Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: The Handyman’s Howl
SERIES: Creature Comforts Inn #1
AUTHOR: Duckie Mack
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 344 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2026
BLURB:
Rudy is the resident handyman at Creature Comforts Inn. He also happens to be a werewolf. He’s strong, he’s loyal, but he’s not always in control of his shifts.
Bowen is human… mostly. He’s able to communicate with animals and often finds them to be easier company than people. Lately, each interaction with his animal friends has brought a warning. Something is following him. He has been guided to Creature Comforts Inn, where the creatures tell him he’ll find protection.
Rudy is drawn to the new guest, as is his wolf side. He finds himself craving Bowen’s company, driven by an instinct he’s not sure he can control.
When the shadow that’s been following Bowen manifests, will Rudy be able to connect with his beast to save his mate?
The Handyman’s Howl is an MM PNR cozy mystery with found family, fated mates, a clumsy werewolf, and a socially awkward human.
The Creature Comforts Inn series features stand-alone novels that can be enjoyed on their own, but I recommend reading the series to revisit your favorite characters in this world.
REVIEW:
I love this premise. An island designed for paranormals to be themselves. Complete with a check-in desk owner/partner that’s a vampire and can add glamour if human guests arrive!!!
Welcome to Creature Comforts Inn! A safe place for all beings to let go and just be themselves. Group of friends have created this wonderful paradise on a small enchanted island near Catalina island off the California Coast. We get the shy werewolf handyman’s story first. Rudy has learned how to do repairs because he isn’t fully in control of his wolf. Especially if any thing moon is seen by him. So meeting his friends in a paranormal website and them deciding to create this island oasis is the perfect place for him. And his skills building, renovating and fixing things makes him the best partner todo this for their group. But when a surprise guest’s scent sends him into a frenzy his friends/business partners are worried who or what this stranger is. Bowen has been “unique” all his life. Not only does he have exceptional hearing. But his hearing allows him to hear and understand animals as well as all humans. He finally learned, the hard way, to hide his “gift” from humans and became a bit of a recluse when around the human population. But a group of ducks, and then a stray cat, all demanded that he go West immediately before the icy fingers of the shadows got him. Winding up on this mysterious island was where he was finally safe but there are some very unique beings at Creature Comforts Inn! Was that a Sasquatch he saw in the woods? Did his pickleball partner really say he was a cheetah? And is that a werewolf on the walking path that is sniffing him??? And what was up with that cat saying he was “not human”???
These two were perfect for each other. Bowen’s lack of fear of Rudy’s wolf and his calming way with animals made it finally safe for Rudy to finally start connecting with his inner wolf instead of fighting him. They were becoming one and Bowen, being their fated mate, made that all possible. His abilities were something that Rudy appreciated instead of sneered at. They complement each other so well. Rudy keeping Bowen safe and Bowen helping Rudy and his wolf become one instead of fighting each other.
I did love that Ellie/Aurelia, the beautiful golden dragon, was so attached and loyal to Rudy before Bowen entered his life. And that she was so insightful for Bowen and why he was who he was. She was such a friend to both men.
But what I truly appreciated was that all the partners not only supported but protected their friends. Friends that became their found family. Even if it wasn’t always appreciated! Lol
This was a fabulous start to what suggests is going to be a great new series that I look forward to. Great characters and wonderful plot line. A huge thumbs-up 👍 for me!!!
RATING: 
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