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Supernatural Suburbia #1

The Werewolf's Nymph Neighbor

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A werewolf raising two kids on his own...
A grumpy nymph who moves in next door...
and a bond that might just save them both.

Eric loves his new house. Specifically, as a nymph, he loves the garden. And while he doesn't love the two curious and talkative kids next door at first, he's not so much of an unsociable hermit that he won't answer their questions. As for their father, well, Eric won't deny that he finds him incredibly attractive, and finding out that he's single only makes him more irresistible. But Eric's a nymph; sex is always on his mind. He's perfectly capable of ignoring his impulses.

Single dad Leon is taken with his new neighbor at first glance. He's beautiful, ridiculously competent, and he smells fantastic which, for a werewolf, means a lot to Leon. The fact that he's good with Leon's kids, even when it's clear he doesn't know how to react to their affection, is what tips the balance from "curious" to "altogether too interested." He can't deny the pull he feels toward Eric, but he's willing to take things slow.

When hunters threaten Leon's family, Eric steps in to help, and the aftermath of adrenaline leads him straight to Leon's bed. But while it makes Leon realize just how important Eric really is... Eric is convinced Leon could never want something more. Before either of them can deal with their own feelings, the hunters return; more dangerous, more determined, and this time Eric is a target too.

Can Leon save his family? Can Eric allow himself to become a part of it?

This book is a standalone in the Supernatural Suburbia series and has its own HEA.

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2018

128 people are currently reading
252 people want to read

About the author

Riley Rivers

16 books48 followers
Riley Rivers has been writing since they were a wee thing and aspires to be That Person who regularly sits in coffeeshops with a laptop and knows all the baristas. They are well on their way to achieving this dream.

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5 stars
148 (26%)
4 stars
229 (40%)
3 stars
166 (29%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Rain.
2,595 reviews21 followers
July 7, 2024
Short, sweet gay romance between a werewolf and his new neighbor, a nymph. Not super deep, but a wonderful little pallet cleanser between heavier stories.
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,504 reviews223 followers
February 6, 2020
This was pretty damn awesome, so many feels, incredible suspense, cute adorable kids, a nymph and a werewolf! Eric and Leon together was fireworks times a thousand! Can't wait to read book two!
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,474 reviews381 followers
December 14, 2018
I thought this was a cute shifter/paranormal story. I enjoyed the characters and the ease of their relationship. I also liked the whole aspect of fated mates and how that was handled. Leon is a perfect alpha wolf shifter and I loved how he was determined to go slow with Eric when he realized they were mates. Also, a great pairing with a shifter and a nymph, I loved Eric, too!

There’s some nice romance, some action and drama, and something out to get the wolves.

Enjoyable story! It was endearing, sweet, sexy, and I definitely look forward to more from this author!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews459 followers
July 15, 2019
Now this was better than I expected when I saw the cover.
The writing had a really nice flow to it and I loved how one scene just flawlessly morphed into the next one.

Eric is a nymph, but he doesn’t want people to know. He just moved into his new place and making sure his garden is thriving is more important than unpacking. But he keeps getting interrupted by the neighbor’s children. Aria is 4 and Griffin is 6, but they seem to be drawn to him like bees to honey. Eric is not a kid person, but these two are pretty cute, even though they keep disturbing him. The neighbor Leon is not so bad either.

Leon is an alpha werewolf who is raising the kids of his brother and sister-in-law after they died. When he meets the new neighbor Eric, he immediately feels a pull. His wolf has decided Eric is his, but Leon knows he has to be careful with a human….

These guys were pretty cute together. Leon was this super sweet big alpha werewolf, and Eric was this feisty nymph who secretly wanted someone to take care of him.

There was a good dose of action in this, and I really loved how everything seemed to just flow right. From the friendship, to the romance, to the sex, to the action, to the hurt/comfort, and eventually the love.

If I had to have one complaint it might have been that Eric tried to distance himself from Leon for a while because he was afraid he’d lured Leon to him with his magic. But besides that this was a real winner.
Profile Image for M.I.A.
412 reviews91 followers
August 25, 2020
4.25 Stars
🧡Delightful!🧡

Short-fiction, it's only about 91 pages but it feels like a complete story.
Eric, a nymph who's somewhat of a loner due to having to live in the 'human' world hiding his supernatural nature. He finds himself not quite trusting the bond that blossoms between himself and Leon a wolf shifter. Neither of them knowing each others nature, having to tip-toe and doubt their strong attraction.
Insta Love
Light mystery
Adorable children

It is all quick-paced due to the length but still quite fulfilling and adorable.

Definitely recommend to anyone in need of a sweet, well written paranormal short. ^_^
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews274 followers
February 1, 2019
Easy, breezy, beautiful. This was just the way mates and insta-love should be done.

This had enough of everything. A little teeny bit of angst, blink and it is gone, and a tad bit of adventure with a sprinkling of danger.

It was a quick and easy read that I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Cindaren.
431 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2024
This was my first by this author and I liked it a lot. I thought it was well-written, and I love the idea of a nymph, you don't see those every day so I thought that was really cool. This has an interesting plot, I really liked the main and side characters, and I plan on reading more from this author. Great book! Just a bit short lol
Profile Image for Achim.
1,300 reviews86 followers
February 5, 2019
Nice and easy tale about what can happen in idyllic paranormal suburbia where no one knows that their neighbor isn't exactly human. Of course with one of them being a werewolf insta-love and mating aren't far away but with the other one a nymph tierd and wary of his nymphomanic past it's a nice twist.

Too short for a satisfying world building and it was a pity that the possibilities the in M/M rarely used nymph species is offering are not really appreciated but throwing hunters and a tiny little bit of angst into the mix it was an enjoyable pastime.
Profile Image for ~nikki the recovering book addict.
1,248 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2019
Short and sweet read

This was a short and sweet read. There wasn’t much world building. I feel that there’s a lot we don’t know about this world and it’s perhaps one of the factors that will keep me hooked on this series for now. Well, there’s the usual trope with wolfsbane and wolf mate but also, a nymph? That’s intriguing. Wish we learned more about Eric though!
Profile Image for Janee Fritz.
250 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2024
The kids made the story better in my opinion. They were both very cute. Without them this is another forgettable and predictable werewolf romance. But I have no major complaints.
Profile Image for Alexis.
552 reviews
March 22, 2023
The author seems new, but the story has potential and I look forward to the author's growth.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2018
The Werewolf's Nymph Neighbor is the first book in Riley Rivers' Supernatural Suburbia series. It got my attention right away and kept it. The story was interesting and well written. The characters were fun to read about. A sweet nymph who also can get sexy with the hot werewolf single dad. Leon and Eric are great characters. Definitely good reading. I cant wait to read book two.


I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation
Profile Image for Mike.
1,174 reviews30 followers
February 6, 2020
Pleasure and poison in the garden

This short (novella) m/m shifter romance is simple and sweet despite the bit of threat and danger in the background plot. The pairing of a wolf shifter raising his young shifter niece and human nephew with a sweet but subdued nymph next door neighbor was loaded with possibilities. In the end, it was a very basic and quick story, nicely enjoyable for fans of gently fluffy, sweet shifter romance.

3.5 stars - rounded down for the brief length and unfulfilled potential
5,704 reviews39 followers
November 28, 2018
this was such an adorably sweet story.. i loved the characters.. the paranormal characters were fun and it was a short sweet read with lots of fun emotions and love. plus mmm yummyness.. very good and i cannot wait for book 2
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,305 reviews17 followers
November 28, 2018
Very enjoyable

This was a great little read. It was sweet and fun with likable characters and an engaging storyline, even though it was short it was still very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Toofan.
976 reviews18 followers
January 11, 2019
2.5 Stars
A very simple story with some editing problems. It wasn't bad but I wouldn't call it entertaining.
Profile Image for Susi June.
258 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2025
That's such a cute, short insta love story. It has some suspense but also a lot of love. I would have loved more pages because I liked the couple so much. I wished we got an epilogue though.
Profile Image for Penumbra.
1,199 reviews20 followers
September 16, 2024
The Werewolf’s Nymph Neighbor is the first book in the ‘Supernatural Suburbia’ series. It stars Eric, a nymph, and Leon, a werewolf and father of two adopted kids.

3.5 Stars

First the cover. I like it. It’s what attracted me into giving this book a try from this new to me author. This reads like it’s in a distant third person from Eric and Leon’s povs, or in a similar voice to a lot of cozy mysteries.

The blurb does a good job of describing the basic plot. The author focuses mostly on the characters and the relationship building between Eric, Leon, and the children. There isn’t much world building and I wish there was more. The author gave just enough information about what happens to create the danger, but we learn nothing about who the hunters are, who they work for, or how the danger is handled after it’s over. It’s just, ‘taken care of.’ We don’t learn anything about how the paranormals hide amongst humans because it sounds like there are quite a few paranormals that exist.

I liked the characters. For such a short book, the author did a good job of creating unique characters with distinct personalities and voices. The children weren’t annoying and acted like normal children. Eric was quiet and liked to be by himself. Leon, once he got up the nerve to speak to Eric, knew that there was something special about him, but Leon thought Eric was human. Leon quickly admitted to himself that Eric was his mate. Eric on the other hand, being a nymph, knew that people were drawn to his energies, especially that of sex. Eric was used to being used for that and then people moving on, which lead him to living a lonely life. He believed that Leon was only attracted to him for that reason, not realizing Leon was his mate. Despite being attracted to Leon, Eric kept pulling back, thinking because he was a nymph, it was his fault that Leon wanted to be around him.

The conflict and conclusion were quick. I wish we’d learned more about everything, and maybe there will be information revealed in the other books in the series. I think the next book is about Tommy, the werewolf and nanny who looked after the kids when Leon was busy.

I enjoyed The Werewolf’s Nymph Neighbor by this new to me author. It’s a quick and easy read. The characters were distinct and their voices stayed consistent. I only wish there had been more world building to flesh out the background. I want to give this 3.5 stars but since I can’t, I’ll give it 4 Stars because it was entertaining despite the lack of world building. I’ll likely read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Deirdre.
1,571 reviews16 followers
December 10, 2018
Not quite certain what to expect from this story and new (to me) author Riley Rivers. What attracted me was that it involved Wolf shifters, one of which was a Single "Dad". I was a bit leery because the Wolf's neighbor was a Nymph and I was afraid that the book might be more erotica than romance. That the story might focus n sex and in one manner it did.

The Nymph Eric thought the attraction felt for him had more to do with his natural pull as a nymph. Humans always desired him. The attraction between Eric and Leon felt different. But Eric didn't trust it. Ironically each Paranormal thought the other was Human and pondered how he'd ever be able to reveal his true self.

The Wolf's "children" Aria and Griffin were great comic relief from the serious adults. They pestered the Nymph mercilessly each afternoon while he attempted to enjoy his necessary Gardening until they were corralled into the house by their father for supper. The children surprise both their father and the Nymph by their sincere interest in beginning a garden.

Something disturbing was going on that caused enough concern that the police were called in to take a look around. As scary as it was it bought the hesitant neighbors Leon & Eric closer. As well as raised more questions in regards to a seemingly growing attraction and strengthening bond between the two.

Then the story took a turn: action, danger, suspense, tension, fear, courage, determination, and finally all cards are laid on the table. Eric and Leon found comfort in each other after an harrowing ordeal made clear who and what were important.

This is a very likeable story. Much more than I expected. I'm glad I got the opportunity to read it.
Profile Image for K.R. Phoenix.
665 reviews29 followers
November 28, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5

Now I love a good shifter/fated mates story but its been a while since I’ve found one so endearing.

This book focuses on the people and their ‘human’ natures first and their shifter/supernatural side second, allowing for a more authentic feeling which has surprising depth for such a short read.

I was drawn in by Eric’s somewhat grumpy and endearing nature. I didn’t know much about Nymphs but Riley paints a picture that was able to immerse me in this mythical world without weighting the book down with too much unnecessary info.

I enjoyed ‘watching’ the mate bond form between Eric and werewolf, Leon. Leon is a kind alpha wolf and protector and has adopted his brothers orphaned children. This book is thrilling and descriptive in its character interactions and I fell in love with the two children; Griffin and Aria.

Riley has a way with words, setting a wonderfully suburban scene, while throwing in a little magic, some suspicious activity and a thrilling ending. I’m really looking forward to Book 2; The Werewolf’s Dragon Defender which is Tommy’s story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any fellow MM shifter/supernatural lovers out there, or anyone looking for a quick endearing read with a happy ending!!!

Thanks for reading 📚!
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews39 followers
November 25, 2019
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews39 followers
June 5, 2020
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Profile Image for Luz Rivas.
516 reviews28 followers
May 17, 2025
Plot, where are you? 😵‍💫🫠

Okay, deep breath.

The premise? Adorable. A single dad werewolf raising two cute, curious kids 🐺👧🧒, and a grumpy but secretly soft nymph who just wants to be left alone with his plants. Sounds like cozy fantasy romance goodness, right? I went in ready to swoon over sweet moments, warm domestic vibes, and found-family feels.

But wow… the execution really didn’t hold up.

Let’s start with the world-building: I had so many questions that were never answered. In this world, wolf shifters apparently don’t have packs?? 😵‍💫 And more confusingly, they can’t recognize other supernatural beings, not even other wolf shifters!!! But humans hunter are intelligent enough to track them and recognize supernaturals? Like… what?? 😵‍💫 That one plot point alone made the whole romance feel built on a completely unnecessary misunderstanding. If they had just realized what the other was, like any other decent paranormal story, most of the conflict would’ve vanished.

Which honestly makes the plot feel kind of hollow.

And I tried to look past the technical stuff, but the grammar and editing issues were rough. Typos, weird phrasing, inconsistent tone, it really pulled me out of the story. I’m usually pretty forgiving, and most of the time I even don’t notice these things (English is not my first language, so if the words are there I just translate them in my head. So you can imagine that it was pretty bad for me to notice it).

When the writing issues and the world-building gaps combine? It’s hard to stay engaged.

The only saving grace was the idea of the story. I liked the kids, the concept of a reluctant grump falling into an unexpected family, and Leon had the potential to be a really sweet love interest. But all that potential got buried under confusing logic and underdeveloped character dynamics.

So yeah… not for me. 2 stars ⭐⭐—one for the cute kids, one for the plants. The rest needs some serious pruning. 🌱✂️
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books103 followers
July 28, 2024
A cute story about a nymph who moves in next door to a werewolf whose two kids (technically their uncle) pester Eric about his garden. He doesn't much care for kids or know what to do with them. Leon realizes that Eric is his mate but thinks he's human so they both keep what they really are from each other. Eric starts to think he's accidentally snared Leon (apparently nymphs can sexually enthrall people) and tries to break it but when some bad guys kidnap Eric and the little girl it finally comes out. So it was sweet and cute and I liked that Eric was kind of awkward and also understood his fear that Leon was just using him (intentionally or not) for sex as nymphs are known to be good in bed. The kids were suitably kid-like and I'll definitely follow-up with the next one.

I got this as a freebie. Some promo or other.
12 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2018
This book is a short but sweet story about an alpha werewolf who find his mate in his...not so human... neighbour all while being a single parent to his niece and nephew and a recluse nymph who isn't sure what to make of the 2 chatterboxes who have decided to claim him and their uncle he is so sure the only reason he wants anything to do with him is because he has fallen under the nymphs enchantment.

Leon needs to express his feelings to Eric hoping that will stop him from shying away but hunters have kidnapped his niece, Aria, her some times sitter, Tommy and Eric before he gets the chance.

Definitely a book to read when you need something to just pick up the spirit a bit
489 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2025
This was my first book by Riley Rivers and I loved it. The characters are written really well and I fell in love with the story too. Leon and Eric are so cute together, and I really liked how their relationship grew from a place of friendship. Yea it still moved really fast but they started out as neighbors and moved to friends before taking the next step for more. Even though each felt more than friends about the other, they took it slow since they both had secrets. But I loved how Eric was willing to fight for Leon’s kids and I loved how Leon was ready to do anything to protect not just his kids but Eric too. Bit of a slow burn and fabulous story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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