I’m a wolf shifter who never quite fit into my pack—not because they didn’t love me, but because I just wasn’t… typical. When my well-meaning parents started throwing every eligible alpha my way like I was in some furry version of The Bachelorette, I ran to the city and found a job at REDS, a dating agency for shifters who don’t fit the usual mold.
I didn’t expect my first client to be another wolf. Definitely didn’t expect him to be hot, allergic to half the dates I set him up with, and frustratingly sweet. Michael’s all lean lines, sharp suits, and dry wit. I have no idea why anyone would reject him.
The more time we spend together, the more I start to wonder… maybe I can’t find him a mate because I want to be the one he chooses.
Michael
Who knew being a wolf shifter with a desk job is some kind of dating death sentence. I’m not into wilderness, I hate camping, and I’m more comfortable with spreadsheets than hunting rabbits. Sue me.
REDS was supposed to help me find someone who could see past all that.
It… didn’t.
The only good part? My matchmaker, Finley. She’s curvy, clever, and completely convinced I’m someone else’s perfect match.
When she suggests a “practice date,” I jump at the chance. But now I’m stuck pretending this is a test run while all I want is the real thing.
How can I get her to see me as her partner instead of a client in need of fixing?
Bare bones this should have been good, it just was not for me. There are some obvious things that annoy me but the one that stands out the most is that this whole book hinges on them being outcasts, but that both are relatively normal, gave close friends and family and at the end of the book are relatively accepted by all except his dad who is still getting used to their mating. It's a flimsy base that never really rings true and thus I am not a huge fan.
Another issue I had was that she stated she purposely set up bad dates because she was into him. She has nothing to do with his previous dates, and she has only seen a picture of him by date one. So maybe she does sabotage 2 dates? It just again didn't have a real base.
overall like I said the ideas were present they just fell short for me. The writing wasn't bad at all and there weren't glaring typos etc I just wanted a little more flow through and depth
Not your typical (wolf) shifter romance! There's some open door spice, the physical attraction is just part of the FMC and MMC falling for each other though. I liked how Michael and Finley are trying their best to just be themselves, not what their traditional wolf packs want them to be, and not striving to be fully like humans either. This book has its serious moments (dealing with difficult families who don't accept you as your are) as well as funny ones (sorry, Michael, some of your dates were hilarious). Quite the heart-warming story. And I can't wait to read more about my new favourite red panda (shifter) Red. That woman is peak comedy.
Finley rebels against her family and their matchmaking schemes. She wants to find her mate on her terms, not her parents, or her packs. Michael feels the same with his father and his expectations. Michael has his own criteria and chose his own career. Finley and Michael when Finley is charged with helping Michael find a mate. Coincidence much. Things become much clearer when Finley and Michael stop denying the obvious and realize what they mean to each other.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
In a world full of ugliness and strife, cruelty and discord, this book sings hope and possibilities and was a joy to escape to. Ms. Kyle has been a long time favorite, and clearly this series opener heralds a renewed commitment from me to keep picking up everything she writes.
Howling Mad is a cute story. Finley and Michael aren't your typical wolves and it makes it hard for them to find their mate. Michael resorts to a matchmaking agency where Finley is working but finding a match is harder than he thinks. Turns out Finley is the mate he needs.
Matchmakers for non conforming shifters, interesting premise. Wiritng was done well. Story was mildly entertaining, but still worth my time. Still debating whether to read the next in the series.
An ARc was provided by the author and I am freely lesving this review.