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Day Care for Shifters #1
Wolf's Instinct
Shifter kids and hot single dads in a small town with a secret...
Lynx shifter Addison has come to the quaint Montana town of Nickel City to work at a new, shifters-only daycare. She doesn’t expect to meet a breathtakingly gorgeous man on her first day wrangling owl toddlers and armadillo kids. But she’s been dazzled by a handsome face before and barely got away from her last controlling boyfriend. Can she trust her lynx's instinct that this is where she’s meant to be at last?
Roderick’s toddler daughter and busy plumbing business keep him too wrapped up for romance and while he trusts his wolf, the magic of instinct can be like playing hot-and-cold with a kid who’s forgotten where they hid the prize. Everything about new arrival Addison makes him think there might just be room in his little family for one more, but he has to think of Gabby first.
Just as they think they might find the path together to their own happy-ever-after, Addison’s new job is threatened and the mother of Roderick’s daughter arrives to complicate matters...and she isn’t the only ex on the horizon. Can they keep the fledgling day care from going under and follow their instincts to happiness?
Funny and full of feeling, Wolf’s Instinct is a standalone shifter romance with a bold new twist on fated mates and a whole lot of adorable shifter children.
Lynx shifter Addison has come to the quaint Montana town of Nickel City to work at a new, shifters-only daycare. She doesn’t expect to meet a breathtakingly gorgeous man on her first day wrangling owl toddlers and armadillo kids. But she’s been dazzled by a handsome face before and barely got away from her last controlling boyfriend. Can she trust her lynx's instinct that this is where she’s meant to be at last?
Roderick’s toddler daughter and busy plumbing business keep him too wrapped up for romance and while he trusts his wolf, the magic of instinct can be like playing hot-and-cold with a kid who’s forgotten where they hid the prize. Everything about new arrival Addison makes him think there might just be room in his little family for one more, but he has to think of Gabby first.
Just as they think they might find the path together to their own happy-ever-after, Addison’s new job is threatened and the mother of Roderick’s daughter arrives to complicate matters...and she isn’t the only ex on the horizon. Can they keep the fledgling day care from going under and follow their instincts to happiness?
Funny and full of feeling, Wolf’s Instinct is a standalone shifter romance with a bold new twist on fated mates and a whole lot of adorable shifter children.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2021
650 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Elva Birch
103 books275 followersElva Birch is an author of the impossible and irresistible. She is a fire dragon Gemini living in Alaska who belly dances outside at twenty below in the winter and loves to find tiny fairy moss worlds in the summer with her camera.
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
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January 7, 2022I wrote this book straight from my heart, because I wanted a book just like this at the time.
It’s got good people who are great for each other, with a sweet happy ever after and a good helping of spice. It’s got just enough grit to ground it, just enough villain mustache-twirling to keep things interesting, a slight twist on the usual trope of fated mates, and a small town with secrets. It stars a swoon-worthy single dad and a capable young woman who levered herself out of a bad situation and has to learn to trust her heart again, and they’re honest and real with each other.
And kids.
It has adorable and hilarious shifter kids being adorable and hilarious and I could write about Gil the enthusiastic armadillo shifter pre-schooler who keeps forgetting his clothes and Amy the fledgling owl toddler all day long.
This was my gentle-with-myself, write-what-I-want, just-for-me, ice-cream-straight-from-the-container escape after what has been a very long and hard year and I hope that you love it half as much as I do.
It’s got good people who are great for each other, with a sweet happy ever after and a good helping of spice. It’s got just enough grit to ground it, just enough villain mustache-twirling to keep things interesting, a slight twist on the usual trope of fated mates, and a small town with secrets. It stars a swoon-worthy single dad and a capable young woman who levered herself out of a bad situation and has to learn to trust her heart again, and they’re honest and real with each other.
And kids.
It has adorable and hilarious shifter kids being adorable and hilarious and I could write about Gil the enthusiastic armadillo shifter pre-schooler who keeps forgetting his clothes and Amy the fledgling owl toddler all day long.
This was my gentle-with-myself, write-what-I-want, just-for-me, ice-cream-straight-from-the-container escape after what has been a very long and hard year and I hope that you love it half as much as I do.
January 2, 2024
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 - A sweet shifter romance with a little bit of steam and a lot of heart and fun. This is an enjoyable start to an undemanding and charming shifter daddy romance series that pulls at the heart strings.
April 3, 2024
This is a sweet, quick read that was a lovely palate-cleanser. It's pretty insta-love (there's a kind of fated mate in this world, which these two are), but it was overall really cute.
October 22, 2025
actual rating 3.5
This is really cute and light, fun read. It perfectly hit the spot of something low stakes but sweet. Didn’t especially like that Addy had to confront her abusive ex in the last quarter or so, but I did enjoy how things turned out with Gabby’s mom showing up suddenly. Overall something light and fun to brighten the day.
This is really cute and light, fun read. It perfectly hit the spot of something low stakes but sweet. Didn’t especially like that Addy had to confront her abusive ex in the last quarter or so, but I did enjoy how things turned out with Gabby’s mom showing up suddenly. Overall something light and fun to brighten the day.
July 17, 2023
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
Wolf’s Instinct begins the A Day Care for Shifters series, and although I love this author and purchased this one on release day… well, it stayed on my TBR pile for far too long. Yet maybe that wasn’t just by chance, for today was a day when I really needed to escape reality. No more fights, no more depressive thoughts, no more sadness… just finding someplace happy and fun and welcoming.
As I was browsing through my Kindle, I came across this title and remembered that the author had mentioned she wrote it as an escape, as a write what I want to write because it feels right kind of story… and I thought, that’s exactly what I need right now. And I’m so glad that I found this book again on this particular day. And it did exactly what I needed and what (I believe) this amazing author intended… it took me out of my reality and transported me to a place where I could freely laugh, watch two people fall in love, and who cannot adore these shifter toddlers! Yeah, Wolf’s Instinct was exactly what I needed most, so thank you (not only) Elva Birch but also for the timing in rediscovering that I had this one available when it was needed the most.
Now, on to the review:
I absolutely loved this brand new world of toddler shifters and their cuteness overload… and their shenanigans! Wolf’s Instinct introduces us to a very unique daycare center in a rather special, magical town. And to some very adorable, stubborn, and carefree tiny shifters who are each unique in their own way, and will lighten any reader’s day just by imagining their antics in this story.
Both Roderick and Addison have something in common — both have an annoying ex that simply will not stay gone! Yet, each has slightly different issues with those annoying people. The attraction between them hit on their first meeting, but neither is really trusting in those instincts anymore. Watching them slowly let go of the past and take the risk of loving and trusting someone again was a delight to experience.
There is a background thread that will probably weave throughout the series. I won’t say much about that, but it will be fascinating to keep an eye on. There are villains here, the kind that are out to get their own way no matter who is harmed in the attempt. An ex is an ex for a reason… and that fact was well-proven here.
But even though I loved Roderick and Addison, it was the shifter toddlers that totally won my heart here. They simply kept me smiling, laughing and helped to take me away to a happy place with their cuteness and their adorable antics. Yeah. It was an amazing story with mostly likable characters that it was so easy to fall into their world. If you need an escape from reality — or simply a really good, well-written, laugh-out-loud, emotional romance… then this one is perfect for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Wolf’s Instinct begins the A Day Care for Shifters series, and although I love this author and purchased this one on release day… well, it stayed on my TBR pile for far too long. Yet maybe that wasn’t just by chance, for today was a day when I really needed to escape reality. No more fights, no more depressive thoughts, no more sadness… just finding someplace happy and fun and welcoming.
As I was browsing through my Kindle, I came across this title and remembered that the author had mentioned she wrote it as an escape, as a write what I want to write because it feels right kind of story… and I thought, that’s exactly what I need right now. And I’m so glad that I found this book again on this particular day. And it did exactly what I needed and what (I believe) this amazing author intended… it took me out of my reality and transported me to a place where I could freely laugh, watch two people fall in love, and who cannot adore these shifter toddlers! Yeah, Wolf’s Instinct was exactly what I needed most, so thank you (not only) Elva Birch but also for the timing in rediscovering that I had this one available when it was needed the most.
Now, on to the review:
I absolutely loved this brand new world of toddler shifters and their cuteness overload… and their shenanigans! Wolf’s Instinct introduces us to a very unique daycare center in a rather special, magical town. And to some very adorable, stubborn, and carefree tiny shifters who are each unique in their own way, and will lighten any reader’s day just by imagining their antics in this story.
Both Roderick and Addison have something in common — both have an annoying ex that simply will not stay gone! Yet, each has slightly different issues with those annoying people. The attraction between them hit on their first meeting, but neither is really trusting in those instincts anymore. Watching them slowly let go of the past and take the risk of loving and trusting someone again was a delight to experience.
There is a background thread that will probably weave throughout the series. I won’t say much about that, but it will be fascinating to keep an eye on. There are villains here, the kind that are out to get their own way no matter who is harmed in the attempt. An ex is an ex for a reason… and that fact was well-proven here.
But even though I loved Roderick and Addison, it was the shifter toddlers that totally won my heart here. They simply kept me smiling, laughing and helped to take me away to a happy place with their cuteness and their adorable antics. Yeah. It was an amazing story with mostly likable characters that it was so easy to fall into their world. If you need an escape from reality — or simply a really good, well-written, laugh-out-loud, emotional romance… then this one is perfect for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
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September 30, 2021Heat Factor: It’s not high heat, but it’s certainly sweet.
Character Chemistry: There’s not a ton of tension but it’s certainly an adorable romance.
Plot: Addison is a new resident of small-town Montana and gets a job at a shifter nursery where she meets single-dad Roderick. Roderick is also dealing with the arrival of his daughter’s birth mother, crazy town politics and presumably just being a shifter dad.
Overall: This book was a charming little palate cleanser. Not too tense, not too boring. Just lovely.
I’m PRETTY sure this one hit at just the right sweet spot–I’d finished a couple more intense, angsty books and I knew I had some WEIRD coming down the pike in October (HEY-O MONSTER WEEK) so what better palate cleanser than a sweet and not-too-terribly stressful shifter book involving a tiny shifter daycare?
Honestly, the best part of this book was the shifter babies. Essentially, starting to shift is just another milestone kids have to figure out how to manage like walking and eating with silverware and using the toilet–and as anyone who has ever spent time with tiny people knows, these skills don’t come gracefully. So the whole book is full of tiny chubby people clumsily shifting into armadillos and owls and puppies and stuff and it’s so cute it almost hurts.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Character Chemistry: There’s not a ton of tension but it’s certainly an adorable romance.
Plot: Addison is a new resident of small-town Montana and gets a job at a shifter nursery where she meets single-dad Roderick. Roderick is also dealing with the arrival of his daughter’s birth mother, crazy town politics and presumably just being a shifter dad.
Overall: This book was a charming little palate cleanser. Not too tense, not too boring. Just lovely.
I’m PRETTY sure this one hit at just the right sweet spot–I’d finished a couple more intense, angsty books and I knew I had some WEIRD coming down the pike in October (HEY-O MONSTER WEEK) so what better palate cleanser than a sweet and not-too-terribly stressful shifter book involving a tiny shifter daycare?
Honestly, the best part of this book was the shifter babies. Essentially, starting to shift is just another milestone kids have to figure out how to manage like walking and eating with silverware and using the toilet–and as anyone who has ever spent time with tiny people knows, these skills don’t come gracefully. So the whole book is full of tiny chubby people clumsily shifting into armadillos and owls and puppies and stuff and it’s so cute it almost hurts.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
October 30, 2023
I liked this book, but I wanted to see more about the shifters, and Addy and Roderick spending time together.
Addy comes to town for an interview and instead, immediately starts helping with the kids at the day care. She meets Roderick, as he’s there fixing the pipes, and they know straight away that they are soulmates. Then it’s them getting to know each other (which isn’t shown in much detail) and dealing with external conflicts.
I really liked how easy it was to picture what was happening at the day care because of how detailed those scenes were. I liked how all the kids had their own personalities.
Addy and Roderick were fine, but their relationship development wasn’t shown much. They went on dates, but it felt like they were going out because they were mates.
The instinct (which is how shifters know who their mate is, if someone is dangerous, etc) was constantly mentioned and how it helped but wasn’t reliable. It was made into this big deal, and then the characters would always remind themselves that, actually, it wasn’t always right. I didn’t see the point in it being made into such a big deal and I found it annoying.
There weren’t many side characters. Cherry seemed nice, but she’s only mentioned in passing.
This book is about shifters, and yet there’s only one scene where they intentionally shift (I’m not counting the spontaneous shifting of the kids).
The next book sounds funny, and I’d be interested in Tara’s story, but I’m not sure if I’m going to continue this series.
Addy comes to town for an interview and instead, immediately starts helping with the kids at the day care. She meets Roderick, as he’s there fixing the pipes, and they know straight away that they are soulmates. Then it’s them getting to know each other (which isn’t shown in much detail) and dealing with external conflicts.
I really liked how easy it was to picture what was happening at the day care because of how detailed those scenes were. I liked how all the kids had their own personalities.
Addy and Roderick were fine, but their relationship development wasn’t shown much. They went on dates, but it felt like they were going out because they were mates.
The instinct (which is how shifters know who their mate is, if someone is dangerous, etc) was constantly mentioned and how it helped but wasn’t reliable. It was made into this big deal, and then the characters would always remind themselves that, actually, it wasn’t always right. I didn’t see the point in it being made into such a big deal and I found it annoying.
There weren’t many side characters. Cherry seemed nice, but she’s only mentioned in passing.
This book is about shifters, and yet there’s only one scene where they intentionally shift (I’m not counting the spontaneous shifting of the kids).
The next book sounds funny, and I’d be interested in Tara’s story, but I’m not sure if I’m going to continue this series.
July 12, 2025
Audio ARC, thanks to all those who created this book and audiobook & NetGally
The narrators were really good. The audio is read by a female narrator and a male narrator. I thought the voices of the voice actors suited the characters really good and they brought them to life really well. I could imagine both of them very easily right at the beginning. I didn't hear any double sentences or trip-ups so I had a really good time listening.
This short and charming paranormal romance novel is about single father Rodrick and Abby, the new kindergarten teacher at his daughter's daycare centre. Both belong to the local shifter community, and though sparks fly immediately, past relationships and complications in the village soon test their blossoming bond.
Rodrick and Abby are well developed and navigate the challenges they face well. Their motivations seem believable, which underpins the emotional arcs and conflicts. The pacing is good for a shorter romance, even if some emotional moments feel rushed. A few plot lines could have used more depth, but the story remains engaging throughout. The dialogue is natural and realistic, especially during their initially awkward but endearing interactions. I also liked the diversity of shifters in this world, it has a unique charm.
A fun, entertaining paranormal romance story with likeable characters, believable conflicts and a dash of small-town charm. Anyone who enjoys reading or listening to romantic shifter stories with heart and doesn't need long epics will definitely get their money's worth here.
Recommendation: For fans of fast-paced but emotional romance novels with a supernatural twist, definitely a sweet read for in between.
The narrators were really good. The audio is read by a female narrator and a male narrator. I thought the voices of the voice actors suited the characters really good and they brought them to life really well. I could imagine both of them very easily right at the beginning. I didn't hear any double sentences or trip-ups so I had a really good time listening.
This short and charming paranormal romance novel is about single father Rodrick and Abby, the new kindergarten teacher at his daughter's daycare centre. Both belong to the local shifter community, and though sparks fly immediately, past relationships and complications in the village soon test their blossoming bond.
Rodrick and Abby are well developed and navigate the challenges they face well. Their motivations seem believable, which underpins the emotional arcs and conflicts. The pacing is good for a shorter romance, even if some emotional moments feel rushed. A few plot lines could have used more depth, but the story remains engaging throughout. The dialogue is natural and realistic, especially during their initially awkward but endearing interactions. I also liked the diversity of shifters in this world, it has a unique charm.
A fun, entertaining paranormal romance story with likeable characters, believable conflicts and a dash of small-town charm. Anyone who enjoys reading or listening to romantic shifter stories with heart and doesn't need long epics will definitely get their money's worth here.
Recommendation: For fans of fast-paced but emotional romance novels with a supernatural twist, definitely a sweet read for in between.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Story: 4 stars Narration: 5 stars Overall: 4 stars
Wolf’s Instinct is the first book in the Day Care for Shifters series. This is a sweet shifter romance with some drama, mystery and suspense. There is also a strong connection among the shifter population.
Roderick is a single dad to adorable Gabby. They meet Addison when she applies to work at the daycare center. Roderick and Addison are immediately attracted to each other. Both are hesitant due to past bad experiences. Can these fated mates make a life together with Gabby?
The dual narration by Stephanie Rose and James Cavenaugh was brilliant. Stephanie Rose portrayed Addison perfectly. Her uncertainty, happiness and love were all expressed beautifully. James Cavenaugh as the tough plumber but loving dad was absolutely delightful. His sweet dad voice and dark sultry tone were both delicious as well as swoon worthy. Gabby’s baby babble was so cute. The children were all precious. I am looking forward to more in this series. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ALC.
Story: 4 stars Narration: 5 stars Overall: 4 stars
Wolf’s Instinct is the first book in the Day Care for Shifters series. This is a sweet shifter romance with some drama, mystery and suspense. There is also a strong connection among the shifter population.
Roderick is a single dad to adorable Gabby. They meet Addison when she applies to work at the daycare center. Roderick and Addison are immediately attracted to each other. Both are hesitant due to past bad experiences. Can these fated mates make a life together with Gabby?
The dual narration by Stephanie Rose and James Cavenaugh was brilliant. Stephanie Rose portrayed Addison perfectly. Her uncertainty, happiness and love were all expressed beautifully. James Cavenaugh as the tough plumber but loving dad was absolutely delightful. His sweet dad voice and dark sultry tone were both delicious as well as swoon worthy. Gabby’s baby babble was so cute. The children were all precious. I am looking forward to more in this series. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ALC.
September 25, 2021
Great introduction to a new series!
Who wouldn't want to see a day care for a multitude of shifters. They have a toddler owl shifter and a toddler armadillo shifter to name a few. When Addison arrives for an interview, she ends up instantly hired! Roderick is there to work on some plumbing problems after dropping his daughter Gabby there. Things really seem to move from there. There are a lot of things happening in this introduction. I can't wait to see who gets their mate next! There are many different kinds of shifters and I really loved how they dealt with the shifter who thought she was ugly. It was a few very touching scenes that I loved.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes but not too many details. The action is mostly a threat to their way of life, but Addison and Roderick do need to deal with a threatening person. The characters are vivid and engaging. If this sounds good to you, then buy this and enjoy the escape.
Who wouldn't want to see a day care for a multitude of shifters. They have a toddler owl shifter and a toddler armadillo shifter to name a few. When Addison arrives for an interview, she ends up instantly hired! Roderick is there to work on some plumbing problems after dropping his daughter Gabby there. Things really seem to move from there. There are a lot of things happening in this introduction. I can't wait to see who gets their mate next! There are many different kinds of shifters and I really loved how they dealt with the shifter who thought she was ugly. It was a few very touching scenes that I loved.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes but not too many details. The action is mostly a threat to their way of life, but Addison and Roderick do need to deal with a threatening person. The characters are vivid and engaging. If this sounds good to you, then buy this and enjoy the escape.
October 23, 2021
This book had a level of cute that was exactly what I was looking for with a plot centered around a daycare for shifter children, including fluffy little toddler owl and squirrel shifters, a 5 YO who doesn't want to shift because she thinks her shifted form is ugly, and even a toddler armadillo shifter, along with more conventional wolves, bears, etc. One of the running jokes is in teaching the toddlers to shift with their clothes so they don't end up naked when they shift back to human. Honestly, cuteness overload. Underlying this is a sweet and gentle romance between a single dad wolf shifter and a new in town lynx shifter who is wary because of a past controlling relationship that she had to escape from. They both feel an instinctual pull toward each other, but this isn't a fated mates story, the instinct is more of a gentle suggestion that they could ignore if they wanted to. Anyway, I hope there will be more of these books because the kids and the low angst made it the perfect read for me.
April 12, 2025
Addy, Rod, and Gabby Make Three! 4.55*****/5 Spoiler Alert
AddisonC, day care provider/ domestically- abused lynx shifter on the run from controlling ex-BF Owen, met her soul mate, Roderick Douglass, local plumber/ wolf shifter and Dad to blueberry loving Gabby, at Cherry Aimes' new daycare. Addy got the job that day pinch- hitting for absent worker at Cherry's aka Tiny Paws Daycare. Together, they overcame past relationship issues, even when Dana, Rod's human ex, returned to town. Enlisting IsadoraL's, Tree/Life elemental, help they stopped Veronica 'MacScrooge' Chase from gentrifying Nickel City and scared off gaslightingting, stalking Owen. HEA as they move in together, giving Artsy Wendy, of DMV/ depressed snow leopard gryphon, back her small home, with nuptial plans to be made.
Great read, with trusting new relationship, and not letting past hurts dominate/ rule over the present as the underlying theme. A Must-Read!
04/11/25- 04/12/25. COVID-19 USTariff Wars AOInsiderTrading
AddisonC, day care provider/ domestically- abused lynx shifter on the run from controlling ex-BF Owen, met her soul mate, Roderick Douglass, local plumber/ wolf shifter and Dad to blueberry loving Gabby, at Cherry Aimes' new daycare. Addy got the job that day pinch- hitting for absent worker at Cherry's aka Tiny Paws Daycare. Together, they overcame past relationship issues, even when Dana, Rod's human ex, returned to town. Enlisting IsadoraL's, Tree/Life elemental, help they stopped Veronica 'MacScrooge' Chase from gentrifying Nickel City and scared off gaslightingting, stalking Owen. HEA as they move in together, giving Artsy Wendy, of DMV/ depressed snow leopard gryphon, back her small home, with nuptial plans to be made.
Great read, with trusting new relationship, and not letting past hurts dominate/ rule over the present as the underlying theme. A Must-Read!
04/11/25- 04/12/25. COVID-19 USTariff Wars AOInsiderTrading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
An imaginative, feel-good shifter story
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, so I’ve been looking forward to this first book in a new series. With a fun, slightly different, take on shifters centering around very young (pre-school age) shifter children, I enjoyed the exploration of the challenges of caring for children who have the potential to change to their animal form at any time without understanding the need to keep shifters secret.
Plenty of interesting characters, plus interwoven plots and subplots (I loved Tara’s subplot especially!) gave the story a nice depth. Sweet and funny, with just a bit of heat to spice things up (more than fade to black, but not as explicit as some books), this was exactly the kind of story I wanted and needed. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. 5 stars.
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, so I’ve been looking forward to this first book in a new series. With a fun, slightly different, take on shifters centering around very young (pre-school age) shifter children, I enjoyed the exploration of the challenges of caring for children who have the potential to change to their animal form at any time without understanding the need to keep shifters secret.
Plenty of interesting characters, plus interwoven plots and subplots (I loved Tara’s subplot especially!) gave the story a nice depth. Sweet and funny, with just a bit of heat to spice things up (more than fade to black, but not as explicit as some books), this was exactly the kind of story I wanted and needed. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. 5 stars.
March 5, 2022
A sweet heart warming shifter story
I really enjoyed Roderick, Addison, and Gabby’s story. Roderick is a wolf shifter and single father of Gabby in the shifter friendly town of Nickel City. Addison is a lynx shifter and moves to the town to work at the daycare for shifter children where Gabby attends. Roderick and Gabby recognize the instinct that they are mates immediately but their pasts make them reluctant to trust it. Thus begins the cautious journey to their HEA. The book is fairly low angst and has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, a suggestion of steam, laughs, cringe worthy moments, supportive and nosy townspeople, cute children, painful pasts, and lots of swoony love. The story was well written with relatable characters and an engaging storyline. I’ll definitely keep reading this series.
I really enjoyed Roderick, Addison, and Gabby’s story. Roderick is a wolf shifter and single father of Gabby in the shifter friendly town of Nickel City. Addison is a lynx shifter and moves to the town to work at the daycare for shifter children where Gabby attends. Roderick and Gabby recognize the instinct that they are mates immediately but their pasts make them reluctant to trust it. Thus begins the cautious journey to their HEA. The book is fairly low angst and has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, a suggestion of steam, laughs, cringe worthy moments, supportive and nosy townspeople, cute children, painful pasts, and lots of swoony love. The story was well written with relatable characters and an engaging storyline. I’ll definitely keep reading this series.
November 4, 2021
Lynx instinct to
First time reading this author.I enjoyed the day care storyline that's a new one for me I have read allot of shifter books so they can get very much the same in storyline but this one was focussed on the day care.it's in a small town with shifters (not a pack) and single wolf dad meets a new to town shifter who works at the day care.but both there exs show up.I did not like Dana I get people make mistakes but still she only come back because she found out she can't have kids, so now she wants the one she left? Or just be in her life and not do the work.
Not sure how I felt about the Instinct would of been better if there Animal was warning and giving feelings of warning.
First time reading this author.I enjoyed the day care storyline that's a new one for me I have read allot of shifter books so they can get very much the same in storyline but this one was focussed on the day care.it's in a small town with shifters (not a pack) and single wolf dad meets a new to town shifter who works at the day care.but both there exs show up.I did not like Dana I get people make mistakes but still she only come back because she found out she can't have kids, so now she wants the one she left? Or just be in her life and not do the work.
Not sure how I felt about the Instinct would of been better if there Animal was warning and giving feelings of warning.
December 4, 2023
Very repetitive, very repetitive, very repetitive. See how boring reading the same thing over and over is? This could be a really good book and series but it isn't. I loved the concept but it was poorly executed. There was too much internal dialogue with the 2 main characters over past hurts and questioning their ability to move forward. Then there was all the time spent on trying to show you how IMPORTANT INSTINCT WAS IN YOUR LIFE. Yeah, we got it the first half dozen times it was mentioned. I understand it is in the title but it wasn't necessary to brings it up so many times. I did not notice any typos or grammatical problems for which I am grateful. I will try reading the next in the series hoping the author's writing style has matured.
August 3, 2024
Over emphasised about Instinct too much, as they dithered internallway to much on it between it being right and/or being wrong.
Not sure how knowing something or someone (a mate) special is going to happen seems like a good thing.
The day care centre was wonderful and the children so cute and entertaining.
Liked Roderick and his daughter Gabriel. Love a single dad who doesn’t quite get it right but is doing his best.
Not quite sure why we had to have the ex pop back but hey, a bit of drama means pages need to be added in.
Though I seldom like shifter stories where they have children with other women, it is explained away here as mates are only stories, not a reality.
Want Victoria to come a cropper with her real estate shenanigans.
Read in the box set.
Not sure how knowing something or someone (a mate) special is going to happen seems like a good thing.
The day care centre was wonderful and the children so cute and entertaining.
Liked Roderick and his daughter Gabriel. Love a single dad who doesn’t quite get it right but is doing his best.
Not quite sure why we had to have the ex pop back but hey, a bit of drama means pages need to be added in.
Though I seldom like shifter stories where they have children with other women, it is explained away here as mates are only stories, not a reality.
Want Victoria to come a cropper with her real estate shenanigans.
Read in the box set.
November 30, 2023
Sweet romance, adorable kids, shifter/human mix
A story to warm your heart on several levels. Abby and Roderick are natural, shy, interesting people working things out within themselves and with each other. The shifter kids are varied, believable, adorable little kids with shifter abilities. Cherry and Addy in the daycare are wonderful with them, handling the inevitable great and small challenges with grace and ingenuity. The human-shifter interactions are varied, usually subtle. Though most humans in town don't know shifters live among them, a few good people take shifter reality in stride.
A story to warm your heart on several levels. Abby and Roderick are natural, shy, interesting people working things out within themselves and with each other. The shifter kids are varied, believable, adorable little kids with shifter abilities. Cherry and Addy in the daycare are wonderful with them, handling the inevitable great and small challenges with grace and ingenuity. The human-shifter interactions are varied, usually subtle. Though most humans in town don't know shifters live among them, a few good people take shifter reality in stride.
September 22, 2021
Fun light hearted read
I liked this book because it was a fun and light hearted read. Babies turning into little animals who are so cute and cuddly. They turn back naked because they forgot to take their clothes. The whole sock situation where kids lose socks all day long was hilarious. The little squirrel shifter who basically hides from her dad in high and small places. A mom who finds out her daughter turns into a wolf while watching her! So many fun times. Read and relax and enjoy!
I liked this book because it was a fun and light hearted read. Babies turning into little animals who are so cute and cuddly. They turn back naked because they forgot to take their clothes. The whole sock situation where kids lose socks all day long was hilarious. The little squirrel shifter who basically hides from her dad in high and small places. A mom who finds out her daughter turns into a wolf while watching her! So many fun times. Read and relax and enjoy!
October 5, 2021
Oh wow
Tiny Paws..love it, funny how finding the right guy gives you the courage to stand up to your ex. Addison sure was a bit insecure about rushing into a relationship with Roderick, seeing this is what happened with Owen. But as they say instinct brought them together and little Gabby seal the deal for Addison..and it was really nice of them to want Gabby biological mom be in the picture as well. Loved the first book in this series Elva..looking forward to the next book..big fan Winzie19🤗💞.
Tiny Paws..love it, funny how finding the right guy gives you the courage to stand up to your ex. Addison sure was a bit insecure about rushing into a relationship with Roderick, seeing this is what happened with Owen. But as they say instinct brought them together and little Gabby seal the deal for Addison..and it was really nice of them to want Gabby biological mom be in the picture as well. Loved the first book in this series Elva..looking forward to the next book..big fan Winzie19🤗💞.
November 8, 2022
Nice idea, nice characters, but a weak story.
It was full of teen angsty inner monologues which became quite tiresome. There were several potential antagonists, but the ‘threats’ involved were too easily dealt to develop much in the way of tension. And to top it off, a deus ex machina popped up at the end to resolve any remaining issues.
On a personal note, I’m not keen on shifter communities that are such a zoo of different animal forms. It just doesn’t work for me, unless the writing is exceptionally good.
It was full of teen angsty inner monologues which became quite tiresome. There were several potential antagonists, but the ‘threats’ involved were too easily dealt to develop much in the way of tension. And to top it off, a deus ex machina popped up at the end to resolve any remaining issues.
On a personal note, I’m not keen on shifter communities that are such a zoo of different animal forms. It just doesn’t work for me, unless the writing is exceptionally good.
March 18, 2024
very cute
This book by Elva Birch was delightfully written. Very fast read for sure. The town with both shifters and regular humans was fascinating and worrisome when the city had some growing pains but a Ari
Rodrick and Addy had an idea to ask a Dryad for help could it just get more crazy or could life as complicated as it is with exams thrown in the mix and little baby shifters started to shift at the daycare. The book had enough stress to keep the story interesting but not too long in the messes to be boring or prolonged
This book by Elva Birch was delightfully written. Very fast read for sure. The town with both shifters and regular humans was fascinating and worrisome when the city had some growing pains but a Ari
Rodrick and Addy had an idea to ask a Dryad for help could it just get more crazy or could life as complicated as it is with exams thrown in the mix and little baby shifters started to shift at the daycare. The book had enough stress to keep the story interesting but not too long in the messes to be boring or prolonged
January 25, 2025
This was pretty cute. The shifter daycare idea was actually very fun to read about. It was also interesting and new (to me) the way the animal "instinct" was put into play instead of using a fated mate bond. I can't say I loved it but it was new and different for me and I have read a ton of shifter romances so something new is always appreciated. The plot surrounding Dana was odd but everything else was pretty sweet and simple. These are quick easy entertaining reads and are all on Kindle Unlimited so I will probably continue with the series.
July 15, 2025
This was a great, quick read/listen. The story was fun and adorable (shifter daycare) and the characters were endearing. I loved that there was tension between the mmc and his ex without there being actual baby momma drama and that everyone was able to be civil while still navigating a difficult topic. Overall, the story was just good lighthearted fun.
The narrators did a great job though I felt like the male narrator’s voice felt overly formal in comparison to the plumber wolf shifter he was voicing.
The narrators did a great job though I felt like the male narrator’s voice felt overly formal in comparison to the plumber wolf shifter he was voicing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️/5
Goodreads review posted on: 07/16/2025
Wolf’s Instinct was a cute quick listen and Addison, Gabby, and Roderick were great characters with some amusing scenes.
I loved the interaction between Roderick and Addison, including Gabby in their dates and interactions. Addison was adorably cute with Gabby and the visuals that were thought up through the descriptions of the shifters was great.
I did feel like the story came up in various points that didn’t always make sense and jumped from problem to problem. Overall it was a cute read and was a 3.5/5 ⭐️
Goodreads review posted on: 07/16/2025
Wolf’s Instinct was a cute quick listen and Addison, Gabby, and Roderick were great characters with some amusing scenes.
I loved the interaction between Roderick and Addison, including Gabby in their dates and interactions. Addison was adorably cute with Gabby and the visuals that were thought up through the descriptions of the shifters was great.
I did feel like the story came up in various points that didn’t always make sense and jumped from problem to problem. Overall it was a cute read and was a 3.5/5 ⭐️
December 23, 2025
There is a lot happening in this story. Part of it may be the world building as this is the first story in the series. We have the shifter preschool which has lots of security to keep others out because shifters are a secret with a few human exceptions. There is a threat from the landlord who is buying everything up and raising prices. Then there is the romance between Abby and Roderick. The Roderick’s ex shows up. Then there is a mysterious woman. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt ending but I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book.
September 16, 2021
This was such a sweet romance. Adison and Roderick were perfect for each other. They each felt attraction when they first met. However, they take their time getting to know one another. Both have been hurt in the past and this time around they aren't taking any chances. Oh, and the kids at the daycare were adorable. I hope to read about the other characters in the future. I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
July 12, 2022
Cute story!
This was a quick and cute book, set in a town that I'd love to live in myself! Small towns with trees everywhere, quaint downtown, and of course that person who wants to mess it all up. Isn't that always the way? The kids in the daycare were written so well! A wonderful mix of animals among them with kid's comments and antics making me laugh often. The main story is good, and I had a lot of fun reading straight through to the end.
🐝✋🐺
This was a quick and cute book, set in a town that I'd love to live in myself! Small towns with trees everywhere, quaint downtown, and of course that person who wants to mess it all up. Isn't that always the way? The kids in the daycare were written so well! A wonderful mix of animals among them with kid's comments and antics making me laugh often. The main story is good, and I had a lot of fun reading straight through to the end.
🐝✋🐺
March 23, 2023
Very cute book about a single father who is a wolf shifter with an adorable baby girl named Gabby. When Addison applies for a job a shifters only day care center, she's asked to start immediately, as in right then because the owner is so short staffed. She's introduced as Teacher Addy and certainly has a way with the kids, especially Gabby. When she meets Gabby's dad it's that shifter's instinct that they are soulmates. Sparks fly and the fun begins.
April 4, 2023
Adorable
It’s shifter babies so I was swooning a lot, thinking about little tiny pups and armadillos and owls running around in a daycare. So cute!
The entire story is really cute as well, with some soulmates sprinkled there and insta love but it doesn’t feel forced at all. And I love how Roderick was respectful of Addy’s worries and took time slowly despite his wolf knowing he wanted her.
This is a low angst and sweet story that made me all smiley 🤗
It’s shifter babies so I was swooning a lot, thinking about little tiny pups and armadillos and owls running around in a daycare. So cute!
The entire story is really cute as well, with some soulmates sprinkled there and insta love but it doesn’t feel forced at all. And I love how Roderick was respectful of Addy’s worries and took time slowly despite his wolf knowing he wanted her.
This is a low angst and sweet story that made me all smiley 🤗
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