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The Lone Wolf Café
When a runaway werewolf gets a job at a reclusive witch’s cafe, more than just tea ends up brewing in this cozy, sapphic Halloween romance.
Nettie Clarke has never known the world beyond Hollenboro, her tiny home island off the coast of Maine. So when she abruptly flees with few belongings, no money, and no idea where to go, things get complicated.
Mainly because she’s a werewolf.
After arriving on the mainland, she comes across Wisteria Grove, a witch village hidden deep in the forest, and seeks shelter in a local cafe. There, she is confronted the owner, Rowena Hawthorne, the town’s surly and introverted herbalist. Impressed by Nettie’s baking skills, Rowena makes her an work as the cafe’s resident baker and pretend to be a witch, and she’ll be paid enough to make it worth her time.
At first it seems like a great deal, and Nettie only plans to stay for a few weeks before taking off to see the rest of the world. But as the days pass, her baking skills grow, she befriends the local elementals, and she (reluctantly) finds Rowena attractive. All of which makes it harder for her to leave.
But as Nettie and Rowena’s bond deepens, so does the danger. Nettie’s safety is at stake if the village finds out she’s a werewolf, and her ears and tail won’t stop popping out when she gets stressed. And Nettie isn’t the only one with a secret to hide. Wisteria Grove is full of mysteries, all of which seem to trace back to Rowena. Despite warnings from the rest of the village, Nettie continues to fall for the herbalist witch, eager to discover the truth.
But the past has its claws sunk deep into Wisteria Grove, and Nettie will have to confront her own secrets — as well as Rowena’s — to stay in the town she’s grown to love.
The Lone Wolf Café is a mildly spicy sapphic Halloween romance between a witch and a werewolf. Perfect for fans of the cozy fantasy vibes of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea, Legends and Lattes, and The Spellshop who are looking for a spooky Halloween twist.
Nettie Clarke has never known the world beyond Hollenboro, her tiny home island off the coast of Maine. So when she abruptly flees with few belongings, no money, and no idea where to go, things get complicated.
Mainly because she’s a werewolf.
After arriving on the mainland, she comes across Wisteria Grove, a witch village hidden deep in the forest, and seeks shelter in a local cafe. There, she is confronted the owner, Rowena Hawthorne, the town’s surly and introverted herbalist. Impressed by Nettie’s baking skills, Rowena makes her an work as the cafe’s resident baker and pretend to be a witch, and she’ll be paid enough to make it worth her time.
At first it seems like a great deal, and Nettie only plans to stay for a few weeks before taking off to see the rest of the world. But as the days pass, her baking skills grow, she befriends the local elementals, and she (reluctantly) finds Rowena attractive. All of which makes it harder for her to leave.
But as Nettie and Rowena’s bond deepens, so does the danger. Nettie’s safety is at stake if the village finds out she’s a werewolf, and her ears and tail won’t stop popping out when she gets stressed. And Nettie isn’t the only one with a secret to hide. Wisteria Grove is full of mysteries, all of which seem to trace back to Rowena. Despite warnings from the rest of the village, Nettie continues to fall for the herbalist witch, eager to discover the truth.
But the past has its claws sunk deep into Wisteria Grove, and Nettie will have to confront her own secrets — as well as Rowena’s — to stay in the town she’s grown to love.
The Lone Wolf Café is a mildly spicy sapphic Halloween romance between a witch and a werewolf. Perfect for fans of the cozy fantasy vibes of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea, Legends and Lattes, and The Spellshop who are looking for a spooky Halloween twist.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
56 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Wilder
5 books82 followersSydney Wilder has been a writer ever since she was a child, and fell in love with reptiles in her early 20s. Her collection includes four snakes and a bearded dragon, which keep her company in her cozy home office as she writes fantasy novels inspired by them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 27, 2025
A wonderful, cozy romance. I loved it and I miss the characters already. Nettie is a 21 year old werewolf who has lived her whole life on a remote island near Maine. Like most young people, she feels the itch to see the world and runs away from her family and pack, ending up at a small town on a bigger island. A kind witch, Rowena, takes her in and hires her as the new baker in her cafe. With it being a witch town, Nettie has to keep quiet about being a werewolf even from Rowena.
What I like best about the book is how often the story made me smile. The connection between Rowena and Nettie simmers and then heats up at just the right moment. Nettie is a charming mix of inexperience and boisterousness. I also enjoyed the autumn flavor of the world building, crisp days in a magical town preparing for Halloween, walks on crunchy red leaves, hot tea and blueberry scones in front of fireplaces. Paranormal touches are everywhere and some are very adorable. If that isn’t enough, there’s an ever present mystery and bad blood between the witches and the neighboring werewolf pack which means a bit of action as well. I recommend this one, especially as the days get colder.
What I like best about the book is how often the story made me smile. The connection between Rowena and Nettie simmers and then heats up at just the right moment. Nettie is a charming mix of inexperience and boisterousness. I also enjoyed the autumn flavor of the world building, crisp days in a magical town preparing for Halloween, walks on crunchy red leaves, hot tea and blueberry scones in front of fireplaces. Paranormal touches are everywhere and some are very adorable. If that isn’t enough, there’s an ever present mystery and bad blood between the witches and the neighboring werewolf pack which means a bit of action as well. I recommend this one, especially as the days get colder.
May 20, 2025
I loved this novel! It was a fun and easy read, and I had a lot of trouble putting down. I have a lot of nice things to say about it, and honestly nothing negative to say. It was cute and fun, but also serious and had substance. I loved the protagonist and enjoyed following her journey from clueless fish out of water (she tried to buy something with scones, because what’s money?), to someone who has found her place in the world. This book had multiple layers, and I think most readers would enjoy peeling them back.
Highlights:
-Great writing. It flows well, the pacing was well done.
-Nice worldbuilding; simple and accessible, yet creative and original.
-Awesome witchy vibes.
-Cute elementals, being adorable.
-Solid mystery(s) to be uncovered that keeps you engaged in the story and wanting to read more.
-Lots of baking, and descriptions of food (if you like that).
-Plot twists! That you might actually not see coming!
-Well balanced: romance, action, adventure, found families, etc.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Highlights:
-Great writing. It flows well, the pacing was well done.
-Nice worldbuilding; simple and accessible, yet creative and original.
-Awesome witchy vibes.
-Cute elementals, being adorable.
-Solid mystery(s) to be uncovered that keeps you engaged in the story and wanting to read more.
-Lots of baking, and descriptions of food (if you like that).
-Plot twists! That you might actually not see coming!
-Well balanced: romance, action, adventure, found families, etc.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
September 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐
The Lone Wolf Café was such a cozy, feel-good romance! Even though it’s not super heavy on the supernatural, it still has a lovely magical foundation. One thing that really surprised me (in the best way!) was the elementals — I loved seeing how their symbiotic relationship with witches worked and how easygoing they were with Nettie from the start. Aria’s bond with her was especially sweet and kept the story fun and light-hearted.
The characters were great too. I loved how cheerful and adventurous Nettie was upon arriving in Wisteria Grove, and how she went on a real journey of self-discovery— figuring out who she truly wanted to be with, which path she wanted to take, and how to embrace her witch powers while making an effort to become part of the community. Rowena also had a nice growth arc. At first, her icy demeanor made her a little hard to connect with, but once we get a glimpse of her true self, you see she’s a sweetheart who’s often misunderstood by the townsfolk. With Nettie’s support and a growing belief in herself, she begins rebuilding her life and accepting her werewolf side.
Their romance was sweet and slow-burning. I loved that they didn’t jump straight into a relationship but took the time to figure out their own paths first. I do wish their chemistry had felt a little deeper for me, but the way they respected each other and complemented each other was really nice.
I also enjoyed how family played a role in the story. I loved seeing glimpses of Nettie’s family, how they faced the hardship of her mom’s disappearance together, and how supportive and proud they are of her by the end. Rowena’s family story was very different, but I adored how Nettie’s family welcomed her as one of their own. The tension and eventual friendship between Rowena and Juniper was intriguing too — I can’t wait to see how that develops in the next book!
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, character-driven romance with magical creatures and cozy vibes, this one’s definitely for you! ✨
The Lone Wolf Café was such a cozy, feel-good romance! Even though it’s not super heavy on the supernatural, it still has a lovely magical foundation. One thing that really surprised me (in the best way!) was the elementals — I loved seeing how their symbiotic relationship with witches worked and how easygoing they were with Nettie from the start. Aria’s bond with her was especially sweet and kept the story fun and light-hearted.
The characters were great too. I loved how cheerful and adventurous Nettie was upon arriving in Wisteria Grove, and how she went on a real journey of self-discovery— figuring out who she truly wanted to be with, which path she wanted to take, and how to embrace her witch powers while making an effort to become part of the community. Rowena also had a nice growth arc. At first, her icy demeanor made her a little hard to connect with, but once we get a glimpse of her true self, you see she’s a sweetheart who’s often misunderstood by the townsfolk. With Nettie’s support and a growing belief in herself, she begins rebuilding her life and accepting her werewolf side.
Their romance was sweet and slow-burning. I loved that they didn’t jump straight into a relationship but took the time to figure out their own paths first. I do wish their chemistry had felt a little deeper for me, but the way they respected each other and complemented each other was really nice.
I also enjoyed how family played a role in the story. I loved seeing glimpses of Nettie’s family, how they faced the hardship of her mom’s disappearance together, and how supportive and proud they are of her by the end. Rowena’s family story was very different, but I adored how Nettie’s family welcomed her as one of their own. The tension and eventual friendship between Rowena and Juniper was intriguing too — I can’t wait to see how that develops in the next book!
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, character-driven romance with magical creatures and cozy vibes, this one’s definitely for you! ✨
May 8, 2025
I first fell in love with the beautiful cover and after a few pages I was soooo in love with the story. Oh my god, I really didn't expect that, especially because I rarely read fantasy books. The atmosphere the author created was just incredibly beautiful. Wow, wow, wow! The characters, the village of Wisteria Grove, the forest, I could visualize everything so well. Sydney Wilder's writing is amazing! This book really is the surprise of the year for me so far!
The plot was extremely well developed and with great attention to detail. But not only the development of the sweet sapphic romance was very good, but also the mystical - the situation of a werewolf ending up in a hidden witch village, trying to live there and then falling in love with a witch. It has to be said that witches and werewolves are not really on the same page in this book. It was so sweet and romantic on the one hand and very exciting on the other. The story was really captivating and it was so hard to put the book down. There was also a surprise at the end: Nettie's baking recipes. I will definitely try them out!!
It's a cozy, heartwarming read in a charming sweet village with lots of great characters (and sweet elements), tender love and the right amount of suspense. Highly recommended! I can't wait for part 2!
Thank you to Sydney Wilder and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.
The plot was extremely well developed and with great attention to detail. But not only the development of the sweet sapphic romance was very good, but also the mystical - the situation of a werewolf ending up in a hidden witch village, trying to live there and then falling in love with a witch. It has to be said that witches and werewolves are not really on the same page in this book. It was so sweet and romantic on the one hand and very exciting on the other. The story was really captivating and it was so hard to put the book down. There was also a surprise at the end: Nettie's baking recipes. I will definitely try them out!!
It's a cozy, heartwarming read in a charming sweet village with lots of great characters (and sweet elements), tender love and the right amount of suspense. Highly recommended! I can't wait for part 2!
Thank you to Sydney Wilder and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.
August 16, 2025
“Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting the past. It isn’t about throwing away what caused you pain and forgetting it ever existed. If you want to forgive , you can still acknowledge that what did hurt you. You can confront the past instead of locking it away.”
I adored the LoneWolf Café. It’s a “classic” cozy fantasy, but the book also has its own personality. Nettie’s trajectory was probably my favorite part, how she discovers herself, how she learns to deal with her emotions when they hit her full speed. I loved how Rowena was protective, even when Nettie had her own mixed feelings.
The setting is definitely cozy and reading this story was very comforting, especially thanks to the healthy relationship (more of them, please!). The romance is cute, easy (despite some incompatibilities!) and I loved how Rowena, especially, wants them to discuss things and reflect on them (with all the contradictions it hides, as she has her own secrets) in order to deal with the inevitable conflicts they’ll have to face. This story is before anything else about healing, about taking some time for yourself, to discover who you are and what you want for your life, to do things you love while also facing challenges. Because once you’re a better, a healthier version of yourself, then you can consider helping others. And healing it was, for me. This is clearly a story I’ll want to revisit just to revisit what I’ve experienced while reading it. We need more stories like this one (bonus point when they’re, like this one, also queer).
Thank you to the author for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
I adored the LoneWolf Café. It’s a “classic” cozy fantasy, but the book also has its own personality. Nettie’s trajectory was probably my favorite part, how she discovers herself, how she learns to deal with her emotions when they hit her full speed. I loved how Rowena was protective, even when Nettie had her own mixed feelings.
The setting is definitely cozy and reading this story was very comforting, especially thanks to the healthy relationship (more of them, please!). The romance is cute, easy (despite some incompatibilities!) and I loved how Rowena, especially, wants them to discuss things and reflect on them (with all the contradictions it hides, as she has her own secrets) in order to deal with the inevitable conflicts they’ll have to face. This story is before anything else about healing, about taking some time for yourself, to discover who you are and what you want for your life, to do things you love while also facing challenges. Because once you’re a better, a healthier version of yourself, then you can consider helping others. And healing it was, for me. This is clearly a story I’ll want to revisit just to revisit what I’ve experienced while reading it. We need more stories like this one (bonus point when they’re, like this one, also queer).
Thank you to the author for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
September 10, 2025
I do so love cozy sapphic fantasy, and The Lone Wolf Cafe is a fabulous addition to the genre. It's sweet but there's still drama; we're in a cozy town setting with lovely people; there's burgeoning love and two wonderful protagonists; it has a wonderful fall feel; and, unlike many cozy stories, we even get a nice spicy scene.
Told in first-person from the perspective of Nettie, a werewolf who has grown up isolated on a small island off the coast of Maine with her pack and feels the pressure of her position, as well as the demands of werewolf society. She stows away on a ship and flees to the mainland, wanting to see the world. She finds herself in a small witch village with no knowledge of how human society works or what money is, and few belongings. There Nettie meets Rowena, and she is smitten. Rowena gives her a job, protection, and a place to live: the abandoned cabin next to hers on the outskirts of town. She's also remarkably beautiful and kind, if a bit withdrawn and mysterious.
As Nettie settles in we begin to meet the other townsfolk, as well as some absolutely adorable elemental spirits, and learn about the witching world along with her. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story, slow enough to be cozy but fast enough to keep me engaged. The unfolding of town drama, along with the stress of the upcoming full moon coinciding with Halloween, were nicely done.
There was one thing that made me think "wait, how did...?", but I think I maybe figured out how Sydney justified it, and aside from that the plot and magic system were really great, and explained well without getting too in the weeds. I did see some of the twists coming, but I don't think that's particularly unusual for this type of story, and it did a really great job of showing Nettie and Rowena coming together. I loved seeing Nettie finding herself and coming into her own, and Rowena opening up about her complicated past and realizing her strengths, and the two of them together were so, so lovely. I'm super excited for the next book, and can't wait to see where the series goes!
I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Told in first-person from the perspective of Nettie, a werewolf who has grown up isolated on a small island off the coast of Maine with her pack and feels the pressure of her position, as well as the demands of werewolf society. She stows away on a ship and flees to the mainland, wanting to see the world. She finds herself in a small witch village with no knowledge of how human society works or what money is, and few belongings. There Nettie meets Rowena, and she is smitten. Rowena gives her a job, protection, and a place to live: the abandoned cabin next to hers on the outskirts of town. She's also remarkably beautiful and kind, if a bit withdrawn and mysterious.
As Nettie settles in we begin to meet the other townsfolk, as well as some absolutely adorable elemental spirits, and learn about the witching world along with her. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story, slow enough to be cozy but fast enough to keep me engaged. The unfolding of town drama, along with the stress of the upcoming full moon coinciding with Halloween, were nicely done.
There was one thing that made me think "wait, how did...?", but I think I maybe figured out how Sydney justified it, and aside from that the plot and magic system were really great, and explained well without getting too in the weeds. I did see some of the twists coming, but I don't think that's particularly unusual for this type of story, and it did a really great job of showing Nettie and Rowena coming together. I loved seeing Nettie finding herself and coming into her own, and Rowena opening up about her complicated past and realizing her strengths, and the two of them together were so, so lovely. I'm super excited for the next book, and can't wait to see where the series goes!
I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
October 30, 2025
ADORABLE and the perfect read for Halloweek (the week of Halloween).
September 23, 2025
*Thank you to the author for sending me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a sapphic, witchy Halloween romance set in a Maine town full of witches. Does it get more perfect for Autumn?!
A few chapters in, I was getting Legends & Lattes vibes: the cozy atmosphere, pastries, small-town charm, and the trial-and-error journey of creating magical drinks (though here it’s mostly tea instead of coffee—sparking a little debate).
I loved the unique and clever way anxiety was handled in the story. The slow-burn romance between Nettie and Rowena was sweet, even if one of the spice scene was a little cringy. I really enjoyed following Nettie’s journey of self-discovery and getting to know both characters.
My favorite characters were the elementals. Even without dialogue, they’re adorable and full of personality.
Overall, this is a cozy, fun read for Halloween or fall. Perfect if you enjoy cozy fantasy with a magical, small-town twist!
This is a sapphic, witchy Halloween romance set in a Maine town full of witches. Does it get more perfect for Autumn?!
A few chapters in, I was getting Legends & Lattes vibes: the cozy atmosphere, pastries, small-town charm, and the trial-and-error journey of creating magical drinks (though here it’s mostly tea instead of coffee—sparking a little debate).
I loved the unique and clever way anxiety was handled in the story. The slow-burn romance between Nettie and Rowena was sweet, even if one of the spice scene was a little cringy. I really enjoyed following Nettie’s journey of self-discovery and getting to know both characters.
My favorite characters were the elementals. Even without dialogue, they’re adorable and full of personality.
Overall, this is a cozy, fun read for Halloween or fall. Perfect if you enjoy cozy fantasy with a magical, small-town twist!
September 9, 2025
This was a lovely book by a new to me author. Cozy paranormal sapphic romance set in the fall around Halloween time. There are witches and werewolves, elementals with personality, lots of magic and lots of sweet moments. Told in Nettie’s pov, we get to see how her character grows and develops quite quickly. I loved her innocence and outlook. Rowena was a hard one to crack. She was more stoic and reserved but also quick to help and protect. Their relationship was pretty well paced in the timeline and the ‘surprises’ were perfect. I am looking forward to the next book 😉. Recommend!
September 9, 2025
The Lone Wolf Cafe is the perfect book for fall. It has a sweet sapphic romance, witches, werewolves, magic, baked goods, and most importantly, Halloween vibes.
When adventurous werewolf Nettie runs away from her home and stumbles upon the witch village of Wisteria Grove, she finds herself lonely, scared, and not sure she’s got what it takes to live on her own. She ends up at the Lone Wolf Cafe, where she is offered a job by its owner, Rowena. This is a stroke of luck for Nettie, but there’s an issue: witches and werewolves don’t get along, and Rowena doesn’t know that Nettie is a werewolf. To add to the mystery, Rowena seems to be keeping a secret of her own; for some reason, she is ostracized by the other witches in Wisteria Grove.
The relationship between Nettie and Rowena is a large part of the book and probably my favorite part. Author Sydney Wilder makes the budding attraction between the two women sweet and slow-burning. When we do get some spice, it’s wonderfully done and just enough to leave you satisfied, but also wanting more.
The town of Wisteria Grove also plays a big role in The Lone Wolf Cafe, and Wilder does a terrific job of world-building here with vivid descriptions of a vibrant witchy town preparing for Halloween. I felt like I was right there with Nettie and Rowena the entire time. I swear I felt a chill in the air and smelled pumpkin spice as I was reading. The citizens of Wisteria Grove are also a fun part of the book. We get a glimpse of some interesting characters, and I hope we discover more about them as the book series continues.
Overall, this was a sweet, quick, and adorable read that has left me wanting to return to Wisteria Grove and find out more about its inhabitants. It’s a worthy addition to the world of cozy fantasy, and with the “ber” months upon us, it’s just the right time to pick up The Lone Wolf Cafe and lose yourself in the charming town of Wisteria Grove.
Thank you to Sydney Wilder for the gifted eARC.
When adventurous werewolf Nettie runs away from her home and stumbles upon the witch village of Wisteria Grove, she finds herself lonely, scared, and not sure she’s got what it takes to live on her own. She ends up at the Lone Wolf Cafe, where she is offered a job by its owner, Rowena. This is a stroke of luck for Nettie, but there’s an issue: witches and werewolves don’t get along, and Rowena doesn’t know that Nettie is a werewolf. To add to the mystery, Rowena seems to be keeping a secret of her own; for some reason, she is ostracized by the other witches in Wisteria Grove.
The relationship between Nettie and Rowena is a large part of the book and probably my favorite part. Author Sydney Wilder makes the budding attraction between the two women sweet and slow-burning. When we do get some spice, it’s wonderfully done and just enough to leave you satisfied, but also wanting more.
The town of Wisteria Grove also plays a big role in The Lone Wolf Cafe, and Wilder does a terrific job of world-building here with vivid descriptions of a vibrant witchy town preparing for Halloween. I felt like I was right there with Nettie and Rowena the entire time. I swear I felt a chill in the air and smelled pumpkin spice as I was reading. The citizens of Wisteria Grove are also a fun part of the book. We get a glimpse of some interesting characters, and I hope we discover more about them as the book series continues.
Overall, this was a sweet, quick, and adorable read that has left me wanting to return to Wisteria Grove and find out more about its inhabitants. It’s a worthy addition to the world of cozy fantasy, and with the “ber” months upon us, it’s just the right time to pick up The Lone Wolf Cafe and lose yourself in the charming town of Wisteria Grove.
Thank you to Sydney Wilder for the gifted eARC.
September 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sydney Wilder for an advanced reader copy of The Lone Wolf Cafe! This was such a great start to my autumnal reading for September! Witches, Werewolves, Halloween, Magic and cozy cafe what’s not to love! Small town vibes but big impact. Nettie a werewolf from a little island dreams of travel and more runs away from home and finds herself hungry, alone and needing shelter in a little cafe which is ran by Rowena who happens to be a witch. Beautiful writing and great story. Definitely recommend for this autumn!!
September 22, 2025
This story was the perfect kickoff to autumn for me.
It was cozy, sweet, and had a lot of growth for Netti and Rowena. I'm excited to see more of Wisteria Grove in future books.
Sydney Wilder certainly knows how to make me feel welcome in a fictional witch village.
Cute elementals, cozy vibes, and a beautiful WLW relationship made this novel a blast from start to finish.
It was cozy, sweet, and had a lot of growth for Netti and Rowena. I'm excited to see more of Wisteria Grove in future books.
Sydney Wilder certainly knows how to make me feel welcome in a fictional witch village.
Cute elementals, cozy vibes, and a beautiful WLW relationship made this novel a blast from start to finish.
July 8, 2025
4.5/5 stars.
This is the perfect little Halloween book. This book feels like that warm fuzzy feeling when you cuddle up underneath a soft cozy blanket with a steaming mug of tea in your hands on a crisp autumn or Halloween day with the smell of marshmallows lingering in the air.
''The Lone Wolf Café'' is about a runaway red-haired werewolf girl named Nettie who stumbles upon a witch village in the woods called Wisteria Grove. There, she meets Rowena Hawthorne, a herbalist and owner of a café. Rowena offers Nettie a job in the café as a baker after she has tasted one of Nettie's scones. Both Nettie and Rowena have secrets of their own, which, as feelings between the two begin to grow, are hard to keep hidden.
What a lovely cozy story! I love Fall and cozy reads a lot so I just had to read this one. *Content, happy sigh*, this book was so so lovely! We follow a werewolf girl and a witch with secrets. It has all the werewolf, witchy, woodsy, autumnal, Halloween vibes. It has baking, a tea shop, pumpkin carving, magic, the smell of tea and coffee, mysteriousness to uncover, sapphic love, vulnerable moments and conversations, and charming and like-able characters, and so much more. This book is very wholesome and cute overall, with not all too much drama, but there's quite some character depth to be found, which I really appreciated and liked.
I liked all the characters. Nettie is quite reserved, and anxious, but curious and excited who doesn't really know how to behave in the ''human'' world and whose ears and tail pop out when she gets nervous. Rowena, who's kind of tough and being ignored and side-eyed by the other witches, is quite mysterious but so so kind, and she just deserves the best. And then there are also elementals, which were just so adorable! There's a little mouse who bonds with Nettie and who helps her while baking and it's just the cutest thing ever. I now want a little elemental of my own as well!
Nettie and Rowena are just so cute together! They gave me a lot of black cat x golden retriever vibes. We get scenes like Rowena helping Nettie calm down during a panic attack, them flirting and messing with each other while baking, discussions about tea and coffee, they let each other feel safe and at home, and they let each other feel seen...It was just so wholesome, moving, and heart-warming to read and I was smiling continually.
I found the writing to be very atmospheric and every word penned down came alive. The world, the characters, actions and smells...It felt like I was there alongside Nettie and Rowena. It's a cozy fantasy, so the pacing is quite slow in the beginning and picks up gradually, and the romance is a slow burn as well. In the beginning, it might not look like much is going on or that not much will happen, but around the middle of the book things start building up and we're getting some plot twists and reveals and things suddenly start to make sense and it's just all so intriguing, interesting, and so much fun. I enjoyed both the slowness of the beginning of the book with getting to know the characters, the baking, the conversations between Rowena and Nettie, their feelings slowly growing, the gentle touches, and just the overall cozy vibes, and I also enjoyed the plotline picking up. It was just a perfect mix. I never felt bored. I just wanted to keep on reading.
I have not much negative to say other than that I found that the one spicy scene and the more spicy thoughts Nettie sometimes had felt a bit off and awkward in comparison with the rest of the book.. It wasn't really needed for me and kind of put me out of the book. There wasn't much of it, but I still skim-read over them because I thought it felt a bit awkward in this book. Overall, I really liked the writing, but sometimes during or after some of the romance and action scenes, it felt like the writing was a bit stiff and some sentences suddenly were quite short and repetitive. In moments, it felt a bit flat in comparison to the flowiness of the rest of the book. Nevertheless, I really really enjoyed this book and I can see myself rereading this one some other time during Autumn when the book has gotten published! I want to read the second book now as well already!!!
Read this if you'd like:...
- 🍂 Slow-burn sapphic romance between a werewolf x witch.
- 🍁 Autumn/Halloween.
- 🍂Tea shop/café.
- 🍁 Slow-paced cozy fantasy with the plot slowly building up.
- 🍂 Magic and enchanting moments.
- 🍁 Secrets, mystery, plot twists, and reveals.
- 🍂 Cuteness, wholesomeness, quirky, warm fuzzy feelings, with some vulnerable moments as well.
- 🍁 Flowy, vivid writing.
- 🍂 Elementals.
This is the perfect little Halloween book. This book feels like that warm fuzzy feeling when you cuddle up underneath a soft cozy blanket with a steaming mug of tea in your hands on a crisp autumn or Halloween day with the smell of marshmallows lingering in the air.
''The Lone Wolf Café'' is about a runaway red-haired werewolf girl named Nettie who stumbles upon a witch village in the woods called Wisteria Grove. There, she meets Rowena Hawthorne, a herbalist and owner of a café. Rowena offers Nettie a job in the café as a baker after she has tasted one of Nettie's scones. Both Nettie and Rowena have secrets of their own, which, as feelings between the two begin to grow, are hard to keep hidden.
What a lovely cozy story! I love Fall and cozy reads a lot so I just had to read this one. *Content, happy sigh*, this book was so so lovely! We follow a werewolf girl and a witch with secrets. It has all the werewolf, witchy, woodsy, autumnal, Halloween vibes. It has baking, a tea shop, pumpkin carving, magic, the smell of tea and coffee, mysteriousness to uncover, sapphic love, vulnerable moments and conversations, and charming and like-able characters, and so much more. This book is very wholesome and cute overall, with not all too much drama, but there's quite some character depth to be found, which I really appreciated and liked.
I liked all the characters. Nettie is quite reserved, and anxious, but curious and excited who doesn't really know how to behave in the ''human'' world and whose ears and tail pop out when she gets nervous. Rowena, who's kind of tough and being ignored and side-eyed by the other witches, is quite mysterious but so so kind, and she just deserves the best. And then there are also elementals, which were just so adorable! There's a little mouse who bonds with Nettie and who helps her while baking and it's just the cutest thing ever. I now want a little elemental of my own as well!
Nettie and Rowena are just so cute together! They gave me a lot of black cat x golden retriever vibes. We get scenes like Rowena helping Nettie calm down during a panic attack, them flirting and messing with each other while baking, discussions about tea and coffee, they let each other feel safe and at home, and they let each other feel seen...It was just so wholesome, moving, and heart-warming to read and I was smiling continually.
I found the writing to be very atmospheric and every word penned down came alive. The world, the characters, actions and smells...It felt like I was there alongside Nettie and Rowena. It's a cozy fantasy, so the pacing is quite slow in the beginning and picks up gradually, and the romance is a slow burn as well. In the beginning, it might not look like much is going on or that not much will happen, but around the middle of the book things start building up and we're getting some plot twists and reveals and things suddenly start to make sense and it's just all so intriguing, interesting, and so much fun. I enjoyed both the slowness of the beginning of the book with getting to know the characters, the baking, the conversations between Rowena and Nettie, their feelings slowly growing, the gentle touches, and just the overall cozy vibes, and I also enjoyed the plotline picking up. It was just a perfect mix. I never felt bored. I just wanted to keep on reading.
I have not much negative to say other than that I found that the one spicy scene and the more spicy thoughts Nettie sometimes had felt a bit off and awkward in comparison with the rest of the book.. It wasn't really needed for me and kind of put me out of the book. There wasn't much of it, but I still skim-read over them because I thought it felt a bit awkward in this book. Overall, I really liked the writing, but sometimes during or after some of the romance and action scenes, it felt like the writing was a bit stiff and some sentences suddenly were quite short and repetitive. In moments, it felt a bit flat in comparison to the flowiness of the rest of the book. Nevertheless, I really really enjoyed this book and I can see myself rereading this one some other time during Autumn when the book has gotten published! I want to read the second book now as well already!!!
Read this if you'd like:...
- 🍂 Slow-burn sapphic romance between a werewolf x witch.
- 🍁 Autumn/Halloween.
- 🍂Tea shop/café.
- 🍁 Slow-paced cozy fantasy with the plot slowly building up.
- 🍂 Magic and enchanting moments.
- 🍁 Secrets, mystery, plot twists, and reveals.
- 🍂 Cuteness, wholesomeness, quirky, warm fuzzy feelings, with some vulnerable moments as well.
- 🍁 Flowy, vivid writing.
- 🍂 Elementals.
February 25, 2025
If you love cozy fantasy books in contemporary settings, The Lone Wolf Cafe is a sweet and delicious treat baked just for you! With an adorable sapphic romance between a witch and a werewolf, a cafe filled with mouth-watering pastries, and a touch of action to keep things interesting, this book will fit snugly on the shelf with all your favorite comfort reads. Highly recommended for fans of cozy fantasies and light-hearted, witchy paranormal romance.
July 20, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Nettie Clarke has never known the world beyond Hollenboro, her tiny home island off the coast of Maine. So when she abruptly flees with few belongings, no money, and no idea where to go, things get complicated. Mainly because she’s a werewolf. After arriving on the mainland, she comes across Wisteria Grove, a witch village hidden deep in the forest, and seeks shelter in a local cafe. There, she is confronted the owner, Rowena Hawthorne, the town’s surly and introverted herbalist. Impressed by Nettie’s baking skills, Rowena makes her work as the cafe’s resident baker and pretend to be a witch, and she’ll be paid enough to make it worth her time. At first it seems like a great deal, and Nettie only plans to stay for a few weeks before taking off to see the rest of the world. But as the days pass, her baking skills grow, she befriends the local elementals, and she (reluctantly) finds Rowena attractive. All of which makes it harder for her to leave. But as Nettie and Rowena’s bond deepens, so does the danger. Nettie’s safety is at stake if the village finds out she’s a werewolf, and her ears and tail won’t stop popping out when she gets stressed. And Nettie isn’t the only one with a secret to hide. Wisteria Grove is full of mysteries, all of which seem to trace back to Rowena. Despite warnings from the rest of the village, Nettie continues to fall for the herbalist witch, eager to discover the truth. But the past has its claws sunk deep into Wisteria Grove, and Nettie will have to confront her own secrets — as well as Rowena’s — to stay in the town she’s grown to love.
Nettie is such a sweetheart. For the majority of this book, I just wanted to reach in and give her a hug. She is a bit naive to begin with but considering where she is from, it’s not entirely a surprise. What I loved is how much of a people person she is! She was so bubbly with everyone and so willing to share her talents to help brighten their days. Seeing her grow in confidence was wonderful. As she settled and finally accepted she was away from home and making her own path in life, we really got to see her blossom. It will be interesting to see where she ends up if we get to see more of her in the future.
Rowena is very much a recluse. Though it is out of necessity, not want. But when she gets close to someone? Oh, it was amazing getting to see her be more open and jovial. She has this cold exterior that’s seemingly impenetrable but I loved that Nettie wormed her way in and wouldn’t leave. Whilst we get Rowena’s backstory, I would have loved to see more. Yes, this book is in Nettie’s POV but I think Rowena opening up further and strengthening her relationship with Nettie would have been utter perfection.
I see sapphic romance with cozy Halloween vibes and I am instantly SOLD! The cover art is so cute for this book too so I was excited to dive in. What a delightful plot this is. I love that there is such a harmonic blend between the magical side of things and the regular old human world. I found that it helped ground the story and allow it to feel more fresh and modern. It is certainly different to other modern magical tales I have read but I certainly enjoyed it. Character wise, it is clear the main focus is on the main duo. We get to see a variety of other characters which is great, but what we do see is more surface level. I would have liked to have taken a deeper dive into the supporting characters. We see elements of their personalities coming out - particularly when trying to bond with Nettie - but those glimpses are all we see. I want more because I’m incredibly greedy. The romance here is so incredibly sweet. I could feel my heart melting in my chest and I absolutely adored it. The level of sweetness may have given me a cavity but it was so good to see - especially after what they’d beeb through. And the spicy moments we get too. Oh, those were perfection. They were emotionally charged and engaging to read which I love. They weren’t there just for the sake of it! That ending was pretty good too. I loved that the majority of things were resolved. It closes up everything nicely but I love that this will have another book following it. I am so excited for The Wolf Tales Bookshop coming out next year!
Overall, The Lone Wolf Cafe is a fantastic sapphic romance full of cozy vibes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Victory Editing for an advanced copy of this book.
Nettie Clarke has never known the world beyond Hollenboro, her tiny home island off the coast of Maine. So when she abruptly flees with few belongings, no money, and no idea where to go, things get complicated. Mainly because she’s a werewolf. After arriving on the mainland, she comes across Wisteria Grove, a witch village hidden deep in the forest, and seeks shelter in a local cafe. There, she is confronted the owner, Rowena Hawthorne, the town’s surly and introverted herbalist. Impressed by Nettie’s baking skills, Rowena makes her work as the cafe’s resident baker and pretend to be a witch, and she’ll be paid enough to make it worth her time. At first it seems like a great deal, and Nettie only plans to stay for a few weeks before taking off to see the rest of the world. But as the days pass, her baking skills grow, she befriends the local elementals, and she (reluctantly) finds Rowena attractive. All of which makes it harder for her to leave. But as Nettie and Rowena’s bond deepens, so does the danger. Nettie’s safety is at stake if the village finds out she’s a werewolf, and her ears and tail won’t stop popping out when she gets stressed. And Nettie isn’t the only one with a secret to hide. Wisteria Grove is full of mysteries, all of which seem to trace back to Rowena. Despite warnings from the rest of the village, Nettie continues to fall for the herbalist witch, eager to discover the truth. But the past has its claws sunk deep into Wisteria Grove, and Nettie will have to confront her own secrets — as well as Rowena’s — to stay in the town she’s grown to love.
Nettie is such a sweetheart. For the majority of this book, I just wanted to reach in and give her a hug. She is a bit naive to begin with but considering where she is from, it’s not entirely a surprise. What I loved is how much of a people person she is! She was so bubbly with everyone and so willing to share her talents to help brighten their days. Seeing her grow in confidence was wonderful. As she settled and finally accepted she was away from home and making her own path in life, we really got to see her blossom. It will be interesting to see where she ends up if we get to see more of her in the future.
Rowena is very much a recluse. Though it is out of necessity, not want. But when she gets close to someone? Oh, it was amazing getting to see her be more open and jovial. She has this cold exterior that’s seemingly impenetrable but I loved that Nettie wormed her way in and wouldn’t leave. Whilst we get Rowena’s backstory, I would have loved to see more. Yes, this book is in Nettie’s POV but I think Rowena opening up further and strengthening her relationship with Nettie would have been utter perfection.
I see sapphic romance with cozy Halloween vibes and I am instantly SOLD! The cover art is so cute for this book too so I was excited to dive in. What a delightful plot this is. I love that there is such a harmonic blend between the magical side of things and the regular old human world. I found that it helped ground the story and allow it to feel more fresh and modern. It is certainly different to other modern magical tales I have read but I certainly enjoyed it. Character wise, it is clear the main focus is on the main duo. We get to see a variety of other characters which is great, but what we do see is more surface level. I would have liked to have taken a deeper dive into the supporting characters. We see elements of their personalities coming out - particularly when trying to bond with Nettie - but those glimpses are all we see. I want more because I’m incredibly greedy. The romance here is so incredibly sweet. I could feel my heart melting in my chest and I absolutely adored it. The level of sweetness may have given me a cavity but it was so good to see - especially after what they’d beeb through. And the spicy moments we get too. Oh, those were perfection. They were emotionally charged and engaging to read which I love. They weren’t there just for the sake of it! That ending was pretty good too. I loved that the majority of things were resolved. It closes up everything nicely but I love that this will have another book following it. I am so excited for The Wolf Tales Bookshop coming out next year!
Overall, The Lone Wolf Cafe is a fantastic sapphic romance full of cozy vibes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Victory Editing for an advanced copy of this book.
September 9, 2025
This was a really cute start to what I am calling a cozy romantasy!
Our main character Nettie has just run away from her isolated werewolf island community. She has no knowledge of the outside world (she doesn't even know what money is), but -something- happened that made her leave. She ends up going to the mainland and finding this almost hidden little village. It ends up being a town of witches - werewolves biggest enemy. Nettie has to pretend to be a human so she can accept a job as a baker at the local cafe in order to make money and keep a roof over her head. Then she starts falling for the cafe owner, Rowena, but she knows she can't stay.
I really liked both Nettie and Rowena. Nettie was very naive, but it was understandable as it was well explained how isolated her island was. It was fun to explore things we all think are easy or we've known our whole lives and her figuring these things out as an adult. She was very anxious (which is understandable). She was also a very confident baker. It was a good contrast to see her get confused over the littlest things, but also have something she is really good at. Rowena was quite introverted. Nettie sees the whole town shun her but doesn't know why. Rowena ends up having a complicated and interesting backstory. In this world, there are elementals that can bond with people. Rowena has bonded with 2 - Fritzi, an ice elemental and a fire elemental who's name escapes me right now. Nettie ends up bonding with a wind elemental and names her Aria. They have BIG personalities and I loved all 3 of them! There were a few townspeople that Nettie tries to befriend, but having a growing affection for Rowena, when they shun her, she pulls away from them. Nettie and Rowena ended up having quite an adorable relationship that I really enjoyed.
The plot was very engaging. While I would definitely classify is as a "cozy" book, there were some high stakes situations. Immediately we are hit with whatever Nettie is running away from. Once Nettie arrives in Wisteria Grove and settles in a little bit, we learn there is a werewolf pack that terrorizes the town every full moon when the werewolves are in their "full moon frenzy" where they shift and can't control themselves. There is one wolf specifically who is somehow able to get through the wards that the witches have put up for protection and can let other werewolves in. With the full moon looming, Nettie knows she will need to be gone before the frenzy shifts her while she's in town. There is also the mystery of why Rowena is being shunned by the villagers. During the second half of the book and especially towards the end, we get some answers to these questions that bring in a little bit of action. Some of the plot twists were predictable - I had the "big" one pinned at the very beginning. But it didn't take away from learning the how and the why of everything. That actually took a direction I wasn't expecting and I really enjoyed it.
The writing style wasn't my favorite. It was mostly ok and quite easy to read. It's just a lot of things were repeated quite a few times. Specific details were brought up over and over and it just seemed a little unnecessary.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable cozy romantasy. From the little blurb about book 2 at the end, it seems to be about a bookstore, so you know I will be reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Our main character Nettie has just run away from her isolated werewolf island community. She has no knowledge of the outside world (she doesn't even know what money is), but -something- happened that made her leave. She ends up going to the mainland and finding this almost hidden little village. It ends up being a town of witches - werewolves biggest enemy. Nettie has to pretend to be a human so she can accept a job as a baker at the local cafe in order to make money and keep a roof over her head. Then she starts falling for the cafe owner, Rowena, but she knows she can't stay.
I really liked both Nettie and Rowena. Nettie was very naive, but it was understandable as it was well explained how isolated her island was. It was fun to explore things we all think are easy or we've known our whole lives and her figuring these things out as an adult. She was very anxious (which is understandable). She was also a very confident baker. It was a good contrast to see her get confused over the littlest things, but also have something she is really good at. Rowena was quite introverted. Nettie sees the whole town shun her but doesn't know why. Rowena ends up having a complicated and interesting backstory. In this world, there are elementals that can bond with people. Rowena has bonded with 2 - Fritzi, an ice elemental and a fire elemental who's name escapes me right now. Nettie ends up bonding with a wind elemental and names her Aria. They have BIG personalities and I loved all 3 of them! There were a few townspeople that Nettie tries to befriend, but having a growing affection for Rowena, when they shun her, she pulls away from them. Nettie and Rowena ended up having quite an adorable relationship that I really enjoyed.
The plot was very engaging. While I would definitely classify is as a "cozy" book, there were some high stakes situations. Immediately we are hit with whatever Nettie is running away from. Once Nettie arrives in Wisteria Grove and settles in a little bit, we learn there is a werewolf pack that terrorizes the town every full moon when the werewolves are in their "full moon frenzy" where they shift and can't control themselves. There is one wolf specifically who is somehow able to get through the wards that the witches have put up for protection and can let other werewolves in. With the full moon looming, Nettie knows she will need to be gone before the frenzy shifts her while she's in town. There is also the mystery of why Rowena is being shunned by the villagers. During the second half of the book and especially towards the end, we get some answers to these questions that bring in a little bit of action. Some of the plot twists were predictable - I had the "big" one pinned at the very beginning. But it didn't take away from learning the how and the why of everything. That actually took a direction I wasn't expecting and I really enjoyed it.
The writing style wasn't my favorite. It was mostly ok and quite easy to read. It's just a lot of things were repeated quite a few times. Specific details were brought up over and over and it just seemed a little unnecessary.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable cozy romantasy. From the little blurb about book 2 at the end, it seems to be about a bookstore, so you know I will be reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 23, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book, I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
As the summer begins to fade and autumn draws in this is the perfect book for you to curl up with a pumpkin spice drink, light a candle and snuggle under a blanket. The book is best described as a warm pumpkin spiced hug. It follows Nettie, a runaway werewolf, determined to take her fate into her own hands and escapes the little island she's been raised on all her life for mainland Maine. Not even sure what money is she quickly realises she might be out of her depth, scared and anxious she wanders into the forest and finds Wisteria Grove and Rowena at The Lone Wolf Cafe.
Sensing something different Rowena promises to protect Nettie and persuades her to stay, utilising her baking skills in the cafe. Nettie slowly begins to learn about the way of witches but is always worried her secret will be found out, something she can't risk when witches and werewolves are enemies. Her friendship with Rowena begins to grow but she is puzzled as to why the rest of the village treats Rowena differently, perhaps she isn't the only one with secrets to hide.
The bond between the pair grows with Nettie facing a growing attraction to Rowena. Their relationship is sweet and organic, romantic and utterly charming, I loved the way these two characters evolved as you read on finding strength together.
The revelations that come out both between Nettie and Rowena and with other characters in the book draw you in and make you read on wanting to know if your theories are right and what will happen to them all. I won't spoil it so I will just say the ending was satisfying and enjoyable. I'm happy to have read this book
As the summer begins to fade and autumn draws in this is the perfect book for you to curl up with a pumpkin spice drink, light a candle and snuggle under a blanket. The book is best described as a warm pumpkin spiced hug. It follows Nettie, a runaway werewolf, determined to take her fate into her own hands and escapes the little island she's been raised on all her life for mainland Maine. Not even sure what money is she quickly realises she might be out of her depth, scared and anxious she wanders into the forest and finds Wisteria Grove and Rowena at The Lone Wolf Cafe.
Sensing something different Rowena promises to protect Nettie and persuades her to stay, utilising her baking skills in the cafe. Nettie slowly begins to learn about the way of witches but is always worried her secret will be found out, something she can't risk when witches and werewolves are enemies. Her friendship with Rowena begins to grow but she is puzzled as to why the rest of the village treats Rowena differently, perhaps she isn't the only one with secrets to hide.
The bond between the pair grows with Nettie facing a growing attraction to Rowena. Their relationship is sweet and organic, romantic and utterly charming, I loved the way these two characters evolved as you read on finding strength together.
The revelations that come out both between Nettie and Rowena and with other characters in the book draw you in and make you read on wanting to know if your theories are right and what will happen to them all. I won't spoil it so I will just say the ending was satisfying and enjoyable. I'm happy to have read this book
May 24, 2025
This entire book is like a Halloween-themed weighted blanket made of pure serotonin.
Rowena (an ostracised witch) employs Nettie (a runaway and secretly a werewolf) as her new baker in The Lone Wolf Café when she finds Nettie has let herself into the closed café and started eating her own (extremely tasty) baked goods. The audacity 😅
They are like chalk and cheese but have instant chemistry. Nettie is very friendly, and loves coffee but hates tea, and Rowena is a quiet loner, who loves tea but hates coffee. Rowena is quite taciturn and aloof most of the time but also extremely protective of Nettie, which I find incredibly cute.
The little accidental touches and longing looks, as they work alongside each other in the café, edge you to perfection. When the spice hits it's so sweet and gentle; just two lovers basking in each other's beauty. Also, Rowena is a consent Queen 👑
Wisteria Grove keeps a lot of secrets, and the tension is palpable. The confrontation with the mysterious man in Rowena's garden had my heart in my mouth! And the revelation near the end was like a sledgehammer to the ribcage.
The ending is so beautiful! It filled my heart with joy and my eye holes with tears 😭😍
Omg the little recipes at the back! What an amazing touch, I can't wait to try them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Rowena (an ostracised witch) employs Nettie (a runaway and secretly a werewolf) as her new baker in The Lone Wolf Café when she finds Nettie has let herself into the closed café and started eating her own (extremely tasty) baked goods. The audacity 😅
They are like chalk and cheese but have instant chemistry. Nettie is very friendly, and loves coffee but hates tea, and Rowena is a quiet loner, who loves tea but hates coffee. Rowena is quite taciturn and aloof most of the time but also extremely protective of Nettie, which I find incredibly cute.
The little accidental touches and longing looks, as they work alongside each other in the café, edge you to perfection. When the spice hits it's so sweet and gentle; just two lovers basking in each other's beauty. Also, Rowena is a consent Queen 👑
Wisteria Grove keeps a lot of secrets, and the tension is palpable. The confrontation with the mysterious man in Rowena's garden had my heart in my mouth! And the revelation near the end was like a sledgehammer to the ribcage.
The ending is so beautiful! It filled my heart with joy and my eye holes with tears 😭😍
Omg the little recipes at the back! What an amazing touch, I can't wait to try them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 28, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Nettie, a werewolf girl, runs away from her family and the island she’s living on.
She ends up in a small witch village where she’s offered a job as a baker in a small cafe. Only she needs to fake that she’s a witch as well.
The owner of the cafe, Rowena, is also a bit of a lone wolf.
You follow the struggles Nettie has to hide that she’s a werewolf, to figure out life in a different kind of environment. And the attraction she feels towards Rowena.
I expected this book to be cute and cozy. Which it is! But I definitely didn’t expect the small spice and the action packed scenes. It was a nice surprise! I have to say it took me a bit longer than I would’ve wanted for me to get through the book and I don’t really know why.
It really is a cute sapphic romance with some fantasy aspects. I do really recommend it.
I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
Nettie, a werewolf girl, runs away from her family and the island she’s living on.
She ends up in a small witch village where she’s offered a job as a baker in a small cafe. Only she needs to fake that she’s a witch as well.
The owner of the cafe, Rowena, is also a bit of a lone wolf.
You follow the struggles Nettie has to hide that she’s a werewolf, to figure out life in a different kind of environment. And the attraction she feels towards Rowena.
I expected this book to be cute and cozy. Which it is! But I definitely didn’t expect the small spice and the action packed scenes. It was a nice surprise! I have to say it took me a bit longer than I would’ve wanted for me to get through the book and I don’t really know why.
It really is a cute sapphic romance with some fantasy aspects. I do really recommend it.
I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
September 3, 2025
Nettie is a werewolf and, wanting to escape her island of origin, she travels and ends up in Wisteria Grove. A town of witches. She hides her true identity and finds work at the bakery owned by the witch Rowena. As Halloween approaches, concern grows about aggressive werewolves pack . Will the two heroines manage to find balance by helping their city?
I like her impressions when she reaches something new are visible, both her fear and her desire for something new. We have a small town cozy romance, a witchy atmosphere and a liberating love between women. It is also full of the smells of cookies, chocolate, tea and coffee. Something I found very cute and original were the little magic creatures .
The book is officially released on September 9th. Thanks so much for the Arc!
I like her impressions when she reaches something new are visible, both her fear and her desire for something new. We have a small town cozy romance, a witchy atmosphere and a liberating love between women. It is also full of the smells of cookies, chocolate, tea and coffee. Something I found very cute and original were the little magic creatures .
The book is officially released on September 9th. Thanks so much for the Arc!
September 6, 2025
5 ⭐️
You will love this book if you’re into fall, baked goods, witches, tea, vampires and a lot of cozy vibes.
The story follows Nettie, a werewolf, she is running away from her hometown to discover the world. She ends up in Wisteria Grove, populated by witches. There she meets Rowena, the owner of the local cafe. Rowena offers Nettie a job as the new baker. I love Nettie’s story, there is quite some depth to it. She is very lovable and also kind of naive (she wants to travel the world but at the same time she tries to pay for things with blueberry scones, which made me laugh out loud).
I expected this story to be cute and cozy and it for sure was. The cover of the book is so great and really fits the cozy vibe. There are also action packed scenes and some mystery to unravel.
The recipes at the end of the book are a really nice touch and I can’t wait to try them out.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You will love this book if you’re into fall, baked goods, witches, tea, vampires and a lot of cozy vibes.
The story follows Nettie, a werewolf, she is running away from her hometown to discover the world. She ends up in Wisteria Grove, populated by witches. There she meets Rowena, the owner of the local cafe. Rowena offers Nettie a job as the new baker. I love Nettie’s story, there is quite some depth to it. She is very lovable and also kind of naive (she wants to travel the world but at the same time she tries to pay for things with blueberry scones, which made me laugh out loud).
I expected this story to be cute and cozy and it for sure was. The cover of the book is so great and really fits the cozy vibe. There are also action packed scenes and some mystery to unravel.
The recipes at the end of the book are a really nice touch and I can’t wait to try them out.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2025
3.7/5 - sapphic, fantasy, magic, witches, werewolves. I’m mixed on this one, because I really enjoyed MOST of the book, but then was very disappointed by the last stretch. The final ~15% suddenly became crowded with characters I absolutely could not care less about, while the café, the main relationship, and the town friends we’d been following all book felt pushed into the background. I won’t go into spoilers, but that ending really didn’t work for me and felt like a convenient, overly clean wrap-up. Which is a shame, because I was having a great time with the worldbuilding, the main relationship, and the magic system (the elementals were a cute addition).
May 22, 2025
A sapphic romance plus a cozy fantasy?! Count me in! Set in a world where magic beings exist in hiding from humans, a werewolf sets out to explore a world she's never been a part of. Things get exciting when she accidentally stumbles into a town just for witches.
Set during fall with a lead up to Halloween, this is an excellent book to read while curled up with a blanket and an apple cider.
A must read for anyone who loved Rebecca Thorne's, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea, and Travis Baldree's, Legends and Lattes.
Set during fall with a lead up to Halloween, this is an excellent book to read while curled up with a blanket and an apple cider.
A must read for anyone who loved Rebecca Thorne's, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea, and Travis Baldree's, Legends and Lattes.
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November 3, 2025i received an e-arc from the author and all opinions are my own.
i gave it a full day, but i really couldn’t get into it. i wanted so badly to enjoy it because the weather here is perfect for a cozy read, and i thought this would be the one, but nothing really interested me, at least for the 25% i managed to read. there are just too many inconsistencies, and i can’t tell whether nettie is supposed to be innocent about the human world or not, because sometimes it feels like she knows a lot.
i’m pausing at 25% for now and might revisit it when i’m in the right mindset to give it another shot.
i gave it a full day, but i really couldn’t get into it. i wanted so badly to enjoy it because the weather here is perfect for a cozy read, and i thought this would be the one, but nothing really interested me, at least for the 25% i managed to read. there are just too many inconsistencies, and i can’t tell whether nettie is supposed to be innocent about the human world or not, because sometimes it feels like she knows a lot.
i’m pausing at 25% for now and might revisit it when i’m in the right mindset to give it another shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! I am very picky about the books that I read and oh my gosh, this one scratched an itch that I have been trying to satisfy for a long time. When you want a "Cozy book" This is EXACTLY what I was looking for!
Not only does it have the cozy vibes but it also has an amazing story behind it, and absolutely amazing character building as well!
I look forward to the next book!
I read this one on kindle unlimited but I think I will be purchasing the physical copy for my shelf of honor!
Loved it!
Not only does it have the cozy vibes but it also has an amazing story behind it, and absolutely amazing character building as well!
I look forward to the next book!
I read this one on kindle unlimited but I think I will be purchasing the physical copy for my shelf of honor!
Loved it!
November 12, 2025
Such a cute cozy fantasy book!!! I have to say tho, i preferred the first 50%. After that, the intrigue was less interesting to me. Also, the revelations were either way too predictable, or not at all, but in a way that no foreshadowing was present (so i was confused). BUT even if this book isnt perfect, the wold building is so so cute and the ship is SO GREAT and SAPPHIC 🤭🩷Rowena and Nettie for the win🧡🤍🩷 i didnt know that half witches-half werewolves existed, but i am SO THERE for it. I wanna go in the Lone Wolf Café so bad. I can’t wait to read more from this universe!!!
June 14, 2025
This is a delightful cozy fantasy. It has everything I could want in the genre: baked goods, witchy energy, werewolves, a slow burn romance, and adorable bonded elementals. I’m looking forward to the next book to see what happens next in Wisteria Grove.
October 3, 2025
Perfect book for an autumn day!
I loved this one so much! The flowery writing, the chemistry between the main characters, their arcs! All make the perfect combination for a cozy fantasy romance.
I loved this one so much! The flowery writing, the chemistry between the main characters, their arcs! All make the perfect combination for a cozy fantasy romance.
October 11, 2025
4.25 stars!
September 1, 2025
The Lone Wolf Café is so incredibly written and so sweet. Thank you Sydney for sending me an ARC! This book is perfect for anyone who loved You Cannot Spell Treason Without Tea or Legends and Lattes. It’s the ultimate cozy autumn read and gave me all the warm vibes.
Nettie is a werewolf on the run who ends up hiding in a witch village and working at the café of the surly and introverted herbalist, Rowena. What starts as a temporary deal slowly turns into something more, with baking, friendship, secrets, and some serious swoony tension between Nettie and Rowena. I loved the cozy atmosphere, the humor, and the way this story mixed magic with heart. It was whimsical, romantic, and just so comforting!
Nettie is a werewolf on the run who ends up hiding in a witch village and working at the café of the surly and introverted herbalist, Rowena. What starts as a temporary deal slowly turns into something more, with baking, friendship, secrets, and some serious swoony tension between Nettie and Rowena. I loved the cozy atmosphere, the humor, and the way this story mixed magic with heart. It was whimsical, romantic, and just so comforting!
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