Midnight Howl

Howl and Prowl #1

by Kate Steele

Rrr, rrr, rrr. Not something you want to hear from your car after midnight on a cold night in December. Ethan Parks takes it in stride and decides to walk home. What could happen? Being followed by what appears to be a wolf? Being harassed by some punks in the local mini-mart? Being rescued by the hunk he’s had a crush on since high school? Oh yeah.

Crewe Jackson’s been waiting patiently to claim his mate. Nine years ago both he and Ethan were too young, but now they’re all grown up. It’s time to give his sweet little nerd some lessons in love.

These books are not available as stand alones and must be purchased together in the Howl & Prowl Collection.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Werewolves, Erotica, Fantasy

79 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

As a kid, from the time I learned to read, I've treasured books. Fiction mostly, because I'm the type of person who likes to be taken on journeys of imagination. I guess it was only natural I'd try to orchestrate some of those journeys myself, and share them with others.

Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.

I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.

Reviews

[Elisa Rolle]

Another very tender story about gay werewolves. Even if this is not exactly correct. Cause our werewolf, Crewe, is not gay, but he find that is mate was an him and not an her. And the animal instinct can't be deny. So he is very willing to claim his mate... but he is 18 years old and his mate 15 years old... so, maybe, is better to wait some years

When he is 28 years old, Crewe thinks is time! and, with the approval of his alpha, go out to claim his mate, Ethan. Crewe is a jock, a very hunk man. Ethan is a nerd, a librarian... Could the two find a common way? Of course, yes, in bed they are all compatible!

I like this story, Crewe is a classical alpha male, very protective with Ethan; and Ethan is like a baby, all new to the love experience (very new, he is virgin!). Sometimes is good to read a story fresh like water.

A very enjoyble reading, but I think Kate Steele have in mind other stories and maybe a sequel, cause the story between Crewe and Ethan close with an open point, and we read that other characters, like Chad, Dustin, Nick and Lucas maybe will have an own story.

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/19...

[Darien · Rating 4 out of 5]

^^SWEET!^^

The first story in a three part series featuring brothers. I totally loved it, so sweet and sexy. Wish it was longer but what can you do. Kate Steele writes wolves like no other.

Ethan Parks is a nerd, like seriously. Picked on pretty much all is life, he is angry and frustrated with the way he looks. Plus he is gay and thats a secret that he can't share with anyone.

Crewe has known for nine years that Ethan is his mate but they were so young so he waited, the wait is over because he can't stay away and he is yearning for his mate. A chance meeting with Ethan brings him one step closer to his goal, now he has to prove to his little mate that he is right for him.

So the story moves petty quickly but it never leaves you feeling like its missing something. The sex scenes were hot, but can I say I loved the dialogue between Ethan and Crewe, They said just the right words in like the sexiest atmosphere. The ending left you knowing that things are not over for this couple, theres a big secret that Crewe has yet to share.

Looking forward to his brothers Dustin and Nick's story.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a lovely, pretty cute story :). I always welcome a virgin shy character. It's fun to see how the alpha male tries to convince that they are worth it. And Ethan is totally an adorable example. I love how Crewe deals with him. The little transformation that Ethan does near the end brings the smile to my face because it leads to a cute love declaration *awww*. Now I'm jumping to the second book because yep, this 1st book has "to be continued" as the last line ...

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a shifter book there isn't much shifter in it. It could have just as easily been a contemporary story with the very little shifter aspects in the book. Basically two people running into each other in a small town and a VERY quick romance develops along with sex that comes very quickly as well. There is no real angst or even issues in this book. You'd think either the gay shifter aspect or the fact that one MC is human and doesn't even know about werewolves would add some drama but it doesn't. In fact Ethan never even finds out Crewe is a shifter in this book. The ending sets up the next two characters for the next book and maybe the plot from this one will continue and Ethan will learn the secret but I won't be reading it.

This was a simple, quick read and not bad just not interesting enough for me to continue with so many other books/series out there.

[Trix · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as plot and character development, this book is kind of lacking. Their fortunate encounter, followed by a sweet, though rapid romance that wasted no time in becoming physical, no angst, perils for either of them (werewolf, being gay).. it was all too nicely strung one after the other. I won't even go in detail about the fact that Ethan in the end never did find out Crewe's biggest secret. The book just ended with a cliffhanger.. about two side characters. O_O

But those are just the downfalls. For some unknown reason, even with plenty of flaws to the story, it was a cute read. Light and easy to go through. The characters are likable, decent sex scenes and the HEA is always a nice touch (for me anyway). Perhaps the sequels will link to all characters and make sure all loose end are covered.

[Paisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sweet but not so much it was too sticky. I loved the two men - Ethan & Crewe - they were hot and perfect for each other. They also had the geek/hot guy chemistry thing going on too. So this one (the first story) is my favorite, but the whole book Howl & Prowl (3 story collection) is worth reading and you have to buy it in order to read the first one since it can't be bought as a stand-alone story.

[Lexi Ander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I started these this series because I of course live in Indiana. Ethan, our virginal human and Crewe our experienced werewolf are mates. Ethan is bookish and shy. Crewe is a strong martial artist who persues our adorable Ethan. It was cute and sweet. It's predictable but there are times that you just want something to relax with. It was great for a stormy Sunday afternoon.

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF I had been excited to see that this was back in print, but turned out to be disappointed. The story itself might not have been bad but the writing style seemed very amateur. Every extraneous action that the characters made was described. For instance, instead of saying that a character got home and went upstairs to undress, the author tells us that he took off his shoes, placed them in the closet, closed the door, walked upstairs, took his nightclothes out of the dresser, etc. This made for a very slow pace. The story felt a bit unemotional too. Everything was a little blunted. This experience wouldn't keep me from trying another of Steele's books, but this one didn't do it for me.

[Zeppelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please. Unthawed is not a word. Also, if he was drinking steaming coffee to warm up, how can UNTHAW FIT THERE????????? The coffee is being used to thaw him *extreme eye-roll*

I paused to write that, let me continue reading........

OK. It's hurdle not hurtle. For example, "Hurdle to jump over" instead of "Hurtle to jump over".

Grammar PoPo here! Sorry *shrugs*

So this was a short sweet love story, not a lot of wolf going on here. Not even a wolf-reveal to the mate. I mean....*I-just-don't-know hand gesture*

[Ulaumes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why was this a were story? It like didn't really play any measurable part other than why they stayed apart so long which could easily be swapped for so many things. I like shifter stories, this just felt like a framework that didn't use that aspect.

And nothing really happens. Like no real conflict, no real tension that isn't more than a scene. Just...hey we meet and now we're in love...the end.

It isn't that the book is bad...it just is.

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic plot, awesome story, with wonderful colorful characters! Full of magical mayhem and chaos, mis adventure, and lots of fun! Searching for a cater for his arranged marriage, he finds his true love, only it is not who he thought. Will he find his true mate or is it too late?

[Toxik Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why are authors OBSESSED with making all siblings in a family gay? I can't stand series like that. Almost automatic dnf at this point. I didn't know that about this book unfortunately or I would likely not have read it. Overall nice read, but kinda cliche all around.

[Lioness7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The storyline was interesting and made me want to find out about other wolves in the pack. I honestly can't wait to try the next book and have it on my list for future reads.

[Alisa- I like happy endings. · Rating 5 out of 5]

would read again!

[Daesy · Rating 2 out of 5]

**grammar**

I expected more from this book, but i found it boring and the plot was almost not existing.
Crewe and Ethan were in the same high-school, both had a crush on the other without knowing (they talked like 1 time in all the time they were in the same school?)and for over 9 years they didnt meet again. Crewe was a playboy in high-school, changing girls almost every day, with his parents blessing, bcs that's a thing a werewolf must do in their opinion....now let's ignore this comment and move on, when he sees Ethan, younger than him by 2 years, in the library reading, he finds out he is attracted to the boy and that is a first time for him. He is not gay, never wanted other men, but since he cant claim his mate yet, being Ethan 16 and him only 18, when he leaves to go to college, what he thinks???? nah guys he doesnt think about waiting for his mate to reach the right age and then claim him, he thinks about starting to have sex with men and try all he can....isnt that lovely???. Idk how he could do that and i really wished that Ethan had done the same and not stayed a virgin....
Like i wrote up Ethan is still a virgin, he is 25 now, shy and a geek. When he was in high-school he was bullied and his older brother Nick and younger one Dustin,always protected him. For all these reasons he is shy and doesnt trust anyone, he never let himself experiment and he never had a relationship. I Knew that the story was short, but i cant understand how a guy like Ethan, who has never kissed or had sex with anyone,and meets again Crewe after 9 years, could so easily fall in love with him, like in a day and have sex with him the next one. Doesnt make any sense to me.....
A lot of things annoyed me in this book, but i still read it till the end bcs i want to finish the serie...i never give up!(Not even when i should)

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

It is a bit hard for me to write a review for Midnight Howl. I read this book and the next 2 books in the series back-to-back because they were in a single edition. It is impossible for me to separate the stories because they flowed one into the other.

In this book Crewe finds his mate Ethan when they are both in high school. Crewe knows he cannot claim him until they both grow up. Ethan had a crush on Crewe in high school as well. Ethan is small and has always had a hard time sticking up for himself. They meet again as adults when Crewe steps in to save Ethan from a dangerous situation.

I am a sucker for a fated-mate werewolf story and this was certainly one of those. When he caught Ethan's scent Crewe, a straight guy, knew right away Ethan was his mate . One small issue I have with this book is the use of the endearment "Baby." I don't mind the endearment when used sparingly but it seemed like a lot in this book. This is a sweet story with very little conflict. If you enjoy angst and outside drama in your books, this may not be a good book for you.

The next 2 books in the series have more conflict outside of the relationships. As for the series as a whole, it was a almost too coincidental that all of the brothers were mates of werewolves in the same pack. Their stories were engaging enough that the coincidence didn't ruin the series for me. Despite a few small issues I did enjoy the Hoosier Werewolf series.

[Yuu Sasih · Rating 2 out of 5]

The relationship between Crewe and Ethan is so sweet, alright. But I feel like I couldn't get a grip of the scenes. It's too.... bland? The description, I mean, feels like it held no emotion or something so every scene passed with no grip in my heart, like, "wha--? is that really--? wait, what I'm missing? THAT was the confesion time?" or something like that.

And I read no conflict either. It's just like a romantic story about Crewe and Ethan. While I don't mind reading it, I think the theme promised more exploration in conflict departement that didn't revealed, like Crewe's dread for revealing his werewolf to Ethan, or any other doubt. Yeah, my main problem was, I think they got together too smooth, too easy, and maybe that's why I picturing it as bland.

But I'll read the sequel, though, because the epilogue was not... an epilouge? And who knows the conflict would heightened in the next one.

And ah, a passing thought. I don't know why in my head I keep pronouncing Crewe's name as Creepe. Ah, now I want a creepe.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love me some romance no matter who is taking part. This happens to be a M/m story -- INCLUDING WEREWOLVES. Obviously I was sold right there.

This book didn't have your normal werewolf drama. Such as the all consuming need to mate, the shifting, the "no-one-will-want-me-because-I'm-a-mutant element", the fighting, etc. Instead it's just a cute story about a wolf claiming his none wolf mate.

"Why such the low rating?" you might ask. Well, the characters were just too two dimensional for my liking. Ethan was too meek and then fiesty. Crewe was just too alpha and caring. It was too predictable - and there was no outdoor "can't-wait-to-get-inside" sex. I always love that kind of sex ... in books.

I have already started book 3 (skipped book 2 because I want to read about Lucas), so my low rating isn't saying that no one should read this book or other Kate Steele books. It's just saying that I was disappointed.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whole trilogy: 2 stars See review below for ratings for this particular story.

My review is in spoiler tags because it hasn't been edited yet and I do most of my note taking on my phone which makes for some creative wording due to the spellchecker. This review probable has too much negative stuff as that's what I tend to think to write down. If I'm enjoying myself, I don't want to stop reading!

There could be actual spoilers, though, so you've been warned.


Telling telling telling. PWP.

Epilogues are not supposed to be two hours later. That's not an epilogue, that's an extended scene.

I hate that in order to feel good about himself he felt he had to change.

I thought for sure Ethan would have a chance to use his martial arts at least. Well this is really part one. Ethan doesn't even know about werewolves yet.

2 stars

[Jimmy Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of the Hoosier Werewolf novels...

Ethan is a cute, typical nerd who - like most nerds - is always about 3-seconds shy of knocking his head through a wall chanting, "why.did.I.do.that" And yet he has spunk, mouths off at the oddest times. He wouldn't be endearing by my standards but to others he would be.

With Crewe - so long as you can get past his stalker-ish tendencies when it comes to Ethan, he's a pretty cool guy. I didn't expect him to get as lovey-dovey-gooshy over Ethan as he is, but after having already read all three books together before, I can say their story does well as the first step.

First short novella: Vanilla luvs. Second short novella: Slight kink-bound luvs. Third short novella: Holy-Hell Machismo Alpha action - WOOT!!

[Phaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, I first read this way back when having three brothers all turn out gay was still making me question a story. These days such a thing barely rates a sigh. (I tend to just be glad it’s not half a dozen brothers instead.)

This book? It was short and really nice.
Definitely full of some basic female wish fulfilment, if you can believe it, right down to the makeover bit. Not too deep, but definitely benign with friendly characters who sometimes break the (now) established clichés with what they say.

I liked the type of werewolf mentality present in this, and also the fact that Ethan still has no idea his lover is a werewolf. It makes sense for these things to take some time, after all, and the author makes full use of having a trilogy to work with. Good going!

[Em Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a bonus, this series comes as a set of three (for all three Parks brothers)...which I loved. My most favorite of the three was Ethan (the shy but lovable geek aka middle brother). *sigh* Ethan and Crewe were delightful together.

Chad and Dustin surprised me. There was a dynamic to their relationship (I won't spill the beans) that caught me unaware - in the best way.

Nick and Luc were...well, alphas. *grin* Who doesn't love an alpha? And TWO of them? Yeah. Good stuff.

Definitely going on my keep & re-read list.

[Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this for all three books...

I REALLY loved this series.. Kate was good at crafting this story.. characters were really good..

I could whine about how she could have made these stories MUCH longer with some more back story on a few and some more character development and even interaction.. but at the end of the day... they really are great stories with a werewolf involved.. hehehe

Kate write some more!! Please...

[Tj · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was very familiar sounding. The writing was ok. I did like the characters, they were cute. This was just not the most unique story. The concept isn’t new the story line isn’t either. I really wish there was more to like than it just being a cute and sweet story. It is a nice story when you want something easy and sweet.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ethan as the shy little virgin and Crewe as the big bad lynx. It's cute but fell a little bit flat for me.

[Mel]

especially for Lynn

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, that felt good.

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is sweet and compared to other similar books to simple. In general good, sweet story!

[Asitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly a literary masterpiece, but I enjoyed it. A nice light read.

[Sandra]

Howl & Prowl collection on Nook lendables for $7.99