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The Werewolf Count and the Trickster Tailor (Novel) #1
The Werewolf Count and the Trickster Tailor
“I don’t care if you are a man, let me court you.”
Rock’s whole life is shaken when a werewolf shows up at her shop in the middle of the night...asking for more than just clothes!
This is a paranormal romantic comedy about a young count (who’s actually a werewolf) passionately wooing a tailor living in the slums (who’s actually a woman disguising herself as a man to survive)! Can two people who live double lives find love and acceptance with each other?
Rock’s whole life is shaken when a werewolf shows up at her shop in the middle of the night...asking for more than just clothes!
This is a paranormal romantic comedy about a young count (who’s actually a werewolf) passionately wooing a tailor living in the slums (who’s actually a woman disguising herself as a man to survive)! Can two people who live double lives find love and acceptance with each other?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2019
93 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 21, 2023
This has been sitting and staring at me accusingly on my “Currently Reading” list since January 2022 and I haven’t wanted to pick it up.
I don’t like to admit defeat and I had bought the second volume without finishing this one first and I didn’t want to DNF without getting to the second volume, but I just don’t want to pick this one up ever again.
I don’t hate it, but the fact that the count doesn’t understand or respect the word “no” really upsets me. The power dynamic is completely off-kilter and makes me uncomfortable.
2, not horrible but I need to clear off my TBR so this is getting the axe, stars.
I don’t like to admit defeat and I had bought the second volume without finishing this one first and I didn’t want to DNF without getting to the second volume, but I just don’t want to pick this one up ever again.
I don’t hate it, but the fact that the count doesn’t understand or respect the word “no” really upsets me. The power dynamic is completely off-kilter and makes me uncomfortable.
2, not horrible but I need to clear off my TBR so this is getting the axe, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
A letdown from the LGBT beginning; would give 2.5 stars if I could
Spoilers ahead!
This book seemed like it might go in a very interesting direction with Ebel (love interest) proclaiming he doesn't care that Rock is a man, the obviously complicated feelings Rock has while cross-dressing (some of which seem heavily like a clueless transman), and the inclusion of a transwoman (Phoebe). There are even conversations about mis-gendering!
Then Rock puts on a dress and learns to appreciate being a woman, Ebel admits he always knew, and Rock figures out Phoebe is her father and the pronouns used for her switch to he/him. Phoebe admits she's essentially non-binary, but the pronoun change sticks.
Honestly, it comes off as an attempt at really flawed LGBT representation. I was kinda expecting this might happen since I've seen a lot of authors from more conservative cultures and/or times do something similar, but it's still really disappointing.
Regardless, the descriptions in the book are really well put-together, and the world seemed like it actually had some meat to it. I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot, actually. Just don't go reading it for any queer story-telling.
Spoilers ahead!
This book seemed like it might go in a very interesting direction with Ebel (love interest) proclaiming he doesn't care that Rock is a man, the obviously complicated feelings Rock has while cross-dressing (some of which seem heavily like a clueless transman), and the inclusion of a transwoman (Phoebe). There are even conversations about mis-gendering!
Then Rock puts on a dress and learns to appreciate being a woman, Ebel admits he always knew, and Rock figures out Phoebe is her father and the pronouns used for her switch to he/him. Phoebe admits she's essentially non-binary, but the pronoun change sticks.
Honestly, it comes off as an attempt at really flawed LGBT representation. I was kinda expecting this might happen since I've seen a lot of authors from more conservative cultures and/or times do something similar, but it's still really disappointing.
Regardless, the descriptions in the book are really well put-together, and the world seemed like it actually had some meat to it. I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot, actually. Just don't go reading it for any queer story-telling.
October 10, 2019
"But on this night, Rock met a trickster who lived a double life on par with her own."
Rock Floria is a cross-dressing tailor running a shop in the slums. At the behest of her close friend, Phoebe, a cross-dressing man, Rock hides her gender in order to survive in this cutthroat world. Her normal life is shattered the night a werewolf saunters into her shop and begs her to make him something to wear. Rock attends to him as best as she can, but his sharp nose immediately picks up on her secret identity. When he returns the following day to pay Rock for the clothes she'd tailored for him, she discovers that this werewolf is in fact Count Ebel Mateus.
Rock's kindness from the other night captivates Ebel so completely that he falls madly in love with her. He wastes no time in confessing his feelings for her - whether she be man or woman - and asks for permission to woo her.
While the novel is primarily a romance, it tries too hard to tackle too many things at once. Firstly, we have several characters struggling with their identities. Rock isn't bothered by having to be a man to run a shop, but having her cover blown is enough to make her sweat bullets. When she finally does dress up as a woman, she's come to grips with her inner strength, not her gender identity. Rock doesn't have any question about her gender - with Phoebe, it's a whole different bag.
Without spoiling the reveal, Phoebe is easily the most complex character of the cast, but is also the most woefully underdeveloped. As someone who doesn't fully understand the struggles of transgender people, I can't attest to whether this depiction was faithful or not. However, it does raise many questions regarding how this issue was handled. Again, I can't personally speak on the matter, but there's a plethora of articles and topics and forums discussing LGBTQ+ in Japan and how horribly it's handled. For example, one of the shop keepers consistently degrades Phoebe for choosing to dress as a woman. It's played off as a joke, but her words are cutting. We're also only told how the general public regards Phoebe's expression of identity (which is very negative) but then the entire issue is swept under the rug. So while it acknowledges some of the struggles Phoebe's had to endure, it never truly dives into them. Which is odd, considering how integral Phoebe is both to the story and to Rock.
As for Ebel, we're supposed to believe he's a very tragic character who's had to live with his werewolf curse, but he has a strong support system. His father did all he could to hide Ebel's curse from the gossiping mouths of the higher classes. Even though his engagement was annulled, they parted on good terms and his ex-fiance's older brother has remained a good friend of his. He comes from money and has never wanted for anything. It'd be remiss to say he has it all, but most things seem to have fallen into his lap. Including Rock. He's a very optimistic character ruled by his emotions. Still, something felt missing. I couldn't connect to him or even really feel his pain.
And lastly, we have the novel's pull: the romance. Despite Rock's repeated attempts to shake off her admirer, Ebel ignores her wishes and continues to pursue her. It distresses her so much that Phoebe has to step in to tell her that, "no means no" and if she's not comfortable with Ebel's advances, she needs to tell him. And she does. Ebel just doesn't care. It was disturbing - especially when we learn how Rock's mother had to wear down her father until he accepted her feelings. And yes, the book uses those exact words to describe their romance.
The selling point for this romance was supposed to be about two people leading double lives who slowly fall for each other - irregardless of gender. Sadly, that whole premise falls apart immediately because Ebel knew from the start that Rock was a girl.
It reads like some sort of light, airy fairy tale. As such, the creepy beginning to this romance faded away because Rock became so accustomed to being chased. And then she fell for him. Some of the writing felt clunky and stilted. I have no idea if that's due to the translation or if it was how the original read. Most of the sentences were passive and some phrases were oddly worded.
I'm really unsure about how to rate this one. On one hand, I have all of these conflicting feelings about the issues that were there. On the other hand I can see how the author was trying to create a very fluffy story. The characters are young and naive and naturally so would be their courtship. Rock has zero experience with this so I was pretty worried she'd be taken advantage of. Thank God Ebel is truly a good guy, because it would've been a disaster.
At the end of the day, the romance had its issues but was innocent enough. Phoebe's entire character desperately needed more development or introspection - something. The ending leaves room for a sequel, but I'm not really excited to continue this series. It's decent for passing the time but I felt the world, characters, romance and the plot were lacking in many areas.
If you're looking for a light novel starring a female protagonist with a fun romance, adventure, angst and tension, I'd recommend instead, The Eccentric Master and the Fake Lover, which is also available from Cross Infinite World.
Rock Floria is a cross-dressing tailor running a shop in the slums. At the behest of her close friend, Phoebe, a cross-dressing man, Rock hides her gender in order to survive in this cutthroat world. Her normal life is shattered the night a werewolf saunters into her shop and begs her to make him something to wear. Rock attends to him as best as she can, but his sharp nose immediately picks up on her secret identity. When he returns the following day to pay Rock for the clothes she'd tailored for him, she discovers that this werewolf is in fact Count Ebel Mateus.
Rock's kindness from the other night captivates Ebel so completely that he falls madly in love with her. He wastes no time in confessing his feelings for her - whether she be man or woman - and asks for permission to woo her.
While the novel is primarily a romance, it tries too hard to tackle too many things at once. Firstly, we have several characters struggling with their identities. Rock isn't bothered by having to be a man to run a shop, but having her cover blown is enough to make her sweat bullets. When she finally does dress up as a woman, she's come to grips with her inner strength, not her gender identity. Rock doesn't have any question about her gender - with Phoebe, it's a whole different bag.
Without spoiling the reveal, Phoebe is easily the most complex character of the cast, but is also the most woefully underdeveloped. As someone who doesn't fully understand the struggles of transgender people, I can't attest to whether this depiction was faithful or not. However, it does raise many questions regarding how this issue was handled. Again, I can't personally speak on the matter, but there's a plethora of articles and topics and forums discussing LGBTQ+ in Japan and how horribly it's handled. For example, one of the shop keepers consistently degrades Phoebe for choosing to dress as a woman. It's played off as a joke, but her words are cutting. We're also only told how the general public regards Phoebe's expression of identity (which is very negative) but then the entire issue is swept under the rug. So while it acknowledges some of the struggles Phoebe's had to endure, it never truly dives into them. Which is odd, considering how integral Phoebe is both to the story and to Rock.
As for Ebel, we're supposed to believe he's a very tragic character who's had to live with his werewolf curse, but he has a strong support system. His father did all he could to hide Ebel's curse from the gossiping mouths of the higher classes. Even though his engagement was annulled, they parted on good terms and his ex-fiance's older brother has remained a good friend of his. He comes from money and has never wanted for anything. It'd be remiss to say he has it all, but most things seem to have fallen into his lap. Including Rock. He's a very optimistic character ruled by his emotions. Still, something felt missing. I couldn't connect to him or even really feel his pain.
And lastly, we have the novel's pull: the romance. Despite Rock's repeated attempts to shake off her admirer, Ebel ignores her wishes and continues to pursue her. It distresses her so much that Phoebe has to step in to tell her that, "no means no" and if she's not comfortable with Ebel's advances, she needs to tell him. And she does. Ebel just doesn't care. It was disturbing - especially when we learn how Rock's mother had to wear down her father until he accepted her feelings. And yes, the book uses those exact words to describe their romance.
The selling point for this romance was supposed to be about two people leading double lives who slowly fall for each other - irregardless of gender. Sadly, that whole premise falls apart immediately because Ebel knew from the start that Rock was a girl.
It reads like some sort of light, airy fairy tale. As such, the creepy beginning to this romance faded away because Rock became so accustomed to being chased. And then she fell for him. Some of the writing felt clunky and stilted. I have no idea if that's due to the translation or if it was how the original read. Most of the sentences were passive and some phrases were oddly worded.
I'm really unsure about how to rate this one. On one hand, I have all of these conflicting feelings about the issues that were there. On the other hand I can see how the author was trying to create a very fluffy story. The characters are young and naive and naturally so would be their courtship. Rock has zero experience with this so I was pretty worried she'd be taken advantage of. Thank God Ebel is truly a good guy, because it would've been a disaster.
At the end of the day, the romance had its issues but was innocent enough. Phoebe's entire character desperately needed more development or introspection - something. The ending leaves room for a sequel, but I'm not really excited to continue this series. It's decent for passing the time but I felt the world, characters, romance and the plot were lacking in many areas.
If you're looking for a light novel starring a female protagonist with a fun romance, adventure, angst and tension, I'd recommend instead, The Eccentric Master and the Fake Lover, which is also available from Cross Infinite World.
December 12, 2020
DNF
This light novel tries something different from a lot of mainstream Japanese media and decides to enter the world of LGBT and gender presentation. The hero(ine?) lives life as a boy but the novel uses she/her pronouns. At several times the book states that she is a girl and just lives as a boy for safety.
The love interest is also living a double life, as a count and a werewolf. When the main character helps him twice despite him being rightfully scary and unable to pay his tab in the slums, he falls in love.
At first, I liked how the book handled gender overall. The main character came off as comfortably a woman who enjoyed male presentation, which makes sense to me. The love interest asks if she's a women (because werewolf nose smells sex) but when she asserts she's a man, he decides okay, he'll propose courtship anyway. I took it as the love interest accepting the main character as a transman and not caring either way, because he fell in love with them.
We also have a possible transwoman who is called a man but then she/her pronouns are used for her so I took it as a "we're saying man when we mean trans" because of ignorance, not malice. While it didn't come off as amazing, I can understand being a het person stumbling into queerness and doing their best. I even think there can be some value for people (like a younger me) who have a lot of queerphobia in them but want to explore a more queer world in a het way. The opening of this book felt like that kind of first step into queerness.
Then I hit a third into the book and the whole thing became a mess. The love interest corners the main character and demands again to know if they're a woman and that their nose never lies, so it no longer reads as him accepting them as a transman but just them waiting until they can make them admit the "truth." The narration also suddenly announces, a third into the book, that the main character has always wanted to be a man but to protect their mother, which muddies the gender discussion so much more than necessary.
I can tell this isn't a book about the complication feelings about gender, especially in a prejudice world that will punish one gender for existing. It's about an outsider trying to write a queer narrative without understanding queerness. I'm not claiming authority in a queer space in anyway, but if you can't swim, don't dive into the deep end.
Either way, I had to drop the book because it felt too much like a cisperson explaining gender to me. Bleck.
This light novel tries something different from a lot of mainstream Japanese media and decides to enter the world of LGBT and gender presentation. The hero(ine?) lives life as a boy but the novel uses she/her pronouns. At several times the book states that she is a girl and just lives as a boy for safety.
The love interest is also living a double life, as a count and a werewolf. When the main character helps him twice despite him being rightfully scary and unable to pay his tab in the slums, he falls in love.
At first, I liked how the book handled gender overall. The main character came off as comfortably a woman who enjoyed male presentation, which makes sense to me. The love interest asks if she's a women (because werewolf nose smells sex) but when she asserts she's a man, he decides okay, he'll propose courtship anyway. I took it as the love interest accepting the main character as a transman and not caring either way, because he fell in love with them.
We also have a possible transwoman who is called a man but then she/her pronouns are used for her so I took it as a "we're saying man when we mean trans" because of ignorance, not malice. While it didn't come off as amazing, I can understand being a het person stumbling into queerness and doing their best. I even think there can be some value for people (like a younger me) who have a lot of queerphobia in them but want to explore a more queer world in a het way. The opening of this book felt like that kind of first step into queerness.
Then I hit a third into the book and the whole thing became a mess. The love interest corners the main character and demands again to know if they're a woman and that their nose never lies, so it no longer reads as him accepting them as a transman but just them waiting until they can make them admit the "truth." The narration also suddenly announces, a third into the book, that the main character has always wanted to be a man but to protect their mother, which muddies the gender discussion so much more than necessary.
I can tell this isn't a book about the complication feelings about gender, especially in a prejudice world that will punish one gender for existing. It's about an outsider trying to write a queer narrative without understanding queerness. I'm not claiming authority in a queer space in anyway, but if you can't swim, don't dive into the deep end.
Either way, I had to drop the book because it felt too much like a cisperson explaining gender to me. Bleck.
Read
December 24, 2023DNF at 20%. I got too exasperated with the absurdity - how is it that they don’t seem to know who the werewolf is, when he changes right there when attacked? Let’s see…we follow and attack rich nobleman (who we recognize), and suddenly werewolf appears. And this isn’t the first time. Is it possible that rich nobleman = werewolf??
Also, masquerading as a boy is not going to save her from getting attacked, particularly when she still gets hit on by scary people, even when they think she’s a boy. The thugs that attack the nobleman see and identify her with him, and she thinks she’s safe just by going home? As if they don’t know where she lives and works? You are not safe just because you go in the house.
I just couldn’t cope with any more illogical plots.
Also, masquerading as a boy is not going to save her from getting attacked, particularly when she still gets hit on by scary people, even when they think she’s a boy. The thugs that attack the nobleman see and identify her with him, and she thinks she’s safe just by going home? As if they don’t know where she lives and works? You are not safe just because you go in the house.
I just couldn’t cope with any more illogical plots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
I liked a lot of the story, but there's a few weird bits that other reviews have already pointed out. The only thing that really rubs me the wrong way is how as soon as it is revealed that the MC's mother figure was her birth father, the MC just completely disregards her gender identity and starts referring to her as her dad. The whole story sets up that she isn't a just a crossdresser and actually identifies as a woman. It's just... yikes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
A fun story with some consent issues. The Werewolf was very pushy and then turn and be meek. The personality shift was jarring at times but I saw what the author wanted to accomplish.
Overall 3.5
Overall 3.5
August 12, 2020
Whew. This took me a lot more time to finish than I expected.
It wasn't bad, it's just that my interest in the book fizzled out at the last two chapters. Gender bender has been a favorite genre of mine, but even that didn't keep me from getting bored at the plot. Then add in the fact that I'm not even attached to any of the characters. But I'm rating this one 3 stars because I don't really see any problems with this book aside from it not being my cup of tea.
It wasn't bad, it's just that my interest in the book fizzled out at the last two chapters. Gender bender has been a favorite genre of mine, but even that didn't keep me from getting bored at the plot. Then add in the fact that I'm not even attached to any of the characters. But I'm rating this one 3 stars because I don't really see any problems with this book aside from it not being my cup of tea.
dnf
January 27, 2025Dropped at page 32. MFC is too clueless/an idiot; love interest seems to think ‘no’ means try harder; and while the supporting character intrigues me, they don’t have enough character to keep me engaged. I have been on a light novel kick; I have been enjoying the fluff for the most part. But this has taught me to do a bit more research before binge buying books for the easy read. DNR.
October 2, 2020
Let those fingers fly
MORE! want to hear about a new shop and the dude's sister the tailor still needs to sew a wedding dress for her and possible love affair between rocks father and Johanna. Tie up the loose ends rock mother and her noble family. And a lover for the Duke.
MORE! want to hear about a new shop and the dude's sister the tailor still needs to sew a wedding dress for her and possible love affair between rocks father and Johanna. Tie up the loose ends rock mother and her noble family. And a lover for the Duke.
April 14, 2022
It was quite dull and the main character was a lot more wishy-washy than I was expecting from the blurb.
May 16, 2023
Agradable. Con un estilo tierno y personajes muy buenos y puros. Pero aburrido. Especialmente los dos últimos capítulos, en ese punto me ha costado un montón no abandonar la lectura.
March 5, 2025
The FMC and the MMC are perfect for each other!
November 12, 2019
A fun story
I sincerely enjoyed this story. I picked it up having not read the description and found this to be a light novel rather than a Manga. The story flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. I was easily able to form visuals and follow the characters as they moved through each scene. The story was different than I would have expected, in a pleasant way that had a nice twist on the werewolf theme. There were parts I felt were unnecessary that added some clunk to otherwise flowing passages. This the reason for four stars.
I sincerely enjoyed this story. I picked it up having not read the description and found this to be a light novel rather than a Manga. The story flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. I was easily able to form visuals and follow the characters as they moved through each scene. The story was different than I would have expected, in a pleasant way that had a nice twist on the werewolf theme. There were parts I felt were unnecessary that added some clunk to otherwise flowing passages. This the reason for four stars.
September 2, 2019
AMAZING
i love every moment of this light novel. The passion the mystery the drama the love and the building of each character!!! And to think there will be more!!! Im excited for the next one!!
i love every moment of this light novel. The passion the mystery the drama the love and the building of each character!!! And to think there will be more!!! Im excited for the next one!!
November 27, 2019
This is an enjoyable romance with a kind of fairy tale vibe and a healthy dose of modern Japanese storytelling style. It's a fun, light read and I look forward to the (from what I can tell at the moment, two) sequel novels in this series.
September 27, 2019
It was a good read
I really liked the storyline and characters of this book. I am eagerly awaiting a volume 2 of this series.
I really liked the storyline and characters of this book. I am eagerly awaiting a volume 2 of this series.
November 13, 2025
Decent read. Rock's and Ebel's progress in their relationship seemed unbelievable and somewhat forced. I liked the characters but couldn't see their attraction as authentic.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews