Fake Dating the Grumpy Werewolf Next Door

Monsters of Mosswood #1

by Ami Wright

Would you fake date the grumpy werewolf next door, even if your dad was his best friend?

Fake dating grouchy army veteran, Gryff Evans, might be the best chance half-succubus Honey has at keeping the rest of the monsters of Mosswood off her doorstep, which is perfect. Her parents whisked her away from her small town home when she hit puberty and the problems began. Now she's back, temporarily, and she is going to need her growly neighbor to help keep everyone safe from her! The best part? Gryff is immune to her succubus powers! He's not interested in her at all. Not even a little bit.

So why does is he always watching her?
And why does his touch light her on fire, even when she knows he's faking?

Mosswood is a small town and word gets around fast. Now everyone is talking about the fact that he's too old for her; too grumpy; too damaged... Too bad Gryff is the only guy Honey has ever had real feelings for. But why would anyone want anything real with the girl who causes trouble wherever she goes? And what happens when her father finds out?

This cozy small town monster romance gapfated matesalpha/omegaheatknottingfather's best friendsmall towngrumpy x sunshineforced proximityonly one bed

Genres: Shapeshifters, Monster Romance, Omegaverse, Paranormal Romance, Monsters, Fiction

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2026

About the author

Ami Wright is a romance author who loves history, food, travel, trashy TV and smutty books. She loves writing science fiction romance with time travelling Romans, feisty cat people and plenty of spice!

Ami lives in Australia with her partner and two kids. If she ever gets any spare time between working, writing and mothering, she reads, cooks, watches history documentaries and dreams of the days when international travel becomes a reality again!

Reviews

[Nicole Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one so much! Gryff and Honey perfectly complemented each other, and I loved that they were able to find a safe space together that neither one had ever been able to find before.

This was a very fun and different take on an Omegaverse style dynamic, especially mixed in with the shifter details. The age gap was a great touch too, adding some extra angst to the story.

The ending had me a bit stressed, but I loved how everything worked out beautifully. This was such a great cozy romance, and I absolutely love Ami's writing. I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4 ⭐️| 🌶🌶🌶 | Dual POV

Small town Paranormal romance
Neighbors to lovers
Father's best friend
Fake dating
Werewolf x half succubus
Alpha x omega
Veteran MMC
Curvy FMC
Age gap (24/37)
Forced proximity
PTSD rep
Fated mates
Soft for her
Fast burn
Heat/Rut
Knotting
Breeding
Daddy/ babygirl
Epilogue Pregnancy
HEA

Fake Dating the Grumpy Werewolf Next Door was another sweet, spicy, cozy monster romance from Ami Wright. Her books always seem to strike a nice balance between heart and heat, and I appreciate that they tend to be more character-driven than plot-driven. If you're looking for high drama or complicated external conflicts, this probably isn't the place to find them, but if you enjoy low-angst romances with plenty of warmth and caretaking, this absolutely delivers.

Honey and Gryff were incredibly easy to root for. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the fated mates element, and the way both characters genuinely wanted what was best for each other. Despite their insecurities, they spent more time building each other up than tearing each other down, and I appreciated the underlying message that even people carrying guilt, fear, and self-doubt deserve love and happiness.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was actually Honey's parents. It was refreshing to see such loving, supportive parental figures in a paranormal romance. Their adoption story was sweet, and I loved that they raised Honey with so much understanding and acceptance. Likewise, I appreciated that they trusted Gryff's character and recognized that, above all else, he loved their daughter and wanted the best for her.

I also thought the book did a good job portraying the effects of Gryff's PTSD and the ways it shaped his self-worth and tendency toward isolation. However, I found myself wanting more from that storyline. Several aspects of his military past seemed to hint at something larger, and because those threads never fully developed, the resolution ultimately felt a little too tidy. I didn't necessarily need more drama, but I did want more depth.

At times, the story felt like it had both too much and not enough, introducing several intriguing emotional threads without always giving them the space to fully develop. Honey's fears surrounding her succubus abilities and years of uncertainty about whether anyone truly wanted her, paired with Griff's guilt and belief that he would only bring pain to the people he loved, seemed like fertile ground for some deeper emotional conversations between them. I enjoyed what we got, but I would have loved to see those aspects explored further on the page.

Ultimately, I found myself wishing I had just a bit more time with some of the emotional threads the story introduced. Even so, Ami Wright's cozy, low-angst approach to monster romance continues to work for me, and the sweetness, spice, and warmth at the heart of the story made this another charming and enjoyable read. I can easily see this being a hit for readers who enjoy cozy werewolf romances with fated mates, plenty of caretaking, and characters who help each other believe they deserve something good.

[ReedRyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy broken x Suffering Sunshine

Sweet, shy Honey and Gruff, broody Gryff 😍😍
A half succubus can't help making men mindless. But her neighbour is somehow able to appear immune! Tantalised by his seeming immunity, Honey discovers Gryff is thoughtful, and able to help with her surprise Omega designation.
Gryff has demons in his past, leading him to isolate himself from the Mosswood community. When his neighbour (best friends daughter) starts smelling of Omega, he cannot abide other alphas and men hurting her. So he agrees to fake dating and helping her through her first heat 😇
So, SO sweet, with lovingly crafted scenes of run-on yearning and so, so much slick 🤭
Highly recommend for long time and new fans of OV.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Ami Wright book to date! This was everything I wanted this book to be!!

I loved our sunshiny half-succubus FMC, Honey! Having been adopted, she was robbed of important information about her kind, but instead of letting that hold her back, she just kept moving forward trying to figure out life as it came. I appreciated that she had everyone falling for her, but she couldn’t stand it. Honestly, this felt so authentic to me and I was intrigued to find out that despite her urges and how easily she could influence someone, she was still a virgin. Because of her succubus nature, she couldn’t tell who really liked her vs. who couldn’t help but be attracted to her, and she wasn’t willing to do that to someone else or herself. She wanted true connection, and just couldn’t trust she was getting that. Hence, enter her fake dating arrangement with the grumpy neighbor, Gryff 😉

Gryff, a military veteran with PTSD, was a recluse because he was so sure he was going to get someone hurt, so he just shut the world out. BUT HE WAS THE SWEETEST!! He definitely melted for his mate and I loved it! I loved watching him resist her at first not only because her dad was his only friend, but because of the age gap and his negative self-thoughts. Watching him crumble was the best because his restraint was admirable, but fate always wins! The way he built her a nest and helped her through her first heat that she literally had no experience with, was perfection!!! I quite enjoyed their “daddy” / “good girl” dynamic in the sheets as well 😉

I’m very interested to see if we get a shared world involving more background on what the hell the government was doing to the military!!

Thank you to Ami Wright for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super cute, it was a slow burn for the relationship and both MCs admitting their feelings for each other (not the spice though, they were going at it like bunnies). I really enjoyed that this book was deeply emotional and the characters were really just going through the trenches. The MMC deals with A LOT of trauma that not only negatively impacts his mental and emotional health but also depletes his image of self-worth. While the FMC has to go through life fearing accidental physical contact because of the consequences of her half-succubus powers and her own hyper-sexuality that comes along with it. I found it deeply gratifying reading how the MCs not only stepped up for each other but also how their individual self worth and self esteem over the course of their relationship grew and developed. I also enjoyed how we got to see their communication and dynamics go from nonexistent and a bit toxic to great communication and healthy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes/content:
Werewolf x Half-succubus
Fated mates
Age gap
Dad’s best friend
Grumpy x Sunshine
Hurt x Comfort
Kn0tting, h£at, b0nding bite
“Daddy”
“Baby girl”

Content warning:
MMC is a veteran and deals with PTSD (including intense flashbacks)

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating The Grumpy Werewolf Next Door by Ami Wright was such a fun blend of cozy small-town vibes, monster romance chaos, emotional vulnerability, and ridiculously good tension. This book fully embraces all the tropes it promises: grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, father’s best friend, forced proximity, fated mates and somehow manages to make them all feel equally addictive at the same time.

Gryff absolutely delivers on the grumpy werewolf energy. He’s protective, emotionally guarded, growly in every possible sense, and carrying enough damage and restraint to make every interaction with the heroine feel loaded. What I really loved though is that underneath all his rough edges there’s this constant undercurrent of care and control, especially because he’s trying so hard not to cross lines or take advantage of the situation. Which honestly just makes the tension between them even worse in the best way.

And the heroine? I adored her. There’s something really emotional about the way she views herself as dangerous, inconvenient, or too much because of her succubus nature. You can feel how deeply isolated she’s been by the fear of hurting people or causing problems, and that vulnerability makes the connection with Gryff hit so much harder emotionally. The fact that he’s immune to her powers creates this immediate sense of safety and normalcy for her that she’s clearly never truly had before.

The chemistry between them is honestly ridiculous. Every touch, every glance, every fake interaction feels charged because both of them are fighting attraction that clearly stopped being fake almost immediately. The age gap and father’s best friend dynamic add this extra layer of forbidden tension hanging over everything, especially in a tiny town where everyone notices absolutely everything. And of course the small-town gossip only makes the emotional pressure and longing even stronger.

I also really enjoyed the balance between cozy and spicy. The story has that warm, comforting small-town atmosphere with quirky monster-town vibes underneath it, but then mixes it with heat/rut dynamics, possessive instincts, fated mate tension, and emotional yearning that keeps the romance feeling intense instead of overly fluffy. The emotional vulnerability woven into the spice made the relationship feel more intimate rather than just trope-heavy.

What stood out most for me though was the emotional core underneath all the monster romance chaos. At its heart, this is really a story about two people who both feel fundamentally wrong or broken in different ways finding someone who sees them as safe, wanted, and worth protecting anyway. That emotional thread gave the romance a surprising amount of tenderness underneath all the growling, tension, and fake dating antics.

Overall, this was such an addictive start to the series with the perfect mix of cozy monster romance, emotional healing, forbidden attraction, supernatural chaos, and a grumpy werewolf hero who absolutely had me feral.

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚

[Mandy BunBun · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Impressions: When half-succubus Honey returns home to help her parents and enjoy a restful reprieve from the big city, her world collides with her parents' grumpy werewolf veteran neighbor, Griff. When her heat rears its ugly head without warning, Honey finds relief and a new romance in Griff.

Pacing: The story takes place over a few intense days, and the pacing feels appropriate for the desperation of the circumstances.

Character development: Honey (FMC), true to her name, is a sweet and shy young woman, burdened with her half monster ancestry. Her lure to others leaves her insecure, lonely, and isolated.
Griff (MMC), a werewolf and military veteran, only counts his neighbors (Honey's parents) his friends. The horrors of war and the duress of suppressing his monsterous side has left him a relative hermit.
Over the course of the book, Honey and Griff build a genuine bond over their shared isolation, trauma, and love of chicken pot pie. There physical attraction gives way to a deeper emotional connection, that bolsters each other's confidence and self-worth.

World Building: Mosswood is the quintessential little town with quaint shops, nosy neighbors, and obligatory summer festivals. It's the perfect setting for a steamy summer romance.

Romance: This grumpy-sunshine, age-gap romance evolves very quickly. Honey and Griff are unlikely fated-mates, but are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. It unfolds quickly, but it rooted in something deep and substantial.

Spice: This is a hot and sweaty slow-burn, but when the spice hits, it hits like a Carolina Reaper to the back of the throat. Restless, needy yearning gives way to something desperate, passionate, and pervasive. Like most Omegaverse fiction, it's a pearl-clutching good time.

Errors and Consistency: There was one odd preposition in the whole draft, which a good editor will likely fix before the final release.

Overall experience: The was sweet, spicy, patient, and healing. Honey and Griff really are quite well-matced and deserve all the best the world has to offer. I just wish the author would have included the link to the bonus chapter and a chicken pot pie recipe.

⭐️ 4
🌶 4

[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚 “I’m yours, and that’s not ever gonna change.”
~~~
Honey is so lovely! She’s kind, sweet and compassionate. Even more, I liked her sunshiny personality and good heart. But her half-succubus nature has been giving her troubles her whole life. Nevertheless, Honey is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!

Gryff is a secluded army veteran and one very grumpy werewolf. He’s dangerous and, with everything he’s been through during the war, he’s barely holding the reins of his control. But there is more to him than meets the eye. Because underneath his sour facade, there’s an honorable, caring and gentle male who fiercely protects what’s his. And that deliciously filthy mouth of his! Gryff is an incredible male and I adored every single thing about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Honey and Gryff! Honey needs an escape from the city and the people, and she decides to go to her parent’s house in Mosswood, so she can take a break and keep everyone safe from her. What she didn’t expect was the grumpy werewolf next door who would change everything…

I loved Gryff and Honey together! Their chemistry was off the charts from the start and I loved every moment they spent together! And, oh, all the tension!!! Their attraction was undeniable from the moment they met, but Gryff did everything he could to stay away from his best friend’s daughter. Even more, he didn’t feel worthy of such a wonderful woman, but with kindness, care and understaging, Honey managed to worm her way into his broken soul and heart. And I just loved the way their bond blossomed despite all odds. What can I say… Fate always finds its way… Those two tried really hard to fight the need for one another, but when they had to live under one roof and when Honey unexpectedly went into heat, all bets were off. And the spice? Oh, it was SPICING and I loved every delightfully naughty moment of it! Gryff and Honey were absolutely perfect for each other and absolutely deserved to find happiness and love together!

Overall, Fake Dating the Grumpy Werewolf Next Door is a fantastic start of the series! It’s fun, emotional and very, very naughty!

I loved it!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via the author's ARC team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hadn't personally read Ami Wright's books before this one, but I am part of the key demographic. I go ape over monster romances: werewolves, orcs, minotaurs, and even an alien or two. I'm pretty amenable to most creatures but keep those scary snake nagas and bird men far away from me. I was also drawn in by this title because the cover art was done by an artist I follow online, PhantomDame. She really speaks to my monster-loving heart. Fake Dating the Grumpy Werewolf Next Door felt like it was written just for me. It featured so many elements I adore: tasteful age gap, omegaverse, size difference, and the most darling endearments. The heroine's name was Honey! That is such a sweet name and severely underutilized in modern romances. Get that "babe" outta my face and bring back honey! Honey is half-succubus and can't help the way she lures in men unintentionally. That's just her biology, babydoll! She finds refuge in her parents’ neighbor and asks him to protect her from unwanted attention as a fake boyfriend. As you can expect, calamity ensues. This was the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, special, and my least favorite word: slick. I loved the couple's dynamic and could read 200 more pages of them making cow eyes over each other. I'm so keen to read more from this author and see what other monsters will fall in love. Werewolves are my current fave and I don't think I'll get tired of alpha knots anytime soon.

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating the Grumpy Werewolf Next Door was such a fun, cozy, spicy monster romance, and honestly felt written specifically for readers who love grumpy supernatural heroes and sweet sunshine heroines. This book perfectly combines so many addictive tropes, such as Fake Dating, Fated Mates, Age Gap, Omegaverse, and Protective Werewolf MMC. Honey was such an adorable heroine. As a half-succubus raised by humans, she struggles with constant unwanted attention and just wants somewhere safe to belong. Gryff, the grumpy werewolf next door, was the perfect match for her, quiet, protective, scarred by his past, but secretly so soft underneath all the growling and grumbling. The chemistry between them was absolutely wild. The tension, the sweetness, the possessive werewolf energy, and the emotional connection all blended perfectly. Yes, this book is very spicy, but underneath all the heat is a genuinely comforting and healing love story. I also loved the cozy small-town atmosphere and how easy this book was to binge. It’s one of those reads that keeps you up all night because you just need to see these two finally get their happy ending.
If you love monster romance, protective werewolves, knotty paranormal spice, sweet heroines, and low-angst romance with lots of chemistry and heart, this is absolutely worth reading.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy.

[Lyv ˚♡˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

── ◈ ── ◈ ── ◈ ──

“I know a good thing when it finally happens to me, and Gryff Evans just happened to me in the most life-shattering, brain-altering way, so I think I’ll never be the same again.”

── ◈ ── ◈ ── ◈ ──

Hmmm. I don’t know about this one, chief

This sounds exactly like the kind of book I should love. It had all the ingredients, and yet I just never fully clicked with it.

My biggest issue was the miscommunication. There was so much of it. Honey thinking he wasn’t attracted to her. Gryff thinking she couldn’t know he was attracted to her. Over and over and over again. After a while I wanted to lock them in a room and force them to have a conversation like actual adults. It stopped being romantic tension and started becoming frustrating.

I’m always here for some PTSD representation, and I thought that aspect of Gryff’s character was handled well. The spicy scenes were good too, but the daddy stuff completely threw me off. No tea no shade to anyone who enjoys it, but it is very much not for me.

Overall, I think this is a case of the premise being stronger than the execution. I didn’t hate it, but I never got that feeling where I couldn’t put it down. It was fine. Not bad, not amazing, just… fine. Which is honestly more disappointing than if it had been terrible. I wanted to love this one. I just didn’t.

[Lisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 4 🌶️
Tropes: werewolf x half-succubus • daddy/babygirl • age gap • fated mates • omegaverse

I received an advance review copy (ARC) and am sharing my honest, unbiased review.

This book though 🤩
My god, I needed it - so effing good!

First let's talk about the spice - it is a succubus story, so of course the spice be spicing! It's goooood - but also surprisingly sweet at times. Gryff definitely is nominated for a "Filthiest Mouth of the Year" award.

But more than that, "surprisingly sweet" actually describes much of the story. Gryff and Honey are battling demons - and other people - left, right, and center, and it makes anything between them near impossible. And I was here for it! I was rooting and mourning with them and their very reluctant, fragile relationship the entire way through.

The ending was unexpectedly emotional. Not that it was surprising at all, but it made room for especially Gryff's issues, leaving the spicing a bit behind to let the couple land in their HEA.

I absolutely adored the mental health and veteran rep in this book.

This book is for you if you want a great spicy read with aaaaaall the knotting and heat, but want the emotional journey too.

[Shana W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and found it entertaining. It was a little lighter on the plot and a little heavier on the steam, so if that is your thing, then this is a book for you for sure. It rubs me a little the wrong way to hear Daddy during steamy times, but that's just me, and different things float different people's boats. Poor Honey has had a lot to cope with since she hit puberty as a half succubus. She attracted everyone but could be with no one due to her powers. What a relief for her when she finds Gryff, a werewolf who seems unaffected by her succubus nature. He is perfectly happy to help her out when she is in heat - a lot of times! - but he is so down on himself almost all the way through the book, that he cannot bring himself to tell her she is his fated mate. I liked both characters very much, but I would have liked if they had that all important conversation much sooner, as the miscommunication spanned the entire book and detracted from the romance for me. I'm just glad they get it together in the end, because they are a cute couple. I enjoyed the writing and the world building, as I usually do in this author's books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aliza Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a captivating and quick read that truly pulled at my soul. I was completely swept away by how their love blossomed against all odds. Gryff’s journey through the relentless challenges of the military tore at my heart — I felt every ounce of his pain and resilience. Honey is an absolute sweetheart; her struggles broke my heart, but I was so inspired to see Gryff step in, fiercely protect her, and help her find her strength and independence.

The world-building is incredible, especially the way monsters are able to live openly alongside humans — it adds such depth and richness to the story. I found it fascinating how the succubus transforms to become exactly what her potential mates need, a beautiful twist that kept me hooked. This book is spicy and richly detailed, with scenes of monster smut that are passionate and intense.

Despite the heat, the story remains tender and sweet, a true testament to love and resilience. If you’re a fan of werewolves and monsters with fiery passion, I wholeheartedly recommend this story — it’s an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

This is a spicy small-town monster romance and the first book in the planned Monsters of Mosswood series.

Half-succubus FMC Honey heads back to her small home town to escape city life and some very big problems. Her grumpy neighbor and dad’s best friend, werewolf MMC Gryff, rescues her, and she propositions him with a fake dating arrangement.

I really enjoyed this book and read it cover-to-cover. The taboo older MMC/dad’s best friend aspects were enticing without being too cringy. The MMC obviously struggles with PTSD, and there were some very serious moments for him, so check trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to those themes. Overall though, it was a really fun forbidden romance/fake dating situationship. There was a lot of pining, and it was very spicy right from the start with the succubus elements.

Overall, a super fun, spicy read. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. Book 2, Accidentally Mated to the Bear Shifter Next Door, is scheduled for release in August 2026.

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

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Claire Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺 Grimacing and guaranteed gushing 🐺

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fake Dating the Grumpy Werewolf Next Door delivers every cosy paranormal romance trope I love in a fresh, chaotic, and completely swoon-worthy way. Gryff is peak grumpy protector energy—scarred, growly, emotionally constipated—while the chemistry between him and sunshiney half-succubus heroine Honey absolutely crackles from page one.

The fake dating quickly turns into “oh no, these feelings are real” territory, and I ate up every second of the tension, possessiveness, longing, and forced proximity. The small-town monster vibe gives the whole story a warm, quirky atmosphere, even while the spicy scenes are scorchingly intense. And Gryff pretending to be immune to her powers made their eventual connection even hotter.

Beneath all the spice and fated mate chaos, there’s also a genuinely sweet emotional core about belonging, safety, and being loved exactly as you are. Cosy, spicy, funny, and impossible to put down.

Verdict: A wildly fun, steamy monster romance packed with heart, heat, and one very growly werewolf who completely stole the show—and my heart.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adopted by humans at a young age, Honey has had many struggles in life when it comes to learning about her abilities as a half-succubus. She’s tried so hard to “fit in” with the rest of human civilization, but after a falling out with her best friend she realized she needs some time away and heads back to her childhood home in Mosswood: A town with many of their own monster inhabitants.

Enter in Gryff: the grouchy army werewolf veteran who not only lives right next door, but also happens to be her father’s best friend. His first meeting with Honey is quite a dramatic one, but they are both intrigued by each other instantly.

From the very start Gryff has what he feels is Honey’s best interests at heart. Even when he starts to realize she may be even more special than he first thought, he refuses to let his feelings show. He feels that he is too old, too grumpy, too scarred for someone as wonderful as Honey. But Honey doesn’t see any of these things as negative. She sees Gryff for who he truly is, and they understand each other in a way that no one else has.

The character growth both individually and together was great to read and I’m so glad Honey was able to help give Gryff that needed push in his healing journey.

If you enjoy cozy small town monster romances with plenty of spice and kn0tting, I’d definitely recommend this read! I can’t wait to see what stories are coming our way from Mosswood next.

[Between pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, listen. This book is a chaotic cocktail of literally all my favorite tropes, and somehow it works perfectly. I tend to read this slowly but this has keep me up all night. We’ve got:
• ​Fated Mates (the instant, soul-deep pinning is delicious)
• ​Grumpy x Sunshine (he is a walking scowl; she is literal sunshine)
• ​Age-Gap (the maturity dynamic? Chef's kiss)
• ​All set in a cozy, nosy small town where everyone probably knows what they ate for breakfast.

The chemistry between Honey snd Gryff? Absolute wildfire. To say this book is "sexy" is a massive understatement. It is very, very sexy. It is naughty and knotty.
​But beneath all the glorious, high-tier spice, it’s actually a really solid love story. It’s surprisingly healing to watch them navigate each other's baggage, and it never bogs you down with unnecessary, exhausting drama. It’s an incredibly easy, fast read that just leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.
​And that happy ending? Perfection. I enjoyed this book because its something high on heat, low on stress, and packed with supernatural tension. My sleep schedule suffer, but my heart didnt.

[Pricilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a quick spicy read. I finished it in one day. Some things to look forward to are fated mates, praise from the mmc, forced proximity, and knotting. If you like any of this, there's a good chance you'll like this book.
Honey is a succubus. Her whole life she's struggled to maintain friendships and relationships because of how men react to her. And sometimes women. Her best friend's boyfriend succumbed to her succubus nature and her friend blamed her. Her friend refused to talk to her after that. She leaves the city to go to her parent's place while they are gone to get away for a while. Her first day there and she's already run into trouble, but thankfully Gryff is there and steps in. Better yet, it turns out he's immune to her succubus side.
Gryff has isolated himself from people. Except for Honey's parents. He's had a rough time since the war, and he believes everyone is safer away from him. When Honey shows up, he decides to help her to return the favor of her parents always being there for him. He's also attracted to her, but he's determined to keep her away. But neither can resist the other.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, funny, sweet and steamy, age gap, neighbour, fated mates, contemporary fantasy omegaverse romance between Honey, the female half succubus lead, and Gryff, the grumpy male military veteran wolf shifter lead, and her parents’ next door neighbour and Dad’s best friend. I empathised with the PTSD Gryff struggled with, as well as Honey’s biological challenges. I enjoyed Honey’s solution finding and the effort she’d put into overcoming her unintentional succubus attractions. I enjoyed Gryff’s self-control and his care for Honey’s mental and physical health. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the work Gryff put into his mental health. I enjoyed Honey’s gentle persistence. I enjoyed the world building (and the introduction of many characters, including Honey’s high school beau) and am looking forward to more in this series.

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

[Mercedes Ramcharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite delish and it covers so many of our favorite tropes!

Gryff is a grumpy, older werewolf who keeps to himself and is silently battling PTSD from his days in the Army. Honey is a younger succubus who is taking a break by moving into her parents’ house next door to Gryff. She asks him to be her fake boyfriend while she is in town to protect her from the onslaught of men attracted to her succubus powers. The forced proximity of fake dating, a bad storm and surprise first heat, cause them to realize just how much they care about each other. This is a must read! All of Ami Wright’s books should be on every monster romance lover’s TBR!

Even though there are not real trigger warnings, there are themes of PTSD, nightmares, feelings of being broken and worthless, as well as a mention of self harm. Your mental health matters.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Spice Level: 5/5
Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, age gap, fated mates, omegaverse, knotting, small town, one bed, forced proximity, father’s best friend, monster romance, fake dating

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun.

A succubus trying to find a way to live without being assaulted by those interested in women. A werewolf trying to survive through his trauma he saw in the war. Put them together and they are sure to be fine, right?

Ami Wright did a fantastic job putting the pair in situations where they would have to communicate and get a little closer. From the first page, we really see the struggles both characters are going through, but we get to see them work together to heal those wounds. Their chemistry is off the charts and I loved seeing them both have to get out of their own heads in order to truly connect.

Gryff is so kind and caring, even if he doesn't want anyone to know it. I am glad he has Honey there in his corner standing up for him in a way he wouldn't do for himself.

And Honey is such a sweetheart. She had been dealt a rough card through life, but was handling it just fine, thank you very much. (Read: she was not handling it well at all) Being forced to confront her differences made her into a stronger person because she had the support from someone who loved her for her.

Overall, I adored this book and would definitely recommend it.

Remember to check your trigger warnings as this is a romance book and it does get spicy.

[Reece Andriese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating a grumpy werewolf next door.
Honey and Gryff
This was my first werewolf book! I have read a few or more omega verse books so I kind of was curious about this one.
I really love and age gap he being older and gryff is older then honey and her dads friend! Love that. These two were so good together you just wanted them to work out from the start. Oh the intrusive naughty thoughts they each had for one another. They seemed to help each other and make one another better.
So I am not to sure what exactly honey really is it was a bit back and fourth with the is she Omega is she not but she was said to be something else but she was not to sure exactly. Whereas Gryff was a werewolf for sure! These two were hot for sure this is definitely spicy and yet cozy too and somewhat of a small slow burn but when that finally moment hits is good! I episode say definitely a different read but a good one for sure.

[Romanceinpink · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ — Addictive, spicy, and honestly such a fun time.

→ Overall vibe
I started this thinking it would just be a fun little paranormal romance… and suddenly I was completely invested. I honestly didn’t expect to get pulled into the story this fast.

→ What I loved
First of all: this is so well written. The pacing is smooth, the story flows perfectly, and it’s incredibly easy to binge.

And the TENSION???
Absolutely immaculate.

The chemistry between the characters is insane, and the smut scenes are genuinely sooo hot. Every interaction between them had me giggling and kicking my feet a little.

I also really loved both main characters. They’re funny, lovable, and honestly just very easy to get attached to.

→ Overall
If you’re looking for a quick, fun, spicy read with sexy monsters, great chemistry, and a couple that knows exactly how to maintain tension… this is definitely for you.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a cosy romance. It was easy to read and featured some very cute characters. I liked how grumpy Gryff was but an absolute softie on the inside…eventually 😂

I really didn’t like that the FMC was named Honey. This is just my own personal preference as I prefer this as a cute pet name.

I still don’t fully understand what Honey actually is, is she definitely a succubus or an omega or both? I know she’s only half succubus so is the other half an omega. It was a little confusing.

In terms of the plot, some parts felt a little disjointed. I had to go back and reread a previous section to see if I’d missed anything but I hadn’t. It didn’t really flow in some places.

Overall, it’s a sweet easy read. If you’re looking for a cosy monster romance this is the one.

Thank you for the ARC.

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy/Sunshine monster trope at its finest ❤️

What a superb winner from Ami Wright!! While certainly having all the heat - Honey is half-succubus after all, this story resonated with me because of its immense heart. Deeply moving, both Gyrff and Honey have known their share of pain and suffering over events out of their control. Yet they have the inner strength and fortitude to conquer and move on, while having the grace to love and support each other. And as we learn, the extreme fortune to have Honey’s parents who offer unconditional love and support. When Honey comes home to find peace and help her traveling parents out with house repairs, she leans on the very reluctant Gryff, who can’t help but respond to his fated mate with total alpha wolf deliciousness. This story is a keeper 🥰 - full of hope, steam, and soul. I voluntarily reviewed a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Deonna Balentyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read. I love how their relationship bloomed. Gryff went through so much trouble from military. My heart ached for him. Honey was such a sweetheart and I felt sad for her struggles but I love that Gryff was able to help protect her and boost her confidence and give her autonomy. I felt frustrated with Gryff at times because he was super stubborn and essentially harming himself and Honey. I enjoyed the world building and the fact that monsters are able to openly coexist. It is interesting how a succubus becomes what her potential mates need. This book is spicy and pretty detailed. There are scenes that are monster smut. He does transform during a scene while he is taking care of her during her heat. Please be aware if that disturbs you. This is not overly graphic and it is a sweet story. Highly recommend this story if you love werewolves.

[Cyd Adger · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Talk about steam, spicy and everything naughty. I loved this book and if you are looking for some smutty monster romance then this is for you! It's definitely a binge worthy read with amazing characters, a journey of self-discovery and plenty of hot scenes.
You'll be hooked instantly when introduced to our local broody, reclusive, semi-feral, protective, hot bod neighbor Gryff. Now insert our independent, sassy, sensual, damsel-in-distress Honey... and well this is a fire ready to explode. Personalities clash in the best of ways, and bodies can't seem to stop communicating every wish, hope, and desire. Their chemistry is of the charts in this story, and it will leave you grinning, blushing, and plain and simply, HOT!
I highly recommend this book!

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this quirky cozy romance!

Honey has a whole thing going on herself when she escapes to her parents cabin and meets the growly hunky werewolf neighbor. He has just as much going on in his own noggin. They make for such a complicated pair —- and yet? Their chemistry is so uncomplicated! At least it would be if he would just let it happen and if she had any clue what was happening!

I loved this - Honey’s succubus powers and he utter lack of knowledge about her omega-ness makes for SUCH a fun character and I loved being there for all of her firsts. So hot 🥵 And who doesn’t love a grumbly gruff man.. when that man calls her Baby girl and absolutely treasures her (secretly but not so secretly). Love this. Want a Gryff for myself - k thanks.

[Grace Leonora Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad this story had a happy ending because I have never wanted to shake a MMC so much in my life.
It is so obvious from the beginning that Gryff, a werewolf, has feelings for Honey.
Honey is such a sweet half succubus, she rarely has a bad word to say about anyone.
When things turn nasty between her best friend and herself Honey heads home. Only to discover a grumpy veteran werewolf lives next door.
Life goes slightly haywire when Honey asks Gryff to fake date her to keep men at bay. Things almost get broken and we're not just talking roof tiles.
The tension between the two of them is palpable.
Lots of steaminess ensues when Honey discovers she goes into heat and I recommend you to read alone because 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵.