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Hungry Like the Wolf
Autumn 1983. Michael Jackson’s Thriller dominates the charts. Tom Cruise slides across the floor in his underpants. Mr. T pities the fool. And on the campus of Boston’s Holbrook University, Nathan Harrington is pretty sure he’s turning into a werewolf.
Nathan had a plan. Graduate with honors, marry a trophy wife, run for office. Then he met Gretchen Stump – AKA “The Dog Girl” – the hirsute transfer student from East Nowhere, Maine.
Gretchen and Nathan are from different worlds. Perhaps even different species. They make no sense together. And yet, they can’t stay away from each other.
But Gretchen has a secret. And under the orange glow of the full harvest moon – Nathan learns the truth. Gretchen isn’t like other humans. She’s cursed. And she may have just passed that curse on to him.
Now his hair and nails grow faster than he can trim them. His sense of smell is astonishing. Exposure to the moon makes his skin itch. He blacks out at night, waking up in strange places.
And there’s been a murder on campus. A violent mauling.
And that’s just the beginning of the trouble at Holbrook University. For Nathan, things are about to get really hairy… At times howlingly funny, other times bitingly horrific, Hungry Like the Wolf is a campus thriller, tragic romance, and blood-soaked creature feature you can really sink your teeth into.
Nathan had a plan. Graduate with honors, marry a trophy wife, run for office. Then he met Gretchen Stump – AKA “The Dog Girl” – the hirsute transfer student from East Nowhere, Maine.
Gretchen and Nathan are from different worlds. Perhaps even different species. They make no sense together. And yet, they can’t stay away from each other.
But Gretchen has a secret. And under the orange glow of the full harvest moon – Nathan learns the truth. Gretchen isn’t like other humans. She’s cursed. And she may have just passed that curse on to him.
Now his hair and nails grow faster than he can trim them. His sense of smell is astonishing. Exposure to the moon makes his skin itch. He blacks out at night, waking up in strange places.
And there’s been a murder on campus. A violent mauling.
And that’s just the beginning of the trouble at Holbrook University. For Nathan, things are about to get really hairy… At times howlingly funny, other times bitingly horrific, Hungry Like the Wolf is a campus thriller, tragic romance, and blood-soaked creature feature you can really sink your teeth into.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 10, 2026
This one was definitely a slow burn but it is worth the wait! When it starts it goes off. I loved the twists and the ending was sublime. The wolf folklore had some details I’ve not come across before and I loved the way all those details came out in the story. I wouldn’t call this a werewolf romp of a novel but it was definitely a fresh and new spin on it.
Can’t wait to see which creature Mr McLaughlin will ruminate on next!
Can’t wait to see which creature Mr McLaughlin will ruminate on next!
April 13, 2026
If you’re questioning on whether you should read this book or not.. DO IT
OH. MY. GOD. I loved this book! From start to finish.. I was immediately hooked. I absolutely adored Gretchen and Marty! Nathan was meh for me, I’m not going to lie but that didn’t affect how I felt about this book.
The cover of this book was absolutely stunning as well.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OH. MY. GOD. I loved this book! From start to finish.. I was immediately hooked. I absolutely adored Gretchen and Marty! Nathan was meh for me, I’m not going to lie but that didn’t affect how I felt about this book.
The cover of this book was absolutely stunning as well.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 8, 2026
Honest review in exchange for an Advanced Readers Copy -
I love a good werewolf story and this was a different take on others that I had read before.
It had the added bonus of being set in the 80s and there was plenty to be nostalgic about. The descriptions of the college decor reminded me of my bedroom many years ago!
This was told from the perspectives of Nathan, a preppy student looking to become a future US Governor and from Gretchen, a transfer student from a backwater town shrouded in mystery.
It was a slow burn but this allowed time to get to know the characters, it was clear where the story was going although there were a couple of twists along the way.
I have previously read Echoes by this author which I really enjoyed and look forward to reading his other books.
I love a good werewolf story and this was a different take on others that I had read before.
It had the added bonus of being set in the 80s and there was plenty to be nostalgic about. The descriptions of the college decor reminded me of my bedroom many years ago!
This was told from the perspectives of Nathan, a preppy student looking to become a future US Governor and from Gretchen, a transfer student from a backwater town shrouded in mystery.
It was a slow burn but this allowed time to get to know the characters, it was clear where the story was going although there were a couple of twists along the way.
I have previously read Echoes by this author which I really enjoyed and look forward to reading his other books.
June 18, 2026
***Spoilers included***
I was so excited for this one in the series to come out 1. Because my husband and I have enjoyed all of them so far 2. Because we like werewolves and 3. Because I like high school/college settings when they are done well. Like others have noted, it is a "slow burn" with a lot of development of Nathan and Gretchen's characters: How he begins to question the path his father wants him on to become a governor and how she is very confused as to why she does not easily assimilate into the culture. I found both of them likeable and relatable for different reasons, especially since they both effectively represent different college experience tropes: The disruption of what you thought you knew/wanted and the complex social dynamics. One relatable moment that stood out to me was when Nathan finally decides to dump Heather: "Nathan looked at her. Not, not quite at her--into her. And he hated what he saw" (145). I think that happens so often in relationships, especially when people are young, and it just felt really real. I found it endearing to read that McLaughlin would have kept writing about them forever if he could and my husband and I agreed that we would have been fine if the book was even longer. I hope they somehow make an appearance in a future book!
McLaughlin knows how to write hilarious adolescent characters that I'm always here for. We got a lot of them in Three-Fingered Willy and I was happy for the return (but all of the books in the series have characters who are super witty in different ways). In this book, my husband and I were cracking up at the accuracy of the frat guys drawing penises near the framed photo of the fraternity founder's face, Heather's mercurial rules regarding what's ok when making out (52), and Chad's constant sexual commentary: "These make me wanna shake my spear" (89). The banter between Nathan and Gretchen was also fun and it made me think back to when I was in my English Master's program. I had a guy friend who I had I suppose somewhat of an emotional friendationship (that's what we called it) with who I likely would have never been interested in had there been more than three guys I spent time around regularly, but our banter was always fun. Gretchen was so much of an "alien" in this world while still being hilarious: "We don't have cable. We do have the printed word" (38). Heather was a villain you just loved to hate with how dramatic she was: ""Heather bit her lower lip and shook her fists at the sky, as if nobody but the all-powerful God could have contrived such a confluence of obstacles to her happiness" (46). And Heather's tension with Nathan was full of humor: "You just got laid by the foxiest babe on campus"
"But not the most humble" (245).
Like most reviewers, my husband and I also really liked Marty and it was sad she died. I did think her knowledge of werewolves was pretty convenient, but it was a great twist that she suspected Gretchen was a werewolf early on. Plus, her humor with Nathan and Heather really enhanced the book.
There were so many typos and grammatical errors that I again wonder who McLaughlin gets to edit his books. While I've really been enjoying the rate at which the series is coming out, perhaps he needs to slow down and proofread (or hire me! And yes, I probably have typos in this, but I write these for fun and I have almost fifty peer-reviewed publications).
As far as rating, in terms of overall enjoyment, we read it pretty much over our anniversary weekend and were excited to keep picking it back up, so we both considered giving it five stars. My husband said he would consider giving it four because it was more of a slow burn and he prefers more action. As for me, I don't mind slow burns at all, but I did think the plot got a tad dull with Gretchen being stuck in her hometown after she turns. Sure, it was mildly interesting reading about the werewolf community, but I frankly might have enjoyed her being back on campus more.
Also, no werewolf fight? I highly expected a werewolf fight at the end between Gretchen and Heather, especially after reading Lobster Mobster. My husband pointed out that it might have been intentional on McLaughlin's part not to lean into the predictable, and I admit that Gretchen's character was not very prone to fighting, but it would have been interesting!
Lastly, I can't give this one five stars because I was so pissed off about Riordan. At the end of Echoes, I liked the change I thought had occurred within him and didn't expect to see that he was a lecherous creep once again. It really disappointed me and then I was further disappointed that Gretchen didn't kill him as a werewolf or even try to seek any kind of justice like get him fired. I hope McLaughlin will put him in another book where he gets what's coming to him because right now I'm pissed with how that all turned out.
As for Gretchen and Nathan's ending, it was predictable, but I liked it. It was hilarious that Nathan kept thinking she wanted him to kill her and at the end them both waiting to turn and go into the woods was pretty perfect and very "teenagers against the world." It would have been nice, however, if Nathan had stood up to his father, though. Again, I hope they turn up in another book in the series.
Final thoughts:
-I wish the cover art looked more like how Gretchen was described: Unibrow, natural hair that wasn't edgy, clothes that weren't punk. I feel like it could have been impactful making her look more like herself but somehow attractive.
-The discussions of language were interesting, like how "apron" was originally "napron."
-It was hilarious that Gretchen was unimpressed by Echoes despite it actually being "true" in this universe (115).
-Some of the language was far too modern. No one in the 80s would say "Okay. Fair." (200).
-I'd never heard of the Dancing Plague of Strasbourg before, but honestly I'm surprised nothing like that has occurred in this modern world and I'd love to read a book involving it (a fictional book) (209).
I was so excited for this one in the series to come out 1. Because my husband and I have enjoyed all of them so far 2. Because we like werewolves and 3. Because I like high school/college settings when they are done well. Like others have noted, it is a "slow burn" with a lot of development of Nathan and Gretchen's characters: How he begins to question the path his father wants him on to become a governor and how she is very confused as to why she does not easily assimilate into the culture. I found both of them likeable and relatable for different reasons, especially since they both effectively represent different college experience tropes: The disruption of what you thought you knew/wanted and the complex social dynamics. One relatable moment that stood out to me was when Nathan finally decides to dump Heather: "Nathan looked at her. Not, not quite at her--into her. And he hated what he saw" (145). I think that happens so often in relationships, especially when people are young, and it just felt really real. I found it endearing to read that McLaughlin would have kept writing about them forever if he could and my husband and I agreed that we would have been fine if the book was even longer. I hope they somehow make an appearance in a future book!
McLaughlin knows how to write hilarious adolescent characters that I'm always here for. We got a lot of them in Three-Fingered Willy and I was happy for the return (but all of the books in the series have characters who are super witty in different ways). In this book, my husband and I were cracking up at the accuracy of the frat guys drawing penises near the framed photo of the fraternity founder's face, Heather's mercurial rules regarding what's ok when making out (52), and Chad's constant sexual commentary: "These make me wanna shake my spear" (89). The banter between Nathan and Gretchen was also fun and it made me think back to when I was in my English Master's program. I had a guy friend who I had I suppose somewhat of an emotional friendationship (that's what we called it) with who I likely would have never been interested in had there been more than three guys I spent time around regularly, but our banter was always fun. Gretchen was so much of an "alien" in this world while still being hilarious: "We don't have cable. We do have the printed word" (38). Heather was a villain you just loved to hate with how dramatic she was: ""Heather bit her lower lip and shook her fists at the sky, as if nobody but the all-powerful God could have contrived such a confluence of obstacles to her happiness" (46). And Heather's tension with Nathan was full of humor: "You just got laid by the foxiest babe on campus"
"But not the most humble" (245).
Like most reviewers, my husband and I also really liked Marty and it was sad she died. I did think her knowledge of werewolves was pretty convenient, but it was a great twist that she suspected Gretchen was a werewolf early on. Plus, her humor with Nathan and Heather really enhanced the book.
There were so many typos and grammatical errors that I again wonder who McLaughlin gets to edit his books. While I've really been enjoying the rate at which the series is coming out, perhaps he needs to slow down and proofread (or hire me! And yes, I probably have typos in this, but I write these for fun and I have almost fifty peer-reviewed publications).
As far as rating, in terms of overall enjoyment, we read it pretty much over our anniversary weekend and were excited to keep picking it back up, so we both considered giving it five stars. My husband said he would consider giving it four because it was more of a slow burn and he prefers more action. As for me, I don't mind slow burns at all, but I did think the plot got a tad dull with Gretchen being stuck in her hometown after she turns. Sure, it was mildly interesting reading about the werewolf community, but I frankly might have enjoyed her being back on campus more.
Also, no werewolf fight? I highly expected a werewolf fight at the end between Gretchen and Heather, especially after reading Lobster Mobster. My husband pointed out that it might have been intentional on McLaughlin's part not to lean into the predictable, and I admit that Gretchen's character was not very prone to fighting, but it would have been interesting!
Lastly, I can't give this one five stars because I was so pissed off about Riordan. At the end of Echoes, I liked the change I thought had occurred within him and didn't expect to see that he was a lecherous creep once again. It really disappointed me and then I was further disappointed that Gretchen didn't kill him as a werewolf or even try to seek any kind of justice like get him fired. I hope McLaughlin will put him in another book where he gets what's coming to him because right now I'm pissed with how that all turned out.
As for Gretchen and Nathan's ending, it was predictable, but I liked it. It was hilarious that Nathan kept thinking she wanted him to kill her and at the end them both waiting to turn and go into the woods was pretty perfect and very "teenagers against the world." It would have been nice, however, if Nathan had stood up to his father, though. Again, I hope they turn up in another book in the series.
Final thoughts:
-I wish the cover art looked more like how Gretchen was described: Unibrow, natural hair that wasn't edgy, clothes that weren't punk. I feel like it could have been impactful making her look more like herself but somehow attractive.
-The discussions of language were interesting, like how "apron" was originally "napron."
-It was hilarious that Gretchen was unimpressed by Echoes despite it actually being "true" in this universe (115).
-Some of the language was far too modern. No one in the 80s would say "Okay. Fair." (200).
-I'd never heard of the Dancing Plague of Strasbourg before, but honestly I'm surprised nothing like that has occurred in this modern world and I'd love to read a book involving it (a fictional book) (209).
April 11, 2026
Neal McLaughlin has developed a powerful and trenchant collection of books and stories in recent years. His works consistently demonstrate both depth, confidence and versatility, showcasing his talent for weaving compelling narratives that captivate his audience.
McLaughlin’s profound appreciation for the 80’s is evident throughout his most recent projects. This era is not only a source of inspiration for him, but it also shapes the atmosphere and themes of his stories. Whether drawing from familiar tropes or exploring new territory, his writing reflects a genuine passion for the decade’s culture, energy and aesthetic. Among his recent creations, the classic yet thrilling slasher story, Three-fingered Willy, stands out for its delightful and unapologetically gory, but humorous approach. In contrast, McLaughlin pushes boundaries with Lobster Mobster, a story remarkable for its eccentricity and delightful originality. These works highlight his ability to entertain readers with both recognisable and unique storytelling.
This distinctive trend persists, much to the delight of his readership, with McLaughlin’s latest story, Hungry like the Wolf. The story promises to further reinforce his reputation for blending nostalgia with inventive plots, ensuring that fans of his previous works remain engaged and eager for more. Hungry like the Wolf unfolds slowly, but deliberately, giving characters room for growth and development, which helps readers form strong connections that intensifies the impact of their brutal, bloody fates. The main characters, Nathan and Gretchen, feel recognizable, commonplace and average, but their lives become intertwined and increasingly complicated. Motives are muddied by mystery and suspicion, and when violence erupts, loyalties are tested, while new connections echo beyond the realities of the normal, mortal world. McLaughlin adeptly elaborates on established werewolf conventions, thoughtfully challenging readers' preconceived notions regarding narrative structure and resolution.
McLaughlin’s voice is fresh, exciting and exhilarating. He is a master of his craft and brings levity, violence and a profound passion for the genre, which sets him apart from most indie authors out there.
McLaughlin’s profound appreciation for the 80’s is evident throughout his most recent projects. This era is not only a source of inspiration for him, but it also shapes the atmosphere and themes of his stories. Whether drawing from familiar tropes or exploring new territory, his writing reflects a genuine passion for the decade’s culture, energy and aesthetic. Among his recent creations, the classic yet thrilling slasher story, Three-fingered Willy, stands out for its delightful and unapologetically gory, but humorous approach. In contrast, McLaughlin pushes boundaries with Lobster Mobster, a story remarkable for its eccentricity and delightful originality. These works highlight his ability to entertain readers with both recognisable and unique storytelling.
This distinctive trend persists, much to the delight of his readership, with McLaughlin’s latest story, Hungry like the Wolf. The story promises to further reinforce his reputation for blending nostalgia with inventive plots, ensuring that fans of his previous works remain engaged and eager for more. Hungry like the Wolf unfolds slowly, but deliberately, giving characters room for growth and development, which helps readers form strong connections that intensifies the impact of their brutal, bloody fates. The main characters, Nathan and Gretchen, feel recognizable, commonplace and average, but their lives become intertwined and increasingly complicated. Motives are muddied by mystery and suspicion, and when violence erupts, loyalties are tested, while new connections echo beyond the realities of the normal, mortal world. McLaughlin adeptly elaborates on established werewolf conventions, thoughtfully challenging readers' preconceived notions regarding narrative structure and resolution.
McLaughlin’s voice is fresh, exciting and exhilarating. He is a master of his craft and brings levity, violence and a profound passion for the genre, which sets him apart from most indie authors out there.
April 13, 2026
Nathan Harrington is a smart young man, with a bright future. Its all according to plan. Being a popular member of the Theta Kappa Nu fraternity, and dating the hottest girl at Holbrook, Heather Browsford. During "Move-in Madness", or the return to campus, everything is as it always has been, except for one mystery arrival. Gretchen Stump. A very clever, book smart country bumpkin from a very small town called Wolf's Crossing. Upon arrival, Nathan seems very curious of this new girl, as she is unlike anyone he has ever seen. After the chaos of moving back in, Nathan finds himself randomly assigned to show a transfer student around campus, walk them through registration, and help them acclimate to Holbrook. His advisee ends up being Gretchen herself. While walking with her to give her the tour, Nathan notices the way the other students act around her. Hearing the nicknames of, "Cujo", or, "Dog Girl", because of her socially excessive body hair. However, above it all, Gretchen keeps head up, and asks all of the questions she needs, and some that she doesn’t. Many about pop culture, and the things that she isn't more educated about. Soon, Nathan finds that, not only does he like answering her questions, but, be seems to be thinking about her, more, and more. Being forbidden to be seen around her by the president of the fraternity, and his father, Nathan does what he wants, and begins to even question his future, and how much of what he has spent so much time on was really for him, or just to please those around him. To conform. Eventually, the attraction becomes so strong that he can't stay away. However, Gretchen has a secret, and Nathan isn't ready to accept, nor understand it, even when it really hits home, and may be too late. I loved this! I have been following this series since the beginning, and this was my favorite, so far! It really made me nostalgic for the werewolf horror films of the 1980's, such as, "The Howling", and "American Werewolf in London". There is a certain element of raw, animalistic sexual energy that really gives it that feeling. I highly recommend this, and would read again!
5⭐️/5
5⭐️/5
April 16, 2026
On the whole, this was a massively entertaining and enjoyable story. The centerpiece of this is a wholly likable cast that we're supposed to follow, carrying through the book quite nicely in regards to how we get to know them. With the initial introductions setting up who they are rather quickly, with him being new to the college and trying to figure out how to get on with his life, and meeting up with the strange girl that no one wants anything to do with, yet the two end up together to set the story in motion, it comes off quite well. When the change happens, and the werewolf curse is passed on, it makes for a strong starting point to the latter half, where the series of strange animal attacks makes for a fun time due to the slow-going build-up, with quite a bit of time devoted to establishing this relationship and the connection they share. It does take a while to get going, but the whole thing is worth it by the time it gets to the final half, when the setup work comes full circle.
That makes it all the more fun when it gets to that half, and the book can go for broke with the fun interactions coming about through the revelations about the impact of the werewolf reveal and how it all starts affecting him. This is a great setup involving the slow setup of him going through the changes associated with werewolfism and being unable to make the revelation that he's been responsible for the series of graphic murders occurring around the campus, which are given some fun details that make everything that much more impactful. This all manages to be brutal, bloody, and quite fun compared to the sluggish first half, which makes for the lone flaw here because the first half focuses on the developing relationship that comes with a slew of obstacles that they have to maneuver around. This is all a bit too long and could potentially stall the film for some who want to get to the more overt werewolf action since some of the interactions feel somewhat convoluted to explain, but it's not too big of a deal and manages to be quite likable overall.
4.5/5
That makes it all the more fun when it gets to that half, and the book can go for broke with the fun interactions coming about through the revelations about the impact of the werewolf reveal and how it all starts affecting him. This is a great setup involving the slow setup of him going through the changes associated with werewolfism and being unable to make the revelation that he's been responsible for the series of graphic murders occurring around the campus, which are given some fun details that make everything that much more impactful. This all manages to be brutal, bloody, and quite fun compared to the sluggish first half, which makes for the lone flaw here because the first half focuses on the developing relationship that comes with a slew of obstacles that they have to maneuver around. This is all a bit too long and could potentially stall the film for some who want to get to the more overt werewolf action since some of the interactions feel somewhat convoluted to explain, but it's not too big of a deal and manages to be quite likable overall.
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's 1983, and Nathan is heading to college. His life is all mapped out for him. He is taking the right classes, dating the right girl, protecting his image.
Until he meets Gretchen.
Gretchen does not fit in with anyone, and her overall appearance leads to everyone referring to her as nothing more than Dog-girl. But they don't know just how close to the truth that is.
I devoured this. From the first page, there’s this quiet, creeping unease that never lets go. It doesn’t throw you straight into the horror, it builds it. Slowly. Like something circling in the dark, getting closer without you realising.
And honestly? That’s what makes it hit so much harder.
This isn’t your typical werewolf story. I’ve read a lot of them, and this one felt completely different. It leans more into atmosphere, tension, and that constant feeling that something is… off. Like you’re waiting for the snap, and when it finally comes, you realise you’ve been holding your breath the entire time. The pacing was perfect. The build-up was deliciously tense. And the payoff was brutal in all the right ways.
But… That ending.
I hate an ending that doesn’t feel like an ending, and this one absolutely falls into that category. It just… stops. And I was left sitting there like ARE YOU SERIOUS? I needed more. I needed answers. I needed closure. Some people will love that kind of ambiguity. I am not one of those people. And yet - it still didn’t ruin the experience for me. Because everything that came before it was genuinely brilliant.
Until he meets Gretchen.
Gretchen does not fit in with anyone, and her overall appearance leads to everyone referring to her as nothing more than Dog-girl. But they don't know just how close to the truth that is.
I devoured this. From the first page, there’s this quiet, creeping unease that never lets go. It doesn’t throw you straight into the horror, it builds it. Slowly. Like something circling in the dark, getting closer without you realising.
And honestly? That’s what makes it hit so much harder.
This isn’t your typical werewolf story. I’ve read a lot of them, and this one felt completely different. It leans more into atmosphere, tension, and that constant feeling that something is… off. Like you’re waiting for the snap, and when it finally comes, you realise you’ve been holding your breath the entire time. The pacing was perfect. The build-up was deliciously tense. And the payoff was brutal in all the right ways.
But… That ending.
I hate an ending that doesn’t feel like an ending, and this one absolutely falls into that category. It just… stops. And I was left sitting there like ARE YOU SERIOUS? I needed more. I needed answers. I needed closure. Some people will love that kind of ambiguity. I am not one of those people. And yet - it still didn’t ruin the experience for me. Because everything that came before it was genuinely brilliant.
April 15, 2026
If 80s nostalgia excites you then you HAVE to check out Neal McLaughlin's Grody To The Max series! They are standalone novels set every year in the 80s. 1980 was the the small town horror of Echoes, 1981 had the Camp Slasher of Three-Fingered Willy, then 1982 had the Bugsy Malone feel of Lopster Mobster... and this book is the offering for 1983, a werewolf novel set in uni...
This is the third book of Neal's I've read, and for me it was the best. It's a slow burner to start with, mainly due to the large cast of characters as new girl Gretchen starts at university. She has slightly more body hair than others, and is quickly given the name Dog Girl.
Duran Duran posters wallpaper the dorms and Madonna blasts from boomboxes, as Nathan is intrigued by the new girl. But this doesn't go down well with his girlfriend, the popular blonde Heather.
It's a dash of Teen Wolf with a nod to John Hughes, but it quickens in pace and dips from romantic com in darkness, and folk horror.
Neal weaves comedic banter with an overload of 80s references into a story that is quite touching. I loved it! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is the third book of Neal's I've read, and for me it was the best. It's a slow burner to start with, mainly due to the large cast of characters as new girl Gretchen starts at university. She has slightly more body hair than others, and is quickly given the name Dog Girl.
Duran Duran posters wallpaper the dorms and Madonna blasts from boomboxes, as Nathan is intrigued by the new girl. But this doesn't go down well with his girlfriend, the popular blonde Heather.
It's a dash of Teen Wolf with a nod to John Hughes, but it quickens in pace and dips from romantic com in darkness, and folk horror.
Neal weaves comedic banter with an overload of 80s references into a story that is quite touching. I loved it! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 2, 2026
Hungry Like a Wolf by Neal McLaughlin is a brilliantly crafted novel that rewards patience in the best possible way. The opening takes its time, laying the groundwork with care and intention, allowing the world and characters to fully settle before the tension begins to tighten. That slow-burn approach feels completely deliberate, and it pays off as the story gradually pulls you deeper in.
By the time it reaches its final stretch, the pace shifts beautifully into something gripping and hard to put down. The build to the ending is incredibly satisfying, with a sense of momentum that keeps escalating right up to the final moments. It’s the kind of book where everything clicks into place, making the journey feel more than worthwhile and leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve finished.
By the time it reaches its final stretch, the pace shifts beautifully into something gripping and hard to put down. The build to the ending is incredibly satisfying, with a sense of momentum that keeps escalating right up to the final moments. It’s the kind of book where everything clicks into place, making the journey feel more than worthwhile and leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve finished.
April 20, 2026
The year is 1983 and you don't want to be out with a full moon. Neal brings us another hit with this story. We meet Nathan at college where he connects with a girl, Gretchen. They can't seem to stay apart from each other. Then he finds out she's cursed. And he might be to. And then a murder occurs on campus. More of a mauling, that changes the course of his life. Neal gives us a darkly humorous story with well-drawn characters. The setting brings back nostalgia from that time, and the horror is fun to watch. Can't wait to read 1984.
April 29, 2026
This was a fun read! It was a bit campy at times, but isn’t all the best 80s horror that way? It definitely brought out that 80s nostalgia. Though more of a side character I really loved how Marty was written. I haven’t really read a werewolf book before and this was a nice introduction to them. I thought the author did a good job with the lore and bringing this story to life. I’d definitely check out more of his books and suggest you give this one a read.
**Thank you to the author for an advanced copy and these are my own opinions**
**Thank you to the author for an advanced copy and these are my own opinions**
August 16, 2026
Fresh take on werewolfism. Romance not horror.
I really enjoyed this book. This is a slow burn romance. It's got two really good, relatable MCs. The setting is good. A new take on werewolfism that i thought was interesting. Has a bit of a romeo and Juliette vibe. Some nice plot twists. There's a couple of editing mistakes, missing words here and there. But nothing too distracting. Despite the tagline grody to the max, there is very little gore.
I really enjoyed this book. This is a slow burn romance. It's got two really good, relatable MCs. The setting is good. A new take on werewolfism that i thought was interesting. Has a bit of a romeo and Juliette vibe. Some nice plot twists. There's a couple of editing mistakes, missing words here and there. But nothing too distracting. Despite the tagline grody to the max, there is very little gore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gretchen is a new student at the college Nathan attends. He is supposed to help her with any problems she may have. Gretchen is not like any of the other students. Gretchen and her family have a secret. Nathan finds what it is. Their lives will be changed forever. Old school horror.
July 27, 2026
Pretty decent, just not enough Werewolf action for me
May 9, 2026
This book is a wild mix of campus drama, creature horror, and 80s nostalgia. Nathan’s life plan derails the moment he meets Gretchen, whose secrets pull him into a world of curses, transformations, and moonlit danger. The tone swings between funny and brutal, making the werewolf elements feel both chaotic and heartfelt. As Nathan’s changes escalate and bodies start dropping, the story becomes a sharp blend of romance, mystery, and monster mayhem. It’s quirky, bloody, and surprisingly emotional — a creature feature with personality.
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