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Monsters Of Saltford Bay #3
Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf: A Cozy Monster Romance
I’m a wedding planner. I coordinate chaos for a living. But nothing prepared me for Saltford Bay’s grumpy werewolf sheriff, especially not when he kissed me like a feral beast… and then asked me to be his fake mate.
Planning a dragon wedding is hard enough. Add a stolen tiara, a brewing scandal, and one scowling werewolf with eyes like wildfire and a permanent stick up his tail, and suddenly I’m wondering if I should’ve stayed in bed.
Sheriff Adrian Wolfsbane is stern, broody, and impossible to work with. He’s handling security for the dragon wedding of the century, so when the bride’s priceless tiara vanishes and things start catching fire, of course he takes charge of the investigation.
When the suspect list starts looking a little too close to home, he makes me an pretend to be his mate, and he’ll give me full access to the case. The plan? Convince everyone we’re bonded, sniff out the thief, and avoid catching feelings.
Easy, right?
Except now I’m staying at his cabin, wearing his scent, and trying to ignore the way he looks at me like I already belong to him.
And if he keeps acting like I’m more than just his fake mate… I’m not sure I’ll want to keep pretending. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.
No touching.
No feelings.
Definitely no biting.
Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Emily Antoinette, That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be read as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small town romance story is low angst, funny and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature readers.
Planning a dragon wedding is hard enough. Add a stolen tiara, a brewing scandal, and one scowling werewolf with eyes like wildfire and a permanent stick up his tail, and suddenly I’m wondering if I should’ve stayed in bed.
Sheriff Adrian Wolfsbane is stern, broody, and impossible to work with. He’s handling security for the dragon wedding of the century, so when the bride’s priceless tiara vanishes and things start catching fire, of course he takes charge of the investigation.
When the suspect list starts looking a little too close to home, he makes me an pretend to be his mate, and he’ll give me full access to the case. The plan? Convince everyone we’re bonded, sniff out the thief, and avoid catching feelings.
Easy, right?
Except now I’m staying at his cabin, wearing his scent, and trying to ignore the way he looks at me like I already belong to him.
And if he keeps acting like I’m more than just his fake mate… I’m not sure I’ll want to keep pretending. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.
No touching.
No feelings.
Definitely no biting.
Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Emily Antoinette, That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be read as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small town romance story is low angst, funny and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature readers.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
29 people want to read
About the author
Mary Auclair
21 books411 followersMary grew up in the quiet peace of a small rural village in the heart of Quebec, Canada.
She spent her childhood chasing butterflies and catching frogs, playing in the mud and generally being as unladylike as she could. Her love of science led her to complete a mechanical engineering degree at the Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, where she met the love of her life.
Years later, as she enjoyed the role of full time mom to her two wonderful children, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer.
She now write as much as her busy schedule allows to bring to life her inner world, filled with exotic planets, mysterious creatures and off course, hot, alpha heroes and the women who melt their hearts.
When she's not writing, she can be found in the garden, walking her dogs or playing with fire in her kitchen as a part time hit-or-miss chef.
She spent her childhood chasing butterflies and catching frogs, playing in the mud and generally being as unladylike as she could. Her love of science led her to complete a mechanical engineering degree at the Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, where she met the love of her life.
Years later, as she enjoyed the role of full time mom to her two wonderful children, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer.
She now write as much as her busy schedule allows to bring to life her inner world, filled with exotic planets, mysterious creatures and off course, hot, alpha heroes and the women who melt their hearts.
When she's not writing, she can be found in the garden, walking her dogs or playing with fire in her kitchen as a part time hit-or-miss chef.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.
This is book three in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. I’ve been lucky enough to read both the first and second books — and up until now, the first book had been my clear favorite… but this one just took that place.
While the books are all part of a series, you don’t have to read them in order. Even if you’ve never read the others, you’ll still be able to follow what’s going on. But seriously — I implore you, read them all. They’re so good.
I can't tell you how fast I devoured this book — less than a few hours. That’s how easy it is to read. The writing is clear, clean, and flows so well. The author has a real gift for making everything just work. I fell into the story so easily; it honestly felt like coming home.
The shining jewel in this book is the story itself. It’s wrapped up in mystery, like a game of Cluedo, and it had me constantly guessing — who, what, why — and I was completely surprised in the best way by the ending. The way it all unfolded made it so much fun to read and figure out. I felt like I was reading a fantasy romance/crime mystery hybrid — and I loved every second.
While the story was a major hit for me, the layers of romance and chemistry just pushed it over the top. Like… wow. I needed a cold shower — or at least to sit down for a minute because I was definitely swooning. The banter, the connections, the chemistry — it was all so well-written and so balanced. The spice didn’t overpower the book, and the story was strong enough to keep you hooked even without it. But together? Sheer perfection.
For me, this book had everything. I usually try to find at least one thing I struggled with or didn’t enjoy — but honestly? I couldn’t. Everything was beautifully done. Fantastic.
Would I recommend it?
Totally — no question about it.
Would I read it again?
Without a doubt. I’d reread this book — and the whole series — over and over again.
How would I sum it up?
Everything I want in a book. Flutter-inducing spice and romance, a fantastic story, smooth writing — it felt like this book was made for me.
🌶️🌶️½ spice
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.
This is book three in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. I’ve been lucky enough to read both the first and second books — and up until now, the first book had been my clear favorite… but this one just took that place.
While the books are all part of a series, you don’t have to read them in order. Even if you’ve never read the others, you’ll still be able to follow what’s going on. But seriously — I implore you, read them all. They’re so good.
I can't tell you how fast I devoured this book — less than a few hours. That’s how easy it is to read. The writing is clear, clean, and flows so well. The author has a real gift for making everything just work. I fell into the story so easily; it honestly felt like coming home.
The shining jewel in this book is the story itself. It’s wrapped up in mystery, like a game of Cluedo, and it had me constantly guessing — who, what, why — and I was completely surprised in the best way by the ending. The way it all unfolded made it so much fun to read and figure out. I felt like I was reading a fantasy romance/crime mystery hybrid — and I loved every second.
While the story was a major hit for me, the layers of romance and chemistry just pushed it over the top. Like… wow. I needed a cold shower — or at least to sit down for a minute because I was definitely swooning. The banter, the connections, the chemistry — it was all so well-written and so balanced. The spice didn’t overpower the book, and the story was strong enough to keep you hooked even without it. But together? Sheer perfection.
For me, this book had everything. I usually try to find at least one thing I struggled with or didn’t enjoy — but honestly? I couldn’t. Everything was beautifully done. Fantastic.
Would I recommend it?
Totally — no question about it.
Would I read it again?
Without a doubt. I’d reread this book — and the whole series — over and over again.
How would I sum it up?
Everything I want in a book. Flutter-inducing spice and romance, a fantastic story, smooth writing — it felt like this book was made for me.
October 2, 2025
"An Awesome Monster Romance series"
This is a funny and exciting fun to read stories, and series.
Julia is a spunky human events planner. She has the honor to plan a royal Dragon wedding. In the small town of Saltford Bay. Saltford Bay is the home of humans and Monsters alike.
Adrian is Saltford Bays Werewolf sheriff. He and his officers have been asked to help with the wedding security. This is where he meets Julia and his wolf is very drawn to her. Adrian is expected to take a mate. Did fate lead them to meet?
This is a five star plus story and series.
This is a funny and exciting fun to read stories, and series.
Julia is a spunky human events planner. She has the honor to plan a royal Dragon wedding. In the small town of Saltford Bay. Saltford Bay is the home of humans and Monsters alike.
Adrian is Saltford Bays Werewolf sheriff. He and his officers have been asked to help with the wedding security. This is where he meets Julia and his wolf is very drawn to her. Adrian is expected to take a mate. Did fate lead them to meet?
This is a five star plus story and series.
September 10, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
TROPES
🐺Werewolf x human
🐺Grumpy/Sunshine
🐺Slight enemies-to-lovers
🐺Cozy Mystery
🐺Monster Romance
🐺Age Gap
🐺Strong FMC
--💟💟--
The first book of Mary Auclair that I read was COURTED BY THE GRUMPY DRAGON and I immediately fell in love with Auclair's world of Saltford Bay! So when I saw that she had another book up, I knew I had to apply again. I've become a diehard fan of Auclair!
CLASHING WITH THE GRUMPY WOLF follows Julia, a wedding planner for a wealthy, influential dragon clan, and Adrian, the grumpy werewolf Sheriff who keeps trying to rebuke his mother's attempts at matchmaking. The two come into contact when the bride, Seraphina's, tiara is stolen and embark on a journey to solve the mystery behind the tiara.
Adrian was my favorite character by far. I loved his growly grumpiness but his utter sweetness with Julia. He was reasonable, if not, uptight at times, but what I liked about his character was that his reasons made sense. Julia describes him as arrogant, but I don't really see him as arrogant. He just seemed really committed to his job.
Julia was an FMC I can relate to so much. She's a planner, loves organization, and knows exactly what she wants even if she struggles to articulate that sometimes because of her anxiety. I was a little annoyed with Julia when she argued against Adrian in the beginning, because she seemed more focused on the success of the wedding that she wasn't willing to compromise, while Adrian seemed more open to compromise. However, I understood that she wanted the wedding to be a success; I just wish that was articulated better, because for all her poise and maturity, that introduction scene with Adrian made her come off as immature and a bit selfish. Especially in the scene where she thinks she sees the thief, it makes sense, in the heat of the moment, to run after, but I think, again, that her argument with Adrian about why she should join him felt like it was lacking reason.
For the side characters, at first, I thought Seraphina would be a stereotypical bridezilla, but she had so much more to her that Auclair slowly revealed, and I enjoyed seeing her development and perfectly crafted backstory! She was struggling under the pressure of family expectations, after all. But even still, Auclair doesn't villainize the families, not Seraphina's grandmother or Adrian's mother. Instead, they're all matriarch's who are products of generational pressure, and even though at some points they're antagonistic, it's not with malicious intent. Adrian, in particular, recognizes this with his mother, and they clash, but he still knows her intent isn't inherently bad.
Though, that crap she did was Jennifer was just so cruel and gross. I'm glad Adrian gave Jennifer what she deserved, but I kind of wish we saw him confront his mother for that. It was one of the many scenes were I loved how Auclair restated that men have boundaries as well, and Adrian was very respectful of those boundaries, especially with Julia! Even though I was rooting for him to just cuddle with her (y'all, the tension was so thin), I loved that Auclair wrote for Julia to start it, Julia to ask, Julia to make sure that Adrian knew he wasn't overstepping his bounds. For all his grump and growl, Adrian, like Kraxon (can you tell I have a favorite 😅) were gentlemen at heart.
The plot about finding the missing tiara was investing, even though I felt like it was easy to deduce early on who the thief was, even though Auclair tried to throw a red herring in the mix. I felt like the red-herring wasn't explained, either. Why was found not guilty? Why didn't Adrian interrogate him? Did Adrian apologize to Percy? Why was by the office anyway? Percy gives a reason for this last question, but it's still wrought with mystery. I felt like it should have been explained more. In this sense, I felt the mystery aspect of the plot fell flat for me, but I enjoyed the chemistry between Adrian and Julia, the cameo with Kraxon, and the overall girl-supporting-girls theme! I was so glad that Auclair didn't make Seraphina an uptight, unbearable girl, rather the product of family expectations.
As for the chemistry between Adrian and Julia, it was there, but it wasn't as hot I was expecting. I think there was a lot more focus on the mystery than their relationship, but in the moments where they were together, their chemistry was on fire! Adrian was total 'alpha wolf' for Julia and I love a protective MMC! Julia, for her obligation to organization and control, became a much freer person with Adrian, and her development was one I enjoyed!
(Also, if there are any girlies who love a knotting trope...👀🥵, Adrian surpasses expectations with that!)
Their spicy scenes weren't just spicy. Auclair saturated the story with a sweet slow-burn, faint touches, and longing gazes that made me so ready for when Adrian and Julia finally gave into temptation! Auclair didn't disappoint with the spice! Adrian's growling, his inner wolf, Julia finally taking what she wanted - these are all bits of things that happened within their intimacy and I devoured those spicy scenes up!
Overall, despite its predictibility, I enjoyed this story! I think, if I'm comparing all the books in the series so far, Kraxon's story was my favorite, but I look forward to see what else Auclair has! If you love grumpy wolves, surefire wedding planners, and a whole lot of heat and heart in this small town novel, then CLASHING WITH THE GRUMPY WOLF is for you!
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
TROPES
🐺Werewolf x human
🐺Grumpy/Sunshine
🐺Slight enemies-to-lovers
🐺Cozy Mystery
🐺Monster Romance
🐺Age Gap
🐺Strong FMC
--💟💟--
The first book of Mary Auclair that I read was COURTED BY THE GRUMPY DRAGON and I immediately fell in love with Auclair's world of Saltford Bay! So when I saw that she had another book up, I knew I had to apply again. I've become a diehard fan of Auclair!
CLASHING WITH THE GRUMPY WOLF follows Julia, a wedding planner for a wealthy, influential dragon clan, and Adrian, the grumpy werewolf Sheriff who keeps trying to rebuke his mother's attempts at matchmaking. The two come into contact when the bride, Seraphina's, tiara is stolen and embark on a journey to solve the mystery behind the tiara.
Adrian was my favorite character by far. I loved his growly grumpiness but his utter sweetness with Julia. He was reasonable, if not, uptight at times, but what I liked about his character was that his reasons made sense. Julia describes him as arrogant, but I don't really see him as arrogant. He just seemed really committed to his job.
Julia was an FMC I can relate to so much. She's a planner, loves organization, and knows exactly what she wants even if she struggles to articulate that sometimes because of her anxiety. I was a little annoyed with Julia when she argued against Adrian in the beginning, because she seemed more focused on the success of the wedding that she wasn't willing to compromise, while Adrian seemed more open to compromise. However, I understood that she wanted the wedding to be a success; I just wish that was articulated better, because for all her poise and maturity, that introduction scene with Adrian made her come off as immature and a bit selfish. Especially in the scene where she thinks she sees the thief, it makes sense, in the heat of the moment, to run after, but I think, again, that her argument with Adrian about why she should join him felt like it was lacking reason.
For the side characters, at first, I thought Seraphina would be a stereotypical bridezilla, but she had so much more to her that Auclair slowly revealed, and I enjoyed seeing her development and perfectly crafted backstory! She was struggling under the pressure of family expectations, after all. But even still, Auclair doesn't villainize the families, not Seraphina's grandmother or Adrian's mother. Instead, they're all matriarch's who are products of generational pressure, and even though at some points they're antagonistic, it's not with malicious intent. Adrian, in particular, recognizes this with his mother, and they clash, but he still knows her intent isn't inherently bad.
Though, that crap she did was Jennifer was just so cruel and gross. I'm glad Adrian gave Jennifer what she deserved, but I kind of wish we saw him confront his mother for that. It was one of the many scenes were I loved how Auclair restated that men have boundaries as well, and Adrian was very respectful of those boundaries, especially with Julia! Even though I was rooting for him to just cuddle with her (y'all, the tension was so thin), I loved that Auclair wrote for Julia to start it, Julia to ask, Julia to make sure that Adrian knew he wasn't overstepping his bounds. For all his grump and growl, Adrian, like Kraxon (can you tell I have a favorite 😅) were gentlemen at heart.
The plot about finding the missing tiara was investing, even though I felt like it was easy to deduce early on who the thief was, even though Auclair tried to throw a red herring in the mix. I felt like the red-herring wasn't explained, either. Why was found not guilty? Why didn't Adrian interrogate him? Did Adrian apologize to Percy? Why was by the office anyway? Percy gives a reason for this last question, but it's still wrought with mystery. I felt like it should have been explained more. In this sense, I felt the mystery aspect of the plot fell flat for me, but I enjoyed the chemistry between Adrian and Julia, the cameo with Kraxon, and the overall girl-supporting-girls theme! I was so glad that Auclair didn't make Seraphina an uptight, unbearable girl, rather the product of family expectations.
As for the chemistry between Adrian and Julia, it was there, but it wasn't as hot I was expecting. I think there was a lot more focus on the mystery than their relationship, but in the moments where they were together, their chemistry was on fire! Adrian was total 'alpha wolf' for Julia and I love a protective MMC! Julia, for her obligation to organization and control, became a much freer person with Adrian, and her development was one I enjoyed!
(Also, if there are any girlies who love a knotting trope...👀🥵, Adrian surpasses expectations with that!)
Their spicy scenes weren't just spicy. Auclair saturated the story with a sweet slow-burn, faint touches, and longing gazes that made me so ready for when Adrian and Julia finally gave into temptation! Auclair didn't disappoint with the spice! Adrian's growling, his inner wolf, Julia finally taking what she wanted - these are all bits of things that happened within their intimacy and I devoured those spicy scenes up!
Overall, despite its predictibility, I enjoyed this story! I think, if I'm comparing all the books in the series so far, Kraxon's story was my favorite, but I look forward to see what else Auclair has! If you love grumpy wolves, surefire wedding planners, and a whole lot of heat and heart in this small town novel, then CLASHING WITH THE GRUMPY WOLF is for you!
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
October 2, 2025
Clashing With the Grumpy Wolf by Mary Auclair is the kind of paranormal romance that hooks you from the first growl and doesn’t let go. Julia, a meticulous wedding planner tasked with pulling off the dragon wedding of the century, is the perfect foil for Sheriff Adrian Wolfsbane—the grumpiest, broodiest werewolf in Saltford Bay. She thrives on order; he thrives on control. Together, they clash, combust, and finally… collude, when a missing tiara forces them into a fake-mate arrangement that feels anything but fake.
What I loved most was the contrast between Adrian’s gruff, alpha presence and his absolute tenderness with Julia once the walls started to crack. He might be sharp-edged and scowling, but when it came to her boundaries, he was pure gentleman—and that made the eventual burn between them even hotter. Julia’s arc was equally satisfying, watching her move from anxious people-pleaser to a woman who takes what she wants, even if it means challenging a grumpy wolf.
The side characters added depth and humor, from Seraphina’s layered bridezilla-not-bridezilla vibes to the meddling matriarchs whose pressure shaped both families without villainizing them. The mystery of the stolen tiara wasn’t the strongest thread—it’s a little predictable—but honestly, the chemistry between Julia and Adrian stole the spotlight anyway.
Mary Auclair balances grumpy-sunshine banter, a dash of mystery, slow-burn tension, and steamy payoff into a story that feels both magical and emotionally real. If you love your paranormal romance with protective wolves, sharp-witted heroines, and a fake relationship that turns way too real, Clashing With the Grumpy Wolf will leave you howling for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I loved most was the contrast between Adrian’s gruff, alpha presence and his absolute tenderness with Julia once the walls started to crack. He might be sharp-edged and scowling, but when it came to her boundaries, he was pure gentleman—and that made the eventual burn between them even hotter. Julia’s arc was equally satisfying, watching her move from anxious people-pleaser to a woman who takes what she wants, even if it means challenging a grumpy wolf.
The side characters added depth and humor, from Seraphina’s layered bridezilla-not-bridezilla vibes to the meddling matriarchs whose pressure shaped both families without villainizing them. The mystery of the stolen tiara wasn’t the strongest thread—it’s a little predictable—but honestly, the chemistry between Julia and Adrian stole the spotlight anyway.
Mary Auclair balances grumpy-sunshine banter, a dash of mystery, slow-burn tension, and steamy payoff into a story that feels both magical and emotionally real. If you love your paranormal romance with protective wolves, sharp-witted heroines, and a fake relationship that turns way too real, Clashing With the Grumpy Wolf will leave you howling for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2025
Clashing with the Grumpy Wolf is the third book of the Saltford Bay series and another entertaining entry as wedding planner
Julia Schroeder has her hands full with the dragon wedding of the year. Between having to find more of the brides special orchids to replace the ones destroyed to dealing with sheriff Adrian Wolfsbanes security plans its enough to make a girl scream.
But If she is going to make a name for herself in the industry this first wedding has to be successful.
When things start to go from bad to worse Adrian steps in with a plan to catch the culprit causing the chaos, and since he pulled that bee out of Julia’s blouse there has definitely been a little chemistry brewing between them.
So a ruse of their bonding without catching any feelings for each other along the way should work, right? Yeah, guess again!
Really enjoyed this humorous, spicy, captivating, nicely written story with some mystery, danger, surprises, and engaging characters that provided this reader with a wonderful time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Julia Schroeder has her hands full with the dragon wedding of the year. Between having to find more of the brides special orchids to replace the ones destroyed to dealing with sheriff Adrian Wolfsbanes security plans its enough to make a girl scream.
But If she is going to make a name for herself in the industry this first wedding has to be successful.
When things start to go from bad to worse Adrian steps in with a plan to catch the culprit causing the chaos, and since he pulled that bee out of Julia’s blouse there has definitely been a little chemistry brewing between them.
So a ruse of their bonding without catching any feelings for each other along the way should work, right? Yeah, guess again!
Really enjoyed this humorous, spicy, captivating, nicely written story with some mystery, danger, surprises, and engaging characters that provided this reader with a wonderful time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2025
Julia Schroeder is a wedding planner that has come to Saltford Bay to plan a dragon wedding, which will make or break her career. Even with an assistant, things just seem to be more difficult than they should be, with items that the bride deems essential in short supply or not available at all, etc. When Sheriff Adrian Wolfsbane, the no-nonsense werewolf in charge of security for the wedding, arrives on the scene, Julia thinks working with him will be a real challenge. Then a priceless tiara that is absolutely essential to the wedding is stolen, and Julia and Adrian must work together to find the tiara and save the wedding. Then Adrian proposes that they pretend to be mates to help their investigation (and get his mother off his back), which leads to an attraction that can't be denied. It was a lot of fun seeing these two fight the inevitable at first, then give in with some steamy interaction, solve the mystery, and save the wedding, with the happily ever after at the end that makes the story so enjoyable for me.
September 26, 2025
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Luckily this book had way more interesting characters in it. Fiesty fire breathing dragons, grumpy and growly wolves, and a lightly disguised winged fairy. This Saltford Bay series gets better and better as you read. You learn more about this world full of beings that aren't fully human yet exist in a semi harmonious time. A perfect blend of love stories, chaos creators and hot steamy scenes. I highly recommend this book.
Julia and Adrian are our main characters in this book and they each have a story to tell. They say opposites attract, but if you are too different will anything work in your favor? Is it love or just lust? Is it time to toss traditions out the window and forge something new, better, lasting? All questions to be answered as they navigate their fast growing relationship.
You'll not want to put this book down once you've started. Have fun!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Julia and Adrian are our main characters in this book and they each have a story to tell. They say opposites attract, but if you are too different will anything work in your favor? Is it love or just lust? Is it time to toss traditions out the window and forge something new, better, lasting? All questions to be answered as they navigate their fast growing relationship.
You'll not want to put this book down once you've started. Have fun!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2025
I really like that this book felt distinct from the first two in the series. However, I think there are some continuity issues with this world that kept pulling me out of the story. For example, I was confused as to why I was supposed to suspect Kraxon as the villain when the prior book was his story and we’ve just read all about what an honest and honorable person he is? I literally stopped reading at least 3 times to pull up the last book and make sure It was the same person.
It also sort of bummed me out that we don’t get any updates on the characters from book 1 (even though Adrian was supposed to be best friends with the MMC from book 1), and even though Kraxon (MMC from book 2) is in the book and at the wedding there is no mention of his partner and their super rare dragon mate bond?
Overall not a bad book, it just wasn’t as good as the first 2 and definitely didn’t advance the world enough to keep me interested in the series.
It also sort of bummed me out that we don’t get any updates on the characters from book 1 (even though Adrian was supposed to be best friends with the MMC from book 1), and even though Kraxon (MMC from book 2) is in the book and at the wedding there is no mention of his partner and their super rare dragon mate bond?
Overall not a bad book, it just wasn’t as good as the first 2 and definitely didn’t advance the world enough to keep me interested in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
Officially marking this as a five-star series! I really enjoyed both of our plotlines, and they drama they caused. The wedding sounds breathtaking, and I'm gutting it isn't real. The investigation side of things was fun to follow along with. I really loved the bond between these mates, I think it might b mmy favourite mate bond of the series! I just love how strong and proud Julia is and how protective and caring Arian is of her. They balanced well: finding compromise rather than shutting the other down. I also felt proud of her confidence growing as the book continue and she learnt to prioritise herself and be confident in her skillset.
Really recommend this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Really recommend this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
This is the second book I've read by Mary Auclair and I'm quickly becoming a fan! I love her writing style, and especially that her FMCs seem to carry a theme of being strong, although still different. They're each strong in their own way.
The first book I read by Auclair was a cozy (and spicy) fantasy Halloween novella. This book was more of a full-length novel for her, but was still cozy and spicy. This time around she added in a burglary and a mystery to solve for our FMC and MMC, which added some extra excitement to the story. I love that we see overlapping characters in the town from some of the other Saltford Bay stories as well!
I'm definitely excited to check out the next installment in this series as soon as it's available!!
The first book I read by Auclair was a cozy (and spicy) fantasy Halloween novella. This book was more of a full-length novel for her, but was still cozy and spicy. This time around she added in a burglary and a mystery to solve for our FMC and MMC, which added some extra excitement to the story. I love that we see overlapping characters in the town from some of the other Saltford Bay stories as well!
I'm definitely excited to check out the next installment in this series as soon as it's available!!
October 7, 2025
ARC review - This is the 3rd standalone but interconnected book in the Saltford Bay series. I absolutely love the cosy, slightly spicy aspects that have different supernatural beings as the main characters
Our FMC, Julia, is a human wedding planner. She was strong, organised, and smart. I did find her more difficult to relate to at the start, but as you learn more about her motives, you understand.
Our MMC, Adrian, is a werewolf Sheriff. I loved his grumpy, down-to-earth persona, but also how protective and passionate he was. I enjoyed the fated mates aspect a lot.
Found Family
Werewolf x human
Grumpy/Sunshine
Fated Mates
Cosy Mystery
Monster Romance
Strong FMC
Spice was 2 chilli peppers -(knotting)
Overall, this is a fun and easy read, and I definitely recommend it.
Our FMC, Julia, is a human wedding planner. She was strong, organised, and smart. I did find her more difficult to relate to at the start, but as you learn more about her motives, you understand.
Our MMC, Adrian, is a werewolf Sheriff. I loved his grumpy, down-to-earth persona, but also how protective and passionate he was. I enjoyed the fated mates aspect a lot.
Found Family
Werewolf x human
Grumpy/Sunshine
Fated Mates
Cosy Mystery
Monster Romance
Strong FMC
Spice was 2 chilli peppers -(knotting)
Overall, this is a fun and easy read, and I definitely recommend it.
September 14, 2025
I love this series. I need about 12 more Saltwater Bay books. Julia and Adrian were so perfect. I enjoyed the mystery behind the romance throughout the story. It brought both of them closer together and helped build their relationship overtime which was something I can appreciate. The two of them really overcame their own personal roadblocks that helped them deepen the relationship. The spice was spicing. The conclusion was everything I could have wanted in this story even if I could just keep reading. I’m excited to continue reading this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2025
This book gave me small-town chaos with fur and fangs. Julia’s wedding-planner panic mixed with Adrian’s growly sheriff energy was a recipe for pure entertainment. The fake-mate setup was ridiculous, especially once they had to pretend not to be into each other while sharing a cabin. The mystery part was fun even if I guessed it early, but I still cared more about the banter and tension than the missing tiara. The pacing was fast, the writing cozy and sharp, and the slow-burn payoff was worth every teasing moment. Honestly, I didn’t expect to swoon over a wolf with an attitude problem, but... yup, totally did.
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this third book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. I'm a sucker for fated mates, especially when there isn't some weird communication issue in the story. Adrian was super yummy as the mmc, and I loved how he stood up for Julia with his pack and in general. The spice was perfectly spicy. I did figure out the "bad guy" fairly early but not the motive and how the resolution would play out. It didn't ruin it for me. My only confusion was the continuity between book 2 and 3. I thought Kraxon had his work issues sewn up in the last book?
September 26, 2025
Adrian and Julia were a delightful couple.
This fated mate romance set around a Dragon wedding, involved Adrian our sexy wolf shifter in charge of security and human Julia, whose reputation as an event planner was on the line.
Throw in a theft, future Alpha pack politics, light banter and sexual chemistry and you have an enjoyable light read.
I really liked how Julia stood up to Adrian's mother and particularly enjoyed the elements of the story set in Adrian's cabin (how Adrian felt seeing Julia in his shirt was gorgeously written).
This fated mate romance set around a Dragon wedding, involved Adrian our sexy wolf shifter in charge of security and human Julia, whose reputation as an event planner was on the line.
Throw in a theft, future Alpha pack politics, light banter and sexual chemistry and you have an enjoyable light read.
I really liked how Julia stood up to Adrian's mother and particularly enjoyed the elements of the story set in Adrian's cabin (how Adrian felt seeing Julia in his shirt was gorgeously written).
September 9, 2025
*ARC Review*
Honestly think this one was my favorite of the three, I obliterated it as soon as I saw that it was available.
It was cute, and had a little more outside of the relationship story line than the other two. I don’t really know how to explain my feelings without spoilers and I hate spoilers.
Recommended if you read and liked the other two, or even if you just like wolf shifter romances. 10/10
Honestly think this one was my favorite of the three, I obliterated it as soon as I saw that it was available.
It was cute, and had a little more outside of the relationship story line than the other two. I don’t really know how to explain my feelings without spoilers and I hate spoilers.
Recommended if you read and liked the other two, or even if you just like wolf shifter romances. 10/10
September 16, 2025
I loved it, just like the other books in this series. I just love sexy werewolf sheriffs and their sassy women. This book is everything great about fated mate romance. The FMC is strong-willed and the MMC is possessive in the best way. I thought the "bad guy" was so easy to see and how could no one in the book know! Joke is on me there is a very good twist. I can't wait for the rest to come out! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2025
“Clashing with the Grumpy Wolf” by Mary Auclair
-A cozy, steamy small-town monster romance with mystery woven in. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Julia and Adrian’s fated bond balances sass, growly protectiveness, and sizzling chemistry. The Saltford Bay world shines with dragons, wolves, and nosy neighbors adding charm.
Fast-paced, funny, and full of heart—this series just keeps getting better.
-A cozy, steamy small-town monster romance with mystery woven in. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Julia and Adrian’s fated bond balances sass, growly protectiveness, and sizzling chemistry. The Saltford Bay world shines with dragons, wolves, and nosy neighbors adding charm.
Fast-paced, funny, and full of heart—this series just keeps getting better.
October 19, 2025
What a cute little mystery romance! Julia's career as a wedding planner rides on this wedding. So when the dragon's tiara disappear, she need the Sheriff's help and agrees to be his fake mate, until it starts to feel like it's not so fake any more. There's action and adventure as well as steamy romance, with some surprise twists thrown in at the end. Loved every minute of it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
A Wedding Mystery
All the wedding plans were coming along somewhat smoothly until the tiara was stolen. Enter the sheriff who ended up as her fated mate. Being human she didn't know and working the wedding and the theft, she didn't realize what those feelings were until he told her. Interesting read as she traversed between the wedding, the theft and recovery and being an alphas mate while getting their HEA.
All the wedding plans were coming along somewhat smoothly until the tiara was stolen. Enter the sheriff who ended up as her fated mate. Being human she didn't know and working the wedding and the theft, she didn't realize what those feelings were until he told her. Interesting read as she traversed between the wedding, the theft and recovery and being an alphas mate while getting their HEA.
September 5, 2025
A fantastic and very well written story that any fan of paranormal mystery/ romance is sure to love . Work stopped because the story just wouldn't. Brilliant characters both male and female with a nice mix of " creatures " causing chaos and mess .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2025
Clashing with Grumpy Wolf Book 3 of the Monsters of Sanford Bay series.
The “arrangement” between Adrian and Julian is just business but simmering all the time.
This is a sweet romance with a mysterious theft at a wedding. The mystery of who done it makes it even more entertaining.
*I received this ARC Kindle Book from BookSirens. Thank You.
The “arrangement” between Adrian and Julian is just business but simmering all the time.
This is a sweet romance with a mysterious theft at a wedding. The mystery of who done it makes it even more entertaining.
*I received this ARC Kindle Book from BookSirens. Thank You.
September 21, 2025
Another solid story of romance and mystery in the 'Monsters of Saltford Bay' series.
Despite being a small town, Saltford Bay certainly does not lack for drama, intrigue and interestingly quirky residents. Looking forward to meeting more of the Saltfordian inhabitants.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite being a small town, Saltford Bay certainly does not lack for drama, intrigue and interestingly quirky residents. Looking forward to meeting more of the Saltfordian inhabitants.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2025
Wedding planner Julia is having rough time planning a dragon wedding. Everything is going wrong. Then a priceless tiara is stolen and she must join forces with the grumpy wolf shifter sheriff to solve the mystery. Good story. Steamy fated mates.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2025
Fabulous fantasy;
Just the best sort of diversion. Pages turn themselves as a world filled with dragons shimmery scales and werewolves glowing eyes enchant the reader.
In a world where reality is much too painful to face, this escape refreshes and restores.
Thank you, Mary, for giving a shiny glow to my day!
Just the best sort of diversion. Pages turn themselves as a world filled with dragons shimmery scales and werewolves glowing eyes enchant the reader.
In a world where reality is much too painful to face, this escape refreshes and restores.
Thank you, Mary, for giving a shiny glow to my day!
October 19, 2025
Julie and Adrian
Well written romance, drama, danger, theft, mystery, betrayal, shifter-human romance, and HEA.
A wolf shifter sheriff works with a human event planner to solve a theft of a tiara and find love along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well written romance, drama, danger, theft, mystery, betrayal, shifter-human romance, and HEA.
A wolf shifter sheriff works with a human event planner to solve a theft of a tiara and find love along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2025
The characters are so diverse and vivid. Adrian and Julia are more similar than they realize and the instalove of true mates adds great layers to their connection. I love the way the characters come together to solve the mystery and the fabulous integration of humans and Others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
I was really excited to continue this series! I really enjoyed this book. The plot was intriguing, i really loved the characters and the romanace was super sweet! I highly recommend if you are looking for a quick read!
September 7, 2025
This is an amazing monster/shifter romance.. I liked it very much! It is interesting and fun-to-read, romantic and passionate.. With some mystery..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
Mary has done it again, and I'm not at all surprised! I love her writing style and the magical way she combines charm, sweetness, and spice perfectly! A wedding, dragons, stolen tiara, and alpha wolf make for the perfect plot! I hope there are more books coming in this monster romance series.
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