It All Started with a Bite

Diary of a Reluctant Werewolf #1

by A.D. Starrling

Dear Diary,

Today I became a werewolf. It wasn’t exactly on my to-do list, but neither was finding a strange man on my doorstep who bit me while he was high on werewolf nip.

Now I’m working for a supernatural financial firm run by the hottest alpha in town (who happens to be my mate), trying to track down a cursed artifact, and dealing with office politics that involve actual monsters.

Did I mention I can hear my dog talk? Honestly, I preferred it a lot more when he couldn’t give me unsolicited advice about my questionable life choices.

I’m really starting to miss the days when my biggest problem was acid reflux.

Diary of a Reluctant Werewolf is a humorous fantasy series with a witty heroine who’s as sharp with her tongue as she is with a spreadsheet, a brooding alpha werewolf, a sassy Husky, a snooty cat, a pack of loveable oddballs, a shady workplace brimming with supernatural number-crunchers, and a town where the monsters are real — and really bad at filing their taxes.

Genres: Shapeshifters

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2025

About the author

A.D. Starrling is a bestselling author renowned for her pulse-pounding fusion of urban fantasy, action, adventure, and supernatural suspense. With a passion for history and a gift for intricate plotting, she crafts captivating narratives that transport readers across time and continents. Her Seventeen series, featuring immortal warriors with extraordinary abilities, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global following. Her authentic research and skillful character development keep readers hooked, while her love for action movies infuses her work with electrifying combat sequences and story lines.

When she’s not busy writing, A.D. can be found eating Thai food, being tortured by her back therapists, working part-time as a doctor on a Neonatal Intensive Care unit somewhere in the UK, reading manga, and watching anime. She has occasionally been accused of committing art with a charcoal stick and some drawing paper.

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Reviews

[Janice Mahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for the next book already. This book was just that good to me. If you like a fun time, read this book!
This book was a great ride for me, I loved the fmc and her aura of calm she carries with her. The way she is an unsuspecting badass fmc and the way she handles things is amazing she is so strong. Although grumpy x sunshine isn’t my favorite, it was written well enough in a way where it’s enjoyable. This book has so much humor in it and I adore the witty banter throughout. I especially love, love talking animals and how it is used throughout the book. Overall, I adore this book and cannot wait for the next one.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

3.75*

I liked the MC.
I liked her canine companion.
I liked her best friend.
I didn't want the love interest to die horribly. I'm neutral on the love interest.
I liked the other characters.
I thought the world was interesting and look forward to reading more books set in the world.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of the Seventeen series with Legion & Witch Queen as my favorites. Both of those series are hilarious and I've read them several times. This new series: DoaRW is also hilarious. I enjoyed learning new things about werewolf hierarchies, social protocols and absolutely loved that Abby turned out to be a bad a$$ werewolf who had more stamina than her Alpha! Bo and Pearl are also great characters and I laughed at the slang he was teaching Pearl. I look forward to learning more about the kind of cat Pearl really is & which part of Bo is werewolf. The office scenes were good too; a sort of supernatural version of the TV show: The Office. I believe Mindy is also haunting the copy machine at my office; it's the only explanation for its quirky behavior. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the story. Good work A.D.

[David Hoag · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking new A.D. Starrling universe.

A.D. Starrling has done it again, with a brilliant introduction to a fun new book series. Her latest book, It All Started with a Bite – Diary of a Reluctant Werewolf Book 1, introduces us to Abigail West, her dog Bo, the town of Amberford, and... its decidedly unique population. Abby’s world is turned upside-down, when she’s suddenly thrust into a world she didn’t believe existed. It soon becomes clear that Abby is stronger, mentally and physically, than anyone could imagine. There are surprises, revelations, and laughs around every corner (and on every page). You won’t be able to put this book down, as Abby’s real world collides with a very real supernatural world that she’s suddenly a part of. This was a fun read; I loved every minute! I can hardly wait for A.D. Starrling to release Book 2 of this series.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you say about a book that has you hooked on the first page, laughing hysterically in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s while you’re reading it waiting for the store to open and causes you to bail on dinner with friends so you can finish the book. That’s “It All Started with a Bite”!!! A.D. Starrling has always had a good sense of humor that she’s weaved through incredible stories but this book was not only once again very well written but honestly I couldn’t put it down and I couldn’t stop laughing during a lot of the interactions between the characters. She’s rights a strong female character without the character becoming annoying or offensive and the other characters… well you need to pick up the book to find out. The only downside is the same as always, I have to wait now for the next book (but I know it will be worth it 😉)

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rip-roaring adventure full of daft shenanigans, outrageous characters and improbable scenarios that had me laughing so much my ribs hurt. A slight departure from AD Starrling’s usual genre, the story centres on the fantastically created town of Amberford where supernatural creatures live side by side with unsuspecting humans. Amidst the mayhem is a clever mystery that could have devastating consequences. Abby is hysterical. A tax accountant with anger management issues should never be turned into a werewolf, but hey it all turned out ok in the end. Bo’s completely unfiltered stream of consciousness is a truly wonderful thing and the rest of the characters, especially Pearl are amazing.

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series, very different to AD Starrling's other books, but I can assure you that you are going to utterly go wild over it. The book is perfect.
There is a lot of humour, lots of supernatural creatures, a girl who suddenly becomes a werewolf and a powerful one at that, who finds a mate and battles with the politics of the society she is suddenly a part of. It all balances beautifully and the central character. Abigail is the kind of woman we all want to be, kicks ass and deals with it all beautifully. There is humour and fun in the book and I loved it totally.

I got this as an ARC reader in exchange for a fair review. I'm giving better than that because it is truly fantastic. Right my up street and fun to read.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book has everything you could wish for, but didn’t know you needed. It had me howling with laughter at times (see what I did there?😉) and I just CANNOT wait for more!

Abby is a MFC with loads of character, snark galore and I love her. She is a real force of nature and certainly shakes things up for the other werewolves. Bo, her pet dog sidekick, is an absolute delight and I am intrigued by Pearl, who is another creature with hidden depths.

The storyline keeps you guessing and there are many memorable characters introduced, that I’m sure we will see much more of.

Mystery, laughter and slow burn romance get this series off to a riotous beginning!

[Donna Bosson · Rating 5 out of 5]

AD Starrling does it again with a multitude of sassy characters, and the most amazing conglomeration of side-kick allies and evil villains to create an entertaining story.
Of course the star of the story is a young woman who falls into the role of heroine accidentally; with a bite from a werewolf, who knew they were a 'thing'!!

Included is Bo; a talking dog & his new snobby bestie Pearl; a talking cat. Add in one hella sexy Alpha; Samuel & the recipe is complete in a couldn't put down epic.....thanks AD Starrling

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I must say that this is such a delightful book! I love how the author turns some tropes on their heads and makes things just a little different. Abby doesn’t shy away from being turned into a werewolf, she embraces and runs with it in a humorous way. I loved all the characters, and I can’t wait to see more of them and find out just exactly what…well, read this and find out. This is just so much fun, well-written, engaging, and did I say so much fun?!? Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Rebecca Kornblum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun (and funny) fantasy story from a great author! A.D. Starrling has mastered the art of mixing the ingredients needed to create a great book: a smart, courageous (and often snarky) MFC with an entertaining sidekick, a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, a lot of action, and a cast of lovable, misfit side characters. It All Started With a Bite has all of these in spades plus we get to watch the start of building a new universe. The only thing disappointing about reading this story is having to wait for the next book to come out!

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book. I know A D was a little worried about the change of writing direction but truly she needn't have been. This was different but was still very much what you if you are a fan of the author have come to expect. The story was crazy good with lots of brilliantly written characters, I know that this series will go on to be just as enduring as the seventeen. I highly recommend as I cannot wait for the next installment.

[Susan Shoobert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, AD Starrling has nailed it with this new series. The trademark wit and charm of her characters shine through, which is one of the things I absolutely love about her writing. The animal sidekicks are both amusing and clever, adding a delightful touch to the story. The characters are developing beautifully, leaving you eagerly anticipating where their journeys will lead in the upcoming books.

[Jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought some new characters for you to enjoy the relationship between the main character and the other members of the team is building and leaves you wanting more- - good storyline and although I feel I have met this character before in other books from other authors it doesn’t distract- I am excited to see where this can go and am looking forward to the next chapter in this storyline.

[Sacha Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I wasn’t sure at first as I was so sad when the last series finished. But woah! This is going to be an epic series, fast paced action, hilarious characters (everyone should have a Bo dog!!) and I am literally SO excited to find out how this series pans out. AD Starling has the best imagination of any fantasy author, love interests without total smut, no way to second guess what will happen next and just beautifully written! Can’t wait for the next one!! Sacha

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new love and his name is Bo.

“You were so cool! Like a superhero. But a hairy one, with anger-management issues.”
Trust my dog to ruin my brief moment of glory.

Ahhh, this was the fun, the mystery, the adventure, the hilarity, and the supernatural break from the real world I needed. I adore Abby, sassy Bo, and this new cast of characters in this zany world, that yes, has me howling for more.

[Kristin Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author and was excited to see what the next series had instore. I loved this book and it did not disappoint! The banter among the characters was witty and laugh out loud funny. Bo is one of my favorite of Abby's group of misfits. Pearl is equally as refreshing. I cannot wait for the next book. I will read anything A.D. Starrling writes! She's that good!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different from AD Starrling’s other series but it kept me hooked from the beginning. I could not put it down and ended up reading it in one day. There were so many scenes that had me laughing and I loved Abby who refused to follow the rules along with the other oddball characters. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Ms_mjl · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book i’ve read from this author but i will check out her other titles.
I liked the pace of the story, the twists (even if i predicted most of them, their revelation was always impeccable), the characters’ attitude, etc.
It was an enjoyable read and i think enough seeds were planted in this book to have a substantial and interesting series. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Crafty Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the start of a whole new series for AD Starrling and it is brilliant. Absolutely hilarious and had me laughing out loud, just as well I was at home laughing maniacally to myself 😁

I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out.

Loved it 🥰

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book it was a nice change to get a light hearted view into the world of the supernatural where there are dark elements but put out there with just the right amount of humour to make you smile whilst reading really looking forward to the next book

[Leona Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Book “It All Started With a Bite” within one day. It was so believable and Funny!!. I kept laughing out loud. I rarely laugh out loud reading a book even when it is funny. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Cindy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must admit that I approached this book with trepidation in my heart but I absolutely LOVED IT! the characters, the story, everything about it was great. Well written and incredibly entertaining. Could not put it down and now cannot wait for the next one.

[Anne Englehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

On with the Hunt!

I loved the whole story, from start to finish.
I appreciate the fact that the mate bond is sacred between mates, and there's no cheating on loved ones!
I enjoyed the way that Abby won her soon to be moter in-law just by being herself.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a Winner
Loved it from the start and read it quickly. Quirky, wonderful characters of many supernatural races as well as a few humans thrown in for good measure. First of the series, Diary of a Reluctant Werewolf and hoping for many more.

[Susan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much fun!! Lots of attitude and snark, fast moving and characters you'll love to love. The storyline evolves with the characters making everything flow and bloom into a super fun read!!

[Cindy Deporter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitten by a drunk werewolf. What are the odds? Now she can hear her dog talk and a cat too? Who know being a werewolf would be so much fun!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprise, a strange man and who isn’t who he seems to be An amazing book that will capture your heart from the beginning until the last word.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read, well paced a slow burn romance but hilarious nonetheless!

[nikitatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, funny and I’m so sad we have to now wait for the second book. Very impressed with plot and story building