Review: How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Title: How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werwolf, #1) 

Author: Molly Harper 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I feel like I always pick up a paranormal adult romance novel thinking that I cannot possibly give it more than three stars and sometimes, I just do. It's not that these books are thought-provoking or deep, it's not that they make you cry or scream, it's not even that they are books that change your life. Instead, they're novels that offer some perfect fun and put a smile on your face when you're down and sometimes, that's even harder to do than write a story that touches your heart. Well, sometimes.

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf is every bit as funny, romantic, and cute as its title and cover promise. It all starts out when Mo moves hundreds of miles from her humid hometown of Mississippi to Alaska, hoping to re-invent herself. All her life, Mo has been surrounded by completely hipster parents who force her to eat organic food and consider it blasphemous to shop at Wal-Mart. Now, after twenty-nine years of their overbearing presence, Mo has realized that she no longer knows what parts of her are her from what parts of her are simply the person she's become while rebelling against her parents.

Thus, a spontaneous move to Alaska ensues. Alaskans, however, aren't overly friendly to strangers, firmly looking down upon folks who move to the wilderness hoping to re-connect with a hidden part of themselves. Grundy, the small town Mo moves into, however, quickly accepts her. Or rather her fantastic cooking. Cooper, the surly neighbor, handsome man, and cousin of the woman who owns the restaurant Mo works in now, though, isn't so taken with Mo. Not only are the two of them constantly at each others throats, but the next thing you know, Mo knows Cooper's secret: he's a werewolf. At a time when people in Grundy are mysteriously being killed by wolves, that's one secret you want to keep.

What makes How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf such a success, for me at least, is Mo. Even from the first page, Mo has a vivacious and compelling personality, full of spunk and courage. Not only is she strong and stubborn, but her narration is absolutely hilarious. Her memories of her childhood are sprinkled with an incredulousness that is somehow believable and the manner in which she so fully integrates herself into Alaskan society is admirable. Even better, she's not afraid to stand up for herself and refuses to take crap from anyone. In other words, she is the perfect type of literary heroine.

Enter: Cooper. Cooper reminded me a lot of Mr. Darcy in the beginning of this novel - antisocial, aloof, and grumpy. Yet, what I loved about this book is the phenomenal transformation he slowly makes as the book progresses. Cooper and Mo have a charged relationship from the start and seeing their romance culminate is both rewarding and steamy. Mo evidently has a huge influence on Cooper, but it is not immediate. Cooper is a very multi-layered and intriguing character and peeling back each one of those layers is what kept me riveted to this story, unable to set it down. I literally read it in one sitting, so be prepared to not move for a few hours if you pick this one up.

In addition to a toe-curling romance and engaging protagonists, we have a mystery on our hands as well. Since a wolf is running free, killing tourists and villagers in Grundy, Mo's thoughts can't help but flee to Cooper and his family not far away. What I enjoyed about this mystery was that it was perfectly paced, with just the right amount of red herrings to make it obvious, but only if you really, really looked. It still came as a surprise to me by the end and the manner in which it was woven into the romance, making it deeper by the end, was rewarding as well. Even better, the mystery aspect opened new doors for complex family relationships as we got to meet Cooper's parents, sister, and cousins, as well as gain insight into why he, as an alpha, is no longer leading his pack.

How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf is the perfect winter read. It is heartwarming, amusing, and is sure to put a smile on your face and keep it there. Furthermore, its characters are utterly charming and the friendships, romances, and other bonds in this novel will make you form your own ties with these memorable personalities. Mo and Cooper are one of the best paranormal romance couples I've read about and the manner in which their relationship progresses, along with the pacing, is simply perfect. We have character growth, butterfly-inducing romance, and complex relationships, all with a dash of drama, murder mystery, and - let's not forget - sexy werewolves. If that isn't a recipe for success, then I don't know what is.