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Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat #1
Salad on the Side
Since moving to Boston, Kyle Slidell has met only a few of his neighbors, including Tobias Rogan. Kyle is very interested in Tobias, and is ecstatic to learn that Tobias wants him too. But his neighbors have a secret: They're werewolves, and Tobias is the pack Alpha. When one of the wolves attacks Kyle in the neighborhood garden one night, Kyle learns the truth in a hurry. Now he's a werewolf too-and since he's vegan, he refuses to eat meat. With Tobias's help and love, Kyle must adjust to his new life and protect himself and his friends from a neighboring pack.
232 pages, ebook
First published June 17, 2011
32 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Karenna Colcroft
76 books48 followersKarenna Colcroft is a mother, wife, partner, and former teacher who began writing romance and erotic romance in 2006. After a few years' hiatus, she returned in 2022 to rerelease some previously-published works and bring new stories, primarily paranormal romance, to her readers.
Karenna has previously written both heterosexual romance and male/male. As of January 2023 she is focusing solely on male/male romance.
Karenna is a polyamorous nonbinary human who kinda stinks at writing bios on websites like this but does her best.
Karenna has previously written both heterosexual romance and male/male. As of January 2023 she is focusing solely on male/male romance.
Karenna is a polyamorous nonbinary human who kinda stinks at writing bios on websites like this but does her best.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 8, 2011
Overall i liked this story even if it was a bit wordy and dragged a little at parts it was entertaining and enjoyable.
I did have one huge issue though and i was wondering about it the whole book and it was never mentioned again by the characters or explained more. it might be a spoiler even though it is explained early on and never mentioned again.
My huge issue with the book:
I probably would have liked it more if we got Tobi's POV and things before Kyle came along were elaborated on.
I did have one huge issue though and i was wondering about it the whole book and it was never mentioned again by the characters or explained more. it might be a spoiler even though it is explained early on and never mentioned again.
My huge issue with the book:
I probably would have liked it more if we got Tobi's POV and things before Kyle came along were elaborated on.
June 24, 2011
The idea of a vegan werewolf is interesting and the two main characters are very cute together but the rest of the pack are awful chatterboxes. Kyle sums it up perfectly: "This pack talked way too much." Unfortunately the author chose to disagree with her MC and so the book is filled with page after page of endless discussions about wolf politics. Salad on the Side was a 2.5 star read for me and I gave it an extra half star for the writing style.
July 15, 2011
This book started off with a cute and promising premise, a vegan werewolf. Unfortunately that wasn't enough to sustain the story. There were way too many plot points and sub plots that just created an unnecessary and uninteresting muddle. The characters were fun but the plot just didn't gel for me. I also thought that this book could use a little more editing. Many times a character trait or piece of background would be introduced only to be contradicted later in the book. This was confusing and very frustrating. I think with a little trimming and a tighter plot this book would be good, as it is it's just a little too rough around the edges.
July 8, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok paranormal m/m romance about a vegan who doesn't realize he's living among werewolves until he's bitten and changed. These were probably the most long-winded werewolves ever - there needed to be a lot less talking in this book. Hopefully the obviously planned for sequel will be less chatty.
July 24, 2011
3.5
A vegan werewolf!! Just the idea made me smile. The story is told in first person from the POV of Kyle, a newcomer to the Boston area. He has a slight crush on his neighbor, Tobias, who he sees naked in the garden one night. He looks back, and there is a dog? Wolf? In the garden instead. He goes to bed and believes it to be a dream.
That day, Tobias invites Kyle to a party, where he can meet the neighbors. Kyle is curious as to the sudden interest, as he's been there for three months, but accepts. The party is awkward, and when Tobias walks him home, works him up then pulls away with a "I can't do this now but can't tell you why", I wanted Kyle to grow a spine. No, instead he immediately caves and offers to make Tobias dinner.
They meet the next morning to go out for coffee, and Tobias promises to explain, except, of course, he doesn't. It is round about and he expects Kyle to just accept it. I was happy to see this time, Kyle doesn't. He refuses to start anything until he has an explanation, which Tobias promises to provide at dinner. Meanwhile, Kyle is warned away from Tobias by Mrs. Frelich, the only neighbor Kyle thought of as a friend. Another neighbor, Melia, hates him on sight. It is this neighbor who attacks Kyle and transforms him, though she was hoping to kill him.
He has to adjust to being a werewolf, and handle Tobias, who has serious mood swings. At one point he almost hits kyle. Add in that love is considered a weakness, and gay even weaker.
The constant reminders from Tobias that Kyle act submissive got irritating, regardless of the reason. When they finally get around to having sex, (Tobias first time with a man, no less) however, it is sweet, caring, funny and loving. I love that Kyle is no nonsense, as well as funny.
" I traced his ear with a fingertip and he shivered again. "Last question and then we can enjoy ourselves. Giving or receiving?"
"Huh?" He opened his eyes and stared at me. "You mean... Oh, shit, of course that's what you mean."
"Nope, no shit. We'll shower first.".
I adored Kyle. Tobias is more difficult, mainly due to who he is required to be, but as the book continues, he becomes more likeable and sympathetic. They go through a lot to be together, though Kyle has by far the most adjusting. "unless you do something stupid, I will never hurt you". Umm, not very reassuring. The pack law can be archaic and downright stupid. Kyle is willing to acknowledge this, while still supporting his man. I liked the story as a whole, though there is a lot of talking that sometimes drags. All in all, an enjoyable shifter book.
September 15, 2011
I like the idea behind this storyline.
SPOILERS AHEAD - Please stop reading now unless you want to be spoiled
I really like Kyle in this story and how he became a shifter. There no rules on how packs are supposed to behave. Every writer makes up her or his own world. In this case here, I have to strongly disagree with some view points.
The Alpha can use mind control to control his members. If someone is challenged and he refuses, he can be killed. Pack members cannot have a will of their own, they can be compelled by the Alpha even against their wishes. Women are valued as less than men. Overall I find these views a very old fashioned and not in a good sense. Like when back when women were cattle and were not allowed to have a mind of their own.
In a modern book about shifters I found this part of universe off putting because it cut to close to personal hick ups of mind.
Also, Kyle, the lead character, faking to go along wtih being controlled to give the Alpha the illusion of power I find apprehensive. I understand the logic behind it but don't much like how it played out. Again, these are my own personal issues here coming out to play.
I have heared of many good books which deal with certain topis like slavery, mind control etc which I have refused to read becaues I know I would only get upsed. Again, this isn't anything negative about the book just my own personal likes and dislikes. I am stressing this here because I don't want there to be any missunderstanding about what I said before. What I talked about here, were things that put me off for personal reasons.
The characters were very well fleshed out, the sex scenes were more than hot and the 1st POV is one of the toughest choices to tell a story and yet, it was done excellently here. I really got to live as Kyle, see through his eyes, feel what he felt. That takes more than just a little bit of talent.
If my hick ups aren't yours, then by all means, I can only recommend this book. :)
SPOILERS AHEAD - Please stop reading now unless you want to be spoiled
I really like Kyle in this story and how he became a shifter. There no rules on how packs are supposed to behave. Every writer makes up her or his own world. In this case here, I have to strongly disagree with some view points.
The Alpha can use mind control to control his members. If someone is challenged and he refuses, he can be killed. Pack members cannot have a will of their own, they can be compelled by the Alpha even against their wishes. Women are valued as less than men. Overall I find these views a very old fashioned and not in a good sense. Like when back when women were cattle and were not allowed to have a mind of their own.
In a modern book about shifters I found this part of universe off putting because it cut to close to personal hick ups of mind.
Also, Kyle, the lead character, faking to go along wtih being controlled to give the Alpha the illusion of power I find apprehensive. I understand the logic behind it but don't much like how it played out. Again, these are my own personal issues here coming out to play.
I have heared of many good books which deal with certain topis like slavery, mind control etc which I have refused to read becaues I know I would only get upsed. Again, this isn't anything negative about the book just my own personal likes and dislikes. I am stressing this here because I don't want there to be any missunderstanding about what I said before. What I talked about here, were things that put me off for personal reasons.
The characters were very well fleshed out, the sex scenes were more than hot and the 1st POV is one of the toughest choices to tell a story and yet, it was done excellently here. I really got to live as Kyle, see through his eyes, feel what he felt. That takes more than just a little bit of talent.
If my hick ups aren't yours, then by all means, I can only recommend this book. :)
February 21, 2026
It's no secret that I am mad, MAD I tell you, about shifter stories. In fact, I've run out of ways to describe my obsession. I'll read them all, wolves, felines, elephants, exotics, etc. etc. etc. It doesn't matter how long the book or how short, how detailed or not, I'll read it. I imagine it stems from my immense love of wildlife and if I could pick one supernatural power, then I'd like to be able to shift. I love the serious stories and the quirky ones, the funny, and the sexy. So, it's no surprise that when I ran across a series titled 'Real Werewolves Don't Eat Meat', I was all about reading that. 'Salad on the Side' is the first book in the series and I was excited to read it.
One of the things I noticed right off the bat in this author's world building, is that I wasn't getting any stereotypes in the main characters. For me, that means I wasn't going to be reading about the alpha and a much weaker man. Oh no. Kyle is nobody's doormat and he is absolutely Tobias's equal. Kyle makes it plain that he won't consider even attempting a relationship until Tobias comes clean with whatever he's hiding. Because Kyle knows he's hiding something, and it's obviously something important. Tobias doesn't get a chance to reveal all to Kyle. Why? Well, a bitch in his pack, Melia, wants Kyle gone because she wants Tobias for herself. So Melia, in wolf form, attacks Kyle in the garden and bites him. She'd hoped that would kill him. Instead, it made Kyle a werewolf too.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
One of the things I noticed right off the bat in this author's world building, is that I wasn't getting any stereotypes in the main characters. For me, that means I wasn't going to be reading about the alpha and a much weaker man. Oh no. Kyle is nobody's doormat and he is absolutely Tobias's equal. Kyle makes it plain that he won't consider even attempting a relationship until Tobias comes clean with whatever he's hiding. Because Kyle knows he's hiding something, and it's obviously something important. Tobias doesn't get a chance to reveal all to Kyle. Why? Well, a bitch in his pack, Melia, wants Kyle gone because she wants Tobias for herself. So Melia, in wolf form, attacks Kyle in the garden and bites him. She'd hoped that would kill him. Instead, it made Kyle a werewolf too.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
July 13, 2011
For werewolves who talk as much as these do it's surprising how little they end up saying. Instead leaving Kyle and the readers in the dark.
The whole idea about a vegan werewolf was interesting, but the pacifist side Kyle kept showing was a bit much to handle. I'm not saying he should be a ruthless bastard but in a what's obviously a dog eat dog world (pardon the pun) he should realize that he's been thrust into a world that plays by different rules so he can either get used to it fast or pack his bags and run far far away.
So while I liked the book it left to many open questions for my taste.
The whole idea about a vegan werewolf was interesting, but the pacifist side Kyle kept showing was a bit much to handle. I'm not saying he should be a ruthless bastard but in a what's obviously a dog eat dog world (pardon the pun) he should realize that he's been thrust into a world that plays by different rules so he can either get used to it fast or pack his bags and run far far away.
So while I liked the book it left to many open questions for my taste.
May 24, 2022
3+ stars
Salad on the Side is the first book in a recently rereleased series. I found the world the author creates interesting, particularly the premise of a vegan werewolf.
There’s a lot of information regarding pack rules and structure throughout Salad on the Side, but that could work well as a setup for the remainder of the series. There are also plenty of opportunities to get to know the other pack members throughout the book. As with many shifter books, Tobias and Kyle’s relationship moves quickly. I liked that their dynamic was a bit different than I expected and found them to be a solid couple.
Although I would have preferred a bit more development in both the relationship and the story, the overall story idea and plot line were good. With plenty of subplots and secondary characters included in Salad on the Side, I’d recommend this book to fans of shifter romances looking for a new series.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Salad on the Side is the first book in a recently rereleased series. I found the world the author creates interesting, particularly the premise of a vegan werewolf.
There’s a lot of information regarding pack rules and structure throughout Salad on the Side, but that could work well as a setup for the remainder of the series. There are also plenty of opportunities to get to know the other pack members throughout the book. As with many shifter books, Tobias and Kyle’s relationship moves quickly. I liked that their dynamic was a bit different than I expected and found them to be a solid couple.
Although I would have preferred a bit more development in both the relationship and the story, the overall story idea and plot line were good. With plenty of subplots and secondary characters included in Salad on the Side, I’d recommend this book to fans of shifter romances looking for a new series.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 12, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Salad on the Side is book 1 in author Karenna Colcroft’s series Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat, which was first published by MLR Press in 2011 under the same name. It takes place in modern day Boston and the action is largely contained to the apartment complex Kyle has recently moved into. As far as world building goes, I thought this limited setting made the plot drag a little bit because we’re mostly just bouncing back and forth between Kyle’s and Tobias’ apartments. In the absence of a more varied physical world, the story seemed to focus on the dynamics of wolf packs. I thought Colcroft communicated her vision of what it means to be a werewolf very clearly. The themes of dominance and hierarchy are strongly described.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Salad on the Side is book 1 in author Karenna Colcroft’s series Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat, which was first published by MLR Press in 2011 under the same name. It takes place in modern day Boston and the action is largely contained to the apartment complex Kyle has recently moved into. As far as world building goes, I thought this limited setting made the plot drag a little bit because we’re mostly just bouncing back and forth between Kyle’s and Tobias’ apartments. In the absence of a more varied physical world, the story seemed to focus on the dynamics of wolf packs. I thought Colcroft communicated her vision of what it means to be a werewolf very clearly. The themes of dominance and hierarchy are strongly described.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
May 19, 2022
Had promise but needs more work on details
This is a mm paranormal shifter romance, the first in a series that should probably be read in order. First off, this story has some promising bones but It’s a story without a lot of world building and a sort of vague description of the main characters (like “male” or “female” but not specifically a certain shape or color), which throws me off at times. There’s also only this vague “apartment complex in Boston” for the location details or “garden” rather than the specific details of any place.
The concept of a vegan werewolf is unique but the relationship details aren’t really connecting with me. I know my comments might make the author sensitive but this book needs more work to flesh out details for the five senses. I understand where the author was going, it would be worth it I think for the author to put more work in this story.🤷🏻♀️
This is a mm paranormal shifter romance, the first in a series that should probably be read in order. First off, this story has some promising bones but It’s a story without a lot of world building and a sort of vague description of the main characters (like “male” or “female” but not specifically a certain shape or color), which throws me off at times. There’s also only this vague “apartment complex in Boston” for the location details or “garden” rather than the specific details of any place.
The concept of a vegan werewolf is unique but the relationship details aren’t really connecting with me. I know my comments might make the author sensitive but this book needs more work to flesh out details for the five senses. I understand where the author was going, it would be worth it I think for the author to put more work in this story.🤷🏻♀️
July 8, 2011
2 stars. Those werewolves really did like to talk! Way too much about the pack (to me, anyways). I liked Kyle, but didn't really like Tobias at all.
Possible spoiler but... I did love the idea of a vegan werewolf though. :)
Possible spoiler but... I did love the idea of a vegan werewolf though. :)
August 15, 2011
I liked this story, though it left me with a few questions I'm hoping the sequel will answer. It will be interesting to see how Tobias reconciles his democratic nature with his duties as Alpha of a race who seems to have a tendency to bite first and ask questions later. There are a lot of dichotomies set up in both main characters. I'm going to trust the author's ability to answer all the questions, tie up all the loose ends and reconcile all the inner opposition these guys face. (Not to mention whatever outside forces might throw at them)
September 6, 2015
I was really looking forward to this one. The idea of a vegan werewolf was just so different. Unfortunately there were some turn offs in the story. I could have overcome this but things just dragged in the story. Nothing big happening, lots of talk with no action, and lots of internal dialogue. By the end things picked up again, enough that I would read another in the series. Because of the middle it's more of a 2.5 stars for me. I did enjoy Kyle. He was an interesting character.
July 4, 2011
I liked this new view into pack hierarchy. Kyle was amazingly interesting character and his thoughts were partly sarcastic, funny and simply enjoyable. I really liked him. Tobias was the pack leader and this way of writing didn't suit him as a characters.I missed his thoughts and way of thinking, but otherwise he was interesting even if a bit out sided. In general, this way really interesting view into pack life. I highly recommend this story to others!
January 23, 2012
Not sure what to really say about this book I think I skipped through most of it and that is something I try not to do. The blurb was interesting but the book just didn't warrant a good rating.
February 17, 2012
Cute idea ruined by awkward writing. I really wanted to like it but the main characters were so uninteresting I couldn't even get through past the first party.
August 24, 2012
I really liked this story. My only complaint would be about Tobias' Alpha status. I just didn't see it. I felt like the pack ran their mouth way too much, And to me that made him look weak.
January 13, 2023
This was new world into the pack life and we see our characters climb that ladder
October 23, 2022
This one is a weird review to write as, while the premise is intriguing - a vegan werewolf - I didn't really get into the story until after half way through. There was nothing about the characters that drew me in but then things actually start to develop with the relationship and more drama with the plot comes in.
Kyle and Tobias are friendly neighbours but it's only when Tobias invites Kyle over that anything really starts between them. However, there's a lot of half-finished conversations, input from neighbours and pack members that is either unwanted, unnecessary or trying to cause trouble. Unfortunately for Kyle, that's brewing from the start as he gets attacked one night and turned against his will. Tensions continue to brew and Tobias's Alpha leadership is put to the test. Meanwhile, their relationship seems slow to develop even though it's actually only over a few of days. Pack matters continue to interrupt and the werewolf community's views how Alphas are impacted by having any feelings or relationship with another but especially seen as weak when it's MM. This was different for me as pretty much every other shifter story has matings making every person involved stronger individually and for their pack.
The second half of the story really gets moving in both the plot and the relationship. It gets really interesting between Kyle and Tobias as a connection develops that is stronger than expected and Kyle may have only just been turned but his awareness and knowledge of the wolves gets really good. I could feel their chemistry after a while but wasn't necessarily on board with their emotions at the same rate they were. I did find it most entertaining when Kyle is most in need of food when as a wolf or just after shifting but refuses to eat meat so his pack mates have to find him protein with tofu, soy beans etc and none of them are happy about it, thinking how stubborn he is. I enjoyed the drama between Tobias's pack and the City Pack. There's an especially intense scene that brings his connection to his wolf and to his pack to the fore. It's a great scene that has character and pack development as well as villains that you both feel for and despise.
The pack mates are a confounding bunch. At first, they all seem ok, if a bit standoffish, and then it gets quite tense amongst them all, adding to the drama of the story and what goes on within the pack. There's a lot of talking that goes on, constantly having meetings seemingly at any time of the day or night. The alpha's word is law but others are clearly disgruntled for most of the book.
Overall, it's a little bit of hit and miss book for me. I was definitely more invested with the second half and how the everything developed. The first dragged a bit for me whilst everything was established and we are introduced to the characters. I can see Kyle becoming a force to be reckoned with as the series progresses and am interested to see how that impacts their pack and their relationship with others.
Kyle and Tobias are friendly neighbours but it's only when Tobias invites Kyle over that anything really starts between them. However, there's a lot of half-finished conversations, input from neighbours and pack members that is either unwanted, unnecessary or trying to cause trouble. Unfortunately for Kyle, that's brewing from the start as he gets attacked one night and turned against his will. Tensions continue to brew and Tobias's Alpha leadership is put to the test. Meanwhile, their relationship seems slow to develop even though it's actually only over a few of days. Pack matters continue to interrupt and the werewolf community's views how Alphas are impacted by having any feelings or relationship with another but especially seen as weak when it's MM. This was different for me as pretty much every other shifter story has matings making every person involved stronger individually and for their pack.
The second half of the story really gets moving in both the plot and the relationship. It gets really interesting between Kyle and Tobias as a connection develops that is stronger than expected and Kyle may have only just been turned but his awareness and knowledge of the wolves gets really good. I could feel their chemistry after a while but wasn't necessarily on board with their emotions at the same rate they were. I did find it most entertaining when Kyle is most in need of food when as a wolf or just after shifting but refuses to eat meat so his pack mates have to find him protein with tofu, soy beans etc and none of them are happy about it, thinking how stubborn he is. I enjoyed the drama between Tobias's pack and the City Pack. There's an especially intense scene that brings his connection to his wolf and to his pack to the fore. It's a great scene that has character and pack development as well as villains that you both feel for and despise.
The pack mates are a confounding bunch. At first, they all seem ok, if a bit standoffish, and then it gets quite tense amongst them all, adding to the drama of the story and what goes on within the pack. There's a lot of talking that goes on, constantly having meetings seemingly at any time of the day or night. The alpha's word is law but others are clearly disgruntled for most of the book.
Overall, it's a little bit of hit and miss book for me. I was definitely more invested with the second half and how the everything developed. The first dragged a bit for me whilst everything was established and we are introduced to the characters. I can see Kyle becoming a force to be reckoned with as the series progresses and am interested to see how that impacts their pack and their relationship with others.
May 22, 2022
The Review
This was such a fun and compelling LGBTQ-driven supernatural romance. The fast pace of the narrative immediately thrusts readers into the action of this supernatural world. The classic werewolf lore comes into play quickly, taking great care to honor the legacy of the mythos while also delving deeper into the pack mentality that is often associated with werewolves. From the Alpha mythos and how they assert themselves as the head of the pack to the connection, wolves make with their “mates”, made this story is so fascinating to behold.
However, the character growth and LGBTQ themes were the driving force of the narrative. The headed, passionate, and adult romance scenes played out heavily, and fans of M/M romance will absolutely love the development of these two protagonists as they grow together and develop in their own ways. Tobias’s struggle to publicly accept his sexuality paired with Kyle’s struggle with accepting love itself really balanced out their journey together and the narrow line that werewolf culture brings to the question of LGBTQ romance as a whole was unique to see play out, being accepted by their human sides and yet viewed as some sort of “weakness” in the werewolf power/hierarchy. The author’s handling of that storyline was robust and really mirrored our own society’s struggles to normalize and accept love in all its forms.
The Verdict
Heated, engaging, and thrilling, author Karenna Croft’s “Salad on the Side” is the perfect first novel in the Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat series and a brilliant LGBTQ-driven supernatural romance novel. The wit and humor the dialogue brings the two protagonists in their relationship and the balance of action and politics within the werewolf power system made this story so engaging.
This was such a fun and compelling LGBTQ-driven supernatural romance. The fast pace of the narrative immediately thrusts readers into the action of this supernatural world. The classic werewolf lore comes into play quickly, taking great care to honor the legacy of the mythos while also delving deeper into the pack mentality that is often associated with werewolves. From the Alpha mythos and how they assert themselves as the head of the pack to the connection, wolves make with their “mates”, made this story is so fascinating to behold.
However, the character growth and LGBTQ themes were the driving force of the narrative. The headed, passionate, and adult romance scenes played out heavily, and fans of M/M romance will absolutely love the development of these two protagonists as they grow together and develop in their own ways. Tobias’s struggle to publicly accept his sexuality paired with Kyle’s struggle with accepting love itself really balanced out their journey together and the narrow line that werewolf culture brings to the question of LGBTQ romance as a whole was unique to see play out, being accepted by their human sides and yet viewed as some sort of “weakness” in the werewolf power/hierarchy. The author’s handling of that storyline was robust and really mirrored our own society’s struggles to normalize and accept love in all its forms.
The Verdict
Heated, engaging, and thrilling, author Karenna Croft’s “Salad on the Side” is the perfect first novel in the Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat series and a brilliant LGBTQ-driven supernatural romance novel. The wit and humor the dialogue brings the two protagonists in their relationship and the balance of action and politics within the werewolf power system made this story so engaging.
January 10, 2023
4-
I have very mixed emotions about this first book in the 'Real werewolves don't eat meat' series hence this rating.
I liked the dynamice between werewolf pack alpha Tobias, turned in an unpleasant way when 15, and human, later turned Kyle. Kyle is no pushover and does not take a lot of things for granted in pack and relationship structure. And Kyle finding out what positives the mate bond brings so far.. I like the pack structure, I however did not like the many debates; rightly referred to as bad as in politics.
I find it interesting to read how much Kyle as a vegan were has to eat, I enjoyed that greatly.
I however did not like the way Melia was treated by Tobias, as a playting and further neglected especially aince they had a huge power inbalance when they 'got together' more than once. She also was already referred to as mentally not the most stable person and slipping. It would have made more sense to help her.
I think the story has huge potential and I am hoping the story will supply more answers in the following books f.i. to find out what happens between the packs what happens further in this pack, what happens to Melia and what abilities come to the forefront for Kyle and maybe others
I received a complimentary of this book and I leave my honest and personal review of this book.
I have very mixed emotions about this first book in the 'Real werewolves don't eat meat' series hence this rating.
I liked the dynamice between werewolf pack alpha Tobias, turned in an unpleasant way when 15, and human, later turned Kyle. Kyle is no pushover and does not take a lot of things for granted in pack and relationship structure. And Kyle finding out what positives the mate bond brings so far.. I like the pack structure, I however did not like the many debates; rightly referred to as bad as in politics.
I find it interesting to read how much Kyle as a vegan were has to eat, I enjoyed that greatly.
I however did not like the way Melia was treated by Tobias, as a playting and further neglected especially aince they had a huge power inbalance when they 'got together' more than once. She also was already referred to as mentally not the most stable person and slipping. It would have made more sense to help her.
I think the story has huge potential and I am hoping the story will supply more answers in the following books f.i. to find out what happens between the packs what happens further in this pack, what happens to Melia and what abilities come to the forefront for Kyle and maybe others
I received a complimentary of this book and I leave my honest and personal review of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
I really wanted to like this, especially because it would have meant rolling into a whole new series, but... no.
I didn't hate it. The world building was actually interesting, and I definitely could have seen myself getting into this series if not for the way Kyle's slightly snarky, slightly harsh, non-empathetic emotional responses to his mate just continuously rubbed me wrong. I can't really articulate it any better than that, but I think it just boils down to me not really liking him as a person, and definitely not liking the way he reacted to and treated his mate.
Single-POV story telling is never my favorite, but there's a slim chance this story might have been saved if I'd had more insight into Tobias's head too, but... eh. I'm not going to continue. I can see others potentially enjoying this series, but the vibe I want in romance - especially fated mates romance - just isn't there for me, so it's a pass for me.
I didn't hate it. The world building was actually interesting, and I definitely could have seen myself getting into this series if not for the way Kyle's slightly snarky, slightly harsh, non-empathetic emotional responses to his mate just continuously rubbed me wrong. I can't really articulate it any better than that, but I think it just boils down to me not really liking him as a person, and definitely not liking the way he reacted to and treated his mate.
Single-POV story telling is never my favorite, but there's a slim chance this story might have been saved if I'd had more insight into Tobias's head too, but... eh. I'm not going to continue. I can see others potentially enjoying this series, but the vibe I want in romance - especially fated mates romance - just isn't there for me, so it's a pass for me.
January 10, 2026
Vegan in the pack
Colcroft present a novel novel, a take on urban werewolves and the dynamics of the packs internal and external politics. Tossing in male-male mating brings great heat to consumation and ire to the pack.
Colcroft present a novel novel, a take on urban werewolves and the dynamics of the packs internal and external politics. Tossing in male-male mating brings great heat to consumation and ire to the pack.
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September 3, 2012An almost “domestic” paranormal romance, it had the feeling to be more homemade pie than extravagant cocktail. Maybe it was also due to the setting, and enclosed apartment building sharing a common garden. Kyle moved in some months ago but he has never really made friends with the other neighbors, even if he is very attracted to Tobias. Then one night something happens, and the morning after Tobias is all friendly, and almost forcing Kyle to accept a dinner party invitation in his home. From that dinner, Kyle’s life will never be the same, but sincerely, I don’t think he is really troubled by that.
The nice shift in the usual common trend of shapeshifters meeting their mates is given by Kyle being a Vegan; when he is turned, Kyle doesn’t want to renounce to his principles, and it was really fun to read how the other werewolves were struggling to accept a vegan were; actually it seemed to bother them more than the fact that Kyle was gay and in love with their Alpha, in a way, they could accept a gay werewolf more than a vegan werewolf.
Also the relationship between Kyle and Tobias had a domestic feeling; even if Tobias is an Alpha wolf, he doesn’t really struck me as a bad boy, more like a strong man who had to cover for a necessary role. I’m pretty sure the author has more in store for Kyle and Tobias, and my feeling is that Kyle has some hidden quality not even him he is aware of. While Tobias is probably stronger in body, I had the feeling Kyle was way stronger in mind, and that he will uncover some surprises to the pack and to his mate in the following installment of the series.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608203549/?...
The nice shift in the usual common trend of shapeshifters meeting their mates is given by Kyle being a Vegan; when he is turned, Kyle doesn’t want to renounce to his principles, and it was really fun to read how the other werewolves were struggling to accept a vegan were; actually it seemed to bother them more than the fact that Kyle was gay and in love with their Alpha, in a way, they could accept a gay werewolf more than a vegan werewolf.
Also the relationship between Kyle and Tobias had a domestic feeling; even if Tobias is an Alpha wolf, he doesn’t really struck me as a bad boy, more like a strong man who had to cover for a necessary role. I’m pretty sure the author has more in store for Kyle and Tobias, and my feeling is that Kyle has some hidden quality not even him he is aware of. While Tobias is probably stronger in body, I had the feeling Kyle was way stronger in mind, and that he will uncover some surprises to the pack and to his mate in the following installment of the series.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608203549/?...
August 11, 2012
At first, I figured this was going to be a comedy or at best a satire…I mean, a vegan werewolf…? It does have its moments of irreverence, mainly due to Kyle’s delivery, since it’s told from his POV, but it’s more than that. It’s a tale of choices and standing up for those choioces in the face of adversity.
There’s a lot of explanation about werewolf law juxtaposed against what Kyle believes from movies and books. And it’s an entertaining as well as an exciting story as to how a man who wont eat meat is going to survive as a carnivore when the moon’s full.
The only problem I had was with Tobias’s duality as far as the pack and Kyle were concerned. I found it just a little difficult to adjust to an Alpha of a pack becoming a submissive with his lover. To my mind, an Alpha is an Alpha and submissive is submissive and never the twain shall become each other. However, that problem aside, it’s a good story, well-written, well-characterized, and well-plotted, and Kyle’s personality and narration make it even more so. Since the problem of several murder-minded pack members wasn’t exactly resolved, I’m wondering if there may be a sequel in the works. I know I wouldn’t mind. I mean, a werewolf who eats tofu and an Alpha who sometimes isn’t…they kind of grow on one, you know? To the extent I, specifically, am asking… And what happens next?
RATING: 5
Salad on the Siude is available from MLR press, www.mlrpress.com
This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
There’s a lot of explanation about werewolf law juxtaposed against what Kyle believes from movies and books. And it’s an entertaining as well as an exciting story as to how a man who wont eat meat is going to survive as a carnivore when the moon’s full.
The only problem I had was with Tobias’s duality as far as the pack and Kyle were concerned. I found it just a little difficult to adjust to an Alpha of a pack becoming a submissive with his lover. To my mind, an Alpha is an Alpha and submissive is submissive and never the twain shall become each other. However, that problem aside, it’s a good story, well-written, well-characterized, and well-plotted, and Kyle’s personality and narration make it even more so. Since the problem of several murder-minded pack members wasn’t exactly resolved, I’m wondering if there may be a sequel in the works. I know I wouldn’t mind. I mean, a werewolf who eats tofu and an Alpha who sometimes isn’t…they kind of grow on one, you know? To the extent I, specifically, am asking… And what happens next?
RATING: 5
Salad on the Siude is available from MLR press, www.mlrpress.com
This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
October 3, 2015
Notes:
A green salad without protein is not a filling dinner. It's the type of thing non vegetarians make for vegetarians because they don't think about the normal things people eat that are vegetarian like pasta or omelets, etc. For a vegan it's harder, but nuts and legumes like lentils and peanuts are things normal people have around the house.
Why does everyone have long hair?
Very stepford wife-ish. I would be a little creeped out and figure they were some really conservative Christian group.
Kyle said the connection didn't hit him as hard as it did Tobias, but it sure had been described in such a way that I though it was even stronger.
I would have thought the mafia too and been pretty convinced.
I'm confused about Kyle's thoughts about Melia. She attacked someone and invaded someone's home. She tried to kill him. Why shouldn't she be punished? She isn't an innocent puppy.
I'm not feeling the chemistry or why Kyle feels the pack are his friends. Only Suzannah even likes him. I see the intense sexual attraction but Tobias's personality keeps pudding him off.
Author got "another think coming" right!
Well written.
I don't like this shifter world but it sounds realistic.
Instalove
A finger isn't big enough to prepare someone for anal sex who hasn't had it before.
"I closed my mouth over the head of his dick" and swallowed. "So let me get you all cleaned up."
I wonder if Tobias could make out the words.
A green salad without protein is not a filling dinner. It's the type of thing non vegetarians make for vegetarians because they don't think about the normal things people eat that are vegetarian like pasta or omelets, etc. For a vegan it's harder, but nuts and legumes like lentils and peanuts are things normal people have around the house.
Why does everyone have long hair?
Very stepford wife-ish. I would be a little creeped out and figure they were some really conservative Christian group.
Kyle said the connection didn't hit him as hard as it did Tobias, but it sure had been described in such a way that I though it was even stronger.
I would have thought the mafia too and been pretty convinced.
I'm confused about Kyle's thoughts about Melia. She attacked someone and invaded someone's home. She tried to kill him. Why shouldn't she be punished? She isn't an innocent puppy.
I'm not feeling the chemistry or why Kyle feels the pack are his friends. Only Suzannah even likes him. I see the intense sexual attraction but Tobias's personality keeps pudding him off.
Author got "another think coming" right!
Well written.
I don't like this shifter world but it sounds realistic.
Instalove
A finger isn't big enough to prepare someone for anal sex who hasn't had it before.
"I closed my mouth over the head of his dick" and swallowed. "So let me get you all cleaned up."
I wonder if Tobias could make out the words.
January 17, 2012
An okay werewolf book, with a couple of positive things I really liked, but it also had its problems.
The thought of a vegan werewolf made me smile, and it got me to buy the book.
Overall, an okay read.
November 5, 2017
Let's just say that the only reason this is not a one-star book for me is the fact that I was actually able to finish it.
While the whole vegan-werewolf dynamic, at first, intrigued me, could the author possibly have written a more sympathetic vegan? Kyle's continual whining about how he is not going to eat meat and why won't anyone listen to me, made me, by about half-way through the book want to pry his mouth open and shove a steak down his throat. Not to mention the constant 180s both Kyle and Tobias seem to pull as to their relationship. I want you/I can't have you dilemmas are useful, but this was just jarring. Maybe if I had found either of the characters worth redemption it wouldn't have bugged me so much, but every time Kyle went on a no-meat kick, or Tobias was so blatantly stupid about the members of his own pack, I lost all desire to connect with them and started routing for the bad guys to win. That is never a good sign.
The second reading of it (on the off chance that my dislike was just the the culmination of a bad day/disinterest in that type of novel at the time) didn't change my opinion. If you want whiny, self-obsessed, blindingly stupid werewolves, then this is your book. I advise you avoid it.
While the whole vegan-werewolf dynamic, at first, intrigued me, could the author possibly have written a more sympathetic vegan? Kyle's continual whining about how he is not going to eat meat and why won't anyone listen to me, made me, by about half-way through the book want to pry his mouth open and shove a steak down his throat. Not to mention the constant 180s both Kyle and Tobias seem to pull as to their relationship. I want you/I can't have you dilemmas are useful, but this was just jarring. Maybe if I had found either of the characters worth redemption it wouldn't have bugged me so much, but every time Kyle went on a no-meat kick, or Tobias was so blatantly stupid about the members of his own pack, I lost all desire to connect with them and started routing for the bad guys to win. That is never a good sign.
The second reading of it (on the off chance that my dislike was just the the culmination of a bad day/disinterest in that type of novel at the time) didn't change my opinion. If you want whiny, self-obsessed, blindingly stupid werewolves, then this is your book. I advise you avoid it.
May 24, 2022
deep drive into mating
Human/shifter romance with exploration into the forming of a mate bond on top of other magical werewolf features. Lots of scenes where we can feel the bond form, rather than “boom, mates, now kiss”.
Really leans into dominance and fighting as a means of ascending the pack ladder, would be interesting to see if a pacifist, vegan werewolf can remain on the bottom of the pack and still survive, may be slowly introducing the omega concept. Although, you can ascend by not fighting, so I wonder how much of the pack structure is actual werewolf instinct and how much is toxic masculinity (Alphatude ?) pretending to be an immutable part of shifter life. If you can command other wolves with magic, how you use that power says more about you than about shifters in general.
A few moments where I get the impression that the author doesn’t know how a penis works (at least not mine); finding a guy you’re attracted to doesn’t necessarily lead to instant erection, or if it does, a guy has years to get used to his eggplant begging for attention to filter it out as background noise. Before Kyle and Tobias got together, Kyle’s erection was practically a secondary character.
Human/shifter romance with exploration into the forming of a mate bond on top of other magical werewolf features. Lots of scenes where we can feel the bond form, rather than “boom, mates, now kiss”.
Really leans into dominance and fighting as a means of ascending the pack ladder, would be interesting to see if a pacifist, vegan werewolf can remain on the bottom of the pack and still survive, may be slowly introducing the omega concept. Although, you can ascend by not fighting, so I wonder how much of the pack structure is actual werewolf instinct and how much is toxic masculinity (Alphatude ?) pretending to be an immutable part of shifter life. If you can command other wolves with magic, how you use that power says more about you than about shifters in general.
A few moments where I get the impression that the author doesn’t know how a penis works (at least not mine); finding a guy you’re attracted to doesn’t necessarily lead to instant erection, or if it does, a guy has years to get used to his eggplant begging for attention to filter it out as background noise. Before Kyle and Tobias got together, Kyle’s erection was practically a secondary character.
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