Whether you were Team Edward or Team Jacob during Twilight’s heyday, it’s safe to say Jacob’s team is dominating the paranormal romance genre right now.
Vampires have taken something of a hit in the romance department in recent years while the werewolves are off having a howling good time.
But why is that?
Well, we sat down with some of our own werewolf scribes in the Inkitt community for some Q&A. Read below to learn what they had to say in part one of our two-part post!
Pssst…Just in case you’re not familiar with werewolves, shifter romances, or lycanthropes, we’ll explain that as well.
Werewolf 101
Werewolves are shapeshifters, meaning they can shift between at least two physical forms: a human form and a wolf form. As humans, werewolves often still show some of their animal instincts, such as heightened appetites, strong emotions, and a natural intensity in everything they do. They live in tightly-knit packs, acting as both fierce protectors and skilled hunters. Known for their loyalty and strength, werewolves are powerful allies but can be dangerous when threatened.
Yet, there’s more to them than raw power—they’re complex characters who often feel like outsiders in the human world. This duality, balancing human and wolf instincts, gives them unique depth and makes their stories both intense and captivating.
Lycanthropy
Lycanthropy is the ability to shapeshift, often associated with turning into a wolf. The term “lycanthrope” comes from the Greek lukanthrōpos and the Latin lycanthropus, both meaning “wolf-man.” Traditionally, lycanthropy is seen as a curse, where individuals become werewolves not by choice or birth but through being bitten by another werewolf. This transformation forces them to grapple with a new dual nature, balancing their human instincts with the wildness of the beast within.
In the world of werewolf romance, lycanthropes (often referred to as “lycans”) and werewolves are sometimes depicted as two distinct but closely related species. In these stories, lycans are typically portrayed as stronger, smarter, and longer-lived than their werewolf counterparts, adding another layer to the supernatural hierarchy.
Why Werewolves? Because They’re Sexy, Fierce Cuddlebugs.
Werewolves are strong, loyal, and pretty damn sexy.
They also have intense life-long relationships with their mates, and they are fierce protectors. What’s not to like?
Come on, who doesn’t love a bad boy or girl who will ravage them in a consensual, passionate way?
Let’s face it, werewolves are popular for a reason.
A.K.Adam, the Author of The Ruthless Player
A K Adam: I think (we) readers love werewolf romances because the idea of someone who is not only drop-dead gorgeous but powerful, wealthy, and possessive, loving you unconditionally and protecting you because you’re his entire world as he is yours is extremely appealing.
The idea that an alpha could wreak havoc in the world to avenge his fated mate is what makes it the most trendy genre it is now.
Not to mention the bond between mates, a bond so great they might die if the other dies; it speaks of love so great it’s unimaginable.
That kind of love is what we all dreamed of (as hopeless romantics). That kind of quality in an alpha is everything we crave and want in our fictional men.
Add that to the special bond between pack members, that familiar closeness of people coming together as one large tight-knit unit loving and protecting each other against enemies is also another thing we readers love, at least I do.
Let’s not forget the wildness, we might all say we don’t like a Neanderthal in real life in this era of feminism and all.
But when it comes to our fictional men, we want them to be savage, primitive, and possessive towards their mates. All that “growly” and claiming “mine” get us hotter.
Arri Stone, the Author of Worth Fighting For
Arri Stone: For me personally, I love the emotions that can come with a werewolf story.
Whether it is the highs, lows, anger, or passion, loyalty can be a mix in some stories—like your rejected mates type stories.
But on the whole, once mated, they hold massive protection and loyalty.
It is also writers producing something different. I love twists and the torment that can come with them. And of course that most typical alpha’s have that huge sex appeal to them.
OC Andrea, the Author of Unbecoming Luna
I think readers love werewolf stories for the mate bond subplot.
The idea there’s a true soulmate out there, specially designed for you, that will love you and fiercely protect and fight for you against all odds is very appealing.
And the fact the werewolf guys are usually ripped, rich, and love-stuck from the minute they scent their mate is that much more enticing.
I mean, a book boyfriend always makes a book that much more appealing… if he’s a gorgeous male specimen only sweetens the deal.
Teenwolf, Twilight, and Underworld Kicked Off the Were Hype.
At some point, werewolves stopped being big, moon-crazed monsters with limited control over their actions and instead morphed into sexy shapeshifting heroes.
Our sources indicate that this probably started with the Twilight and Teenwolf franchises.
Arayne, the Author of The Vampire Lord’s Delight
Arayne: I think the hype and distinction started [with the Underworld film series]. Lycans were made less furry, black, and humongous, with the ability to stand on two legs.
Arri Stone: Yes, definitely Twilight set it off. I’ve always been a huge vampire fan – Dracula, An Interview with a Vampire, Lost Boys. So when The Twilight series hit, I got into werewolves.
OC Andrea: It might’ve started with Twilight (team Jacob forever), but I think it probably had more to do with Teen Wolf. I remember that show being all the hype when I was in college.
Why Werewolves and Not Vampires? Too Many Red Flags with Vamps.
Fair enough. Think about it. On the one hand, you have a super-devoted (and insanely gorgeous) life partner who will protect you and build a life with you.
Also, you can go out with them during the daytime and probably not have to worry about angry townspeople with torches and pitchforks.
Vampires…not so much. Immortal, jaded, and isolated due to their…tendencies, a relationship with a vampire wouldn’t just be challenging; it would be nearly impossible.
Also, they will literally drain the life from you.
Arri Stone: Unfortunately, with vampires, it [tends to be]the blood that causes the attraction in most storylines. […] The same with any kind of story. No one wants to read the same plotline all the time. […]
I don’t understand why vampires took a hit, [though]. I still love them as one of my favourites to read and write. […] That said, a lot of werewolf stories include vampires in them now (mine included.)
And I have a spin-off I’m about to write, which follows the relationship between a werewolf and a vampire as they fall in love.
Ashlee Lauryn, the Author of Tainted Roots
Ashlee Lauryn: For me, the reason I grew tired of the vampire books was because I wasn’t a fan of how the vampire only seems so drawn to the girl because her blood is irresistible. It’s always a battle of which he wants more, her blood or her body. It grew tiring.
OC Andrea: [R]egarding the were vs vampire I think it has very much to do with the immortal factor of the story.
Werewolves are part humans, even if they have a human mate they don’t necessarily have to turn them and can pretty much live a normal life and grow old together with their friends and family, have children, [and just be]blissfully in love.
A total opposite when talking about vampires.
They usually live a secluded lonely life, they are pretty much jaded from being alive for so many centuries, being in a relationship with one requires great sacrifice from their human partner, giving up their previous life, and unless the setting differs, they’ll have to live in hiding, watch everyone they love grow old and die, and never have that sense of community and belonging again.
The Rejected Mate Trope In Werewolf Romance
This may seem counterintuitive at first. After all, part of the werewolf’s appeal is their unbreakable mate bond, right?
But stories where this doesn’t work out, even when decreed by fate, allow readers and writers to explore the nuances of incompatible relationships and coming out the other side to find someone who is actually good for them.
Ashlee Lauryn: I feel like there’s two avenues for rejected mate tropes.
There’s the one where the guy realizes his mistake years later and redeems himself—usually with a lot of groveling.
Or there’s the one where she has a second chance mate, usually falling for the enemy. Sometimes she ends up with a harem.
A K Adam: I think the rejected trope stories aim is to enlighten that although mates are fated, sometimes what fate chose for you (or rather the fmc or male mmc) is that some mated pairs might not compatible, and that even with the bond without mutual love and respect the pairs might not stick together and might even choose someone else other than their fated.
That’s my understanding, I’m still exploring the subgenre myself.
Moon Goddess in Werewolf Lore
In werewolf romance lore, the Moon Goddess is a mystical deity who often oversees the lives of werewolves, guiding their fates and connections.
She is commonly seen as the creator of werewolves and the one who establishes their bonds, especially the concept of “fated mates.” Werewolves often revere her as the source of their strength, instincts, and supernatural abilities.
The Moon Goddess typically blesses, protects, or challenges her followers, weaving her influence throughout their lives. Her presence brings a spiritual dimension to werewolf romances, adding depth to their relationships and struggles.
Authors’ Comments
OC Andrea: This is probably tied to the shifting part of the werewolf’s lore.
In most stories nowadays weres shift freely not only on the full moon, but they can still be stronger, or there are still stories where only stronger weres can shift freely.
I suppose the moon goddess had to be associated as the guardian entity for the werewolves.
In my story the Moon Goddess gifted the were the moon stone and unbounded them from the moon cycles and now they can shift freely.
Genre/Trope Conventions Exist, but There’s Wiggle Room.
One of the joys of writing is bringing a fresh new perspective to things, making them your own. And apparently, there’s a lot of space to do that in werewolf romance!
A K Adam: For me, when writing [werewolf]romance, I don’t have many rules; it’s more of my impulses taking the lead and writing what I feel.
Michelle Torlot: I think it’s pretty much left to the author’s discretion. Most have some sort of fated mates, but most have the possibility of rejection as well.
I read Winter Wolf by R.Mason recently where fated mates carry the same mark, and not everyone has a mark which means they don’t have a fated [mate]. It was a really interesting take on the mates trope
OC Andrea: I didn’t particularly follow the werewolf tropes, and I got a bit of pullback for that, but mostly the readers were on board with it.
I think the way the bond works(scent and heightened feelings around the mate), the authority of the moon goddess or similar entity, and the pack organization are the main pillars of this trope. Other than that it is up to the imagination of the author.
Selene goddess 888: I try and do different tropes. Like now, I am working on a rejection one, but it’s really about the main charcter overcoming her trials and finding the real one for her.
I do mention that rejection is greatly frowned upon and has repercussions, so it’s not necessarily a rejection she is receiving but rather being held captive to her bond while the other side does whatever they want.
Violet of Course: My favorite thing to do with werewolves is just make them fluffy cute idiots who can get away with stuff humans can’t.
Though I’ve been enjoying writing parodies of werewolf romances.
I find it more fun to make jokes about it rather than actually get serious about writing good romances.
There Are Other Shifters, but Werewolves Reign Supreme
Werewolves aren’t the only shapeshifters in the romance genre. There are also werebears, werecats (big and little), and weredragons.
Some other examples:
- Werebears – Known for their strength and protective instincts.
- Weretigers – Often portrayed as fierce, graceful, and independent.
- Werepanthers – Sleek, mysterious, and stealthy, with a hint of danger.
- Werefoxes – Clever, playful, and sometimes mischievous.
Pretty much any animal that exists (and even some that don’t) is fair game for a shifter romance.
But for all that, the werewolf is still the top dog.
Authors’ Comments
Arri Stone: As for [other]shifters, I’m not sure why they are not [bigger].
I’ve got a shifter story (mainly large cats) and those who have read it enjoyed it, but it isn’t something that people are flocking to read. I don’t think it holds the same feel as a werewolf story.
I think the werebear story has a similar appeal to werewolves as they are large beasts, and the main characters tend to be your typical huge gorgeous man.
OC Andrea: Anything you can think of someone wrote it, shifter-wise.
There are a few on Inkitt […] but I’ve seen a good bit move over here.
Werewolves are still the detached leaders, but close second, I’d say there’s are bears and the feline range ( lions, pumas, tigers, etc.).
Though mainstream is fairly dominated by dragon shifters and fae(if the hype around Fourth Wing and Acotar is an indicator).
See You All Next Week!
Well, that’s a wrap for this week! Tune in next week for part two of our post about the popularity of werewolves, featuring an interview with Ahanaa Rose about her forthcoming book on Galatea, The Scarred Luna.
In the meantime have fun with werewolf and shifter fiction! If you haven’t explored it before now’s the time!
If you want to hear some more from werewolf writers who have hit it big with Inkitt and Galatea, check out these author spotlights with Bianca Alejandra Franco and Lydia Rose!
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