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Camp H.O.W.L. #1
Camp H.O.W.L.
Moonmates exist, but getting together is going to be a beast….
When Adrian Rothschild skipped his “werewolf puberty,” he assumed he was, somehow, human. But he was wrong, and he’s about to go through his Turn with a country between him and his Pack—scared, alone, and eight years late.
Dr. Tate Lewis’s werewolf supremacist father made his Turn miserable, and now Tate works for Camp H.O.W.L. to ease the transition for young werewolves. He isn’t expecting to offer guidance to a grown man—or find his moonmate in Adrian. Tate doesn’t even believe in the legendary bond; after all, his polygamist father claimed five. But it’s clear Adrian needs him, and if Tate can let his guard down, he might discover he needs Adrian too.
A moonmate is a wolf’s missing piece, and Tate is missing a lot of pieces. But is Adrian up to the challenge?
When Adrian Rothschild skipped his “werewolf puberty,” he assumed he was, somehow, human. But he was wrong, and he’s about to go through his Turn with a country between him and his Pack—scared, alone, and eight years late.
Dr. Tate Lewis’s werewolf supremacist father made his Turn miserable, and now Tate works for Camp H.O.W.L. to ease the transition for young werewolves. He isn’t expecting to offer guidance to a grown man—or find his moonmate in Adrian. Tate doesn’t even believe in the legendary bond; after all, his polygamist father claimed five. But it’s clear Adrian needs him, and if Tate can let his guard down, he might discover he needs Adrian too.
A moonmate is a wolf’s missing piece, and Tate is missing a lot of pieces. But is Adrian up to the challenge?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Bru Baker
43 books122 followersBru Baker writes sophisticated gay romantic fiction with strong characters, real-world problems, and plenty of humor.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 2, 2020
3.5 Hearts
Consistent good fare, this was another DSP Beyond win!
As per the blurb, Adrian has long resigned himself to being that rare werewolf who is unable to shift into an actual wolf - a genetic anomaly that he’s had 8 years to come to terms with. Well apparently, his body is uncooperative in following any of the rules, and Adrian is far away from home as he starts to undergo some terrifying changes heralding his impending shift with the looming full moon.
Luckily, nearby is Camp H.O.W.L., a place where many werewolves-to-be go to for 24/7 support. Tate is a full time psychologist/counselor who works there, and he’s tasked with bringing Adrian in safely. Despite the immediate attraction Tate has for Adrian, he never expects to find in him his mate
Now, this would all be fine and dandy typically, but Tate has had a terrible past, conditioned by a father who used his alpha status to take advantage of those under his care, basically using the idea of the mate bond to control, manipulate, and twist things horribly in his favor. Though Tate escaped that life, his jaded heart has no room for love, let alone a mate, despite all the signs pointing towards him and Adrian being perfect for each other.
Narrated by Dorian Bane, I appreciated his earnestness and enthusiasm on the behalf of all the characters in this story, nicely bringing them to life. He has a consistently raspy voice that is different from the usual narrator, but I felt that this didn't detract at all.
Overall, I obviously liked this understated werewolf/mates story. Some may be a bit bored and some may be frustrated with Tate’s reluctance, but I thought this was still a great slow build with reasonable progression of how two people, both different and both outcasts in their own right, find in each other safety, acceptance, and ultimately, love.
Again, as with most of these types of stories in this series, this was consistently sweet with a dash of sexy, and I enjoyed this easy, laidback listen.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
Consistent good fare, this was another DSP Beyond win!
As per the blurb, Adrian has long resigned himself to being that rare werewolf who is unable to shift into an actual wolf - a genetic anomaly that he’s had 8 years to come to terms with. Well apparently, his body is uncooperative in following any of the rules, and Adrian is far away from home as he starts to undergo some terrifying changes heralding his impending shift with the looming full moon.
Luckily, nearby is Camp H.O.W.L., a place where many werewolves-to-be go to for 24/7 support. Tate is a full time psychologist/counselor who works there, and he’s tasked with bringing Adrian in safely. Despite the immediate attraction Tate has for Adrian, he never expects to find in him his mate
Now, this would all be fine and dandy typically, but Tate has had a terrible past, conditioned by a father who used his alpha status to take advantage of those under his care, basically using the idea of the mate bond to control, manipulate, and twist things horribly in his favor. Though Tate escaped that life, his jaded heart has no room for love, let alone a mate, despite all the signs pointing towards him and Adrian being perfect for each other.
Narrated by Dorian Bane, I appreciated his earnestness and enthusiasm on the behalf of all the characters in this story, nicely bringing them to life. He has a consistently raspy voice that is different from the usual narrator, but I felt that this didn't detract at all.
Overall, I obviously liked this understated werewolf/mates story. Some may be a bit bored and some may be frustrated with Tate’s reluctance, but I thought this was still a great slow build with reasonable progression of how two people, both different and both outcasts in their own right, find in each other safety, acceptance, and ultimately, love.
Again, as with most of these types of stories in this series, this was consistently sweet with a dash of sexy, and I enjoyed this easy, laidback listen.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
April 18, 2018
3 Stars
This shifter story is essentially a relationship focused story about two destined mates who meet at a camp designed to help young werewolves in controlling their first shifts.
Usually, werewolves come of age and shift for the first time at nineteen, but 27 year old Adrian Rothchild skipped that werewolf-y milestone, leading him and his family/pack to believe he was solely human. But when his first shift unexpectedly and inexplicably occurs while he’s on a business trip far from home and the support of his pack, the safest place for him is in the care of the closest “turn” camp.
Upon meeting Tate Lewis, a 32 year old camp counselor veteran, the two immediately realise that they share a special bond that seems to be unique to only a handful of shifter pairings. Essentially they are fated mates, destined to be together, and although Adrian is pretty psyched at the discovery, Tate is far more apprehensive, having survived a troubling youth in an extreme pack that clouded his views on love and intimacy.
The story simply follows these two as they circle each other over the course of several weeks at camp, inevitably growing closer and eventually embracing their unique bond – after a lot of irritating reluctance on Tate’s part.
This story started out super strong; I was completely engaged with the events of the first half of the story, especially loving the way Adrian’s first full moon shift unfolded. Unfortunately, a lot of the spark seemed to fade over the second half, leaving me kind of unfocused and generally feeling like the two halves of the story were disconnected. I can attribute my feelings to my frustrations with Tate and his adverseness to accepting the mate bond he undeniably shared with Adrian. I get that he had his past hang-ups and most of his hesitancy stemmed from fear, but it just went on and on and on, draining a hell of a lot of fun and interest out of my early enjoyment.
Being a HUGE fan of the fated mates trope in my paranormal romances, one aspect of the story I really liked was the concept of the “moonmates” and how it differed from the usual werewolf bonds. I could have done with stronger mate vibes between Tate and Adrian, but their story (I think) was meant to be a bit more sedate and less OTT with the mate madness than the usual fare we get within this genre.
Generally speaking, this was a nice little addition to the Dreamspun Beyond line, and as a new-to-me author, Baker certainly captured my attention and left me open to trying more of her work in the future.
This shifter story is essentially a relationship focused story about two destined mates who meet at a camp designed to help young werewolves in controlling their first shifts.
Usually, werewolves come of age and shift for the first time at nineteen, but 27 year old Adrian Rothchild skipped that werewolf-y milestone, leading him and his family/pack to believe he was solely human. But when his first shift unexpectedly and inexplicably occurs while he’s on a business trip far from home and the support of his pack, the safest place for him is in the care of the closest “turn” camp.
Upon meeting Tate Lewis, a 32 year old camp counselor veteran, the two immediately realise that they share a special bond that seems to be unique to only a handful of shifter pairings. Essentially they are fated mates, destined to be together, and although Adrian is pretty psyched at the discovery, Tate is far more apprehensive, having survived a troubling youth in an extreme pack that clouded his views on love and intimacy.
The story simply follows these two as they circle each other over the course of several weeks at camp, inevitably growing closer and eventually embracing their unique bond – after a lot of irritating reluctance on Tate’s part.
This story started out super strong; I was completely engaged with the events of the first half of the story, especially loving the way Adrian’s first full moon shift unfolded. Unfortunately, a lot of the spark seemed to fade over the second half, leaving me kind of unfocused and generally feeling like the two halves of the story were disconnected. I can attribute my feelings to my frustrations with Tate and his adverseness to accepting the mate bond he undeniably shared with Adrian. I get that he had his past hang-ups and most of his hesitancy stemmed from fear, but it just went on and on and on, draining a hell of a lot of fun and interest out of my early enjoyment.
Being a HUGE fan of the fated mates trope in my paranormal romances, one aspect of the story I really liked was the concept of the “moonmates” and how it differed from the usual werewolf bonds. I could have done with stronger mate vibes between Tate and Adrian, but their story (I think) was meant to be a bit more sedate and less OTT with the mate madness than the usual fare we get within this genre.
Generally speaking, this was a nice little addition to the Dreamspun Beyond line, and as a new-to-me author, Baker certainly captured my attention and left me open to trying more of her work in the future.
November 8, 2017
Tag Team Review with Sara!
3.5 HEARTS--Camp H.O.W.L. by Bru Baker is a perfect addition to the Dreamspun Beyond line. It's sweet, low angst and gentle in the romance department.
In this world, werewolves are hidden in plain sight from humans. Werewolves can shift into wolves once they've reached their second puberty at 19 years old and will Turn into a werewolf. There are a few genetic anomalies that can't shift once they've reached their 19th birthday; they are essentially human. Such is the case for Adrian Rothschild. He's the son of the Portland Alpha and is the only non-shifter in his tight-knit werewolf family.
Well...that is until his 27th birthday, while he's traveling for work in Indianapolis.
Werewolf down!
You know what sucks worse then having to relive your second puberty eight years too late? Having to do it away from your pack.
Thankfully, Dr. Tate Lewis, a counselor and psychologist from nearby werewolf Turning camp for teens, Camp H.O.W.L. is on the rescue. Werewolves can't not be known at all costs, so once Tate bursts into Adrian's hospital room, it was moonmates at first sight.
Moonmates are a take on the classic fated mates trope, where moonmates are perfectly compatible and each others' ideal mate. Adrian doesn't know how to werewolf or read the signs. but he does know there is something special about tate. He calms him in his now hormone addled world.
Adrian becomes the newest Camp H.O.W.L. resident and also the oldest camper. But the story doesn't focus on that. Though it could have been super funny if it did. Instead, it focuses on Tate trying to deny biology and his mate.
(I know, I know. Doesn't he know you can't fight fated mates?)
Tate had a horrible childhood of living in a cult. We learn bits and pieces about it from other close friends of Tate and Tate himself. The reader doesn't get to flashback at any pivotal or crucial scenes to get a glimpse at the horrible childhood. Tate is doesn't want a moonmate. He just wants to continue being a loner. But his body is attuned to Adrian...so his struggle is real.
The story spans weeks as campers camp until they learn to control their shifts. Adrian and Tate help each other with Adrian's late bloom Turning during those weeks and get closer. The story doesn't rock the boat and evenly paced. There isn't big plot twists. The intimate times are minimal. And smutsters, this won't be a book for you as there isn't any penetration.
Fluffsters, however? This is recommended for you.
A lot of communication, sweet slow feels with some paranormal shifting on the side!
I would have liked some more showing why the moonmates reaction is so crucial and special. We get told it is but I've read fated mates where the reader gets to discover the difference right along with the protagonist. some more of Adrian's meddling pack would have been nice too just to see why they're so special to Adrian and how Tate will fit after meeting them.
I did like the epilogue, it was the step in the right direction for these two.
A copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 HEARTS--Camp H.O.W.L. by Bru Baker is a perfect addition to the Dreamspun Beyond line. It's sweet, low angst and gentle in the romance department.
In this world, werewolves are hidden in plain sight from humans. Werewolves can shift into wolves once they've reached their second puberty at 19 years old and will Turn into a werewolf. There are a few genetic anomalies that can't shift once they've reached their 19th birthday; they are essentially human. Such is the case for Adrian Rothschild. He's the son of the Portland Alpha and is the only non-shifter in his tight-knit werewolf family.
Well...that is until his 27th birthday, while he's traveling for work in Indianapolis.
Werewolf down!
You know what sucks worse then having to relive your second puberty eight years too late? Having to do it away from your pack.
Thankfully, Dr. Tate Lewis, a counselor and psychologist from nearby werewolf Turning camp for teens, Camp H.O.W.L. is on the rescue. Werewolves can't not be known at all costs, so once Tate bursts into Adrian's hospital room, it was moonmates at first sight.
Moonmates are a take on the classic fated mates trope, where moonmates are perfectly compatible and each others' ideal mate. Adrian doesn't know how to werewolf or read the signs. but he does know there is something special about tate. He calms him in his now hormone addled world.
Adrian becomes the newest Camp H.O.W.L. resident and also the oldest camper. But the story doesn't focus on that. Though it could have been super funny if it did. Instead, it focuses on Tate trying to deny biology and his mate.
(I know, I know. Doesn't he know you can't fight fated mates?)
Tate had a horrible childhood of living in a cult. We learn bits and pieces about it from other close friends of Tate and Tate himself. The reader doesn't get to flashback at any pivotal or crucial scenes to get a glimpse at the horrible childhood. Tate is doesn't want a moonmate. He just wants to continue being a loner. But his body is attuned to Adrian...so his struggle is real.
The story spans weeks as campers camp until they learn to control their shifts. Adrian and Tate help each other with Adrian's late bloom Turning during those weeks and get closer. The story doesn't rock the boat and evenly paced. There isn't big plot twists. The intimate times are minimal. And smutsters, this won't be a book for you as there isn't any penetration.
Fluffsters, however? This is recommended for you.
A lot of communication, sweet slow feels with some paranormal shifting on the side!
I would have liked some more showing why the moonmates reaction is so crucial and special. We get told it is but I've read fated mates where the reader gets to discover the difference right along with the protagonist. some more of Adrian's meddling pack would have been nice too just to see why they're so special to Adrian and how Tate will fit after meeting them.
I did like the epilogue, it was the step in the right direction for these two.
A copy provided for an honest review.
September 25, 2017
This could have been better. And it started out so promising!
Every 19 year old werewolf will turn for the first time with the first moon after their 19th birthday. Well, except for Adrian. As the son of a very powerful Alpha, he feels like he disappointed his mother. But 7 years later he has accepted that he is and will always be human. So when he gets flu-like symptoms he is not thing about turning at all. But when he faints in the middle of the street and ends up in the hospital he recognizes the symptoms. Since he was on a business trip he is not near his pack so Adrian has no idea what to do.
And that’s where Tate comes in. Tate is a 32 year old counselor at camp H.O.W.L. A camp where young werewolves go through their first Turn. They might even bond with each other and end up with a Turnmate. All the counselors encourage the bonding, since it will help with the Turn.
But what Tate doesn’t expect is to feel an instant connection with Adrian once he walks into the hospital to pick him up and take him to camp with him. Once Adrian is settled at the camp it is very clear to all the other counselors that Adrian and Tate share a bond. And that’s why they want Tate to help Adrian with his Turn. But Tate doesn’t want to be a Turnmate. And he most definitely doesn’t want a Moonmate, which is very rare, but seems to be the thing with Adrian…
This book centers around one major thing and one thing only: Tate’s reluctance to have a mate and to be anything to Adrian. At first I was on board with this and could understand the hows and whys based on Tate’s past. But unfortunately this went on and on. And on. When I got to 90% and these guys were still no further in their relationship than at 25% I got tired of this book. In the last 10% we got some kissing, a frotting job (which was VERY short and disappointing, but they talked about it as if it was something AMAZING), and a very tentative HEA. I mean, Tate was such a guarded person, and he still was at the end. No hearts and flowers anywhere. Only a, yes sure, I love him and we’re in a committed relationship.
After all the time Tate pushed Adrian away I wanted some real romance, but we didn’t get it. I really wanted Tate to give in a little sooner. I wouldn’t say this book was angsty, because these guys build a solid friendship despite Tate not wanting to be mates. But I wouldn’t call this book romantic either. And I just wanted some romance because the rest of this story was quite good. So 3 stars it is.
------------------------------
An ARC of camp H.O.W.L. was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Every 19 year old werewolf will turn for the first time with the first moon after their 19th birthday. Well, except for Adrian. As the son of a very powerful Alpha, he feels like he disappointed his mother. But 7 years later he has accepted that he is and will always be human. So when he gets flu-like symptoms he is not thing about turning at all. But when he faints in the middle of the street and ends up in the hospital he recognizes the symptoms. Since he was on a business trip he is not near his pack so Adrian has no idea what to do.
And that’s where Tate comes in. Tate is a 32 year old counselor at camp H.O.W.L. A camp where young werewolves go through their first Turn. They might even bond with each other and end up with a Turnmate. All the counselors encourage the bonding, since it will help with the Turn.
But what Tate doesn’t expect is to feel an instant connection with Adrian once he walks into the hospital to pick him up and take him to camp with him. Once Adrian is settled at the camp it is very clear to all the other counselors that Adrian and Tate share a bond. And that’s why they want Tate to help Adrian with his Turn. But Tate doesn’t want to be a Turnmate. And he most definitely doesn’t want a Moonmate, which is very rare, but seems to be the thing with Adrian…
This book centers around one major thing and one thing only: Tate’s reluctance to have a mate and to be anything to Adrian. At first I was on board with this and could understand the hows and whys based on Tate’s past. But unfortunately this went on and on. And on. When I got to 90% and these guys were still no further in their relationship than at 25% I got tired of this book. In the last 10% we got some kissing, a frotting job (which was VERY short and disappointing, but they talked about it as if it was something AMAZING), and a very tentative HEA. I mean, Tate was such a guarded person, and he still was at the end. No hearts and flowers anywhere. Only a, yes sure, I love him and we’re in a committed relationship.
After all the time Tate pushed Adrian away I wanted some real romance, but we didn’t get it. I really wanted Tate to give in a little sooner. I wouldn’t say this book was angsty, because these guys build a solid friendship despite Tate not wanting to be mates. But I wouldn’t call this book romantic either. And I just wanted some romance because the rest of this story was quite good. So 3 stars it is.
------------------------------
An ARC of camp H.O.W.L. was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 2, 2017
3.5 stars
Adrian Rothschild missed his first Turn age, and he has lived the past eight years living as a human despite being a son of an Alpha wolf. When Adrian goes through his first shift, at the ‘ripe’ age of twenty-seven, away from his Pack, the staff from Camp H.O.W.L. takes him to help with the transition.
Among them is Dr. Tate Lewis, one of the guidance counselors, who has his own past and prefers to stay at the Camp. Then both men realized that not only Adrian’s shift is an unusual situation, they are also moonmates, a rare form of bond where two wolves are fated to be together and blessed by the moon.
I like reading shifters in romance, but one of my BIGGEST complaints when it comes to this genre is the instant love due to soulmate trope. I need my wooing – I need my romantic development. Everything instant connection (and excuses for the men to screw each other on any given moment) due the ‘mate’ factor turns me off quickly.
That is why I totally appreciate how Bru Baker approaches the idea of mates in this book or at least how both Adrian and Tate don’t immediately succumb to the idea of perfect soulmates. Adrian has to first adjust himself to the experience and the side effect of shifting while Tate’s past makes him weary and he almost rejects the idea of moonmates. So there is a progress here… not just instant attraction and love. They don’t kiss before halfway and the physical lovemaking is on the low steam level.
I enjoyed reading Adrian and Tate’s story – and there are tender mentor-vibe moments because Tate helps Adrian during the painful first shift and dealing with the werewolves ‘effect’. Adrian isn’t prepared for it; he has accepted the fact that he is human.
I still have a couple of questions running in my head after the book is over though – like Adrian’s case is not common, so what really happens there? What makes him miss his ‘wolf puberty’ by almost a decade? Also about moonmates – does the bond only relate to feeling, or that deep love / connection? Are there any other ‘side effects’?
Overall, it’s a lovely read. I wouldn’t mind reading more stories in this universe. In fact I would love to read Ryan the troubled wolfling as an adult.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Adrian Rothschild missed his first Turn age, and he has lived the past eight years living as a human despite being a son of an Alpha wolf. When Adrian goes through his first shift, at the ‘ripe’ age of twenty-seven, away from his Pack, the staff from Camp H.O.W.L. takes him to help with the transition.
Among them is Dr. Tate Lewis, one of the guidance counselors, who has his own past and prefers to stay at the Camp. Then both men realized that not only Adrian’s shift is an unusual situation, they are also moonmates, a rare form of bond where two wolves are fated to be together and blessed by the moon.
I like reading shifters in romance, but one of my BIGGEST complaints when it comes to this genre is the instant love due to soulmate trope. I need my wooing – I need my romantic development. Everything instant connection (and excuses for the men to screw each other on any given moment) due the ‘mate’ factor turns me off quickly.
That is why I totally appreciate how Bru Baker approaches the idea of mates in this book or at least how both Adrian and Tate don’t immediately succumb to the idea of perfect soulmates. Adrian has to first adjust himself to the experience and the side effect of shifting while Tate’s past makes him weary and he almost rejects the idea of moonmates. So there is a progress here… not just instant attraction and love. They don’t kiss before halfway and the physical lovemaking is on the low steam level.
I enjoyed reading Adrian and Tate’s story – and there are tender mentor-vibe moments because Tate helps Adrian during the painful first shift and dealing with the werewolves ‘effect’. Adrian isn’t prepared for it; he has accepted the fact that he is human.
I still have a couple of questions running in my head after the book is over though – like Adrian’s case is not common, so what really happens there? What makes him miss his ‘wolf puberty’ by almost a decade? Also about moonmates – does the bond only relate to feeling, or that deep love / connection? Are there any other ‘side effects’?
Overall, it’s a lovely read. I wouldn’t mind reading more stories in this universe. In fact I would love to read Ryan the troubled wolfling as an adult.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 18, 2018
This SOUNDS interesting, but it stops there >:-o!!!
Holy crap, nothing happens here ... absolutely nothing!!!! This book is quite literally about these two MCs trying to resist THEN understand THEN accept their True Bond/Moonmate Bond! The steam rating on this thing is ZERO [and whatever nonsense does happen with these two - which is practically nothing - felt contrived and clinical] *rolls eyeballs*!!
Toward the end they jerk each other off and when they orgasm, they're shocked by how good it felt and gasp about how it's "moonmate sex"!! UMMM no, it's called masturbating and ejaculating ... you did NOTHING that was worth writing (home) about!!!
It's like being ridiculously hungry, eating McDonald's, being pleasantly full, and then exclaiming it's the best meat you've EVER tasted [okay fine, pun a little intended]! Honey, a McDonald's burger isn't a Striploin or Porterhouse steak!!!!
NO character development, NO steam, NO real plot, NO depth ... there was a whole lot of nothing in this book! I wish I could return this book :-/ ... it should be a crime to write such an intriguing blurb and have the actual story (or the execution of it) end up being totally fucking ridiculous :-/!!!!
I do NOT recommend this book! In fact, I highly recommend NOT reading it!! Such a waste of time and money!!
************
Oooooooooooo this sounds VERY interesting :-), I definitely want!!
Holy crap, nothing happens here ... absolutely nothing!!!! This book is quite literally about these two MCs trying to resist THEN understand THEN accept their True Bond/Moonmate Bond! The steam rating on this thing is ZERO [and whatever nonsense does happen with these two - which is practically nothing - felt contrived and clinical] *rolls eyeballs*!!
Toward the end they jerk each other off and when they orgasm, they're shocked by how good it felt and gasp about how it's "moonmate sex"!! UMMM no, it's called masturbating and ejaculating ... you did NOTHING that was worth writing (home) about!!!
It's like being ridiculously hungry, eating McDonald's, being pleasantly full, and then exclaiming it's the best meat you've EVER tasted [okay fine, pun a little intended]! Honey, a McDonald's burger isn't a Striploin or Porterhouse steak!!!!
NO character development, NO steam, NO real plot, NO depth ... there was a whole lot of nothing in this book! I wish I could return this book :-/ ... it should be a crime to write such an intriguing blurb and have the actual story (or the execution of it) end up being totally fucking ridiculous :-/!!!!
I do NOT recommend this book! In fact, I highly recommend NOT reading it!! Such a waste of time and money!!
************
Read
November 6, 20174 Hearts
Tag team Review withSRAL!
This was a fun and refreshing take on the werewolf trope.
We meet Adrian on his 27th birthday that he is being forced to celebrate. For Adrian, it’s a pretty melancholy day as it’s a reminder that he never had his Turn - into a wolf - during his second puberty on his 19th birthday. With his mother being not only the Alpha of his pack but a highly respected Alpha who sits on the Werewolf Tribunal, Adrian is an embarrassment to his pack though they still love him because he’s family. When Adrian goes out of town for business the night of the full moon, he begins to exhibit symptoms of heightened awareness he thinks are illness related until he passes out because his body is preparing for the Turn.
Tate Lewis is a psychologist who works at Camp H.O.W.L , a “camp” designed to help new wolflings not only through their first Turn but how to control the shift from wolf to human and not do so out in public. Werewolves are still a kept secret in polite society in this book and these wolfings need guidance to know what could lead to a possible outing of their kind and a downfall of epic proportions. When Tate is called in by his boss to retrieve an adult that is about to experience his first Turn, he is ready and willing to do whatever he needs to help but Tate gets much more than he bargained for or wants.
When Tate and Adrian meet the chemistry is obvious. Both men are attracted but Tate is determined to do his job and help Adrian through his Turn. When Tate realized that he and Adrian share a Turn Bond, he is wary because there is a physical attraction the men share and though most Turn Bonds remain platonic, there’s has a chance to become more.
I liked the take on the Turn Bond with this story. It was something new to me and I like that a bond can be formed that is just a bond during this emotional and tough time with two people. I am a suck for the fated mate trope so when the Bond doesn’t go away in a matter of days like it should, Tate, Adrian and the other staff member at Camp H.O.W.L realize this Turn Bond is of the mythical variety called Moonmates. Ahh Moonmates, basically fated mates with a sort of Romeo and Juliet twist as Moonmates are usually from rival Packs. Well, that kind of make sense when we learn that Tate is Packless and why.
Tate didn’t have a happy childhood. His dad/Alpha was and still is an asshole to those under him and he is also a polygamist to boost. I was shocked to read all that his dad did and then I was kinda also shocked it was in the blurb because it hit me hard when Tate talks about it and why all his father had done affects how he views pack and really his thoughts on Moonmates. But Moonmates are supposed to be the perfect compliment to what you are missing and Tate and Adrian have been missing each other.
I liked that the story took time with these two as well though I find nothing wrong with fated mates claiming one another instantly. It’s what makes the trope hot. But this wasn’t about two wolves, this was about a wolf and a wolfling who has resigned himself to being nothing but a human among wolves who now has to learn everything from scratch. It made sense for them to take it slow as Adrian learned how to control his wolf though I like his wolves senses, even if what he hears through the walls is wrong.
Oh but the UST with Adrian and Tate was delicious. With that wolf sense of smell and how they react to one another I was in heaven. I knew the payoff of the waiting would be worth it and I wasn’t wrong. The couple is amazing and truly adorable as only Moonmates can be.
An added plus is the author writes the men in shifted form to be so CUTE! Sorry, it took me a long time to even read a shifter story but now I love it when they are in their shift and playful as their animal but still them. I adored that Tate didn't’ see himself in wolf form as something special and then seeing him through Adrian’s eyes… le sigh.
The only thing that makes this not a five heart read for me is that quick ending shifting to the epilogue. I thought we’d get a bit more about them deciding on their life together and I would have loved to read Tate meeting Adrian’s mom. That epilogue was really rushed though I get they were happy Maybe it’s just me wanting more of the story but with all the building toward them truly becoming Moonmates with accepting all that it means, I feel a little let down by the end.
But this was still fun and sweet and sexy. It had a few laugh out loud moments for me as well as some swoony one and ones that had me cringing with embarrassment. Most of all, it was a lovely romance built on the idea that there is the perfect person out there for you and you’ll find them when you least expect it.
See SRAL's review on the blog.
Tag team Review withSRAL!
Adrian Rothschild turned twenty-seven yesterday. Before last night, he had never exhibited any signs of the Turn. His Pack had accepted the fact that he was human— until now.
This was a fun and refreshing take on the werewolf trope.
We meet Adrian on his 27th birthday that he is being forced to celebrate. For Adrian, it’s a pretty melancholy day as it’s a reminder that he never had his Turn - into a wolf - during his second puberty on his 19th birthday. With his mother being not only the Alpha of his pack but a highly respected Alpha who sits on the Werewolf Tribunal, Adrian is an embarrassment to his pack though they still love him because he’s family. When Adrian goes out of town for business the night of the full moon, he begins to exhibit symptoms of heightened awareness he thinks are illness related until he passes out because his body is preparing for the Turn.
Tate Lewis is a psychologist who works at Camp H.O.W.L , a “camp” designed to help new wolflings not only through their first Turn but how to control the shift from wolf to human and not do so out in public. Werewolves are still a kept secret in polite society in this book and these wolfings need guidance to know what could lead to a possible outing of their kind and a downfall of epic proportions. When Tate is called in by his boss to retrieve an adult that is about to experience his first Turn, he is ready and willing to do whatever he needs to help but Tate gets much more than he bargained for or wants.
On paper, Camp H.O.W.L. was a private juvenile detention and rehabilitation center for troubled teens.
Which was actually true, after a fashion. They were just troubled by a furry change instead of legal or emotional problems. Even the camp name had a human cover story. The acronym stood for Honor, Obligation, Willpower, and Loyalty. All traits that would serve a miscreant human teenager and a werewolf equally well.
When Tate and Adrian meet the chemistry is obvious. Both men are attracted but Tate is determined to do his job and help Adrian through his Turn. When Tate realized that he and Adrian share a Turn Bond, he is wary because there is a physical attraction the men share and though most Turn Bonds remain platonic, there’s has a chance to become more.
I liked the take on the Turn Bond with this story. It was something new to me and I like that a bond can be formed that is just a bond during this emotional and tough time with two people. I am a suck for the fated mate trope so when the Bond doesn’t go away in a matter of days like it should, Tate, Adrian and the other staff member at Camp H.O.W.L realize this Turn Bond is of the mythical variety called Moonmates. Ahh Moonmates, basically fated mates with a sort of Romeo and Juliet twist as Moonmates are usually from rival Packs. Well, that kind of make sense when we learn that Tate is Packless and why.
Everything else is important because it’s part of your story, but it’s not our story. Our story started with the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen walking into a hospital room when I was scraped up, dirty, and wearing an assless gown. And he looked at me and found something he hadn’t known he was missing.
Tate didn’t have a happy childhood. His dad/Alpha was and still is an asshole to those under him and he is also a polygamist to boost. I was shocked to read all that his dad did and then I was kinda also shocked it was in the blurb because it hit me hard when Tate talks about it and why all his father had done affects how he views pack and really his thoughts on Moonmates. But Moonmates are supposed to be the perfect compliment to what you are missing and Tate and Adrian have been missing each other.
I liked that the story took time with these two as well though I find nothing wrong with fated mates claiming one another instantly. It’s what makes the trope hot. But this wasn’t about two wolves, this was about a wolf and a wolfling who has resigned himself to being nothing but a human among wolves who now has to learn everything from scratch. It made sense for them to take it slow as Adrian learned how to control his wolf though I like his wolves senses, even if what he hears through the walls is wrong.
Oh but the UST with Adrian and Tate was delicious. With that wolf sense of smell and how they react to one another I was in heaven. I knew the payoff of the waiting would be worth it and I wasn’t wrong. The couple is amazing and truly adorable as only Moonmates can be.
An added plus is the author writes the men in shifted form to be so CUTE! Sorry, it took me a long time to even read a shifter story but now I love it when they are in their shift and playful as their animal but still them. I adored that Tate didn't’ see himself in wolf form as something special and then seeing him through Adrian’s eyes… le sigh.
The only thing that makes this not a five heart read for me is that quick ending shifting to the epilogue. I thought we’d get a bit more about them deciding on their life together and I would have loved to read Tate meeting Adrian’s mom. That epilogue was really rushed though I get they were happy Maybe it’s just me wanting more of the story but with all the building toward them truly becoming Moonmates with accepting all that it means, I feel a little let down by the end.
But this was still fun and sweet and sexy. It had a few laugh out loud moments for me as well as some swoony one and ones that had me cringing with embarrassment. Most of all, it was a lovely romance built on the idea that there is the perfect person out there for you and you’ll find them when you least expect it.
See SRAL's review on the blog.
December 27, 2020
It's Christmas and this was a seasonal giveaway so it can have a generous 2*
At first the writing didn't work for me, I get it's first in a series and the world building needs to be conveyed but every short sentence was explained, I felt I was being slowly led through the story. Beyond that there's zero chemistry, zero personality, zero happening.
They meet and boom moonbond. Spend the rest of the book resisting it due to some trauma that's never expounded on enough to have relevance, while the few other named characters encourage them to have sex and set them up so they have sex. They eventually masturbate and it's the best ever from that moment on.... Everyone at this point steps in to ensure they have a smooth hea, and any big drama trauma that could have spoiled this is completely forgotten.
We don't see any interacting beyond the oooo bond-feels which is creepy dependency as neither have a developed personality.
Wolfling (and the terms were more grating than cute) Ryan almost seemed like someone with an actual story but alas he was reduced to a catalyst for the bond and enabler for the future hea.
Found it boring and a struggle to finish.
At first the writing didn't work for me, I get it's first in a series and the world building needs to be conveyed but every short sentence was explained, I felt I was being slowly led through the story. Beyond that there's zero chemistry, zero personality, zero happening.
They meet and boom moonbond. Spend the rest of the book resisting it due to some trauma that's never expounded on enough to have relevance, while the few other named characters encourage them to have sex and set them up so they have sex. They eventually masturbate and it's the best ever from that moment on.... Everyone at this point steps in to ensure they have a smooth hea, and any big drama trauma that could have spoiled this is completely forgotten.
We don't see any interacting beyond the oooo bond-feels which is creepy dependency as neither have a developed personality.
Wolfling (and the terms were more grating than cute) Ryan almost seemed like someone with an actual story but alas he was reduced to a catalyst for the bond and enabler for the future hea.
Found it boring and a struggle to finish.
October 23, 2017
Rounded up to 3.5.
Blurb sums up the premise of the story quite accurately, so I won’t rehash.
This was an enjoyable, slightly different take on the “Mate” aspect in paranormal/werewolf/shifter stories with the idea of Moonmates. That for some wolves, there might be a perfect complement somewhere in the world. It’s a special, rare bond, that every other werewolf couple seems to have.
There we have my first tiny complaint – this Moonmate is legendary, rare, and unusual, yet I think there were at least three other couples mentioned as having the bond (not including/counting Tate’s father).
Rareness aside, I liked the romantic dance between Adrian and Tate. Tate, counselor, understands the hormonal and emotional dynamics of a first Turn like nobody else. I appreciated how the author drew on that werewolf psychology when Tate was called on to work with Adrian. Tate knows how wolflings (I liked that term so much better than ‘Pups’) can form attachments during this time, all his training and experience understands the see-saw effect, but yet, he isn’t prepared for the growing attraction to Adrian.
What I also appreciated was the relatively slow (it was a month) evolution into coupledom. One of my biggest complaints with shifter books is the immediate declaration of “MATE!” and then they screw like little bunnies the rest of the book. Again, the author adroitly avoided this trope and we had a romantic dance that involved chats with other camp counselors to gain advise and personality insight.
Where I became a bit impatient with Tate and Adrian was in some of the repetitive conversations or repeated concepts. Several times I was muttering, “we already said this!”
As I noted, I did enjoyed this story as the author avoided some overused shifter tropes. Camp H.O.W.L was an interesting idea (tho why only for rich wolves kinda bothered me) and Tate and Adrian’s romance was nicely spooled out within the parameters of the camp setting.
Overall, A sweet and refreshing read about finding – and accepting - ones soul mate.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Blurb sums up the premise of the story quite accurately, so I won’t rehash.
This was an enjoyable, slightly different take on the “Mate” aspect in paranormal/werewolf/shifter stories with the idea of Moonmates. That for some wolves, there might be a perfect complement somewhere in the world. It’s a special, rare bond, that every other werewolf couple seems to have.
There we have my first tiny complaint – this Moonmate is legendary, rare, and unusual, yet I think there were at least three other couples mentioned as having the bond (not including/counting Tate’s father).
Rareness aside, I liked the romantic dance between Adrian and Tate. Tate, counselor, understands the hormonal and emotional dynamics of a first Turn like nobody else. I appreciated how the author drew on that werewolf psychology when Tate was called on to work with Adrian. Tate knows how wolflings (I liked that term so much better than ‘Pups’) can form attachments during this time, all his training and experience understands the see-saw effect, but yet, he isn’t prepared for the growing attraction to Adrian.
What I also appreciated was the relatively slow (it was a month) evolution into coupledom. One of my biggest complaints with shifter books is the immediate declaration of “MATE!” and then they screw like little bunnies the rest of the book. Again, the author adroitly avoided this trope and we had a romantic dance that involved chats with other camp counselors to gain advise and personality insight.
Where I became a bit impatient with Tate and Adrian was in some of the repetitive conversations or repeated concepts. Several times I was muttering, “we already said this!”
As I noted, I did enjoyed this story as the author avoided some overused shifter tropes. Camp H.O.W.L was an interesting idea (tho why only for rich wolves kinda bothered me) and Tate and Adrian’s romance was nicely spooled out within the parameters of the camp setting.
Overall, A sweet and refreshing read about finding – and accepting - ones soul mate.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
February 23, 2018
Updated for audiobook review:
Read Elizabeth’s audio review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Camp H.O.W.L. is both original and traditional in its approach to the werewolf genre. There are fated mates and moonlit shifts to be sure, but the idea of having a special camp for angsty teen wolves is clever and amusing. It’s hard enough to be a teenager, but when you add the concept of a first shifting experience to that same situation, things get crazy. The author does a good job of setting a time and place for the camp and to define its ultimate goal of helping young wolves make the transition from childhood to adulthood. I would have actually enjoyed a greater exploration of this because it seemed to have so much more potential than the author actual displayed.
Tate and Adrian are both fairly well developed characters and there is a real sense of distress as Adrian’s body begins to betray him. Yes, he always wanted to shift, but now after so many years, he’s moved past the pain of being left behind, or at least he does a decent job of hiding it. Now he has to wrap his brain around the fact that once again his genetics have a mind of their own and he is bound to their mercy. Tate’s attraction to and distancing from Adrian is also portrayed well. He wants to be in love, but given how long he has been away from a pack, forced to live alone, it isn’t so simple. They make a good couple, even when they’re trying to avoid the inevitable.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
Read Elizabeth’s audio review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Camp H.O.W.L. is both original and traditional in its approach to the werewolf genre. There are fated mates and moonlit shifts to be sure, but the idea of having a special camp for angsty teen wolves is clever and amusing. It’s hard enough to be a teenager, but when you add the concept of a first shifting experience to that same situation, things get crazy. The author does a good job of setting a time and place for the camp and to define its ultimate goal of helping young wolves make the transition from childhood to adulthood. I would have actually enjoyed a greater exploration of this because it seemed to have so much more potential than the author actual displayed.
Tate and Adrian are both fairly well developed characters and there is a real sense of distress as Adrian’s body begins to betray him. Yes, he always wanted to shift, but now after so many years, he’s moved past the pain of being left behind, or at least he does a decent job of hiding it. Now he has to wrap his brain around the fact that once again his genetics have a mind of their own and he is bound to their mercy. Tate’s attraction to and distancing from Adrian is also portrayed well. He wants to be in love, but given how long he has been away from a pack, forced to live alone, it isn’t so simple. They make a good couple, even when they’re trying to avoid the inevitable.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
October 7, 2018
2.5 stars
It’s a Dreamspun book, so...
It’s a Dreamspun book, so...
June 11, 2018
The idea of true mates, or “moonmates in this particular shifter world, is one that fascinates me. But it isn’t the only element that is part of this entertaining variation on a well-known theme. There is the fact that shifters have a formal first Turn after puberty, on the first full moon after their nineteenth birthday. There are packs and pack politics, bigots and supremacists even within the shifter society, and issues around shifters staying hidden at all costs. Add a twist that plagues one of the main characters – a delayed Turn – and you have the ingredients for a very exciting adventure in what looks to be a fabulous new series.
Adrian, at twenty-seven, believes he is human since his Turn never happened. In a family of what is practically werewolf royalty, that is not a good thing. He feels left out now that they have given up on him ever shifting and no longer include him in Pack ceremonies. So it is understandable that he has no idea what is happening when symptoms of the Turn show up totally out of the blue. Being rushed to the camp, where he is eight years older than the other attendees, is a shock and without much of a chance to bond with anyone to help him through the experience, things start out looking rather bleak.
Tate is a counselor at the camp, without a Pack since running from a polygamist father, and very good at his job. He handles rebellious, stressed-out teenagers on a daily basis and loves helping them through getting acquainted with their wolfy side. Confronting Adrian, who is anything but a teenager, and his intense attraction to him is not exactly easy for Tate. He tries to get out of being assigned to him in a professional capacity, but Adrian only responds to him, so there isn’t much choice.
Camp H.O.W.L. is a very unique place. There are similarities with summer camp and meditation retreats, but the whole shifter element makes it more mysterious and a little secretive. I loved learning about all the things they counselors need to look out for, but watching Adrian and Tate get to know each other, deal with their shock of discovering they are moonmates, and watching them fall in love was a special treat.
If you like werewolf romances with a twist, if two strangers who are mysteriously bonded beyond what is normal are your thing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read set in a well-developed paranormal version of our reality, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Adrian, at twenty-seven, believes he is human since his Turn never happened. In a family of what is practically werewolf royalty, that is not a good thing. He feels left out now that they have given up on him ever shifting and no longer include him in Pack ceremonies. So it is understandable that he has no idea what is happening when symptoms of the Turn show up totally out of the blue. Being rushed to the camp, where he is eight years older than the other attendees, is a shock and without much of a chance to bond with anyone to help him through the experience, things start out looking rather bleak.
Tate is a counselor at the camp, without a Pack since running from a polygamist father, and very good at his job. He handles rebellious, stressed-out teenagers on a daily basis and loves helping them through getting acquainted with their wolfy side. Confronting Adrian, who is anything but a teenager, and his intense attraction to him is not exactly easy for Tate. He tries to get out of being assigned to him in a professional capacity, but Adrian only responds to him, so there isn’t much choice.
Camp H.O.W.L. is a very unique place. There are similarities with summer camp and meditation retreats, but the whole shifter element makes it more mysterious and a little secretive. I loved learning about all the things they counselors need to look out for, but watching Adrian and Tate get to know each other, deal with their shock of discovering they are moonmates, and watching them fall in love was a special treat.
If you like werewolf romances with a twist, if two strangers who are mysteriously bonded beyond what is normal are your thing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read set in a well-developed paranormal version of our reality, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
July 20, 2018
Needed more...
Not a bad quick read. Liked the idea of Camp Howl, but the story seemed to lag in certain areas.
Not a bad quick read. Liked the idea of Camp Howl, but the story seemed to lag in certain areas.
June 9, 2019
Three and a half stars, rounded down.
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November 26, 2017
I was intrigued by the blurb and enjoyed the leading up to the MCs first shift in the midst of unsuspecting human society setting. But when the MC is enrolled in the camp, the story turned into a disappointment. I'm not a fan of early acknowledgment of mutual love between MCs, and have them still resisting being together unless there is a good reason in the story to continue to keep them apart. In this book any credible reason why they shouldn't happily enter into a relationship was sorely lacking, or was too quickly overcome by inconsistencies in the storyline for me to enjoy the plot.
Read
October 1, 2024Giving up on this one. Major pacing problems. After two short chapters to introduce each MC, this has all been about Adrian's first change. I'm at 34% and we're still only part way into his shifting. And there's a lot of exposition. A lot. I'm tired of being told stuff, I want stuff to actually start happening. DNF
March 18, 2018
Audiobook review by Christian
Adrian is a 27 year old human who was supposed to turn werewolf at 19. Tate is a camp therapist who is estranged from his pack. Camp H.O.W.L. is an expensive place where wolflings can go to get help during and after their first shifts. There are a lot of things to get used to as a new wolf. When Adrian passes out in the middle of a crosswalk the day of a full moon, he meets Tate in the hospital and they both feel an instant connection with each other.
Tate helps Adrian. He helps him through his first shift, getting around the camp, how to control his further shifts and to control his new heightened senses. They both have heard the term “moonmate” before, but neither of them believe in such fairytales. As their bond strengthens, the notion of a moonmate gets more real by the day. But Tate has a past that he keeps hidden, his family is worse than anyone has imagined. Can Tate get past his father’s tyranny and his former pack’s ways?
This book had me from the very beginning. This is my first book by Bru Baker; I will definitely be getting more books by the author! For me, this was written perfectly. It was intriguing and I have never read a shifter book like this… ever. I am really glad the book is both from Tate’s and Adrian’s point of views. It’s very interesting to see both point of views with the bond and the turning. This book goes into so much about how to get through this crucial point in a young werewolf’s life, it was very well planned and thought out.
Tate is a really smart therapist and is good with the teens at the camp. Adrian works hard at keeping himself under control and surprises Tate at times with how smart he is since Tate is never really around any over 20 werelings. There isn’t much sex in the book, but there is a lot of sexual tension. I got frustrated with Tate sometimes and wanted him to get his head out of his butt and go after what he really wanted with Adrian. But once they actually are together they are wonderful mates. The bonded pull towards each other and the love are real.
I have listened to a few narrations by Dorian Bane before and he always does really well. I feel like this book was one of his better narrations. He has wonderful diction and crazy inflection (in a good way). I stopped listening to his voice and actually heard the character’s voices instead. He does wonderfully distinguishing characters from others. He did have to do a lot of different voices. Women’s, older males, teen voices, and accents. They all were different and amazing. Sometimes it sounds like he gets a little over excited on the parts where the characters get excited, but it didn’t bother me too much. Instead Dorian made me chuckle as he made me imagine the characters thought that way or spoke that way also.
All in all the book was really good, I was really excited to review it and tell everyone to go listen to it or read it! It was cute, funny and heartwarming. I wish it were a bit longer or that there would be a sequel to it, maybe with some different Camp H.O.W.L. leaders or teens. I definitely want to read more about this part of the world!!
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Adrian is a 27 year old human who was supposed to turn werewolf at 19. Tate is a camp therapist who is estranged from his pack. Camp H.O.W.L. is an expensive place where wolflings can go to get help during and after their first shifts. There are a lot of things to get used to as a new wolf. When Adrian passes out in the middle of a crosswalk the day of a full moon, he meets Tate in the hospital and they both feel an instant connection with each other.
Tate helps Adrian. He helps him through his first shift, getting around the camp, how to control his further shifts and to control his new heightened senses. They both have heard the term “moonmate” before, but neither of them believe in such fairytales. As their bond strengthens, the notion of a moonmate gets more real by the day. But Tate has a past that he keeps hidden, his family is worse than anyone has imagined. Can Tate get past his father’s tyranny and his former pack’s ways?
This book had me from the very beginning. This is my first book by Bru Baker; I will definitely be getting more books by the author! For me, this was written perfectly. It was intriguing and I have never read a shifter book like this… ever. I am really glad the book is both from Tate’s and Adrian’s point of views. It’s very interesting to see both point of views with the bond and the turning. This book goes into so much about how to get through this crucial point in a young werewolf’s life, it was very well planned and thought out.
Tate is a really smart therapist and is good with the teens at the camp. Adrian works hard at keeping himself under control and surprises Tate at times with how smart he is since Tate is never really around any over 20 werelings. There isn’t much sex in the book, but there is a lot of sexual tension. I got frustrated with Tate sometimes and wanted him to get his head out of his butt and go after what he really wanted with Adrian. But once they actually are together they are wonderful mates. The bonded pull towards each other and the love are real.
I have listened to a few narrations by Dorian Bane before and he always does really well. I feel like this book was one of his better narrations. He has wonderful diction and crazy inflection (in a good way). I stopped listening to his voice and actually heard the character’s voices instead. He does wonderfully distinguishing characters from others. He did have to do a lot of different voices. Women’s, older males, teen voices, and accents. They all were different and amazing. Sometimes it sounds like he gets a little over excited on the parts where the characters get excited, but it didn’t bother me too much. Instead Dorian made me chuckle as he made me imagine the characters thought that way or spoke that way also.
All in all the book was really good, I was really excited to review it and tell everyone to go listen to it or read it! It was cute, funny and heartwarming. I wish it were a bit longer or that there would be a sequel to it, maybe with some different Camp H.O.W.L. leaders or teens. I definitely want to read more about this part of the world!!
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 2, 2017
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2017/11/01/revi...
I loved Camp H.O.W.L. by Bru Baker. It’s the seventh book in the Dreamspun Beyond series. It’s a standalone book. The story is well written, nicely developed, and has interesting characters. T
his is the first time that I have read a book by this author, but it won’t be the last because it was awesome. This story is a very slow burn which slightly surprised me since Adrian and Tate are moonmates—think fated mates. But Tate has come from an abusive past and pack, and as a result has become a little bit of a hermit while being one of the camp psychologists at Camp H.O.W.L.
He’s also used to helping ease the transition for young werewolves, and part of that transition is for a young werewolf to form a Turn bond with another young werewolf. But when the Camp director gets a call about a werewolf in the hospital that is about to go through the Turn, she sends Tate and another counselor to go and get him before he turns at the hospital. But Tate wasn’t expecting to find a twenty-seven-year-old adult or that he was his moonmate. Because of his upbringing, Tate doesn’t trust his feelings and tries to get the director to pair Tate up with another counselor but Adrian has already formed a Turning bond with him, and so Adrian moves into Tate’s guest room. And for the next month will learn how to control his shifts and work through his feelings for Tate.
For Adrian, this is all new to him. When he skipped his werewolf puberty at nineteen, he assumed he was human. And the five doctors that his mother brought in confirmed it. And for eight years, he has lived with the disappointment from his mother, the Alpha of the Portland pack, and the rest of his pack. So when his birthday rolls around, he makes sure that he is out of town for work, so he doesn’t have to suffer through another birthday celebration that only reminds him of his failure to be a werewolf. So when he doesn’t feel well on his birthday, he only thinks that he’s coming down with the flu, not that he could finally be going through the Turn. And he ends up in the hospital when he passes out on the street.
And he ends up at Camp H.O.W.L. where he finds that he’s attracted to the psychologist that came to get him. Now Adrian will have to learn how to control his shifts and emotions and how to deal with feeling Tate’s emotions and feelings also through their bond.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
I loved Camp H.O.W.L. by Bru Baker. It’s the seventh book in the Dreamspun Beyond series. It’s a standalone book. The story is well written, nicely developed, and has interesting characters. T
his is the first time that I have read a book by this author, but it won’t be the last because it was awesome. This story is a very slow burn which slightly surprised me since Adrian and Tate are moonmates—think fated mates. But Tate has come from an abusive past and pack, and as a result has become a little bit of a hermit while being one of the camp psychologists at Camp H.O.W.L.
He’s also used to helping ease the transition for young werewolves, and part of that transition is for a young werewolf to form a Turn bond with another young werewolf. But when the Camp director gets a call about a werewolf in the hospital that is about to go through the Turn, she sends Tate and another counselor to go and get him before he turns at the hospital. But Tate wasn’t expecting to find a twenty-seven-year-old adult or that he was his moonmate. Because of his upbringing, Tate doesn’t trust his feelings and tries to get the director to pair Tate up with another counselor but Adrian has already formed a Turning bond with him, and so Adrian moves into Tate’s guest room. And for the next month will learn how to control his shifts and work through his feelings for Tate.
For Adrian, this is all new to him. When he skipped his werewolf puberty at nineteen, he assumed he was human. And the five doctors that his mother brought in confirmed it. And for eight years, he has lived with the disappointment from his mother, the Alpha of the Portland pack, and the rest of his pack. So when his birthday rolls around, he makes sure that he is out of town for work, so he doesn’t have to suffer through another birthday celebration that only reminds him of his failure to be a werewolf. So when he doesn’t feel well on his birthday, he only thinks that he’s coming down with the flu, not that he could finally be going through the Turn. And he ends up in the hospital when he passes out on the street.
And he ends up at Camp H.O.W.L. where he finds that he’s attracted to the psychologist that came to get him. Now Adrian will have to learn how to control his shifts and emotions and how to deal with feeling Tate’s emotions and feelings also through their bond.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
November 3, 2017
All wolves know finding your moonmate is almost impossible, but sometimes that is the easy part…
Adrian Rothschild never expected to hit his “puberty” at the ripe age of twenty-eight… but somehow it happens. After spending the last ten years believing he was a failure, his late puberty turns him into a chaotic mess of feelings… And the only one who seems to calm him is Tate Lewis. His wolf has bonded with the sexy monitor, but although Tate reciprocates, he is reluctant to act on it. Tate is an oddity in himself. Born to a cruel pack and a manipulative father, Tate has managed to escape and is now a lone wolf, without allegiances. He firmly believes being alone is being safe, and it is going to take a lot of convincing to make him change his mind… Not that Adrian is going to give up easily…
So. Where to start. On the one hand, I really liked the idea behind the story. The camp where young werewolves went to deal with the change, to learn to live with their new nature is really good. I think Camp H.O.W.L. and the relationships of the youngsters living there would be an interesting book in in itself. Besides I loved the idea of somebody having to deal with a late puberty, once you are an adult and have an organised life, and how it would affect your reactions and your relationships with those around you. But I think both ideas, which were fresh and enticing, where left aside in favour of exploring the moonmante link and Tate’s issues about it. And that’s the problem. Because Tate’s resistance to consummate the link felt somehow dragged and was becoming tiresome by the end…
Anyway, I enjoyed the style and the secondary stories as much as the main one. It provides us with some new perspectives on shifters I had not considered before. And that makes it worth your time.
Recommendable
Adrian Rothschild never expected to hit his “puberty” at the ripe age of twenty-eight… but somehow it happens. After spending the last ten years believing he was a failure, his late puberty turns him into a chaotic mess of feelings… And the only one who seems to calm him is Tate Lewis. His wolf has bonded with the sexy monitor, but although Tate reciprocates, he is reluctant to act on it. Tate is an oddity in himself. Born to a cruel pack and a manipulative father, Tate has managed to escape and is now a lone wolf, without allegiances. He firmly believes being alone is being safe, and it is going to take a lot of convincing to make him change his mind… Not that Adrian is going to give up easily…
So. Where to start. On the one hand, I really liked the idea behind the story. The camp where young werewolves went to deal with the change, to learn to live with their new nature is really good. I think Camp H.O.W.L. and the relationships of the youngsters living there would be an interesting book in in itself. Besides I loved the idea of somebody having to deal with a late puberty, once you are an adult and have an organised life, and how it would affect your reactions and your relationships with those around you. But I think both ideas, which were fresh and enticing, where left aside in favour of exploring the moonmante link and Tate’s issues about it. And that’s the problem. Because Tate’s resistance to consummate the link felt somehow dragged and was becoming tiresome by the end…
Anyway, I enjoyed the style and the secondary stories as much as the main one. It provides us with some new perspectives on shifters I had not considered before. And that makes it worth your time.
Recommendable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2018
3.5 stars I really enjoyed this audio book. Narration was paced well with a good variety of voices, and I ended up listening to this over the course of only 1 day (although I should have taken 2, I was a little burnt out by the end).
I was hoping for a little more wrap up and closure at the end. We did get an epilogue, which I appreciated, but it addressed some serious issues that I wish we had gotten to see play out . The whole book pretty much takes place and Camp H.O.W.L. (Which makes sense for Adrian’s turn) but I would have liked the book to extend a little further than it did.
I often complain that books try to cram in too muchplot and villains, but I was a little surprised we didn’t get more turmoil here . I will say the lack of drama is always nice, I was glad that there wasn't relationship drama.
Despite Tate’s turmoil and flip flopping on accepting a relationship with Adrian, it didn’t feel too dramatic and emotional. They talked through things a lot, and Tate was actually very open about his feelings and where he was coming from.
We got one steamy frontage scene, I do have to admit that I was hoping we’d get one more and it would go a little further. But again, I was blazing through this and should have paced a little better.
I enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it in audio version. The world building is unique to other shifter books I’ve read and it was fun to read something a little different.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I was hoping for a little more wrap up and closure at the end. We did get an epilogue, which I appreciated, but it addressed some serious issues that I wish we had gotten to see play out . The whole book pretty much takes place and Camp H.O.W.L. (Which makes sense for Adrian’s turn) but I would have liked the book to extend a little further than it did.
I often complain that books try to cram in too muchplot and villains, but I was a little surprised we didn’t get more turmoil here . I will say the lack of drama is always nice, I was glad that there wasn't relationship drama.
Despite Tate’s turmoil and flip flopping on accepting a relationship with Adrian, it didn’t feel too dramatic and emotional. They talked through things a lot, and Tate was actually very open about his feelings and where he was coming from.
We got one steamy frontage scene, I do have to admit that I was hoping we’d get one more and it would go a little further. But again, I was blazing through this and should have paced a little better.
I enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it in audio version. The world building is unique to other shifter books I’ve read and it was fun to read something a little different.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
November 1, 2017
I read this book in one setting and I loved it.Tate was a bit of a character that was hard for me to like. He was scared of committing and with his past this was understandable but went on to long. The world the author created was wonderful. I loved it. The different take on the shifter dynamic and rules were so different and fresh from the usual way it is portrayed in books and film. This is the first time I have read a book from this author and I can't wait to read another. This book definitely earned all five stars.
October 15, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounded down
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was how original the idea of a camp to teach young werewolves how to control their shifts was. And how it was different for Adrian because he didn't have his Turn at 19 like all the other wolves, his came 8 years later. So he's away from home, isolated from his pack, thinking he's not a true part of them when he collapses.
In order to preserve the sanctity of their way of life, secrecy is important. So once it becomes clear Adrian is starting his Turn instead of sick with the flu, his Alpha calls on Camp H.O.W.L. for assistance. Tate is a licensed counselor working there and he feels a connection to Adrian as soon as they meet. Now, he has a bad past and he doesn't want anything to do with a Turnmate or a Moonmate so he does his best to stay aloof almost even at Adrian's expense. He does bend some when he sees how much this will hurt Adrian.
Tate continues to fight the bond throughout the story right up until almost the end when he doesn't. Then the end is an epilogue which I found quite abrupt considering Tate's refusal to accept their bond all throughout the rest of the book. I didn't feel like these two had some great and lasting love even though I did enjoy reading about Adrian's experience with his first Turn.
3.5 rounded down
One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was how original the idea of a camp to teach young werewolves how to control their shifts was. And how it was different for Adrian because he didn't have his Turn at 19 like all the other wolves, his came 8 years later. So he's away from home, isolated from his pack, thinking he's not a true part of them when he collapses.
In order to preserve the sanctity of their way of life, secrecy is important. So once it becomes clear Adrian is starting his Turn instead of sick with the flu, his Alpha calls on Camp H.O.W.L. for assistance. Tate is a licensed counselor working there and he feels a connection to Adrian as soon as they meet. Now, he has a bad past and he doesn't want anything to do with a Turnmate or a Moonmate so he does his best to stay aloof almost even at Adrian's expense. He does bend some when he sees how much this will hurt Adrian.
Tate continues to fight the bond throughout the story right up until almost the end when he doesn't. Then the end is an epilogue which I found quite abrupt considering Tate's refusal to accept their bond all throughout the rest of the book. I didn't feel like these two had some great and lasting love even though I did enjoy reading about Adrian's experience with his first Turn.
Read
November 5, 2017Dropped at 30% because it's not my type of werewolf book.
January 1, 2019
audio; I just couldn't understand Tate's issue and wanted him to get over it already!
January 28, 2025
I continue to be super excited about Dreamspinner Press’s latest house line ‘Dreamspun Beyond’ which are stories of a paranormal bent in the old-school Harlequin and Silhouette models. The description for ‘Camp H.O.W.L.’ pulled me right in - I loved the idea of werewolves going to camp to learn to control their shifts to prevent accidentally outing themselves to humans - and since Bru Baker is a new-to-me author I was more than ready to jump into the worldbuilding.
In this world, wolflings turn the first time on the full moon following their nineteenth birthday. All of them do. Always. Except Adrian. He didn’t shift when he was supposed to and after consulting four doctors it was determined to be some kind of quirk of his genetics. So, in essence, Adrian is human, regardless that his mother is alpha of the Pacific Northwest’s werewolves and head of the West Coast Werewolf Tribunal. All of his siblings shift, it’s just Adrian who is different, and he carries that weight on his shoulders every single day. So, imagine Adrian’s surprise when the day after his twenty-seventh birthday, while he’s in Indianapolis on business, out of the blue he begins the Turn, or a werewolf second puberty, which prepares their body to shift for the first time. Luckily for him, Camp H.O.W.L. is close enough that they can send two counselors to get him before his first full shift occurs.
Tate has been a counselor at the camp for almost ten years and is a packless wolf, a relatively rare occurrence in their world, but once I knew everything he had endured at his old pack with his father as alpha, I could certainly understand why he chose to break ties with them. It also explains his fear of commitment and roots, plus the many issues he keeps hidden away. Tate and Adrian are attracted to one another immediately, and Adrian forms a bondmate relationship with Tate. A bondmate usually occurs between two campers and more often than not, is a friendship versus a sexual relationship, although those are not discouraged. It is a way for each wolfling to feel safe and secure with another during their full moon shifts.
“You can talk about rules and distance all you want, but the fact of the matter is you two share a deeper connection than a simple Turn bond can account for. For your bond to be this intense without consummation….” She trailed off and offered him a small, apologetic smile. “It’s something out of a fairy tale.”
I was absolutely gobsmacked by the fabulous - and completely realistic - way the author wrote, not only the entire story, but specifically the burgeoning romance between Tate and Adrian. There was obvious insta-attraction on both sides and their Turn bond certainly was stronger and had all of the obvious hallmarks of a moonmate, but they didn’t jump straight into sex. Tate has a number of issues from childhood and having a relationship, of any kind, but particularly one this strong, is terrifying for him. He and Adrian are so very different in many ways. Adrian had a happy, loving, wonderful childhood, and Tate’s was a horror story. Even after leaving his pack and severing his ties, there were so many things he had to learn to do, because his misogynistic alpha father believed in men’s work versus women’s work. A lot of Tate’s issues and concerns stem from learned ideologies that he continues to struggle with.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding the author did and I was fascinated by many aspects of it. I thought the relationship was done beautifully and all of the characters were interesting and complex. Where she lost me, just a tad, was Tate’s “big reveal” of his secret about his father’s pack that was, in my opinion, not that big of a reveal. The storyline fell a little flat for me right there, although this is only my opinion. There were also some parts of the ending that didn’t ring true for me but, again, this romance is in line with the genre created by Harlequin all those years ago, so I can’t complain. Plus, in my opinion, ‘Camp H.O.W.L.’ has some of the best worldbuilding I’ve seen in quite a while. The story and the writing don’t disappoint.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
In this world, wolflings turn the first time on the full moon following their nineteenth birthday. All of them do. Always. Except Adrian. He didn’t shift when he was supposed to and after consulting four doctors it was determined to be some kind of quirk of his genetics. So, in essence, Adrian is human, regardless that his mother is alpha of the Pacific Northwest’s werewolves and head of the West Coast Werewolf Tribunal. All of his siblings shift, it’s just Adrian who is different, and he carries that weight on his shoulders every single day. So, imagine Adrian’s surprise when the day after his twenty-seventh birthday, while he’s in Indianapolis on business, out of the blue he begins the Turn, or a werewolf second puberty, which prepares their body to shift for the first time. Luckily for him, Camp H.O.W.L. is close enough that they can send two counselors to get him before his first full shift occurs.
Tate has been a counselor at the camp for almost ten years and is a packless wolf, a relatively rare occurrence in their world, but once I knew everything he had endured at his old pack with his father as alpha, I could certainly understand why he chose to break ties with them. It also explains his fear of commitment and roots, plus the many issues he keeps hidden away. Tate and Adrian are attracted to one another immediately, and Adrian forms a bondmate relationship with Tate. A bondmate usually occurs between two campers and more often than not, is a friendship versus a sexual relationship, although those are not discouraged. It is a way for each wolfling to feel safe and secure with another during their full moon shifts.
“You can talk about rules and distance all you want, but the fact of the matter is you two share a deeper connection than a simple Turn bond can account for. For your bond to be this intense without consummation….” She trailed off and offered him a small, apologetic smile. “It’s something out of a fairy tale.”
I was absolutely gobsmacked by the fabulous - and completely realistic - way the author wrote, not only the entire story, but specifically the burgeoning romance between Tate and Adrian. There was obvious insta-attraction on both sides and their Turn bond certainly was stronger and had all of the obvious hallmarks of a moonmate, but they didn’t jump straight into sex. Tate has a number of issues from childhood and having a relationship, of any kind, but particularly one this strong, is terrifying for him. He and Adrian are so very different in many ways. Adrian had a happy, loving, wonderful childhood, and Tate’s was a horror story. Even after leaving his pack and severing his ties, there were so many things he had to learn to do, because his misogynistic alpha father believed in men’s work versus women’s work. A lot of Tate’s issues and concerns stem from learned ideologies that he continues to struggle with.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding the author did and I was fascinated by many aspects of it. I thought the relationship was done beautifully and all of the characters were interesting and complex. Where she lost me, just a tad, was Tate’s “big reveal” of his secret about his father’s pack that was, in my opinion, not that big of a reveal. The storyline fell a little flat for me right there, although this is only my opinion. There were also some parts of the ending that didn’t ring true for me but, again, this romance is in line with the genre created by Harlequin all those years ago, so I can’t complain. Plus, in my opinion, ‘Camp H.O.W.L.’ has some of the best worldbuilding I’ve seen in quite a while. The story and the writing don’t disappoint.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
December 9, 2021
Sometimes I don't understand ratings on Goodreads. This is a perfectly good - even above average - werewolf romance book (not a/b/o for what it's worth) yet its rating is criminally low. I suppose the main reason is due to the book being a bit of a slow burn, but that can be tied to one of the protagonists having a very messed up past (he grew up in a werewolf cult). I do think that the book could be a little more detailed - like, we see interesting world-building with the werewolf tribunal, werewolf camps, and so on, yet we don't see much else - like inside one of the protagonist's heads. I guess that's pretty much par for the course for most Dreamspinner books. Anyways, it's a good read. Recommended if you like instalove; slow burns; hurt/comfort; reasonable (not extreme) recovery; and lessons on using social media as a werewolf.
June 29, 2018
4.5 stars
I think I found another series to add to my favorite series list. I loved the idea of moonmates with these two. We had two males that basically treated each other and acted maturely. They actually communicated with each other, even when they had to take time to figure things out for themselves first. In other words, no manufactured angst to advance the plot. I love those books.
Adrian is a member of a werewolf family. All werewolves shift on the first new moon after their 19th birthday. All except Adrian, that is. He has lived with that fact for almost a decade, living his life as a human, working as the head of marketing for his family's big corporation. But for some reason, on his 27th birthday, he is feeling irritable and out of sorts. Everything is bothering him. Being in Indianapolis for meetings, he postpones his return trip to Portland so that he isn't flying on a full moon. Unfortunately, it isn't until later he figures out that his irritability is due to his Turn, after he has passed out in public.
Tate is a psychologist who works as a counselor in a high-end camp for werewolves going through their first turn. Getting an emergency call, he and another counselor rush to Indianapolis to collect Adrian and get him somewhere save before moonset. Immediately, both of these two guys realize there is something between them from the minute that they meet. Unfortunately, Tate's horrible childhood makes him fight the bond that is clearly developing between the two.
I loved both of these guys. Tate was such a good person/werewolf, and I loved seeing him in his psychologist/counselor mode with Adrian and other campers. His temperament was such a calming influence. And Adrian was another great guy. I loved how he was willing to sit back and give Tate the time to come to grips with what was happening between them.
I've already read Under a Blue Moon, but I would love to read more in this series. There are a number of secondary characters both in this book and Under a Blue Moon that would be worth exploring their stories.
I think I found another series to add to my favorite series list. I loved the idea of moonmates with these two. We had two males that basically treated each other and acted maturely. They actually communicated with each other, even when they had to take time to figure things out for themselves first. In other words, no manufactured angst to advance the plot. I love those books.
Adrian is a member of a werewolf family. All werewolves shift on the first new moon after their 19th birthday. All except Adrian, that is. He has lived with that fact for almost a decade, living his life as a human, working as the head of marketing for his family's big corporation. But for some reason, on his 27th birthday, he is feeling irritable and out of sorts. Everything is bothering him. Being in Indianapolis for meetings, he postpones his return trip to Portland so that he isn't flying on a full moon. Unfortunately, it isn't until later he figures out that his irritability is due to his Turn, after he has passed out in public.
Tate is a psychologist who works as a counselor in a high-end camp for werewolves going through their first turn. Getting an emergency call, he and another counselor rush to Indianapolis to collect Adrian and get him somewhere save before moonset. Immediately, both of these two guys realize there is something between them from the minute that they meet. Unfortunately, Tate's horrible childhood makes him fight the bond that is clearly developing between the two.
I loved both of these guys. Tate was such a good person/werewolf, and I loved seeing him in his psychologist/counselor mode with Adrian and other campers. His temperament was such a calming influence. And Adrian was another great guy. I loved how he was willing to sit back and give Tate the time to come to grips with what was happening between them.
I've already read Under a Blue Moon, but I would love to read more in this series. There are a number of secondary characters both in this book and Under a Blue Moon that would be worth exploring their stories.
November 1, 2017
Refreshingly Original
I've read hundreds of shifter romances and none of them had quite the same twists as this one. The world was interesting, the biological details were similar but different enough to be original, and the fated mates thing—while it exists here too—wasn't necessarily a done deal and happened slightly differently for these particular shifters than the usual.
I also enjoyed the fact that both MCs were outliers in their own communities, each for different reasons, but still. It was refreshing to have the comfort of the familiar with the intrigue of something new. I enjoyed this story as it was a bit of a slow burn between the MCs, moonmates or not. They each had some baggage lurking around and some obstacles to overcome to make things work together, but nothing so extreme as to take away from the character or relationship building.
I had no complaints about POV switches, word usage, vague or euphemistic sex scenes, a lack of meaningful intimacy or any of the myriad other things that sometimes characterize shifter romances. I should have a hard time justifying anything less than a 4-star rating, but to be honest, though unique, I didn't necessarily connect with the story in an evocative way. It was good, but not fantastic, well-written but not a particular stand-out, and even though I liked both MCs, I didn't really get an abundance of feelz out of the thing.
It wasn't boring, but it wasn't especially fantastic either. Camp H.O.W.L. was well-executed and a nice departure from the norm. I just won't be spinning cartwheels over it anytime soon. I recommend this read for folks who enjoy paranormal romance, are partial to shifters, and who are tired of the same ol', same ol'.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Camp H.O.W.L. provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
I've read hundreds of shifter romances and none of them had quite the same twists as this one. The world was interesting, the biological details were similar but different enough to be original, and the fated mates thing—while it exists here too—wasn't necessarily a done deal and happened slightly differently for these particular shifters than the usual.
I also enjoyed the fact that both MCs were outliers in their own communities, each for different reasons, but still. It was refreshing to have the comfort of the familiar with the intrigue of something new. I enjoyed this story as it was a bit of a slow burn between the MCs, moonmates or not. They each had some baggage lurking around and some obstacles to overcome to make things work together, but nothing so extreme as to take away from the character or relationship building.
I had no complaints about POV switches, word usage, vague or euphemistic sex scenes, a lack of meaningful intimacy or any of the myriad other things that sometimes characterize shifter romances. I should have a hard time justifying anything less than a 4-star rating, but to be honest, though unique, I didn't necessarily connect with the story in an evocative way. It was good, but not fantastic, well-written but not a particular stand-out, and even though I liked both MCs, I didn't really get an abundance of feelz out of the thing.
It wasn't boring, but it wasn't especially fantastic either. Camp H.O.W.L. was well-executed and a nice departure from the norm. I just won't be spinning cartwheels over it anytime soon. I recommend this read for folks who enjoy paranormal romance, are partial to shifters, and who are tired of the same ol', same ol'.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Camp H.O.W.L. provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
February 27, 2021
Good writers can take a trope and make it their own, make it original. TJ Klune took the werewolf trope and made it his own in "Wolfsong". Now, Bru Baker did the same thing with "Camp H.O.W.L." It's still a werewolf story with some of the standard elements but there's also originality, a sense of a new way to deal with those elements. It makes what could have been a standard story into an original story. I particularly liked the whole second puberty aspect. This feels like such a great analogy that I'm amazed it hasn't been done before but to my knowledge it hasn't and I've read more than my share of werewolf stories. I enjoyed the slow development of the relationship and liked the two main characters equally. I also liked the supporting characters. It seems a shame to limit this world and these characters to one story, so I hope there will be a sequel featuring these characters.
November 1, 2017
This was a shifter romance with a difference it was refreshing to read a shifter book where the focus isn't on a MC who is an alpha shifter stomping around with a surly attitude and having sex every second page.
This story is at times humourous, touching and sizzling hot due to the URST. The two MC's Tate and Adrian move back and forth between joy, sorrow, frustration, fear and desire as the story unfolds and the alternating POV means we experience it through their eyes. There are some great secondary characters as well who help add depth to the story.
This book focuses on the emotional connection between Tate and Adrian and although they are attracted to each other from the moment they meet they don't act on their attraction for quite a while.
I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing Tate and Adrian get their HEA
This story is at times humourous, touching and sizzling hot due to the URST. The two MC's Tate and Adrian move back and forth between joy, sorrow, frustration, fear and desire as the story unfolds and the alternating POV means we experience it through their eyes. There are some great secondary characters as well who help add depth to the story.
This book focuses on the emotional connection between Tate and Adrian and although they are attracted to each other from the moment they meet they don't act on their attraction for quite a while.
I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing Tate and Adrian get their HEA
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