Can't Help Growling in Love

Harmony Glen

by Zoe Ashwood

One night-shift nurse. One lonely werewolf. The full moon they can’t resist.

June: The delicious tones of a late-night DJ get me through long shifts at the hospital.

I’m a devoted fan of Asher Summers' midnight show, even more when I discover the werewolf has also voiced the spicy audiobooks I enjoy.

When I work up the nerve to text him, I never expect him to write back. Or to blush furiously when we meet. He’s shy, adorable, and hot. A dangerous combination I can't afford to let distract me.

The house I inherited is slowly falling apart, and I can't keep up with the repairs. I’m one accident away from financial disaster.

Asher: A text from a pretty nurse flips my world upside down. June makes me feel things I’ve spent years locking away.

When I discover her house is unlivable, I ask her to move in with me. But my wolf is going out of his mind trying to be good. She doesn’t know she’s my mate. Doesn’t know how much I ache for her.

The full moon is coming. My control is slipping. And the one thing I fear more than losing myself is scaring her away when I show her everything I am.

Can’t Help Growling in Love is a cozy, spicy monster romance with a shy, inexperienced werewolf hero and a gentle, loving human heroine. You’ll love this story if you enjoy size difference issues, full moon madness, and forced proximity.

* * * *
Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did.
But not in Harmony Glen.
After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.”
Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here.

Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.

Genres: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Monsters, Romance, Small Town Romance

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

Zoe Ashwood writes sexy paranormal romance for women who believe in magic and true love.

She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.

Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !

You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.

Reviews

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

So cute and low angst, with an easy acceptance of a fast-paced relationship. Also very spicy.

Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama. The h is experienced with some past relationships, just one supernatural one, and the H is inexperienced with one failed attempt to be with a woman years prior.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Werewolf MMC x human FMC
☆ Fated mates
☆ ER nurse FMC
☆ Radio DJ and audiobook MMC
☆ She digs his voice first
☆ They start with messaging each other
☆ He’s awkward and a blusher
☆ They have to learn to communicate about their needs/differences
☆ Knotting
☆ Breeding kink without the actual breeding
☆ Primal play/chase scene
☆ Mating bite
☆ Both have families who wanted them to go a different way
☆ HEA ending

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

That was super cute. Loved it. I don't feel like doing a long review but it was great.

[Robyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell hard and fast for Asher and June!
June was amazing, she knew what she wanted and she wanted Asher.
Asher was so bloody sweet!
He prefers to stay by himself and has managed to accomplish that until June.
I was addicted to this story i couldn't story thinking about these two and what they wojld do next!
I can't wait to read more of the Harmony Glen books! It sounds like an amazing place to visit!

[Kimmy’s Reads! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey June You’re Great !!!

This book like all of Mrs. Ashwood’s novels was extremely well written and allowed the two main characters to shine in their own way. I’ve been a fan since the Orcs and I am here to stay. Honestly the power exchange here and the female lead having her own powerful and successful career was a breath of fresh air. Both parties wanted each other but didn’t *need* each other.

I find that the more romance I read I desire these slow burns like this. This novel has real life romance and two people with real world issues who wanted to find love. June is a nurse who secretly listens to sexy romance while she’s not on the clock and Asher the freaking radio show host who reads classic romance (but secretly reads more of the spicy variety) this was so fun.

It was sexy without being over the top and the scenes made me swoon like it was nobodies business. When I get a little more time I will be reading this again!!!

[Midnight Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightfully cozy yet spicy read! I absolutely adored the small-town atmosphere, it felt like the perfect backdrop for this quirky, heartwarming romance. The banter between the characters had me grinning, and their shy, awkward moments gave the story so much charm and authenticity.

And let’s talk about the premise, a romance audiobook narrator werewolf and a nurse who secretly loves listening to his smutty recordings? It’s funny and completely swoon-worthy. The chemistry between them was both sweet and sizzling, with just the right amount of spice to keep me hooked.

Overall, it was the perfect rainy-day escape: fun, flirty, and full of heart.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a paranormal romance that balances cozy small-town vibes with deliciously steamy moment!

Thank you for the ARC!

[Dalegendaryreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

My only question is, June did not take/have any overtime shift as a nurse? How is that possible? 🤣🤣🤣

"He’s here, I’ve got the books that will hopefully help me understand him better, and we’re together. That’s the most important part. Everything else can wait."

June's downtime during work as a nurse is listening to the radio host, Asher the werewolf. She found out that Asher and her favorite audiobook narrator is the same person. One message turned to them meeting up irl and forming a relationship.

Imma be honest that this title cracked me up and it was so witty! Kudos!

I love the concept of this book. I rarely read someone who worked in a radio station, and that was refreshing to read. I did love both characters. June's resilient and hardworking while Asher is private due to his traumas being a war veteran.

Now, in terms of their romance, I did agree with the characters that their relationship was moving too fast BUT they were both adults about it that they communicate, expresses their thoughts and emotions that I can totally see them working on it.

The thing is, I did not feel any chemistry between them. This was really sweet and romantic in some places but there's no sparks, I did not feel any tension and that's probably because of the pace of their relationship.

I did appreciate that even though this was fast-paced relationship-wise, the author did handle things very well with them individually and as a couple.

I'm probably talking in circles now but know that I did enjoy this, and had a great time reading the book.

P.S imo this is not the best Zoe Ashwood book, that goes to the Bellhaven Clan!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy, small-town werewolf romance and part of the multi-author Harmony Glen series of standalones.

Human FMC June is a night nurse who looks forward to listening to her favorite radio host, werewolf shifter MMC Asher, during every shift. On a whim, she sends him a message, and what begins as a friendship soon develops into a romance.

I really liked this book. The first part was so sweet and endearing. I loved the early chats between the characters, and their first meeting in person was adorable. The MMC was a little awkward and shy, while the FMC was nervous and maybe a bit embarrassed. Once they finally connect in real life, though, things move quickly, and it turns into a fairly steamy romance leading up to the full moon.

Another fun addition to this multi-author series! I'm planning to read The Genie's Wish by Kit Fox and Alora Quinn next.

Spice 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

[Liz (LoverOfBooks80) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly cute and spicy 🔥

Asher and June were super made for each other. I’d loved the chemistry, the awkwardness of a new relationship, learning about each other. But the attraction was so strong and made for an engrossing read.

Hating putting it down to adult and couldn’t stop thinking of them when I wasn’t reading 💚

[❀ Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like all the sex ended up taking over the story. I really liked them as a couple and the parts that weren't just sex were very cute, I just wasn't in the right mood for this or I would've probably rated it higher.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star (with a worthy rounded up). This was such a good read. Just the right kind of fun and gentle and sweet. The pacing was just right for character development, and even their relationship (which did move quickly) felt so beautifully natural and not at all rushed.

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO FREAKING CUTE omg I adore a shy/awkward mmc who comes out of his shell for the fmc. Don’t let the cuteness fool you though this book was SPICY!!! Holy 🥵
These two were probably my favorite monster romance couple I’ve read in a hot minute

⭐️5
🌶️4

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: As someone who has had to put myself back together physically and mentally, Asher's story captivated me from the very start. Some of the therapy experiences I've had are from therapists who challenge me, safely, to stretch beyond my comfort zone. So this bit from Asher when he's trying to figure out plans for his professional future really resonated for me: "I could find a studio to rent, though I have no clue if there’s another one in town, or build one in my house, insulate the spare bedroom. Or one of the basement rooms, next to my full moon setup. I’d be able to work from home, which would be pretty neat, even if Leo, my therapist, would disagree. "Going out every day helps, Asher. Routines are important, Asher." He’s a great guy, but sometimes, his suggestions are in direct opposition to what I want to do, so I have a lot of imaginary arguments with him in my head." It also still is such a great lift for me that the books I love, like this one, to see it be so normalized to have characters (especially men) being in therapy and healing. It's especially impressive for Asher considering he's also a veteran.

June 100% was relatable because I listen a to lot of audiobooks and if this isn't the most **mood** type of feeling: "I’d listen to Asher Summers if he was reading out shopping lists. Washing machine instruction manuals. Law textbooks. I may have developed a slight obsession with the man’s voice—but then so have my colleagues, so I didn’t feel too bad about it most days." I can absolutely picture myself writing the kind of sweet and earnest message that June writes to Asher. It's such a modern and relatable meet cute I almost couldn't stand it.

The story that builds between these two is heartwarming, wholesome, and also steamy enough to fill an entire bath house. I tore right through this book and I loved every second. 5/5 Stars

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She heard his voice. She wasn’t supposed to hear the growl too.

Asher keeps to the shadows, guarding his voice, his past, and the wolf beneath his skin. When June, a sharp-eyed ER nurse, connects his late-night radio show to a rising star in monster romance audiobooks, everything starts to crack. One message leads to long nights, quiet truths, and tension that cuts deeper than either of them expect. His instincts whisper that she’s his mate. He just hopes she won’t run.

June’s world is chaos on the best day, but Asher makes it feel still. His voice soothes her, his honesty throws her off balance, and his careful tenderness pulls her in. She doesn’t scare easy, not when the heat builds between them, and not when the truth about Asher comes out. He’s more than he lets on, and instead of turning away, she chooses to stay.

But the full moon is rising, and the instincts Asher’s kept buried are clawing to the surface. The need to claim, to chase, to hold tight, is becoming impossible to ignore. June has to decide what she’s ready for, and Asher has to trust that love is enough to keep him grounded.

A steamy, fated mates, grumpy sunshine, small town, werewolf romance filled with longing, emotional depth, and instinctual heat, exploring identity, trust, vulnerability, emotional healing, consent, desire, intimacy, and belonging. It’s about learning to trust after trauma, being vulnerable without losing yourself, and finding safety in love that’s messy, honest, and real. At its heart, it’s about being seen without fear, held without conditions, and loved through every shift.

[Jewels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever Zoe Ashwood releases a new book I get SO EXCITED! It is always a must read as soon as it’s out. This book was no different. Can’t Help Growling in Love is a very sweet, cozy, spicy paranormal romance with such a cute couple. The MMC, Asher, is a werewolf who has some PTSD issues from war, is a virgin, and is a part-time DJ/part-time audiobook narrator. The FMC, June, is a sweet nurse who has some family issues and has good friends around her.

The way they met was very cute that she loves his radio shows and his narrating. She makes the first move and because of some of his issues he is too shy to meet her at first but then they do and from there the love story moves quickly.

The “love” scenes are spicy and sweet since Asher is inexperienced and June is so, so sweet in how she treats him and helps him through all the love. There is definitely an element of instalove as they are mates. There are a good number of scenes and the spice builds throughout the book until the end which is super spicy.

The epilogue is great and builds on the story in a good way in that it adds some more story. There is also a short novella available after the book that is available.

Once again Ms. Ashwood hits it out of the park with this sweet and spicy story. I can’t wait to read more books of couples in Harmony Glen.

Note:
First person POV – Dual POVs.
Part of a series of standalones. Can read this without reading others.
Knotting
Instalovish
Forced proximity

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this might be the second best cozy paranormal romance I've read (and if you know, you know who took the top spot 😜). Like, I don't even have much to say because slice of life happened but that's kinda my vibe?

This didn't have some major big bad, or town event that our characters are working on perfecting. June and Asher are just every day people, who fell in love in the quirkiest way (our girl has fallen for the gruff audio book reader on her local radio station... and the gruff narrator is none other than our resident cinnamon roll until the full-moon, baby, Asher 🐺). I loved that they get to know each other organically through shared rides to work, and convos after their initial in person meet-cute over coffee. And while they each have familial trauma, they don't feel defined by these things, rather they just make up the facets/shaped the choices they've made (i.e. June taking what her parents consider a "lowly" job-she's a nurse and anyone who shares their sentiment needs to have their head examined by said nurse and Asher being a gentle/communicative man in response to his father's "men gotta be tough" attitude).

The smut was also so sweet and I loved how verbose they were with consent/working out what didn't work/what they were curious about. Overall, I really did want to take my time in Harmony Glen.

... is Gabe the fox in Foxer Upper 👀?!?

I will read on and report back🫡.

[Kristin P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, but Can’t Help Growling in Love completely stole my heart. Zoe Ashwood has this magical way of mixing humor, steam, and sweetness so perfectly that you just can’t stop turning the pages.
June is so easy to root for, a night-shift nurse, dealing with a falling-apart house, trying so hard to not let her life fall apart. Oh, Asher, bless him. Sweet, awkward, trying so hard not just to keep his wolf under control, but not to scare her away when she learns the full truth.
The forced proximity was brilliant. The way the house situation forces them into each other’s orbits, moving closer, letting walls drop… it’s messy in all the best ways. There are flirty texts, blushes, sexy moments, full moon madness, and heart-moments that hit in ways that surprise you.
Yes, it’s steamy, but with emotional payoff. It never feels like the steam is there just for show, it’s part of the tension, part of the reveal of who Asher is, and what June means to him.
If you want a romance that’s not perfect but perfectly compelling; where the hero is fighting himself, the heroine is fighting her own doubts, and the world around them is pulling them together imperfectly, this hits. I laughed, I swooned.
In short: if you like your paranormal romance with big feelings, real stakes, a sexy wolf who’s secretly a cinnamon roll, this book is a must.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I take her waist and shift her closer. I haven't felt this way in years, and the need explodes inside me, a feral, snarling thing that demands I keep this woman, devour her, please her.

4.25 stars

This was an easy, feel-good read with all the smut but still plenty of feels to warm you up. Asher was such a complex character, and I enjoyed watching him become more confident in himself and his bond with June. June was such a great mate for Asher; she was patient and understanding while he worked through what he wanted from her and with her. I also loved her straightforward attitude, which led to some pretty heartfelt and seriously steamy moments between them (yes, there's knotting and breeding and dirty talk 🥵). Zoe never lets me down in her writing, and as always, I look forward to more new stories🖤

Tropes: fated mates, cozy monster small town vibes, shy cinnamon roll hero, down-on-her-luck heroine, forced proximity, obsessed hero, knotting, breeding, dirty talk, fast-burn/low angst, he falls first and hard, found family, smut🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Sydney Heckart · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!

This book was so dang good. The plot was great. It had the cute small town vibe but wasn’t like overly-curtsey if you know what I mean. And the spice was *chef’s kiss*. Like 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Now I will say that I was hesitant at first because my kindle said the average reading time was ~5 hrs. and I thought that was a bit high, but the plot made it worth it. I think that amount of time was definitely necessary to complete the story in a non-rushed way, unlike how some other omega-verse books can be too fast and a bit too surface level.

Asher was so freaking adorable. I just wanted to give him a huge hug. I love him so freaking much. I wish he could be my boyfriend. The way that he worships her has me swooning. And June was so great. I loved that she was so accepting of him and his werewolf qualities. She had zero prejudice regarding any of the other creatures and I loved that. I also loved how she was so gentle and patient with him and made sure that their relationship moved at Asher’s pace since he didn’t have much experience. Another positive aspect was that June didn’t fight against her feelings about being with a wolf. There was no tension and that was refreshing.

[Sian’s Reading Adventure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t Help Growling In Love by Zoe Ashwood
Harmony Glen Series

Reading Method;
📱: ✅
🎧:
📕:

Zoe is one of the only authors that I read paranormal romance book from as I’ve never really been able to get in to any other, but there is something special about her books and this one is no different.

Asher and Junes instant connection is great but they are both so unsure and worried about the other that it takes them a bit of just jump in feet first. Let you tell you though once they do, it’s 100% worth it. This book include so many little tibets that I love and I almost with is could read again because of them.

This book was brilliant and I highly recommend it. It’s also making me really consider the other book but different author is the Harmony Glen Series so make sure you check them out as well.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Can’t Help Growling In Love and for that I am very grateful.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was the perfect amount of spicy and sweet love story between Asher and June.

I loved both of these characters so much. The whole town of Harmony Glen sounds fantastic. Asher and June both have some hang ups and emotional scars they are working on getting over. Their first meeting was so adorably awkward. 🤣

🐺Asher’s utter devotion to June as soon as he scent matched her. He tries so hard to not be over bearing and pressure her. He NEEDS her to want him just as much without being for even by a bond.
👩🏻‍⚕️June doesn’t know anything about werewolves, so she does some research to help her understand Asher and his behaviors. She had a low key crush on him before they met. She’d make time to listen to his radio show. Plus, that voice sounds suspiciously like her fav audio book narrator. 🧐

This is the first book I’ve read in the Harmony Glen series and I’m definitely going to read them all.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, fated mates, small town, contemporary fantasy romance with a male disabled veteran, radio show host/audiobook narrator wolf shifter lead (Asher) and a female human night-shift emergency nurse lead (June). I empathised with Asher’s mental health struggles and enjoyed the way he persevered with support from a therapist and friends. I enjoyed his openness to his feelings with June. I enjoyed June’s determination to make her own life choices. I enjoyed the relationship development and chuckled at the characters’ initial awkwardness. I enjoyed the building sexual tension and the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated and supportive secondary characters and the setting.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher has been the voice on the radio that makes June and her coworkers nights better. When she realizes he’s also her favorite audiobook narrator she can’t stop her curiosity and reaches out to him. Asher is adorably socially awkward and he doesn’t want his secret shared. This sparks a series of messages that spiral to an impromptu meeting that’s even better due to the awkwardness from both of them. I loved the connection between them and the way June let Asher be himself and supported him in navigating their new relationship. This book is super steamy but with so much heart you’ll melt for them by the time they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[spidermse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another win from Zoe! This was the perfect, cozy small-town monster romance for Fall! Asher is the perfect shy cinnamon roll but oh boy when that full moon comes around? HOT HOT HOT. Seeing his wolf side come out bit by bit as the full moon got closer made for some delicious tension. But no matter how much he was drawn to June and wanted her, he always had her safety in mind. I loved their awkward banter, and that they took their time to build trust between each other.

I empathize with June's stress about her house renovations. I've had a flooded basement and it's no fun at all. If only I had a group of monster friends to help me out!

[Anastey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you BookSprout, and Zoe Ashwood for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was so good! It was cozy, spicy, and so full of love. A perfect book to curl up with a mug of tea on a cold rainy day.

I loved both June and Asher, and they are both sweet cinnamon rolls. I also liked that they had interesting jobs, and really supportive coworkers too. Everyone was so chill, and it is a very low tension book.

The spice was so hot that it almsot melted my Kindle! It was plentiful, and full of caring and consent.

Overall this is a great addition to the Harmony Glen series, and I can't wait to read more!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

June and Asher are both trying to survive after leaving less than supportive families. June is trying to stop the house she lives in from falling down around her and Asher is trying to fit back into normal society. Each works the night shift with Asher working at the radio station June and her nurse colleagues listen to. When June reaches out to her favorite audiobook narrator with an odd question, it opens the door to some back and forth conversations before they unexpectedly bump into each other. I loved the connections and acceptance of each others issues as they worked together to find themselves.

[Tammy Gul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got to say, this book was really cute! I love Zoe's orc series which are really awesome books abd it was interesting reading something with a slightly different vibe. June and Asher were such a sweet couple and I really like how incredibly understanding June was during their relationship. She really understood without even much words that he needed a little extra patience and she was perfect for him. I loved that Asher was a voice actor, you dont see that much and I love that is was crush at first listen. I would definitely recommend this book to those that want something sweet with some spice thrown in for good measure. Happy Reading!!

[Katy Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW WITH SPOILERS

I received an ARC of Can't help Growling in Love by @zoeashwood and I loved it!

This was one of the first werewolf type books I've read (that I can remember at least) and it was a really nice, easy way to ease into it.

Both June and Asher are adorable, and I love that it was the MMC that was the virgin for a change. It was so different to see a female being the take charge type!
The spice scenes were hot, both gentle for the human side, rough for the wolf side.
I love Zoes books so this was always going to be a must read for me, and oh my gosh, run to the epilogue for download. So cute!! ❤️

[Olivia UV · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC of this and I’m super grateful for that! 💖
Any Zoe Ashwood book will inevitably be a good time, and this was of course no exception.
I was unsure if I would enjoy the mmc and how he is an anxiety plagued virgin werewolf, but I should not have been nervous, Zoe did amazingly 🤩
Everything about this book was cute, heartwarming, hot, and definitely very spicy 🥵

My only critique of this book is about the writing and use of periods instead of commas. It was simply a bit much and resulted in some disjointed sentences, which made some of the points unclear, but I’m aware that I’m nitpicky what it comes to this.

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

[SD Jericho · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I adore more than an FMC with some grit and spine - I'll compete with an MC for her kind of affection!

I should probably highlight some Ts and Cs here: I've never read a Zoe Ashwood book that I didn't like. I'm a die hard fan of all her work.

That being said, Asher is nothing like we've had before - he is just the very perfect amount of everything good you want in a man. When I say that I wanted to send highlighted screenshots to the ex, I don't say it lightly; I should just send him the book and have him study and his future (ex)girlfriends will thank me.

Curl up, get comfy and immerse yourself in this gorgeous new world!

[Casandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Harmony Glenn!

June is an ER nurse who works the night shift in Harmony Glenn. She is obsessed with the voice behind the local late-night radio show and when she realizes the audiobook narrator she’s been listening to sounds awfully similar, she decides to reach out and ask.

Asher works nights at Monster Tunes Radio and has a secret career as a popular audiobook narrator. The introverted werewolf doesn’t know what to do when he receives a private message from a stranger who’s discovered his identity.

Can’t Help Growling In Love by Zoe Ashwood is an absolutely adorable cozy small town monster romance. Part of the multi-author, shared world Harmony Glenn series.