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Creature Comforts Inn #1
The Handyman's Howl
Rudy is the resident handyman at Creature Comforts Inn. He also happens to be a werewolf. He's strong, he's loyal, but he's not always in control of his shifts.
Bowen is human... mostly. He's able to communicate with animals and often finds them to be easier company than people. Lately, each interaction with his animal friends has brought a warning. Something is following him. He has been guided to Creature Comforts Inn, where the creatures tell him he'll find protection.
Rudy is drawn to the new guest, as is his wolf side. He finds himself craving Bowen's company, driven by an instinct he's not sure he can control.
When the shadow that's been following Bowen manifests, will Rudy be able to connect with his beast to save his mate?
The Handyman's Howl is an MM PNR cozy mystery with found family, fated mates, a clumsy werewolf, and a socially awkward human.
The Creature Comforts Inn series features stand-alone novels that can be enjoyed on their own, but I recommend reading the series to revisit your favorite characters in this world.
Bowen is human... mostly. He's able to communicate with animals and often finds them to be easier company than people. Lately, each interaction with his animal friends has brought a warning. Something is following him. He has been guided to Creature Comforts Inn, where the creatures tell him he'll find protection.
Rudy is drawn to the new guest, as is his wolf side. He finds himself craving Bowen's company, driven by an instinct he's not sure he can control.
When the shadow that's been following Bowen manifests, will Rudy be able to connect with his beast to save his mate?
The Handyman's Howl is an MM PNR cozy mystery with found family, fated mates, a clumsy werewolf, and a socially awkward human.
The Creature Comforts Inn series features stand-alone novels that can be enjoyed on their own, but I recommend reading the series to revisit your favorite characters in this world.
- GenresParanormalM M Romance
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 4, 2026
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Duckie Mack
31 books211 followersShe loves reading and writing stories that show that love isn't defined by gender. She writes sweet romance with fun heat, adorkable characters, and is a sucker for an HEA.
She lives in Southern California with her family, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, and loves to give out free hugs at pride events.
Duckie loves to interact with readers and is most active on instagram @authorduckiemack
Keep up to date on Duckie's book news by subscribing to her newsletter-
https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
She lives in Southern California with her family, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, and loves to give out free hugs at pride events.
Duckie loves to interact with readers and is most active on instagram @authorduckiemack
Keep up to date on Duckie's book news by subscribing to her newsletter-
https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 29, 2026
A very sweet, paranormal romance with a little mystery and a lot of love!
Rudy has never felt a part of the world around him. Not only is he a werewolf, but he also can’t control his wolf. When he finds a community online of supernatural beings, he knows he’s found his family. They form the Creature Comforts Inn, a place where supernaturals of all kinds to get away and feel safe.
Bowen has always been different, he can communicate with animals. People always thought he was crazy or a liar, so he retreats into a solitary life. When he’s lead to Creature Comforts, he doesn’t know why he’s there, but he realizes this could be an accepting place for him. It doesn’t hurt he’s caught the eye of a sexy werewolf!
While Bowen explores his gift and Rudy tries to get his wolf under control, they find themselves completely drawn to each other. But something is looming over Bowen, a mystery of why he ended up there, and it could put him in danger.
This was a very sweet romance with heat, found family, a whole host of very cool supernatural creatures!
Thank you to Duckie for the arc!
Rudy has never felt a part of the world around him. Not only is he a werewolf, but he also can’t control his wolf. When he finds a community online of supernatural beings, he knows he’s found his family. They form the Creature Comforts Inn, a place where supernaturals of all kinds to get away and feel safe.
Bowen has always been different, he can communicate with animals. People always thought he was crazy or a liar, so he retreats into a solitary life. When he’s lead to Creature Comforts, he doesn’t know why he’s there, but he realizes this could be an accepting place for him. It doesn’t hurt he’s caught the eye of a sexy werewolf!
While Bowen explores his gift and Rudy tries to get his wolf under control, they find themselves completely drawn to each other. But something is looming over Bowen, a mystery of why he ended up there, and it could put him in danger.
This was a very sweet romance with heat, found family, a whole host of very cool supernatural creatures!
Thank you to Duckie for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
1st person, past tense, dual PoV
Rudolph, werewolf (33), founder/head of maintenance at the Creature Comforts Inn on the island of Malterra
Bowen Thomas, human-ish (26),
I always overthink reviews for books I enjoyed so I may edit this in a couple more days after I let things percolate in my mind.
I adore PNR and love this author's writing style and characters so I was stoked to receive an ARC.
First of all I have to say I loved catching a glimpse of Nemo and Cory from Little Saint Nautilus. I love the way Duckie writes in cameos from her other published works so that they truly feel like background characters and give readers in the know a little thrill while not making those unfamiliar with them feel as though they are missing out on anything.
I loved seeing Bowen communicating with his animal friends as the story opens. While my heart broke for him and the alienation that he experienced due to his ability I have to say it sounds pretty awesome to go through life a little like a Disney princess, since, like Bowen, I much prefer animals to people most of the time myself.
Royal Mother Catterine Spotted Lion of the West was such a great character and as a cat lover I adored every aspect of their interaction. The way in which Bowen found himself making his way to Malterra to escape the mysterious shadow imbued the story with some real urgency to start off. This plot mostly fizzled until it was time for the shadow to make its move and reveal its identity and I have to say I would have enjoyed more from this angle while the romance between the MCs was blooming throughout the middle of the book.
I'm an absolutely sucker for a scent matches and possessive animal sides with my 'were' MCs so I just ate this book up. While my heart ached for Rudy and his disconnected state with his wolf side I thrilled at the more animalistic and simplistic claiming of Bowen from the wolf - think, "I licked him so he's mine" vibes. The way that Bowen interacted with Rudy's wolf was both adorable and sweet. I howled with laughter at the scene with the bully stick as much as I sighed with satisfaction at Bowen's praise of the wolf. Bowen's discovery of the supernatural world was amusing and I loved how he just rolled with everything, and even enjoyed Rudy's primal overtures.
I'm excited to read about the rest of the inhabitants of the Creature Comforts Inn.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Rudolph, werewolf (33), founder/head of maintenance at the Creature Comforts Inn on the island of Malterra
Bowen Thomas, human-ish (26),
I always overthink reviews for books I enjoyed so I may edit this in a couple more days after I let things percolate in my mind.
I adore PNR and love this author's writing style and characters so I was stoked to receive an ARC.
First of all I have to say I loved catching a glimpse of Nemo and Cory from Little Saint Nautilus. I love the way Duckie writes in cameos from her other published works so that they truly feel like background characters and give readers in the know a little thrill while not making those unfamiliar with them feel as though they are missing out on anything.
I loved seeing Bowen communicating with his animal friends as the story opens. While my heart broke for him and the alienation that he experienced due to his ability I have to say it sounds pretty awesome to go through life a little like a Disney princess, since, like Bowen, I much prefer animals to people most of the time myself.
Royal Mother Catterine Spotted Lion of the West was such a great character and as a cat lover I adored every aspect of their interaction. The way in which Bowen found himself making his way to Malterra to escape the mysterious shadow imbued the story with some real urgency to start off. This plot mostly fizzled until it was time for the shadow to make its move and reveal its identity and I have to say I would have enjoyed more from this angle while the romance between the MCs was blooming throughout the middle of the book.
I'm an absolutely sucker for a scent matches and possessive animal sides with my 'were' MCs so I just ate this book up. While my heart ached for Rudy and his disconnected state with his wolf side I thrilled at the more animalistic and simplistic claiming of Bowen from the wolf - think, "I licked him so he's mine" vibes. The way that Bowen interacted with Rudy's wolf was both adorable and sweet. I howled with laughter at the scene with the bully stick as much as I sighed with satisfaction at Bowen's praise of the wolf. Bowen's discovery of the supernatural world was amusing and I loved how he just rolled with everything, and even enjoyed Rudy's primal overtures.
I'm excited to read about the rest of the inhabitants of the Creature Comforts Inn.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not-Quite-Doctor-Doolittle with social anxiety + Wolfman with an inferiority complex = HEA in a Hotel (far from) Transylvania
Bowen and Rudy are the unlikeliest of couples. One is a human—probably—with a rare gift; the other is a literal wolfman who avoids people as if they were the full moon itself. Yet the pull between them is undeniable.
The plot, centered on an otherworldly darkness threatening both their love and their lives, is simple in structure but rich with mystery. The business “Creature Comforts,” a monster retreat hidden within a luxury hotel, provides a delightful backdrop. It’s a haven for humans and supernatural guests alike, and it introduces us to a cast of characters who are clearly poised to take center stage in future installments.
As our unlikely heroes move forward, layers of the story unfold with subtle precision until the “big bad” is defeated and the expected Happily Ever After can begin. This is, after all, a romance—albeit a paranormal one—so a happy ending is guaranteed. How we get there is where the author’s mastery shines.
The paranormal elements serve as the mechanism that brings these characters together, but the true magic lies in the character work. Duckie crafts personalities with such a distinct stamp that you can recognize their touch across genres. Rudy may be a werewolf, but at his core he’s Rudy Valentino—the devoted lover willing to do anything for his mate. And every character receives this same thoughtful treatment, no matter how much page time they get. Silas, clearly a descendant of Medusa, or Maxime, the vampire Head of Hotel Operations, each get moments—brief but bright—that reveal a deep interconnectedness.
We learn that this group met through an online forum, building their bond over time until they envisioned a place where each could use their unique gifts for the good of all. A world where every form of “otherness” becomes a superpower. That’s quintessential Duckie. It’s why I love these stories: they imagine a world we should all aspire to create in our everyday lives.
If only everyone could check in to Creature Comforts and discover their truest selves, we’d be a much happier society.
Bowen and Rudy are the unlikeliest of couples. One is a human—probably—with a rare gift; the other is a literal wolfman who avoids people as if they were the full moon itself. Yet the pull between them is undeniable.
The plot, centered on an otherworldly darkness threatening both their love and their lives, is simple in structure but rich with mystery. The business “Creature Comforts,” a monster retreat hidden within a luxury hotel, provides a delightful backdrop. It’s a haven for humans and supernatural guests alike, and it introduces us to a cast of characters who are clearly poised to take center stage in future installments.
As our unlikely heroes move forward, layers of the story unfold with subtle precision until the “big bad” is defeated and the expected Happily Ever After can begin. This is, after all, a romance—albeit a paranormal one—so a happy ending is guaranteed. How we get there is where the author’s mastery shines.
The paranormal elements serve as the mechanism that brings these characters together, but the true magic lies in the character work. Duckie crafts personalities with such a distinct stamp that you can recognize their touch across genres. Rudy may be a werewolf, but at his core he’s Rudy Valentino—the devoted lover willing to do anything for his mate. And every character receives this same thoughtful treatment, no matter how much page time they get. Silas, clearly a descendant of Medusa, or Maxime, the vampire Head of Hotel Operations, each get moments—brief but bright—that reveal a deep interconnectedness.
We learn that this group met through an online forum, building their bond over time until they envisioned a place where each could use their unique gifts for the good of all. A world where every form of “otherness” becomes a superpower. That’s quintessential Duckie. It’s why I love these stories: they imagine a world we should all aspire to create in our everyday lives.
If only everyone could check in to Creature Comforts and discover their truest selves, we’d be a much happier society.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a wonderful time with The Handyman's Howl! This was my first full length Duckie Mack book and it was a great introduction to her novels. It was a relaxed read that still kept you really interested (and smiling) all the way through, and I loved trying to guess where the subtle mystery subplot was going to go! It definitely kept me on my toes and I loved how the whole thing progressed.
At the heart of the book we have Bowen - who likes animals more than people and is tired with everyone's nonsense (relatable) - and Rudy the werewolf who is a shy, sweet handyman half the time and an alphahole werewolf the rest of it. And I was here for it! There was a lot of, "Mine!" and "You smell so good," from our wolfie guy and a lot of blushing and apologies from his handyman counterpart. Sexy, cinnamon roll Jeckyl and Hyde, yes please!
Of course, Bowen was digging all of it and he was happy to go with the flow of what his new werewolf shadow needed, whether that was a, "Good boy," (hnnng), a date night, or a dog treat. I loved their relationship so so much!
Seriously though, watching these two open up to each other and learn what it means to feel safe at last was so sweet and I really loved all the hurt/comfort and emotions that came with their connection so much.
Overall this was a great read and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I loved the whole found family and the world building here and I really hope all the major side characters get their own books!
I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving my honest opinions voluntarily.
At the heart of the book we have Bowen - who likes animals more than people and is tired with everyone's nonsense (relatable) - and Rudy the werewolf who is a shy, sweet handyman half the time and an alphahole werewolf the rest of it. And I was here for it! There was a lot of, "Mine!" and "You smell so good," from our wolfie guy and a lot of blushing and apologies from his handyman counterpart. Sexy, cinnamon roll Jeckyl and Hyde, yes please!
Of course, Bowen was digging all of it and he was happy to go with the flow of what his new werewolf shadow needed, whether that was a, "Good boy," (hnnng), a date night, or a dog treat. I loved their relationship so so much!
Seriously though, watching these two open up to each other and learn what it means to feel safe at last was so sweet and I really loved all the hurt/comfort and emotions that came with their connection so much.
Overall this was a great read and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I loved the whole found family and the world building here and I really hope all the major side characters get their own books!
I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving my honest opinions voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Duckie dives into the world of paranormal once again with the cozy comfort mystery. Rudy moves to a remote island to be his true self and not fear the normals will find out he's a werewolf. Bowen has always been able to communicate with animals and when they tell him to goto a remote island he listens. The island is not as it appears to be where he meets a unique group of characters who he cannot tell if they want him there or not. On first scenting Bowen, Rudy's wolf knows this is his person, now it's time for both man and wolf to get to know this mysterious man and hope for the best. You get the comfort charm of Duckies contemporary writing with a paranormal twist in this all new series. I enjoyed the flow of this story and getting to see Creature Comforts Inn and its inhabitants, making you want to know each of their stories. I especially enjoyed Bowen treated Rudy differently as man and wolf to fit the needs of him at that time, it was a fun twist to see on this trope.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Handyman’s Howl - Creature Comforts Inn book 1
‘Rudy huffed out a laugh as his cheeks turned pink. “You gotta stop, or I'm not going to be able to leave.” “Stop what?” I asked teasingly. His nostrils flared, and his fists clenched at his sides. “Smelling like that.” I shrugged with an impish smirk, loving the way he reacted to me and the way he wasn’t trying to censor his reaction this time. “I would say I’m sorry, but I’m not.”
Oh, dear Rudy! This wolfie has not experienced romantic love until a stranger unexpectedly ends up on the island of the Creature Comforts Inn, in Duckie Mack’s newest series.
Bowen finds himself being led to an off the path island by the intense communication of some friendly animals. He feels a dark presence is getting closer, until he meets the tall, beautiful wolf man at the mysterious Inn.
What neither expects to happen is a solid feeling of togetherness and love, once they are brave enough to open their own hearts!
‘Rudy huffed out a laugh as his cheeks turned pink. “You gotta stop, or I'm not going to be able to leave.” “Stop what?” I asked teasingly. His nostrils flared, and his fists clenched at his sides. “Smelling like that.” I shrugged with an impish smirk, loving the way he reacted to me and the way he wasn’t trying to censor his reaction this time. “I would say I’m sorry, but I’m not.”
Oh, dear Rudy! This wolfie has not experienced romantic love until a stranger unexpectedly ends up on the island of the Creature Comforts Inn, in Duckie Mack’s newest series.
Bowen finds himself being led to an off the path island by the intense communication of some friendly animals. He feels a dark presence is getting closer, until he meets the tall, beautiful wolf man at the mysterious Inn.
What neither expects to happen is a solid feeling of togetherness and love, once they are brave enough to open their own hearts!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rudy & Bowen
"So... werewolves were real. Actually real. And I gave it a dog treat."
An incredible paranormal romantasy with a slow physical burn but a deep and loving emotional connection. Rudy & Bowen didn't initially understand the intensity between them, but it also didn't take them long to explore those feelings once they understood that connection inside them. It was a fun perspective for a man with a magical gift like Bowen to not know enough about the rest of the world's magic to immediately see under the surface of Creature Comforts Inn. I'm so excited to see how this series evolves, and on the edge of my feet to see who and how all our wonderful inn founders meet and match with.
It's impossible not to love a story from Duckie Mack because she gives so much life to her characters and even when it's paranormal you want to be part of their world and be friends will all involved. It was fun to get tiny cameos from some of the characters in her other paranormal stories. I love a good interconnected fictional universe.
It's the kind of story that I want to read again as soon as I'm done with it the first time.
The Handyman's Howl was a perfect read to introduce the series and the Creature Comfort Inn that all these characters are an innate piece of. There are a few solid moments that have more intensity and some darkness, but overall the story was sweet, silly and fun in all the right ways.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
"So... werewolves were real. Actually real. And I gave it a dog treat."
An incredible paranormal romantasy with a slow physical burn but a deep and loving emotional connection. Rudy & Bowen didn't initially understand the intensity between them, but it also didn't take them long to explore those feelings once they understood that connection inside them. It was a fun perspective for a man with a magical gift like Bowen to not know enough about the rest of the world's magic to immediately see under the surface of Creature Comforts Inn. I'm so excited to see how this series evolves, and on the edge of my feet to see who and how all our wonderful inn founders meet and match with.
It's impossible not to love a story from Duckie Mack because she gives so much life to her characters and even when it's paranormal you want to be part of their world and be friends will all involved. It was fun to get tiny cameos from some of the characters in her other paranormal stories. I love a good interconnected fictional universe.
It's the kind of story that I want to read again as soon as I'm done with it the first time.
The Handyman's Howl was a perfect read to introduce the series and the Creature Comfort Inn that all these characters are an innate piece of. There are a few solid moments that have more intensity and some darkness, but overall the story was sweet, silly and fun in all the right ways.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Handyman's Howl is the first book in the Creature Comforts Inn series. This is the story of Rudy a werewolf and Bowen a human who can communicate with animals. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. I really loved the animal characters. I couldn't put this book down once I started because Bowen grabbed my heart from the beginning. I wanted to hug him because he felt so different because of his ability to talk to animals. The plot was interesting and I liked that it took a backseat to the romance between Rudy and Bowen for while. I also loved the cameo of Nemo and Cory from her book Little Saint Nautilus. This was just an amazing story and I can't wait for the next book in the series. Any book that can make me happy and sad at times is one I would recommend and this one did both so I would definitely recommend it.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rudy is a good boy for Bowen!! I absolutely loved this first installment of Creature Comforts Inn. Bowen, our lovable dr. doolittle gets swept away in a ducknado of confusion, panic and nothing but his bag and the clothes on his back. Finding his way to Creature Comforts, he realizes that talking to animals is actually a blessing and not a curse. Rudy our lovable and confused werewolf has not had the easiest life and then Bowen comes in and both parts of Rudy come to an agreement... Bowen was their's. Get ready for a wild ride of dog treats, heat and Rudy and his werewolf finally coming to peace with each other and able to live completely and not in fear. I can't wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adored this book!
It was charming, intriguing, and had me hooked. I enjoy paranormal/shifter romance, but this book stand out from the rest. I loved how it showed that the shifters are like everyone else. They have talents, jobs, and deal with emotions like humans do.
The interactions between Bowen and Rudy was sweet, funny, sad, and spicy. You could feel how much they both wanted to fit in and been seen. The way they first met tugged at my heart.
I'm excited to meet the rest of the characters, hear their stories, and see where the series goes.
It was charming, intriguing, and had me hooked. I enjoy paranormal/shifter romance, but this book stand out from the rest. I loved how it showed that the shifters are like everyone else. They have talents, jobs, and deal with emotions like humans do.
The interactions between Bowen and Rudy was sweet, funny, sad, and spicy. You could feel how much they both wanted to fit in and been seen. The way they first met tugged at my heart.
I'm excited to meet the rest of the characters, hear their stories, and see where the series goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
my mind spinning so fast trying to figure out what creatures kieran and maxime were based solely on their names.
shit! i was so sure kieran was gonna be the vampire. okay, then he's probably some kind of fae
something about Cat felt very plot device-y, she might as well have said "take that boat to the island so the story can continue"
a sasquach with pink bows, i love it!
top tier trope: the characters who struggles to sleep but falls peacefully asleep in their love interest's arms
i don't have much to say about this book other than i liked it
shit! i was so sure kieran was gonna be the vampire. okay, then he's probably some kind of fae
something about Cat felt very plot device-y, she might as well have said "take that boat to the island so the story can continue"
a sasquach with pink bows, i love it!
top tier trope: the characters who struggles to sleep but falls peacefully asleep in their love interest's arms
i don't have much to say about this book other than i liked it
April 4, 2026
This was so cute, sweet, and sexy. Rudy and Bowen are great characters who you can’t help but root for their happiness. I love the island and the story concept and can’t wait for more stories at the Creature Comforts Inn.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews