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Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala #3
The Snow Yeti's Grouchy Werewolf
Being shy sucks. Being shy and having a crush sucks even more. But I can’t get the grouchy werewolf out of my head, so I need to do something… as long as it doesn’t include talking…
Step Leave my crush a gift. Check.
Step Wait for him to open it. Check.
Step Try to convince him we’re meant to be. Ugh, I definitely have my work cut out for me.
Dain caught my attention the moment I walked into the bookstore. Tall. Broody. Growly in that definitely-a-werewolf way. The more time I spend near him, the more certain I become of one impossible
He’s my viramore. My soulmate.
Too bad I can barely string two words together in his presence.
When I finally tell him about our connection, he doesn’t believe me. But he does agree to a date. Hopefully I can turn one date into two, then three, and then maybe, just maybe, he’ll see that I’m right. We’re viramores, and no matter what trouble comes our way, nothing will change that.
The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf is Book 3 in Tales From Gauhala, an MM urban fantasy romance filled with grumpy/sweet energy, fated mates, gentle humor, and cozy found-family vibes. The series follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world, but you don’t need to read the other series first, although there will be familiar faces along the way.
Step Leave my crush a gift. Check.
Step Wait for him to open it. Check.
Step Try to convince him we’re meant to be. Ugh, I definitely have my work cut out for me.
Dain caught my attention the moment I walked into the bookstore. Tall. Broody. Growly in that definitely-a-werewolf way. The more time I spend near him, the more certain I become of one impossible
He’s my viramore. My soulmate.
Too bad I can barely string two words together in his presence.
When I finally tell him about our connection, he doesn’t believe me. But he does agree to a date. Hopefully I can turn one date into two, then three, and then maybe, just maybe, he’ll see that I’m right. We’re viramores, and no matter what trouble comes our way, nothing will change that.
The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf is Book 3 in Tales From Gauhala, an MM urban fantasy romance filled with grumpy/sweet energy, fated mates, gentle humor, and cozy found-family vibes. The series follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world, but you don’t need to read the other series first, although there will be familiar faces along the way.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
About the author
Michele Notaro
79 books980 followersMichele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.
She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!
If you would like updates on my new books or to be notified when a new book is released, please join my mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/cseIXT
You can find me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!
If you would like updates on my new books or to be notified when a new book is released, please join my mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/cseIXT
You can find me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 12, 2026
So cosy and cute compared to the rest of this story universe!!
I loved the snow themed names for the Yeti's, and the icicle reminded me of Olaf in Frozen which was funny.
I also loved the Ellwood family tree in the back of the book - I've binge read the whole series so everyone is fresh in my mind, but it's definitely helpful for future books
I loved the snow themed names for the Yeti's, and the icicle reminded me of Olaf in Frozen which was funny.
I also loved the Ellwood family tree in the back of the book - I've binge read the whole series so everyone is fresh in my mind, but it's definitely helpful for future books
January 22, 2026
Another fun instalment from Michele
I do like this series of paranormal romances from Michele.
While I still haven't got round to the Elwoood Chronicles, I also never feel lost in this world, there's always plenty of information given to make the stories work.
Here we get bookstore assistant Dain's story and I loved that the somewhat reserved and wary werewolf got himself a shy snow yeti viramore.
The secondary plot also worked well and while I could have done with a little bit less of the repetition of Dain saying he couldn't be Lanche's soulmate, once he realised he actually was, he went all in.
Now there's just Oakley and Roman's romance to come in this series and I'm looking forward to reading it a lot before the spin-off series starts with Jed.
I do like this series of paranormal romances from Michele.
While I still haven't got round to the Elwoood Chronicles, I also never feel lost in this world, there's always plenty of information given to make the stories work.
Here we get bookstore assistant Dain's story and I loved that the somewhat reserved and wary werewolf got himself a shy snow yeti viramore.
The secondary plot also worked well and while I could have done with a little bit less of the repetition of Dain saying he couldn't be Lanche's soulmate, once he realised he actually was, he went all in.
Now there's just Oakley and Roman's romance to come in this series and I'm looking forward to reading it a lot before the spin-off series starts with Jed.
January 24, 2026
It was cute. It didn't grab me as others in this series have, maybe because Dain is a pretty unknown character and Lanche was introduced for this book, so there's no connection with them the way there is with all the other characters in the background of their story. I do like the yeti lore
May 3, 2026
Eine nette kleine Geschichte, die im Gegensatz zu den anderen aus der Welt, wenig Aktion und Verschwörung hat. Was nettes zwischendurch, aber nichts besonderes.
April 17, 2026
When I read a book by Michele Notaro, I know it will be sweet and romantic with lots of cuddles and excellent world building. This book did not disappoint. I loved Avalanche and Dain and how cute and cuddly they are together.
Dain is a werewolf who stubbornly believes he cannot have a viramore, despite all of Avalanche's protestations to the contrary. He has also had an experience that led to a lack of trust, which Lanche must overcome if they are to have a relationship. Avalanche is an artistic snow yeti with some really cool magic. He gives Dain his icicle (read the book for the significance!), setting off a whole chain of events.
I do like the characters of Seb and Ailin, but I think this book would have been just as good without them. There are times it's overwhelming how many characters are in this universe, even though I like them all. However, I do love this series and the characters populating it.
UPDATE for audiobook:
Five stars for the narration! I always enjoy Zachary Zaba and the way he narrates stories. I like his voice, the voices he makes for the characters, and his pacing. Somehow, he always seems to be able to take a good story and make it even better.
I received an audiobook copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dain is a werewolf who stubbornly believes he cannot have a viramore, despite all of Avalanche's protestations to the contrary. He has also had an experience that led to a lack of trust, which Lanche must overcome if they are to have a relationship. Avalanche is an artistic snow yeti with some really cool magic. He gives Dain his icicle (read the book for the significance!), setting off a whole chain of events.
I do like the characters of Seb and Ailin, but I think this book would have been just as good without them. There are times it's overwhelming how many characters are in this universe, even though I like them all. However, I do love this series and the characters populating it.
UPDATE for audiobook:
Five stars for the narration! I always enjoy Zachary Zaba and the way he narrates stories. I like his voice, the voices he makes for the characters, and his pacing. Somehow, he always seems to be able to take a good story and make it even better.
I received an audiobook copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2026
cute but ultimately too many things I didn’t connect with
Rating: 3🌈
The Snow Yeti's Grouchy Werewolf (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala Book 3) by Michele Notaro is a perfect example why I’m finding it hard to continue reading this series. I enjoyed the first book but it’s gotten more difficult to stay connected with each new release.
The Tales From Gauhala series is a crossover from the Brinnswick series and is deeply rooted in the universe. It’s characters and their relationships are intertwining with each other’s relationships in each other stories, so it’s often hard to remember these complex family dynamics. Thousand year old mates claiming hundreds (or more, I can’t keep track) of children and their children’s children lend towards a seriously over populated universe.
Yes, many outlying characters from other the series show up here in ways that add nothing to the plot. They are just references for the reader. Look, so and so, the ancient powerful mages are here. I’m not that invested in them here. That’s part of the issue as I see it.
The story, about fated mates werewolf Dain, and shy Yeti Avalanche “Lanche” has its own issues. The characters are cute. But the author has included a dramatic storyline that’s seems underwhelming, or not well written. After all the work going into the suspense of the climax and drama behind the villain, there’s a huge letdown and considerable lack of foundation laid down for this aspect of the story. Makes little sense because there’s no solid narrative behind it.
That whole icicle thing itself was problematic.
Every other element feels a bit hastily assembled. Let’s give the Yeti family cute names and throw them together in an ice palace. Ok, but where’s the natural history? Any real grounding? Absent.
When a reader is distracted from the story, even the smallest detail or aspect in a scene can make the reader look again at the story a different way.
Example:
“I didn’t blame him for it. It wasn’t his fault that the people under him who were supposed to carry out his will had been lying to him for so long.”
Talking about the King here who while grieving, abdicated all responsibility for his Kingdom and ruling to those below him, not checking for decades, to see what monstrous things were going on. Up in his tower, while horrifying acts and events were being carried out in his name.
Whose responsibility? It’s his. The fault is his.
Something even the author isn’t saying. Sigh.
So this clearly isn’t the book for me. Cute . But too many things I find problematic. I do like her Magi Accounts series. Those are terrific.
If you’re a fan, I’m sure you’ll like it.
Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala :
The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon #1
The Vampire's Delicious Fae #2
The Snow Yeti's Grouchy Werewolf #3
The Dragon's Devoted Defender #4-March 17,2026
Rating: 3🌈
The Snow Yeti's Grouchy Werewolf (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala Book 3) by Michele Notaro is a perfect example why I’m finding it hard to continue reading this series. I enjoyed the first book but it’s gotten more difficult to stay connected with each new release.
The Tales From Gauhala series is a crossover from the Brinnswick series and is deeply rooted in the universe. It’s characters and their relationships are intertwining with each other’s relationships in each other stories, so it’s often hard to remember these complex family dynamics. Thousand year old mates claiming hundreds (or more, I can’t keep track) of children and their children’s children lend towards a seriously over populated universe.
Yes, many outlying characters from other the series show up here in ways that add nothing to the plot. They are just references for the reader. Look, so and so, the ancient powerful mages are here. I’m not that invested in them here. That’s part of the issue as I see it.
The story, about fated mates werewolf Dain, and shy Yeti Avalanche “Lanche” has its own issues. The characters are cute. But the author has included a dramatic storyline that’s seems underwhelming, or not well written. After all the work going into the suspense of the climax and drama behind the villain, there’s a huge letdown and considerable lack of foundation laid down for this aspect of the story. Makes little sense because there’s no solid narrative behind it.
That whole icicle thing itself was problematic.
Every other element feels a bit hastily assembled. Let’s give the Yeti family cute names and throw them together in an ice palace. Ok, but where’s the natural history? Any real grounding? Absent.
When a reader is distracted from the story, even the smallest detail or aspect in a scene can make the reader look again at the story a different way.
Example:
“I didn’t blame him for it. It wasn’t his fault that the people under him who were supposed to carry out his will had been lying to him for so long.”
Talking about the King here who while grieving, abdicated all responsibility for his Kingdom and ruling to those below him, not checking for decades, to see what monstrous things were going on. Up in his tower, while horrifying acts and events were being carried out in his name.
Whose responsibility? It’s his. The fault is his.
Something even the author isn’t saying. Sigh.
So this clearly isn’t the book for me. Cute . But too many things I find problematic. I do like her Magi Accounts series. Those are terrific.
If you’re a fan, I’m sure you’ll like it.
Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala :
The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon #1
The Vampire's Delicious Fae #2
The Snow Yeti's Grouchy Werewolf #3
The Dragon's Devoted Defender #4-March 17,2026
April 4, 2026
I did the mistake of reading this without having read the previous two books, that's my bad.
However, the blurb says that this series "takes place in the Brinnswick world, but you don’t need to read the other series first"...I'm not so sure that's accurate. I felt like I should have read a lot more than just the previous two books before reading this one.
With that being said, this was a very cute story. Lanche was so adorable! And Dain was as grouchy as promised, but with a sweet spot for his viramore. I liked their romance and all the ways Lanche tried to charm Dain. There were some very swoony date moments. ♡
I felt like I got a much better grasp of Lanche (the yeti) as a character. From what I gather he was a new character that showed up for the first time in this book, so everything you need to know about him is in the book. I felt a bit confused about Dain. Many times when there were mentions of something in his background, I felt like they were references to other books (maybe even another series?) and there was very little on-page info given. There were a few things that were explained, but I have more questions about his background than I have answers.
I loved the parts of "yeti culture" that was in the book. It's something new and creative that I haven't read about before. I wish there would have been more with Lanche's family in the end, instead of the focus on the Ellwood family.
I’m a bit conflicted about rating this book; part of it feels very dependent of the previous books and that makes it tricky to get a full picture without reading them. However, it gets a lot of bonus points for the yetis! I’m going with 3,5★ rounded up to 4★.
(I want to read the previous books in this series, but I will probably start with The Ellwood Chronicles and work my way through all of the series in a chronological order. It will be nice to see what future me thinks of this book, once I get around to rereading it.)
However, the blurb says that this series "takes place in the Brinnswick world, but you don’t need to read the other series first"...I'm not so sure that's accurate. I felt like I should have read a lot more than just the previous two books before reading this one.
With that being said, this was a very cute story. Lanche was so adorable! And Dain was as grouchy as promised, but with a sweet spot for his viramore. I liked their romance and all the ways Lanche tried to charm Dain. There were some very swoony date moments. ♡
I felt like I got a much better grasp of Lanche (the yeti) as a character. From what I gather he was a new character that showed up for the first time in this book, so everything you need to know about him is in the book. I felt a bit confused about Dain. Many times when there were mentions of something in his background, I felt like they were references to other books (maybe even another series?) and there was very little on-page info given. There were a few things that were explained, but I have more questions about his background than I have answers.
I loved the parts of "yeti culture" that was in the book. It's something new and creative that I haven't read about before. I wish there would have been more with Lanche's family in the end, instead of the focus on the Ellwood family.
I’m a bit conflicted about rating this book; part of it feels very dependent of the previous books and that makes it tricky to get a full picture without reading them. However, it gets a lot of bonus points for the yetis! I’m going with 3,5★ rounded up to 4★.
(I want to read the previous books in this series, but I will probably start with The Ellwood Chronicles and work my way through all of the series in a chronological order. It will be nice to see what future me thinks of this book, once I get around to rereading it.)
January 16, 2026
I enjoyed this Michele Notaro story, having discovered her through a different series, but I had not read the other books in this series, so many of the characters that had obviously appeared in the first two books weren’t as familiar to me. The book does work as a standalone, and I quickly engaged with the characters of werewolf Dain and snow yeti Lanche through their slow moving romance from acquaintances in the bookstore where Dain worked to varimores (soulmates). Dain took quite a bit of convincing while Lanche knew their connection from the start. Dain is leery about dating after an episode in his past and the event of his turning, but Lanche is quietly persistent and eventually wears him down with his unwavering care and devotion. Once Dain acknowledges their bond, all does not go smoothly, as someone has stolen a precious item to be used against one of them, threatening their future. Luckily, magic and true grit find its way to bring them back together to get their HEA.
This was an interesting collection of characters with werewolves, vampires, dragons, yetis and other magical shifters, all part of an unorthodox found family spanning the social and economic strata of the time, on call at a moment’s notice when needed, regardless of their station in life. There are plenty of smiles and a few tense situations, but overall a very entertaining and satisfying adventure in a search for true love.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
This was an interesting collection of characters with werewolves, vampires, dragons, yetis and other magical shifters, all part of an unorthodox found family spanning the social and economic strata of the time, on call at a moment’s notice when needed, regardless of their station in life. There are plenty of smiles and a few tense situations, but overall a very entertaining and satisfying adventure in a search for true love.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dain and Lanche are opposites, one's immune to the cold, and the other isn't, one is usually happy most of the time and the other is primarily grumpy. These two are the epitome of the grumpy/sunshine trope in the best way.
Now their romance does develop a bit slowly, Dain is weary of believing what Lanche is telling him, (which he does have a good reason for being skeptical.) His skepticism led both men to take things slow, go on a lot of dates, and get to know each other. I loved reading about all of the dates they went on and seeing them really start to fall for each other.
While this IS a fated mates story, it's not what the whole plot it about, yes it's there and a part of it, but there are other things going on as well. Which I know I liked and know other readers will appreciate as well.
I adore both Dain and Lanche's families, they are loud, caring, loving, protective, sassy, and very fierce! They are going to have their hands full with all of those family members.
While this is apart of a series, I haven't read the books that come prior to this one and was able to enjoy reading this story just find. I think it can absolutely be read as a standalone, and if you have read the prior books then I think you'll probably end up having more backstory than I did going into this one.
All in all, a very cute wintery book.
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
Now their romance does develop a bit slowly, Dain is weary of believing what Lanche is telling him, (which he does have a good reason for being skeptical.) His skepticism led both men to take things slow, go on a lot of dates, and get to know each other. I loved reading about all of the dates they went on and seeing them really start to fall for each other.
While this IS a fated mates story, it's not what the whole plot it about, yes it's there and a part of it, but there are other things going on as well. Which I know I liked and know other readers will appreciate as well.
I adore both Dain and Lanche's families, they are loud, caring, loving, protective, sassy, and very fierce! They are going to have their hands full with all of those family members.
While this is apart of a series, I haven't read the books that come prior to this one and was able to enjoy reading this story just find. I think it can absolutely be read as a standalone, and if you have read the prior books then I think you'll probably end up having more backstory than I did going into this one.
All in all, a very cute wintery book.
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
January 8, 2026
(Ava)Lanche is a shy snow yeti who has a big crush on Dain. He hangs around the book store Dain works at trying to get up the nerve to talk to him. He knows down deep that Dain is his viramore (soulmate), so he devises a way to communicate his feelings to Dain. He gifts his icicle to Dain. Dain is a slightly grumpy, standoffish werewolf. He has his reasons and it made my heart hurt for him. He's attracted to Lanche but has no intention to do anything about it, until he's given an extraordinary gift. Now he doesn't know what to do with this yeti. While he's trying to figure it out, someone is working an evil plan in the background and they have no qualms using Lanche and Dain for their own goal. Too bad this evil doer doesn't take into consideration the love of viramores and family loyalty.
This is a really good, sweet, paranormal, fantasy romance. I loved Lanche and Dain from page one and felt their connection. I loved their friends and family group that dropped everything to help them and welcome them to each other's group. I haven't read anything like this with a yeti shifter and the icicle part. This was refreshing and interesting. I would've liked it to be longer just because I liked the story so much but it's really good as it is. Looking forward to reading the last book in the series. 😍
This is a really good, sweet, paranormal, fantasy romance. I loved Lanche and Dain from page one and felt their connection. I loved their friends and family group that dropped everything to help them and welcome them to each other's group. I haven't read anything like this with a yeti shifter and the icicle part. This was refreshing and interesting. I would've liked it to be longer just because I liked the story so much but it's really good as it is. Looking forward to reading the last book in the series. 😍
January 10, 2026
This is the third book in the Brinnswick: Tales from Gauhala series but you do not have to read the previous books to understand and enjoy this wonderful story. Dain is a werewolf who works at the bookstore owned by Anton, the MMC in book two, and Lanche is a Yeti shifter who is new to the series. Seeing how this series branches off from another large series, it is really great that you can enjoy each book for its own unique story. I started with this series and I am excited to read all of the books.
This is a cozy, sweet story about Lanche who is so painfully shy that he can barely speak when he is near Dain. Dain has a traumatic past with dating and the attack that led him to be cursed as a werewolf. He is hesitant to approach Lanche or encourage him in anyway. The thing is, Lanche knows that Dain is his viramore or soulmate. He is going to need to find the courage to not only speak to Dain but convince him to risk his heart. The path Dain and Lanche take to find their happiness is slow and steady but utterly charming.
Michele Notaro is an outstanding writer. Her characters have such warmth and personality. My favorite thing about her books is how well she writes a found family trope. The Gauhala family gets bigger and more amazing with every book.
This is a cozy, sweet story about Lanche who is so painfully shy that he can barely speak when he is near Dain. Dain has a traumatic past with dating and the attack that led him to be cursed as a werewolf. He is hesitant to approach Lanche or encourage him in anyway. The thing is, Lanche knows that Dain is his viramore or soulmate. He is going to need to find the courage to not only speak to Dain but convince him to risk his heart. The path Dain and Lanche take to find their happiness is slow and steady but utterly charming.
Michele Notaro is an outstanding writer. Her characters have such warmth and personality. My favorite thing about her books is how well she writes a found family trope. The Gauhala family gets bigger and more amazing with every book.
January 9, 2026
Not a grouchy werewolf, more a careful one.
Although I'm nearly up to date with all Michele Notaro's Brinswick books, I didn't find this one held my attention. Dane was okay and Lanche was okay. I didn't find Dane (the werewolf) particularly grouchy, more like careful. He had a backstory which isn't mentioned here, but that seemed to leave him with a mistrust of being alone with Lanche, even though he kept saying (in his POV chapters) that he trusted Lanche. I don't know, I've read a lot of Michele Notaro's books and had this on back order for 2 months, but it just didn't gradually me like her others did. I've got the next on order and will still get it as I want to find out more about the characters in that one.
What I did love was the family tree at the back of this book. I'd tried (in my head) to make some sense of the enormous family, so it's nice to see them all written out.
Although this book is a standalone, I'm not sure it works. There are quite a few mentions of other characters from the other books and I think they've too much background to be so superficial in this book.
Although I'm nearly up to date with all Michele Notaro's Brinswick books, I didn't find this one held my attention. Dane was okay and Lanche was okay. I didn't find Dane (the werewolf) particularly grouchy, more like careful. He had a backstory which isn't mentioned here, but that seemed to leave him with a mistrust of being alone with Lanche, even though he kept saying (in his POV chapters) that he trusted Lanche. I don't know, I've read a lot of Michele Notaro's books and had this on back order for 2 months, but it just didn't gradually me like her others did. I've got the next on order and will still get it as I want to find out more about the characters in that one.
What I did love was the family tree at the back of this book. I'd tried (in my head) to make some sense of the enormous family, so it's nice to see them all written out.
Although this book is a standalone, I'm not sure it works. There are quite a few mentions of other characters from the other books and I think they've too much background to be so superficial in this book.
January 14, 2026
This series keeps going from strength to strength. This is the third book in the Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone read. I really enjoyed this book. It is the story of Dain Keakrana and Avalanche (Lanche) Rudolphus. Dain is a werewolf who works at the
Sleepless Books bookstore. Lanche is a Yeti shifter. Each time that Lanche interacts with Dain, he is so painfully shy and tongue tied he is barely able to speak. Dain has a lot of baggage from a traumatic dating event and the attack that turned him into a werewolf. However his grumpy demeanor doesn't diminish Lanche's bright and sunny outlook. Lanche knows that Dain is his soulmate or viramore. Dain doesn'tbelieve that it is possible. Lanche will have to convince his werewolf that it is true. This is their story. I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. The book is very well written and easy to enjoy. This is a cute slow burn romance with no angst. I loved this book. The characters are warm and endearing. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Sleepless Books bookstore. Lanche is a Yeti shifter. Each time that Lanche interacts with Dain, he is so painfully shy and tongue tied he is barely able to speak. Dain has a lot of baggage from a traumatic dating event and the attack that turned him into a werewolf. However his grumpy demeanor doesn't diminish Lanche's bright and sunny outlook. Lanche knows that Dain is his soulmate or viramore. Dain doesn'tbelieve that it is possible. Lanche will have to convince his werewolf that it is true. This is their story. I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. The book is very well written and easy to enjoy. This is a cute slow burn romance with no angst. I loved this book. The characters are warm and endearing. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 9, 2026
Although I'm nearly up to date with all Michele Notaro's Brinswick books, I didn't find this one held my attention. Dane was okay and Lanche was okay. I didn't find Dane (the werewolf) particularly grouchy, more like careful. He had a backstory which isn't mentioned here, but that seemed to leave him with a mistrust of being alone with Lanche, even though he kept saying (in his POV chapters) that he trusted Lanche. I don't know, I've read a lot of Michele Notaro's books and had this on back order for 2 months, but it just didn't gradually me like her others did. I've got the next on order and will still get it as I want to find out more about the characters in that one.
What I did love was the family tree at the back of this book. I'd tried (in my head) to make some sense of the enormous family, so it's nice to see them all written out.
Although this book is a standalone, I'm not sure it works. There are quite a few mentions of other characters from the other books and I think they've too much background to be so superficial in this book.
What I did love was the family tree at the back of this book. I'd tried (in my head) to make some sense of the enormous family, so it's nice to see them all written out.
Although this book is a standalone, I'm not sure it works. There are quite a few mentions of other characters from the other books and I think they've too much background to be so superficial in this book.
March 16, 2026
Another sweet visit to Gauhala
This felt !like a bit of a change of pace for books set in this world. It felt to me a little bit more careful with character development - possibly because we haven't previously seen any yetis therefore we haven't already met one of our MCs in any capacity. Lanche, however, is a delight! This abominable snowman is, ironically, sunshiny partner in this grumpy/sunshine pairing. His viramore is Dain, the werewolf who we met working at Anton's bookstore in the second installment in the series.
The story itself is a nice quick very entertaining read. It's perhaps a little less complex in the plotting - there's none of the societal / political challenges faced by the king in book one of the series, or the antagonism between Anton and Keryth in book two, for example. What we do get, I'm hopeful, through the introduction of Dain and Lanche's families is an open door to more yeti fun in the future now that this part of the world building has been done. It's 3.5* rounded up from me...bring on book four.
This felt !like a bit of a change of pace for books set in this world. It felt to me a little bit more careful with character development - possibly because we haven't previously seen any yetis therefore we haven't already met one of our MCs in any capacity. Lanche, however, is a delight! This abominable snowman is, ironically, sunshiny partner in this grumpy/sunshine pairing. His viramore is Dain, the werewolf who we met working at Anton's bookstore in the second installment in the series.
The story itself is a nice quick very entertaining read. It's perhaps a little less complex in the plotting - there's none of the societal / political challenges faced by the king in book one of the series, or the antagonism between Anton and Keryth in book two, for example. What we do get, I'm hopeful, through the introduction of Dain and Lanche's families is an open door to more yeti fun in the future now that this part of the world building has been done. It's 3.5* rounded up from me...bring on book four.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Third in series (Brinnswick:Tales from Gauhala), best is read in order. Paranormal. Fated mates. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV.
There’s a snow yeti shifter that keeps coming into the book shop where Dain works, and he seems sweet even though he hasn’t spoken much due to his shyness. Dain may seem like a grumpy werewolf, but Lanche knows Dain is his viramore, so maybe a gift of his affection and magic will open the possibility of dating.
A cute addition to this series, longtime side character Dain gets a soulmate which he doesn’t think is possible for werewolves. It's so much fun to read stories where one character has no doubt they have found their soulmate, and Lanche is perfectly kind, patient, and deserving of love as long as Dain can overcome his distrust of anyone new in his life. I enjoyed the low angst, slow build of Dain and Lanche’s relationship, and how all the family and found family support and protect them. A sweet read.
There’s a snow yeti shifter that keeps coming into the book shop where Dain works, and he seems sweet even though he hasn’t spoken much due to his shyness. Dain may seem like a grumpy werewolf, but Lanche knows Dain is his viramore, so maybe a gift of his affection and magic will open the possibility of dating.
A cute addition to this series, longtime side character Dain gets a soulmate which he doesn’t think is possible for werewolves. It's so much fun to read stories where one character has no doubt they have found their soulmate, and Lanche is perfectly kind, patient, and deserving of love as long as Dain can overcome his distrust of anyone new in his life. I enjoyed the low angst, slow build of Dain and Lanche’s relationship, and how all the family and found family support and protect them. A sweet read.
January 27, 2026
I enjoyed going back to Gauhala and glimpsing all those old characters I love and furthermore meeting and getting to know Dain and Lanche.
The icicle Dain presents to Dain in order to give himself to his mate was an original take in fated mates, similar to other tokens gifted between mates but with an effect alike to that of selkies' coats. Not exactly new but a personal way for the author to present a new paranormal species and how they mate.
Lanche was sweet and cute, so big but tenderhearted and Dain at first seems the most fragile of the pair, but when Lanche needs his mate to be there Dain goes to him without any fear and with the absolute confidence in the power of their mating.
As always Michele Notaro writes a very enjoyable story, with impeccable writing where you can lost yourself to the tale and a faultless editing that keeps you in the book.
I heartily recommend it!
The icicle Dain presents to Dain in order to give himself to his mate was an original take in fated mates, similar to other tokens gifted between mates but with an effect alike to that of selkies' coats. Not exactly new but a personal way for the author to present a new paranormal species and how they mate.
Lanche was sweet and cute, so big but tenderhearted and Dain at first seems the most fragile of the pair, but when Lanche needs his mate to be there Dain goes to him without any fear and with the absolute confidence in the power of their mating.
As always Michele Notaro writes a very enjoyable story, with impeccable writing where you can lost yourself to the tale and a faultless editing that keeps you in the book.
I heartily recommend it!
January 8, 2026
This is a book set in the Brinnswick/Gauhala world. I will admit I have not read a lot of those books (there are many) but I still enjoyed this book. Daine and Lanche are so good together. Daine is a grumpy werewolf and Lanche is the sunshine Snow Yeti (first Yeti for me). It was great entering this world and meeting so many characters that had previous books. I did not feel lost at all. It definitely piqued my interest to read many of the other books. Lanche works very hard to breakthrough Daine’s walls. They are soulmates. There was some angst but well worth it. There was so much fun supernatural happenings to learn about. It had a great HEA and passion between our two MC’s. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
March 14, 2026
I was a bit lost with so many characters, but obviously starting on book 3 in a series (which I think is interconnected to other series gets you that). However focusing on the main characters were fine. I appareciated there was s difference between werewolves and wolf shifters. Also that despite being a werewolf (which you'd assume is stronger, etc.) having had a bad experience with a stalker, he is super cautious about being alone with the yeti who has declared him his mate. Also supposedly turned wolves don't get fated mates... or do they. So it was cute and sweet with lots of shy interactions and slowly becoming comfortable with each other. Quite low heat (which is fine) but if that's your thing you'll be disappointed. I admit I picked it up because, hello, yeti.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another wonderfully magical story! We are back in Gauhala with Dain, a werewolf, and Lanche, a yeti. Dain works in Anton’s bookstore where he meets Lanche, a snow yeti. We get a new look into even more magical creatures in this tale while enjoying pop-ins from our favourite couples. This grumpy/shy sunshine couple are so cute and you are rooting for them from the first interaction all the way through their trials until their HEA. I recommend you read the previous books in this universe to get the full backstory (and lots of awesome stories) but it’s not required. If Michele keeps writing in this universe I will definitely keep buying them! 5 plus stars that you won’t want to miss!
January 17, 2026
This was a very sweet story about a grumpy werewolf and the sweetest yeti. Dain is grumpy for a reason but does give Lanche a chance when Lance finally gets the courage to ask him out. This is a fairly quick read but I loved how Lanche respected Dain's boundaries. The heat in this one is very low. There's a sweet intimate moment towards the end but other than that it's very low on the spice. Overall, I loved these characters and thought this was a very nice addition to the Ellwood series. I do think this one is best read after the others in this Brinnswick series because there are quite a few characters mentioned that could be confusing if you didn't have their stories as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved it. Dain, who works at Anton’s bookshop, was made into a werewolf. He has noticed Lanche coming to the store and thought him a good looking, but shy person. Lanche is a snow yeti who knows that Dain is his viramour. He wants to woo him but is extremely shy. When Lanche gives him a gift, this starts their story of how Lanche and Dain started their relationship and hearing Dain’s backstory. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I am hoping though that Dain’s brother, Paxton, gets a book too.
January 8, 2026
Adorable Romance
Lanche and Dain are absolutely adorable! Lanche is too shy to ask Dain out on a date even though he knows they’re meant to be together so instead he leaves him a very important gift. I really liked how Dain was a little grumpy but whenever he was thinking about Lanche he was thinking how adorable he was and how he wanted to hug him it was so sweet! And Lanche is adorable and very patient waiting for Dain realizing they’re supposed to be together. My favourite part of this book was when they were both shifted together!
Lanche and Dain are absolutely adorable! Lanche is too shy to ask Dain out on a date even though he knows they’re meant to be together so instead he leaves him a very important gift. I really liked how Dain was a little grumpy but whenever he was thinking about Lanche he was thinking how adorable he was and how he wanted to hug him it was so sweet! And Lanche is adorable and very patient waiting for Dain realizing they’re supposed to be together. My favourite part of this book was when they were both shifted together!
January 9, 2026
One awkward and shy Yeti, and a grouchy, skittish werewolf.
Lanche is all wholesome vibes and natury snow castles. Hot chocolate and ice skating. And hello, he’s a Yeti! Cuddle, furry yeti!
Dain’s life is less snowflakes and more storm clouds. Becoming and being a werewolf is no picnic, and some of his past experiences have left him leery. But his grouchy outershell is no match for Lanche’s certainty and patience in their connection.
Talk about lovely and romantic. And Dain falling in love is all kinds of perfect.
Lanche is all wholesome vibes and natury snow castles. Hot chocolate and ice skating. And hello, he’s a Yeti! Cuddle, furry yeti!
Dain’s life is less snowflakes and more storm clouds. Becoming and being a werewolf is no picnic, and some of his past experiences have left him leery. But his grouchy outershell is no match for Lanche’s certainty and patience in their connection.
Talk about lovely and romantic. And Dain falling in love is all kinds of perfect.
February 8, 2026
Absolutely wonderful, I love how these two come together. They are attracted to each other before they realize what they are to each other which makes getting to know each other smoother for them. Unfortunately they run into some trouble but with their families supporting them, they are able to overcome the issues that arise. I love this world and am beyond thrilled that Michele is still providing us with these stories. Michele is an amazing writer and an amazing person, everything you writes is beautiful and worth reading from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next. ❤️😁
April 13, 2026
Dain and Lanche were really sweet together, and it was endearing to see how Dain was slowly win over by Lanche.
I also freaking adored the voices and accents the narrator gave to our characters, and his contributions to the story.
Dain's past suffering was bittersweet and a big influence in his reluctance to believe in Lanche feelings and sincerity.
I liked how the narrator conveyed the emotional scenes, as well as the happy ones.
I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
I also freaking adored the voices and accents the narrator gave to our characters, and his contributions to the story.
Dain's past suffering was bittersweet and a big influence in his reluctance to believe in Lanche feelings and sincerity.
I liked how the narrator conveyed the emotional scenes, as well as the happy ones.
I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am such a fan of all the interrelated Brinnswick books. Dain and Lanche’s book was no exception. I loved these two. Dain may be grumpy, but Lanche does make him smile. He has his reasons for not immediately believing the snow yeti, but I love how he is willing to give him a chance anyway. Lanche has faith and patience enough for both of them! Yet another great book in this world and worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dain and Lanche were so endearing together, and I absolutely adored their journey.
They had a couple of hiccups along the way thanks to Dain's past experiences, but I loved how Lanche gained his trust and won his love.
I loved seeing old characters and their warm welcome in the big family, as well as the help offered when they needed.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward for the next adventure.
They had a couple of hiccups along the way thanks to Dain's past experiences, but I loved how Lanche gained his trust and won his love.
I loved seeing old characters and their warm welcome in the big family, as well as the help offered when they needed.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward for the next adventure.
January 8, 2026
As always, Ms Notaro writes characters who melt my cold heart. Lanche is so sweet, and he obviously needs all the hugs ever given. Dain maybe grouchy, but deep inside, he's a squishmallow. I loved the plot, and the always-appreciated cameos by all the Brinnswick crew. Luckily, there are enough characters to keep this, and several other, series going forever. Thank you Michele, for writing such heartfelt books that make this frozen heart melt a little more each time I read one of your works.
January 10, 2026
I’ve missed this world!
While waiting patiently for the Dragon’s Defender book to release this suddenly popped up as a coming soon book. I was excited but also thought it might be a short novella for the holidays. I’m happy to say it was a real book. Though I don’t remember Dain I enjoyed his and Lanche’s story. I’m excited about the upcoming series with the vampire siblings. Part of me wants to re-read the Elwood books but four times would be silly… right?
While waiting patiently for the Dragon’s Defender book to release this suddenly popped up as a coming soon book. I was excited but also thought it might be a short novella for the holidays. I’m happy to say it was a real book. Though I don’t remember Dain I enjoyed his and Lanche’s story. I’m excited about the upcoming series with the vampire siblings. Part of me wants to re-read the Elwood books but four times would be silly… right?
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