introduced!
If you want:
▪︎small town romance
▪︎friends to lovers
▪︎werewolves
▪︎mates
▪︎protective little baby cats
▪︎audibook lovers
▪︎romance book readers
▪︎spice
Then look no further! 😎
October 24, 2024
This was cute and low angst and gives good small town autumn vibes. There was nothing wrong with the writing, but there was something about it that I can't define that just didn't work super well for me --- maybe there was too much additional superfluous info? I was slightly confused about the friends-to-lovers part because both Reagan and Jamie say to themselves that they've had crushes on each other in the past, but then when the relationship started to turn romantic they acted as if they had never felt that way before and it almost felt odd to be kissing and feeling that way towards each other. Eh. I did skim the last couple chapters because it was clear what was going to happen and I wanted to be done.
October 31, 2024
The author gave me an arc on tiktok and I’m so sorry to do this, but this book was not my cup of tea at all, which is such a bummer because I love werewolf stories!
It was just a little too over the top and everything was just too convenient and surface level for me. There was also a lot of cringy and plain weird language and situations that really took a lot out of me. Both MCs felt just kinda there and I felt like them + their friendship felt very one-dimensional and everything just happened so quickly to make me not connect with them.
I think that because this is a first book (I think?) the author has plenty of room to grow and realize her writing process. I know writing is hard and sharing your work with the world is scary, so kudos to her for doing that!
It was just a little too over the top and everything was just too convenient and surface level for me. There was also a lot of cringy and plain weird language and situations that really took a lot out of me. Both MCs felt just kinda there and I felt like them + their friendship felt very one-dimensional and everything just happened so quickly to make me not connect with them.
I think that because this is a first book (I think?) the author has plenty of room to grow and realize her writing process. I know writing is hard and sharing your work with the world is scary, so kudos to her for doing that!
October 4, 2025
Fun little read, predictable but sometimes that’s what you need and this was just a cute romance I managed to read in one go!
June 12, 2025
“Howl” by Meg Alivien is a cozy, spicy paranormal romance. It is book one of the interconnected standalone series, “Monster Boyfriends.” There is a content warning page for you to review as well. Lovers of Halloweentown and small-town romances will love this book!
After 15 years of friendship, 30-somethings Reagan and Jamie couldn’t be closer…or so they thought. A situation with an ex-boyfriend ignites feelings between the pair that can no longer be denied. As they both try to push their feelings aside for the sake of their friendship, they are pulled even further together. Can these two best friends accept their feelings, or will that bond be lost forever?
“Howl” is a romance set in a cozy and small paranormal town of Shadow Hill. The town itself read like I was walking through Halloweentown! Built by Paranormals for Paranormals, there was a gaggle of beings living harmoniously in their little haven. As Halloween arose and tourists came to visit, the Paranormals even hosted a human-centered Halloween festival! I never wished I could go somewhere else! It felt homey just reading about Shadow Hill, with banshees, witches, werewolves, and ghosts along the town square lined with shops, friends, and regular customers. I pictured going to Double Double and waving at the neighbor Ghost family and listening to Banshee children screaming at the park.
At 🌶🌶🌶, this book contained a total of three spice scenes in the book, and they were…thorough 🫠. Jamie was very thorough. So thorough. Creative, too. He was also, one might say, “a knotty boy.” 🥴
Stay for the small-town romance and Halloweentown vibes. Come for the knotty boy rides.
After 15 years of friendship, 30-somethings Reagan and Jamie couldn’t be closer…or so they thought. A situation with an ex-boyfriend ignites feelings between the pair that can no longer be denied. As they both try to push their feelings aside for the sake of their friendship, they are pulled even further together. Can these two best friends accept their feelings, or will that bond be lost forever?
“Howl” is a romance set in a cozy and small paranormal town of Shadow Hill. The town itself read like I was walking through Halloweentown! Built by Paranormals for Paranormals, there was a gaggle of beings living harmoniously in their little haven. As Halloween arose and tourists came to visit, the Paranormals even hosted a human-centered Halloween festival! I never wished I could go somewhere else! It felt homey just reading about Shadow Hill, with banshees, witches, werewolves, and ghosts along the town square lined with shops, friends, and regular customers. I pictured going to Double Double and waving at the neighbor Ghost family and listening to Banshee children screaming at the park.
At 🌶🌶🌶, this book contained a total of three spice scenes in the book, and they were…thorough 🫠. Jamie was very thorough. So thorough. Creative, too. He was also, one might say, “a knotty boy.” 🥴
Stay for the small-town romance and Halloweentown vibes. Come for the knotty boy rides.
November 8, 2024
~Shadow Hills is the precise vision that comes to mind when picturing a small town. Cobblestone streets wind through aged buildings, and there are year-round pumpkins in all the windows. Though it’s well known for its supernatural tourism draw, for me Shadow Hills is just home.~
🌕Welcome to Shadow Hills home of paranormal creatures, such as Vampires and Werewolves, And Ghosts oh my!
🍋Howl is a Friends-to-lovers Werewolf Romance set in a small town that is home to many Paranormal Creatures such as Witches, Werewolves, Ghosts and more. This book totally gave me Halloweentown vibes! This story was so cute and cozy (but check triggers warnings before reading!) I loved the writing and storyline flowed so well, and the ending was perfect!
🌕“I thought you read on your kindle? What’s the point of all these books?” “They’re my trophies,” I say, completely serious. “I read the ebook or listen to the audiobook, and then if I really liked it, I buy a physical copy for my shelves.” I felt this in my SOUL! Raegan is so relatable!😂 you can't help but fall in love with all of the Characters in Shadow Hills
🍋Small Town Romance
🍋Friends-To-Lovers
🍋Fated Mates
🍋Touch Her And 💀
🍋Monster Romance
🌕Welcome to Shadow Hills home of paranormal creatures, such as Vampires and Werewolves, And Ghosts oh my!
🍋Howl is a Friends-to-lovers Werewolf Romance set in a small town that is home to many Paranormal Creatures such as Witches, Werewolves, Ghosts and more. This book totally gave me Halloweentown vibes! This story was so cute and cozy (but check triggers warnings before reading!) I loved the writing and storyline flowed so well, and the ending was perfect!
🌕“I thought you read on your kindle? What’s the point of all these books?” “They’re my trophies,” I say, completely serious. “I read the ebook or listen to the audiobook, and then if I really liked it, I buy a physical copy for my shelves.” I felt this in my SOUL! Raegan is so relatable!😂 you can't help but fall in love with all of the Characters in Shadow Hills
🍋Small Town Romance
🍋Friends-To-Lovers
🍋Fated Mates
🍋Touch Her And 💀
🍋Monster Romance
Read
October 8, 2025This was a super quick, low stress, easy, and fun read that kept me interested all the way though. The town is cozy and small and bursting at the seams with autumn. There are ghosts, banshees, vampires, werewolf’s, and humans (so far!).
The two main characters have been best friends since high school but never more than that, until Jamie’s (a name I LOVE on an MMC) wolfy instincts kick into high drive.
Both MCs are pretty insecure with their new feelings and have to learn to navigate the newness together. Their relationship is sweet and well established. They both show A LOT of restraint given the situations they put themselves in.
The tension builds and builds until instincts take over. All the spicy scenes are well done and well earned by the MCs and a little bit knotty in the end.
The two main characters have been best friends since high school but never more than that, until Jamie’s (a name I LOVE on an MMC) wolfy instincts kick into high drive.
Both MCs are pretty insecure with their new feelings and have to learn to navigate the newness together. Their relationship is sweet and well established. They both show A LOT of restraint given the situations they put themselves in.
The tension builds and builds until instincts take over. All the spicy scenes are well done and well earned by the MCs and a little bit knotty in the end.
October 17, 2024
This is the fall paranormal romance you’re looking for! Howl is an absolutely perfect book and I had so much fun reading it. It’s the perfect palette cleanser, with low stakes and a sweet friends-to-lovers romance. It had me grinning and literally kicking my feet several times. I kept texting my book bestie that she HAS to get this book when it releases, I seriously cannot recommend it enough!
We have a book-loving main character, a protective best friend, all the small town vibes in a town of paranormals and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! The characters are so real and relatable. I even really enjoyed the side characters. If you enjoy books for the vibe, this is for you. I can’t wait for the next book, I already have an idea of who it might be about. 😏 This was an easy five star read for me. Thank you so much for the ARC Meg Alivien!! 🤍
We have a book-loving main character, a protective best friend, all the small town vibes in a town of paranormals and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! The characters are so real and relatable. I even really enjoyed the side characters. If you enjoy books for the vibe, this is for you. I can’t wait for the next book, I already have an idea of who it might be about. 😏 This was an easy five star read for me. Thank you so much for the ARC Meg Alivien!! 🤍
October 21, 2024
HOWL by Meg Alivien 4⭐️
Raegan Baker and Jamie Trent have been friends since high school. After Raegan’s ex gets physical, she moves in with Jamie. We follow them as they discover that there’s an unmistakable pull between them. Jamie has a secret though. He hasn’t told Raegan that he’s a werewolf.
This book was the perfect fall read!! Super cozy and pretty low stakes. I loved how Raegan was obsessed with lemon decor and the care that Jamie shows her. This is a great friends/roommates to lovers that’s heavy on the slow burn. It was a fun quick read and the perfect palate cleanser!
Thank you to Meg Alivien and her team for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
HOWL comes out 10/22!
Raegan Baker and Jamie Trent have been friends since high school. After Raegan’s ex gets physical, she moves in with Jamie. We follow them as they discover that there’s an unmistakable pull between them. Jamie has a secret though. He hasn’t told Raegan that he’s a werewolf.
This book was the perfect fall read!! Super cozy and pretty low stakes. I loved how Raegan was obsessed with lemon decor and the care that Jamie shows her. This is a great friends/roommates to lovers that’s heavy on the slow burn. It was a fun quick read and the perfect palate cleanser!
Thank you to Meg Alivien and her team for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
HOWL comes out 10/22!
September 12, 2025
This could have easily been 100 pages shorter, which says a lot considering it is only 250 pages long. I really enjoyed the first 60%. The plot was engaging, the characters had chemistry, and secrets were beginning to unfold. But once they discovered they were mates, everything stalled. Instead of exploring the lore, addressing the weight of that revelation, or having the conversations their friendship needed, the story shifted into a domestic routine with added spice. Lust took over and the characters lost the depth they had been building. The plot had so much potential, but instead we are bed shopping with the main characters. The ending and action were rushed for the sake of spice, which left the story feeling very unfulfilling. I have many more thoughts, but I will stop here.
October 20, 2024
Howl was such a cute book! It got me even more in the Halloween mood. There’s all types of monsters in this book. My favorite character was Aiden and I wish we would’ve had more dialogue from him. This small town, best friends to lovers was amazing. Our FMC Raegan struggles from anxiety and panic attacks (relatable) but her best friend, our MMC, Jamie works to protect her and care for her after an ex threatens and hurts her. Jamie will do anything to protect her but at what cost? He never told her he’s a werewolf and now he feels the mate bond and doesn’t know how to share a secret he’s kept for so long. Will she accept him for what he is or will this end their friendship?
October 13, 2024
A very cute, small town paranormal read for spooky season! Were some parts cheesy? Yes definitely, but not in a cringe way, more in a “this is a cutesy read” kind of way. The character developments were well done given the length of the book, although I did find some minor plots to feel rushed and/or left unanswered. But overall it was definitely a good read for anyone looking for a romance to read this autumn!
October 22, 2024
One of my favorite types of books to read around this time of year is cosy paranormal romantasy. I want low stakes, high steam and all the favorite fantasy elements in between. That is exactly what we get in Howl by Meg Alivien! If you liked the combination of paranormal romance and small town vibes like CM Nascosta’s Cambric Creek novels, or the fall aesthetic from Jennifer Chipman’s Spookily Yours, then this is a story you will easily enjoy.
Howl is my favorite flavor of cheesy romcom, about a pair of best friends and their journey in becoming lovers. The friends to lovers trope hits close to home for me, and is consistently one of my favorites. This story takes place in a quaint little town, where humans and paranormals beings live side by side, which leads to both many unique and occasionally delicious dynamics. Cue our not-a-witch sunshine fmc and her may-be-a-werewolf cinnamon roll best friend, as they ATTEMPT to deny the obvious pull they have to one another. These two’s relationship was equal parts endearing and hilarious and I enjoyed their story a lot.
So, if you are looking for a quick and cosy read with all the good stuff like:
✨Paranormal Romance
✨RomCom
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Small Town
✨Fated Mates
✨Forced Proximity
✨Long-held Secrets
Then check out Howl. It’s officially out now and I for one cannot wait to see if we explore this world more ✌🏻
Howl is my favorite flavor of cheesy romcom, about a pair of best friends and their journey in becoming lovers. The friends to lovers trope hits close to home for me, and is consistently one of my favorites. This story takes place in a quaint little town, where humans and paranormals beings live side by side, which leads to both many unique and occasionally delicious dynamics. Cue our not-a-witch sunshine fmc and her may-be-a-werewolf cinnamon roll best friend, as they ATTEMPT to deny the obvious pull they have to one another. These two’s relationship was equal parts endearing and hilarious and I enjoyed their story a lot.
So, if you are looking for a quick and cosy read with all the good stuff like:
✨Paranormal Romance
✨RomCom
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Small Town
✨Fated Mates
✨Forced Proximity
✨Long-held Secrets
Then check out Howl. It’s officially out now and I for one cannot wait to see if we explore this world more ✌🏻
October 21, 2024
• Friends to lovers
• Only one bed
• Low stakes
• She reads romance 📚
• Small town in the fall 🍂
• Cinnamon roll werewolf boy 🐺
• Spice with 🪢
This is the fall paranormal romance you’re looking for! Howl is a perfect book and I had so much fun reading it. It’s the perfect palette cleanser and the perfect cozy fall read.
Thank you to Meg for sharing your paranormal book baby with me. I hope everyone falls in love with these characters like I did.
• Only one bed
• Low stakes
• She reads romance 📚
• Small town in the fall 🍂
• Cinnamon roll werewolf boy 🐺
• Spice with 🪢
This is the fall paranormal romance you’re looking for! Howl is a perfect book and I had so much fun reading it. It’s the perfect palette cleanser and the perfect cozy fall read.
Thank you to Meg for sharing your paranormal book baby with me. I hope everyone falls in love with these characters like I did.
October 15, 2024
Absolutely fantastic….the coziest, sweetest and perfectly spicy read! THIS is why I read. I love Meg’s writing. You need the heartwarming quick read in your life!!! Friends to lovers, close proximity, magical small town… you will want to jump inside this book and live among the pages! I loved every single second of this lil’ adventure! 🐺🍋🔥
October 8, 2025
3.75⭐️ I was looking for something festive for spooky season and low stakes to listen to after finishing Alchemised, and this ended up being pretty perfect. I saw it described as “Gilmore Girls meets Halloweentown” and I have to say I agree! It was a cute story, I liked the town setting, the spice was well written… great little palette cleanser.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews