Rudy is the resident handyman at Creature Comforts Inn. He also happens to be a werewolf. He's strong, he's loyal, but he's not always in control of his shifts.
Bowen is human... mostly. He's able to communicate with animals and often finds them to be easier company than people. Lately, each interaction with his animal friends has brought a warning. Something is following him. He has been guided to Creature Comforts Inn, where the creatures tell him he'll find protection.
Rudy is drawn to the new guest, as is his wolf side. He finds himself craving Bowen's company, driven by an instinct he's not sure he can control.
When the shadow that's been following Bowen manifests, will Rudy be able to connect with his beast to save his mate?
The Handyman's Howl is an MM PNR cozy mystery with found family, fated mates, a clumsy werewolf, and a socially awkward human.
The Creature Comforts Inn series features stand-alone novels that can be enjoyed on their own, but I recommend reading the series to revisit your favorite characters in this world.
She loves reading and writing stories that show that love isn't defined by gender. She writes sweet romance with fun heat, adorkable characters, and is a sucker for an HEA.
She lives in Southern California with her family, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, and loves to give out free hugs at pride events.
Duckie loves to interact with readers and is most active on instagram @authorduckiemack
The Handyman’s Howl is book one in the Creature Comforts Inn series by Duckie Mack. This was such a cute, sweet, swoony story. It’s a MM, fated mates, werewolf shifter romance with a little bit of mystery.
Rudy (Rudolph) is the handy man at Creature Comforts Inn on the small island of Malterra. He is thirty one years old and is a werewolf. With most shifters, they are blended with their other sides. Not so for Rudy. He has trouble controlling his wolf side and they’ve never bonded together. He usually doesn’t remember much from when he’s shifted and worries he might even hurt someone.
Bowen Thomas is twenty seven years old and lives on the mainland. Bowen has never felt as though he belonged anywhere. He considers himself human but has the ability to communicate with animals. He’s always had this gift which has made it very difficult to sustain relationships.
Lately Bowen has felt as though he was being watched. Suddenly, the animals are warning him he is in danger. That he must go west and he will find safety. They keep urging him on until he reaches the island of Malterra. It’s shortly after he arrives, standing in line at the front desk that he hears the growls behind him and the gravelly voice saying, “Mine!”
Bowen and Rudy both feel the pull between them from the start but Rudy is overwhelmed by it. He has no idea what is going on. Only that he feels the need to be near Bowen, to claim him, to protect him. Poor Bowen doesn’t know what to think about this place where he ended up. He can still feel the danger on his heels. It visits him in his dreams. Is he safe here? Is he safe anywhere?
This really was such a sweet story. It’s a story of found family, of finding acceptance, finding your other half, and being brave enough to reach out and take what life offers you. Neither of these characters have had it easy but on this island, especially after finding each other, they’ve found the missing parts of themselves they never dreamed they’d have.
A MM paranormal romance set in an inclusive inn that caters to magical beings. It has fated mates (insta love!), fun shenanigans, age-gap (33/26), found family, dramatic climax, dragon & 2 sweet MCs (who apologise too much)! It's a cute read, I devoured my #ARC within 8hrs (last 20 pages read next day), I loved Rudy & Bowen.
Rudy is a werewolf & struggles to be in sync with it. R's 1 of the founders of inn, works as the handyman. R's strong, possessive yet shy, awkward, bashful with low self-esteem. R was brave to meet up with his online friends for a new venture! First times alert 😉.
Bowen is a human with disney-princess ability of talking to animals! B prefers them over people. Warning of a shadow-threat pushes B to west & he ends up at the cloudy island inn (I was surprised that he leaves JUST LIKE THAT! Atleast it's explained later). B's curious, patient, gentle yet fierce, protective.
The pacing is slow, as it sets up the world & conditions. But once the MCs meet, it's fast going with the romance! Their connection & love is quick but I liked their talks/dates. It's a match, both dislike crowds lol. R+B are so sweet. I love how B praises R, "good boy" to wolfie 🤭. It's low-spice but still hot! But, u 2 should stop apologizing so much 😅, too polite. I thought we'll get shifted sex with how much B loved R's form lol.
I enjoyed the friends & Ellie dragon, even if Z meddled lot 🤨. The background/lore trickles in, I'll love more in future, but it's cool that this connects to Duckie's other PNR books! The set-up was a bit wacky, but it's lovely to see all the different PNR beings. The climax was set up well & satisfying. Did wolfie kill there? My canon it is, but the reactions were too blasé, so idk. Sweet epilogue! Looking forward to all friends' books.
I really like this. I always said if I could have a super power it would be speak with animal (like in D&D) I always thought how amazing it would be to communicate with them even though I’m sure my husky is cursing at me. This author did it really well. I loved his interaction with the animals. This was an interesting take on an Mc who is such a golden retriever but has this predator side. I loved the different side characters. Really interested in their stories too.
In the know: No cheating No sharing Dual pov No om/ow drama Relationship before spice
A very good start to a promising new series. Rudy is a werewolf who is barely able to cope with himself as he has no control over his wolf form, which has left him very lonely. He and some other beings moved to an island and have taken over a hotel. Bowen, unaware of the supernatural and hiding his ability to communicate with animals, is directed to the island by various animals. There is an instant and particularly sweet attraction between the two, and Bowen is just perfect in his ability to make Rory and his wolf happy and more confident. There is an interesting threat and lots of great characters.
I love paranormal stories! I love werewolves and monsters and the humans who love them.
Bowen is not your average human. He speaks to animals and understands them in return. He’s at the local pond feeding the ducks when he they warn him to run. Something is coming for him.
Rudy is a werewolf and the handyman extraordinaire at Creature Comforts Inn. His found family of friends purchased the land and have rebuilt the Inn so supernatural people like themselves have a place to be free. Once he meets Bowen, Rudy knows there is something special about him. What does their connection mean though?
Fated mates. It’s my favorite kind of love story. Rudy and Bowen are just meant for each other. They bring each other comfort and when Bowen needs saving Rudy is there. When Bowen needs a job, he finds one at the Inn with Rudy’s family. That’s another great part of this story. The found family aspect of it. This entire group came together as friends and became more. Not just for each other, but for other supernaturals. Duckie Mack creates a world that I find comfort in. Where it’s safe to be exactly who you are. She creates characters that you want to find love. Her stories are sweet with some heat and always worth the read.
Bowen can communicate with animals and they warn him to go to Malterra Island to the Creature Comforts Inn, a safe and inclusive place for supernatural creatures though Bowen thinks he's human. This is the first of a paranormal series where Bowen meets Rudy, a werewolf. Rudy partners in the Inn with a vampire, a Gorgon, a dryad, a faerie and a griffin and is great friends with a dragon. But from the start, Rudy knows Bowen is his and jealously protects and wants him for his mate while Bowen falls for the adorable man with the wolf inside. While Bowen is a very special man with extra talents. I enjoyed this fresh, original approach to the supernatural community and a creature romance. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Bowen was sent to Creature Comforts and he doesn’t even know why. Turns out, the animals he communicates with sent him there (yes, he can do that and I’m officially jealous). From the moment he arrives, he meets Rudy aka Wolfie and let’s just say Rudy’s inner beast immediately takes notice. Rudy and his friends created Creature Comforts as a safe haven for people like them a place where they can truly be themselves. I saw the author call Bowen a “Disney Princess” and WOW that couldn’t be more accurate. He’s soft, kind, a little magical and completely lovable. Rudy is just as lovable. I’m completely offended that I have to wait until next year for book two.
OMG...what a great start to a paranormal romance series that I know will be wonderful. Very mysterious in the beginning which grabbed me completely and kept me throughout the entire book. The romance was sweet...found family and friends support was great...the evil/danger lurking kept it a page turner and the ultimate HEA was satisfying. Can't wait to see more of these characters in future books. I highly recommend trying if you love sweet romances.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THIS is how you write fated mates. Clingy, possessive, OBESESSED mates who would tear the world down for each other but would melt from cheek kisses. Yes, yes and YES!!!!!!
PLEASE. Bowen was so unexpectedly badass, telling Rudy to sit? Giving him orders just like that???? PLEAAASE, and the fact that Rudy's firsts were all with Bowen, the way he craved him, chased him, and was absolutely ravenous for him, GOSH. YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES.
A very sweet, paranormal romance with a little mystery and a lot of love! Rudy has never felt a part of the world around him. Not only is he a werewolf, but he also can’t control his wolf. When he finds a community online of supernatural beings, he knows he’s found his family. They form the Creature Comforts Inn, a place where supernaturals of all kinds to get away and feel safe. Bowen has always been different, he can communicate with animals. People always thought he was crazy or a liar, so he retreats into a solitary life. When he’s lead to Creature Comforts, he doesn’t know why he’s there, but he realizes this could be an accepting place for him. It doesn’t hurt he’s caught the eye of a sexy werewolf! While Bowen explores his gift and Rudy tries to get his wolf under control, they find themselves completely drawn to each other. But something is looming over Bowen, a mystery of why he ended up there, and it could put him in danger. This was a very sweet romance with heat, found family, a whole host of very cool supernatural creatures! Thank you to Duckie for the arc!
This story is so much fun, so kind and tender, but also has a lovely werewolf who is the epitome of sweet and dependable despite his wolfie nature. This is followed by the short man who is able to do the impossible for this werewolf, app while trying to solve a mystery.
So, give it a try! It's cozy, but not too saccharine about it.
This was so much fun to read. I like the idea of a place beings can go to and be comfortable being themselves. I also really liked Bowen and Rudy. They both deserved each other along with this found family. I can't wait until we get Zee's book next.
The Handyman’s Howl by Duckie Mack is the first book in her Creature Comforts Inn series. It is the story of 2 men, one a werewolf and the other not sure what he is, who didn’t seem to fit in until they found each other and what they needed together with their friends. Rudy was a werewolf whose wolf seemed to be separate from his human side and would burst forth whenever it wanted. It had been this way all his life so he just wanted to hide away, since human’s seeing him change into a wolf would be devastating. He found friends online and when they decided to build an inn on an island off the California coast that would cater to supernatural beings, he jumped at the chance to join them. They included Zephyr, his best friend and a griffin, Maxime a vampire, Keiran a fairy, Silas a gorgon, Ash a dryad, and Ellie, a dragon who had found herself a safe place on the island. Once they got the Creature Comforts Inn up to snuff and ready for customers they opened and were trying ways to get their inn advertised so more would visit. Rudy was the handyman there, mostly because when his wolf came out, he usually went berserk so things needed fixing and his human side could do that. Bowen Thomas was born understanding what any kind of animal was saying. Of course no one believed him so eventually he kept that knowledge to himself. He became a loner but loved spending time talking to the animals around him that had become his friends. One day the ducks told him a cloud was after him and to leave and go west as fast as he could. Believing them he took off and found himself at Catalina Island where another animal told him to get on the boat that was leaving. That brought him to Malterra Island that was shrouded in clouds and then to the Creature Comforts Inn. Maxime, who worked the front desk, prided himself on being able to tell if the guests were supernatural beings but he couldn’t get a reading on Bowen but knew there was something magical about him. He gave him a room and when he decided to go for a walk he heard a growl of “mine” and it was Rudy who had smelled something delicious. When he saw Bowen, he ran to his basement room and locked the door because he couldn’t control his wolf and knew he would destroy it, which he did. The next time he saw Bowen they were on a path in the woods and once again said, “mine”. Bowen had heard animals talking throughout his time at the inn, not realizing they were supernaturals in their animal forms. He got an inkling when he saw a sasquatch and now he was seeing a werewolf in clothes. He calls him a good boy, has him sit, and gives him a bully stick from his bag. Rudy finds out his name is Bowen and when they fell asleep in the forest, he woke happy and felt light. They had a hot love scene and Rudy realized that Bowen made his wolf and everything else content. This was the start of them getting to know each other and the more time then spent together they more they wanted each other. Meanwhile Bowen is finding out about all the different supernatural beings that are on the island and about the inn itself. He is also helping Rudy and his wolf get together and Rudy is starting to remember what happens when he is in his wolf form, all because of Bowen. Eventually they start living together in Rudy’s room and fall in love. Bowen can also hear Ellie, the dragon, talking in his mind and Ellie said she hadn’t met anyone who could do that in centuries and then proceeds to tell him who his ancestors were and why he can talk to animals which again is astounding but makes him proud. At first Rudy’s friends were leery of Bowen because they didn’t know what he was but once he told them who he was and what he could do they welcomed him into their family. So when Bowen went to the mainland to get Rudy a special gift the dark shadows the ducks were talking about found him and took him because they had something they wanted him to do. This was quite a scary time but Rudy wasn’t going to let anything happen to Bowen so they used their ability to talk to each other in their heads and Rudy came to the rescue. It was then that they also realized they were fated mates. Bowen was offered a job at the inn and their future together looked bright and was going to be filled with love. I really enjoyed this story. Rudy seemed so lost and lonely at first but his friends and the inn helped. He was scared others were going to see his wolf when he went berserk and kept to himself because of it. Bowen was also lonely because no one believed he could talk to animals and this also left him isolated. Luckily his animal friends really liked him and were able to send him away when they sensed danger. Going to the inn was the best thing that could happen to him because he found Rudy, was able to help him reconnect himself to his wolf, and also found love with him and a family with his friends. The shadow hand was always in the background and in his nightmares, but Rudy was there to protect and save him. Their friends, and especially Ellie, played a big part in the story with supporting both of them and helping them to find their love. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about supernatural beings where one is a broken werewolf and the other doesn’t really know what he is but only what he can do and how they meet, help each other, and fall in love while something dangerous is going on in the background that they have to overcome in order to move on and find their happiness together.
1st person, past tense, dual PoV Rudolph, werewolf (33), founder/head of maintenance at the Creature Comforts Inn on the island of Malterra Bowen Thomas, human-ish (26),
I always overthink reviews for books I enjoyed so I may edit this in a couple more days after I let things percolate in my mind.
I adore PNR and love this author's writing style and characters so I was stoked to receive an ARC.
First of all I have to say I loved catching a glimpse of Nemo and Cory from Little Saint Nautilus. I love the way Duckie writes in cameos from her other published works so that they truly feel like background characters and give readers in the know a little thrill while not making those unfamiliar with them feel as though they are missing out on anything.
I loved seeing Bowen communicating with his animal friends as the story opens. While my heart broke for him and the alienation that he experienced due to his ability I have to say it sounds pretty awesome to go through life a little like a Disney princess, since, like Bowen, I much prefer animals to people most of the time myself.
Royal Mother Catterine Spotted Lion of the West was such a great character and as a cat lover I adored every aspect of their interaction. The way in which Bowen found himself making his way to Malterra to escape the mysterious shadow imbued the story with some real urgency to start off. This plot mostly fizzled until it was time for the shadow to make its move and reveal its identity and I have to say I would have enjoyed more from this angle while the romance between the MCs was blooming throughout the middle of the book.
I'm an absolutely sucker for a scent matches and possessive animal sides with my 'were' MCs so I just ate this book up. While my heart ached for Rudy and his disconnected state with his wolf side I thrilled at the more animalistic and simplistic claiming of Bowen from the wolf - think, "I licked him so he's mine" vibes. The way that Bowen interacted with Rudy's wolf was both adorable and sweet. I howled with laughter at the scene with the bully stick as much as I sighed with satisfaction at Bowen's praise of the wolf. Bowen's discovery of the supernatural world was amusing and I loved how he just rolled with everything, and even enjoyed Rudy's primal overtures.
I'm excited to read about the rest of the inhabitants of the Creature Comforts Inn.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Not-Quite-Doctor-Doolittle with social anxiety + Wolfman with an inferiority complex = HEA in a Hotel (far from) Transylvania Bowen and Rudy are the unlikeliest of couples. One is a human—probably—with a rare gift; the other is a literal wolfman who avoids people as if they were the full moon itself. Yet the pull between them is undeniable. The plot, centered on an otherworldly darkness threatening both their love and their lives, is simple in structure but rich with mystery. The business “Creature Comforts,” a monster retreat hidden within a luxury hotel, provides a delightful backdrop. It’s a haven for humans and supernatural guests alike, and it introduces us to a cast of characters who are clearly poised to take center stage in future installments. As our unlikely heroes move forward, layers of the story unfold with subtle precision until the “big bad” is defeated and the expected Happily Ever After can begin. This is, after all, a romance—albeit a paranormal one—so a happy ending is guaranteed. How we get there is where the author’s mastery shines. The paranormal elements serve as the mechanism that brings these characters together, but the true magic lies in the character work. Duckie crafts personalities with such a distinct stamp that you can recognize their touch across genres. Rudy may be a werewolf, but at his core he’s Rudy Valentino—the devoted lover willing to do anything for his mate. And every character receives this same thoughtful treatment, no matter how much page time they get. Silas, clearly a descendant of Medusa, or Maxime, the vampire Head of Hotel Operations, each get moments—brief but bright—that reveal a deep interconnectedness. We learn that this group met through an online forum, building their bond over time until they envisioned a place where each could use their unique gifts for the good of all. A world where every form of “otherness” becomes a superpower. That’s quintessential Duckie. It’s why I love these stories: they imagine a world we should all aspire to create in our everyday lives. If only everyone could check in to Creature Comforts and discover their truest selves, we’d be a much happier society.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bowen and Rudy are SO CUTE! The way they met was a bit bizarre in the grand scheme of things, but so was how Bowen ended up on that island in the first place. If might've seemed odd at first but it made sense eventually. I adore how Duckie is writing paranormal romance again, I loved what she has written so far and I enjoyed this book just as much!
I liked how Duckie took creatures/mythical beings, and made them her own. From Vampires, to Griffin's, to werewolf's, Gorgon's, cheetahs.. dragons! All of those mythical beings and so many more are what made this book what it is. I was enamored by the idea of the Creature Comforts Inn, I thought that was a fantastic concept and it was executed well. I liked how Rudy and his friends all came together to create not just a getaway for themselves but also for others, a place where they could belong and be safe. I thought that was really beautiful.
Rudy and Bowen's relationship has a bit of insta-love vibes, and while usually I'm not a huge fan of that, it works with this story and these characters. It's another one of those things that just make sense once you read it. All in all, I loved everything about this book. The found family component was so beautiful, the relationship between the two MC'S was adorable, and the writing itself was excellent as always! Also, one of the things I enjoy most when I read Duckie's books is finding the Easter eggs she incorporated within the stories, and she did that again in this book to. Which I loved!!
A fantastic way to start off a new series! I will now be trying to patiently wait for book 2.
I had a wonderful time with The Handyman's Howl! This was my first full length Duckie Mack book and it was a great introduction to her novels. It was a relaxed read that still kept you really interested (and smiling) all the way through, and I loved trying to guess where the subtle mystery subplot was going to go! It definitely kept me on my toes and I loved how the whole thing progressed.
At the heart of the book we have Bowen - who likes animals more than people and is tired with everyone's nonsense (relatable) - and Rudy the werewolf who is a shy, sweet handyman half the time and an alphahole werewolf the rest of it. And I was here for it! There was a lot of, "Mine!" and "You smell so good," from our wolfie guy and a lot of blushing and apologies from his handyman counterpart. Sexy, cinnamon roll Jeckyl and Hyde, yes please!
Of course, Bowen was digging all of it and he was happy to go with the flow of what his new werewolf shadow needed, whether that was a, "Good boy," (hnnng), a date night, or a dog treat. I loved their relationship so so much!
Seriously though, watching these two open up to each other and learn what it means to feel safe at last was so sweet and I really loved all the hurt/comfort and emotions that came with their connection so much.
Overall this was a great read and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I loved the whole found family and the world building here and I really hope all the major side characters get their own books!
I received an advance review copy from the author and I am leaving my honest opinions voluntarily.
"So... werewolves were real. Actually real. And I gave it a dog treat."
An incredible paranormal romantasy with a slow physical burn but a deep and loving emotional connection. Rudy & Bowen didn't initially understand the intensity between them, but it also didn't take them long to explore those feelings once they understood that connection inside them. It was a fun perspective for a man with a magical gift like Bowen to not know enough about the rest of the world's magic to immediately see under the surface of Creature Comforts Inn. I'm so excited to see how this series evolves, and on the edge of my feet to see who and how all our wonderful inn founders meet and match with.
It's impossible not to love a story from Duckie Mack because she gives so much life to her characters and even when it's paranormal you want to be part of their world and be friends will all involved. It was fun to get tiny cameos from some of the characters in her other paranormal stories. I love a good interconnected fictional universe. It's the kind of story that I want to read again as soon as I'm done with it the first time.
The Handyman's Howl was a perfect read to introduce the series and the Creature Comfort Inn that all these characters are an innate piece of. There are a few solid moments that have more intensity and some darkness, but overall the story was sweet, silly and fun in all the right ways.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
4.25/5. Very, very cute. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. It had enough bite to it to not be cavity- or tummy ache-inducing, yet it stayed fluffy and light enough to be fun-yet-comforting. But, I’m not gonna front, I’m really getting exhausted with everyone acting like fucking 6’ 3” - 6’ 5” is giant territory. Maybe it’s just because I grew up surrounded by tall people, but being the shortest person in my biological family tree at a bit under 5’ 6” when everyone else was 5’ 9” or taller (mostly taller, my mom is 5’ 11”), i guess I just… y’all, thats not really shaking height boundaries. I’m not looking at my 6’ cousin standing next to me and thinking she’s a fucking tower, ya know? Idk. I’ve just felt the strain of what feels absurd lately, and if you wanna talk about being super tall, please keep it above 6’ 5”, thanks (like Rudy was in wolf-mode). 6’ 3” is just regular tall, not flesh-tree tall. Calm down.
The Handyman's Howl is the first book in the Creature Comforts Inn series. This is the story of Rudy a werewolf and Bowen a human who can communicate with animals. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. I really loved the animal characters. I couldn't put this book down once I started because Bowen grabbed my heart from the beginning. I wanted to hug him because he felt so different because of his ability to talk to animals. The plot was interesting and I liked that it took a backseat to the romance between Rudy and Bowen for while. I also loved the cameo of Nemo and Cory from her book Little Saint Nautilus. This was just an amazing story and I can't wait for the next book in the series. Any book that can make me happy and sad at times is one I would recommend and this one did both so I would definitely recommend it. received a free review copy
Rudy and some online friends come up with a plan to open a resort for supernaturals, a place where everyone can be themselves. Bowen has a secret, he can talk to animals, a proper Dr Dolittle, and when the ducks says run, he runs straight to the island, straight to Rudy, but could Rudy protect him. Rudy was so sweet and at times innocent, didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable when his large werewolf came out to play. Bowen kept his gift a secret, knowing what human folk would say. They were so similar that they kept themselves hidden from the world and fate knows what they are doing, they were perfect for each other in and out the bedroom. Loved meeting Rudy's friends and learning more about this found family. This was such a great read and after reading some heavy books, just what I needed. Looking forward to more from this series
Rudy is a good boy for Bowen!! I absolutely loved this first installment of Creature Comforts Inn. Bowen, our lovable dr. doolittle gets swept away in a ducknado of confusion, panic and nothing but his bag and the clothes on his back. Finding his way to Creature Comforts, he realizes that talking to animals is actually a blessing and not a curse. Rudy our lovable and confused werewolf has not had the easiest life and then Bowen comes in and both parts of Rudy come to an agreement... Bowen was their's. Get ready for a wild ride of dog treats, heat and Rudy and his werewolf finally coming to peace with each other and able to live completely and not in fear. I can't wait for the next book.
This is soo good! I've always enjoyed duckies writing but the paranormal twist is just where they excell! I can absolutely not wait for more from the family of the Inn. The characters that have come together as a family to find the Creature comforts Inn are all unique and will make for wonderful stories! I loved how all these characters found a safe space in the island that they built as a found family that is a place where no one will be judged. I truly can not wait for the next book. I loved our beautiful wolf learning he could trust himself and he wasn't unnatural and everyone loved him for who he was!! Take a chance and read this Reasons I enjoyed this book:
It was charming, intriguing, and had me hooked. I enjoy paranormal/shifter romance, but this book stand out from the rest. I loved how it showed that the shifters are like everyone else. They have talents, jobs, and deal with emotions like humans do.
The interactions between Bowen and Rudy was sweet, funny, sad, and spicy. You could feel how much they both wanted to fit in and been seen. The way they first met tugged at my heart.
I'm excited to meet the rest of the characters, hear their stories, and see where the series goes.
This reminds me a little of SOS: Hotel. A sanctuary run by Supes for Supes. This was the story of Rudy, a werewolf and Bowen, a not so human , human. He has the ability to talk to animals and some of them send him on his way to Creature Comforts. There he gets together with Rudy. I didn't really get the fighting the monster bit but we meet another Supe, Bryan the Minotaur. There are a nice selection of Supes who own the Inn and as the setries progresses I am hoping each of them get their own HEA.
This was a good start to a new series. I loved Bowen speaking with animals and also learning more about his abilities. I also thought Rudy was very sweet and I am a big fan of the way their relationship progressed and how cute they were together. I enjoyed the overall plot with the shadow following Bowen and the way everything played out. I also really liked the found family at the Inn and I’m excited to see more of them all together and see everyone get their own happily ever afters.
Cutesy, charming, and great world building. Knocked a star off for the amount of times the phrase ‘a smile stretched his lips’ was used. I haven’t counted, but once I spotted it more than once in every chapter (or a very close variation) it kind of took me out of the story. There are other ways other than smiling to express happiness. But I still enjoyed the story enough to go for book 2 when it comes out.