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The full moon brings out something wild in all of us. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the sub-genre of werewolf romance novels. In our latest podcast episode, we explore two distinct werewolf romances that showcase the range within this fascinating paranormal niche.
Meghan Leigh’s Book: The Werewolf Wore Plaid by Terry Spear
Terry Spear’s “The Wolf Wore Plaid” transports readers to Scotland, where Hollywood meets Highland werewolves during a movie production. This clever setup allows for clan rivalries, sabotage, and romance to flourish against the backdrop of a castle film set. The protagonist, Heather MacNeil, balances her successful bakery business while coordinating local female extras for the film. Meanwhile, Enrick MacQuarrie, second in command of his clan, handles security while fighting his growing attraction to Heather.
What stands out in Spear’s approach is the wholesome nature of the relationship despite some steamy scenes. The characters genuinely care for each other, arranging thoughtful dates and putting effort into courtship even after they’ve officially “mated.” This emphasis on continued courtship offers a surprising relationship lesson embedded in paranormal fiction – keep dating your partner even after commitment.
Nicole Danielle’s Book: The Alpha’s Mate by A. C. Arthur
A. C. Arthur’s “The Alpha’s Woman” (which is part of a collection of three werewolf romances in Growl) takes a different approach, centering on Kira Radney, an alpha female werewolf who escapes her pack after her mother’s mysterious death and an attempted assault. She encounters Blaeze, an alpha male with a military background who is descended from the original werewolves. Their intense physical attraction grows throughout the story while they investigate the mystery surrounding Kira’s mother’s death.
Arthur creates a complex world involving different werewolf factions (“Hunters” and “Devoteds”), incorporates Greek mythology, and establishes clear ritualistic elements to werewolf mating. The representation of Kira as a confident size 16 woman whose body is appreciated by her love interest adds a refreshing body-positive element to the narrative.
Exploring Werewolf Smut
Both novels illuminate fascinating werewolf romance conventions: the concept of finding a mate for life, the increased libido near full moons, pack hierarchies with alphas and betas, and physical transformations. Interestingly, the books differ in how werewolves transform – Spear’s characters become actual wolves, while Arthur’s become upright lycanthropes with wolf-like features.
The language used in these romances deserves special mention. Terms like “mating,” references to “feminine folds,” “bulbous heads,” and other creative anatomical descriptions create a unique lexicon that might surprise newcomers to the genre. While sometimes unintentionally humorous, these descriptors establish the primal, animalistic nature of the characters’ connections.
For readers curious about paranormal romance but unsure where to begin, werewolf romances offer accessible entry points with their blend of contemporary settings, supernatural elements, and familiar romance tropes. Whether you prefer your werewolves in kilts or special ops gear, the sub-genre has something to offer everyone brave enough to howl at the moon.
Resources
Have you read either of these books? What did you think of them? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you. Interested in reading these paranormal romance novels yourself? You can purchase The Wolf Wore Plaid here and Growl (a collection of three werewolf stories including The Alpha’s Mate) here. To learn more about USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear, click here. And to learn more about USA Today Bestselling author A. C. Arthur, click here. Want to listen to the podcast episode? We’re available on pretty much all your favorite podcast streaming services. Or you can visit our podcast player page here.
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