When a runaway werewolf gets a job at a reclusive witch’s cafe, more than just tea ends up brewing in this cozy, sapphic Halloween romance.

Nettie Clarke has never known the world beyond Hollenboro, her tiny home island off the coast of Maine. So when she abruptly flees with few belongings, no money, and no idea where to go, things get complicated.

Mainly because she’s a werewolf.

After arriving on the mainland, she comes across Wisteria Grove, a witch village hidden deep in the forest, and seeks shelter in a local cafe. There, she is confronted the owner, Rowena Hawthorne, the town’s surly and introverted herbalist. Impressed by Nettie’s baking skills, Rowena makes her an offer: work as the cafe’s resident baker and pretend to be a witch, and she’ll be paid enough to make it worth her time.

At first it seems like a great deal, and Nettie only plans to stay for a few weeks before taking off to see the rest of the world. But as the days pass, her baking skills grow, she befriends the local elementals, and she (reluctantly) finds Rowena attractive. All of which makes it harder for her to leave.

But as Nettie and Rowena’s bond deepens, so does the danger. Nettie’s safety is at stake if the village finds out she’s a werewolf, and her ears and tail won’t stop popping out when she gets stressed. And Nettie isn’t the only one with a secret to hide. Wisteria Grove is full of mysteries, all of which seem to trace back to Rowena. Despite warnings from the rest of the village, Nettie continues to fall for the herbalist witch, eager to discover the truth.

But the past has its claws sunk deep into Wisteria Grove, and Nettie will have to confront her own secrets — as well as Rowena’s — to stay in the town she’s grown to love.

The Lone Wolf Café is a mildly spicy sapphic Halloween romance between a witch and a werewolf. Perfect for fans of the cozy fantasy vibes of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea, Legends and Lattes, and The Spellshop who are looking for a spooky Halloween twist.