How to Marry a Werewolf by Gail Carriger (Claw & Courtship #1)
Released: May 13, 2018
Historical Paranormal
Self Published

Reviewed by Mandi

Gail Carriger writes such cute, quirky books and in this novella (although it felt like a long novella) she gives us a grumpy werewolf hero and a human heroine who loves to collect rocks.

Faith had an indiscretion with a werewolf in Boston (it’s hinted at in the blurb and you will learn more about it as you read) and her family shuns her and sends her to live with distant relatives in England. In England, werewolves are titled and part of society. Her family thinks they are punishing by sending her away, but Faith is so unloved at home, casting her off is just another part of her life. When she lands in England, she is greeted by her future husband, she just doesn’t know it yet. Faith loves to collect rocks. In her mind:

“Rocks represent so much time and space, so much history. Yet they’re so solid and unchanging themselves.”

She has an extensive collection, all carefully organized. She also prefers to wear pants and last year’s style. She doesn’t quite fit into “normal” society. The family that has taken her in are adorable, and nice and want her to be happy. Faith really can’t believe her good fortune.

Our hero is Major Channing Channing – and yes, his parents gave him the same first name as his last name. Channing is a werewolf, gamma in his pack (third in command) and the head of the BUR, The Bureau of Unnatural Registry. He meets Faith as she lands in England because he has received word that there are “Sundowner bullets” being smuggled into England, and as these bullets can kill both werewolves and vampires, Channing doesn’t want them getting into the wrong hands. As Faith’s luggage weighs very heavy due to all of her rocks, he gets suspicious and searches through all her things, much to her rage.

These two start to meet again as they are invited to the same balls, and because Channing’s alpha owns a hat store, and helps the ladies with all of their fashion requirements – something Faith is in need of. As they start to spend time together, their biting banter starts to become more flirtatious.

This is a slow-burn romance and it worked so well for me. Both Faith and Channing have had loss in their life (I won’t go into it as not to spoil) and they eventually bond over that. They are both strong-willed, independent and stubborn, which makes their pairing quite delightful. Channing has chosen a path in his life to be alone, except for time spent with his pack. And Faith never thought she would have another chance at love after her disaster back at  home. It takes time for the two of them to trust what their hearts are saying, but it’s a wonderful journey to their HEA.

Channing is so gruff and grumpy and there are really cute scenes with his pack as they give him a hard time when they can tell he is falling for Faith. This paranormal world isn’t as violent as other worlds. We get a more quirky cast of characters and it was a refreshing change.

Their eventual declaration of love for each other was so sweet and made me smile. A really fun collection of characters, and a hero and heroine you can’t help but root for. I really like this author’s voice.

Grade: B+

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