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Magic in the Mountains #1
Magic in the Mountains
Julie has spent years trying to outrun a traumatic past. She has bounced around from place to place and never found a place she can truly call home, where she can truly feel safe. All that changed one night when a kind old Scottish woman sat down at a table in the diner where Julie worked. Julie is in a dangerous situation but with help from this kind stranger she might just be okay… Abe is a loner who lives in the mountains. He takes in a woman who is down on her luck and needs a place to stay. This woman may just be his soulmate, but he is going to have to keep her safe. Can Abe open his home and his heart? Can Julie fight her urge to run and find the family she has been yearning for? They will find out in a journey filled with many magical twists and turns.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
103 people are currently reading
1420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 13, 2025
una novela corta, romántica, linda y totalmente ficticia, no por el hecho de que él pueda convertirse en un oso y ella sea una bruja, si no porque ningún hombre es así comprensivo y buena persona en la vida real 👍🏻
September 27, 2023
Magic in the Mountains is a small town paranormal romance set in the 90s, with lots of fun tropes including grumpy x sunshine, found family, instalove, and fated mates! The story follows Julie, who after years of struggling to find a home has settled into the town of Hecate's Hollow. To get by, Julie works part time as a housekeeper at the local motel and at the diner waitressing. After far too many advances from her boss and a recent attempt to get into her room, Julie finds help in the form of one of her regulars at the diner, Abe. When Julie begins living at his cabin, she is suddenly thrust into a new world as she learns that she is a witch and Abe is not exactly human. The two feel an instant connection and while both are excited to explore it, problems arise when Julie's former boss stakes claim on her.
This is a very cute and cozy paranormal romance. However, while I enjoyed the plot, due to the writing and rushed pacing I often felt disconnected with the story and characters. I also struggled to feel the love and romance in the book, it was very instant and there was no real build up to a connection, it felt like the two MCs just went along with their apparent connection. This is my first ever book from Mary Warren and while I overall enjoyed Magic in the Mountains, I do think I may be better suited to her full-length novels.
~Many thanks to Mary Warren for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review!
This is a very cute and cozy paranormal romance. However, while I enjoyed the plot, due to the writing and rushed pacing I often felt disconnected with the story and characters. I also struggled to feel the love and romance in the book, it was very instant and there was no real build up to a connection, it felt like the two MCs just went along with their apparent connection. This is my first ever book from Mary Warren and while I overall enjoyed Magic in the Mountains, I do think I may be better suited to her full-length novels.
~Many thanks to Mary Warren for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review!
September 29, 2023
Zero angst and so sweet it hurts your teeth. If you want the fluffiest relationship ever this should do the trick. It was a little to precious for me.
I should warn you they say he is a grumpy character, he is not. They just all talk about how grumpy he is, this man-bear is literally never grumpy.
This is like the romance book equivalent of an adult onesie with bunny ears. Some people don’t need that level of cutesy snuggle. But if you do I’m happy you found it.
I should warn you they say he is a grumpy character, he is not. They just all talk about how grumpy he is, this man-bear is literally never grumpy.
This is like the romance book equivalent of an adult onesie with bunny ears. Some people don’t need that level of cutesy snuggle. But if you do I’m happy you found it.
September 8, 2023
i am not a big fan of the insta - love trope but it was fun and sweet.
oh and Abe 🧎♀️ 🤰 🏃🏻♀️💍
thank you, mary, for the arc!
oh and Abe 🧎♀️ 🤰 🏃🏻♀️💍
thank you, mary, for the arc!
September 6, 2023
-found family
- fated mates
- witchy
- plus size mc
- cosy
For when the weather feels like haah hah hah hah hah hahaaaaaa.
Thank you Mary Warren for the arc copy.
- fated mates
- witchy
- plus size mc
- cosy
For when the weather feels like haah hah hah hah hah hahaaaaaa.
Thank you Mary Warren for the arc copy.
September 2, 2023
3*
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Julie has spent her whole life running, and when she lands in Hecate's Hollow it's not for life. But then she discovers a connection to the big, broody man with kind eyes, and suddenly she's relying on him and an old Scottish woman to keep her safe when a storm rolls in.
Discovering she's a witch wasn't part of her plan either, but when it brings her into Abe's strong arms, she finds the home she's always been looking for.
Magic in the Mountains is very instalove, and it almost solely relies on the "feeling" between them (which I suppose instalove is all about, so maybe just shut up Emma, it's fine if instalove isn't your thing.) But halfway through I just absolutely fell in love with Julie and Abe, and the tenderness and trust and respect they both carried for each other.
Plotwise it's extremely fast paced, and I could have done with more world building maybe. But for the length of the novel and with Julie and Abe's romance as the focus, it was sufficient.
But instalove and fast paced plot aside, this was a cute romance about finding home and your people and that's something we can all relate to.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Julie has spent her whole life running, and when she lands in Hecate's Hollow it's not for life. But then she discovers a connection to the big, broody man with kind eyes, and suddenly she's relying on him and an old Scottish woman to keep her safe when a storm rolls in.
Discovering she's a witch wasn't part of her plan either, but when it brings her into Abe's strong arms, she finds the home she's always been looking for.
Magic in the Mountains is very instalove, and it almost solely relies on the "feeling" between them (which I suppose instalove is all about, so maybe just shut up Emma, it's fine if instalove isn't your thing.) But halfway through I just absolutely fell in love with Julie and Abe, and the tenderness and trust and respect they both carried for each other.
Plotwise it's extremely fast paced, and I could have done with more world building maybe. But for the length of the novel and with Julie and Abe's romance as the focus, it was sufficient.
But instalove and fast paced plot aside, this was a cute romance about finding home and your people and that's something we can all relate to.
September 7, 2023
Such a sweet book! I love these cozy-type easy reads so much. There were some spicy scenes that 🥵🥵🥵
Julie and Abe are just adorable! Fast pacing, magical elements, trauma history, found family, shifter magic, and witchy elements all thrown into the cauldron together for a fabulous time! Thank you so much to the author for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion. Truly enjoyed this book!
Julie and Abe are just adorable! Fast pacing, magical elements, trauma history, found family, shifter magic, and witchy elements all thrown into the cauldron together for a fabulous time! Thank you so much to the author for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion. Truly enjoyed this book!
August 5, 2025
Love love loved it!!
Sweet with a touch of spice and so heartfelt.
💖💖💖🐻🐻🐻
Sweet with a touch of spice and so heartfelt.
💖💖💖🐻🐻🐻
September 20, 2023
*this is my first ARC review 🤞🏻
I’ve read two other of Mary’s books and this one is my favorite.
Hecate’s Hollow may be one of my favorite fictional places.
Julie, while down on her luck -in more ways than one- finds herself in the West Virginia mountains. Though she’s not sure what, there’s something about the charming town that calls to her. After a hiccup with a creepy boss, and a run in with an odd Scottish woman, she finds herself staying at a cabin owned by Abe. Abe is a delicious 6 foot 6 inch mountain man that has his own secrets.
My only critique would be that I wish the book were longer. I wanted more of Julie and Abe getting to know each other and scenes of them bonding a bit more. I know most people say NO FLUFF. But I like the fluff.
🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
✨grumpy/sunshine ✨ instalove ✨ shifter ✨ slow burn ✨ fated mates ✨
19 chapters plus a prologue and epilogue ✅
Spotify playlist ✅
Trigger warnings ✅
I’ve read two other of Mary’s books and this one is my favorite.
Hecate’s Hollow may be one of my favorite fictional places.
Julie, while down on her luck -in more ways than one- finds herself in the West Virginia mountains. Though she’s not sure what, there’s something about the charming town that calls to her. After a hiccup with a creepy boss, and a run in with an odd Scottish woman, she finds herself staying at a cabin owned by Abe. Abe is a delicious 6 foot 6 inch mountain man that has his own secrets.
My only critique would be that I wish the book were longer. I wanted more of Julie and Abe getting to know each other and scenes of them bonding a bit more. I know most people say NO FLUFF. But I like the fluff.
🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
✨grumpy/sunshine ✨ instalove ✨ shifter ✨ slow burn ✨ fated mates ✨
19 chapters plus a prologue and epilogue ✅
Spotify playlist ✅
Trigger warnings ✅
November 6, 2023
Can Mary Warren do no wrong?
January 28, 2025
Very gentle, "are you sure?/are you okay?", romance between a bear man and witch lady.
September 2, 2023
*This is an ARC review and I'm excited to share with you!
Abe and Julie made me believe in magic 💜 I would typically say, "Paranormal romance isn't my favorite," but holy cow, did I devour this book! Julie's story is relatable, heartbreaking, and makes you admire her strength. The respect Abe shows her is beyond admirable. This couple is an excellent example of how important consent is after trauma.
I do wish there was a little more world building, I'd love to hear more about the mountain. But this truly is a great read. Mary changed my opinion of Paranormal romance and has me loading up my TBR with more of her work!
Abe and Julie made me believe in magic 💜 I would typically say, "Paranormal romance isn't my favorite," but holy cow, did I devour this book! Julie's story is relatable, heartbreaking, and makes you admire her strength. The respect Abe shows her is beyond admirable. This couple is an excellent example of how important consent is after trauma.
I do wish there was a little more world building, I'd love to hear more about the mountain. But this truly is a great read. Mary changed my opinion of Paranormal romance and has me loading up my TBR with more of her work!
September 18, 2023
* 3.5 stars
“She had never felt this safe, and this cared for, but also this vulnerable. That should have terrified her, but it didn't.”
Magic in the Mountains is a grumpy meets sunshine, instalove, shifter romance set in the eerie and mystical town of Hecate’s Hollow. Julie is a waitress who’s relatively new to town, and Abe is the homesteader of few words (or grunts, in his case) who occasionally comes into the diner where she works. But when she falls into unexpected trouble, Abe and his longtime family friend (who is a very pleasant Scottish witch) are the ones to come to her aid.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Julie and Abe, even though I’m personally not a big fan of the instalove trope. I still found their connection to feel very genuine and sweet, not to mention healing. I’m also always happy to read any romance with plus size representation - I love the mention of soft bellies and strong thighs and the like.
I did, however, want more world building, and just *more* in general. It’s a fast-paced read, and I could have done with more plot, but that’s my personal preference. I also thought the conflict resolution was far too easy.
I would recommend this one for anyone who wants a quick, sweet, cozy, shifter romance read - especially in the fall. The central romance is worth it!
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“She had never felt this safe, and this cared for, but also this vulnerable. That should have terrified her, but it didn't.”
Magic in the Mountains is a grumpy meets sunshine, instalove, shifter romance set in the eerie and mystical town of Hecate’s Hollow. Julie is a waitress who’s relatively new to town, and Abe is the homesteader of few words (or grunts, in his case) who occasionally comes into the diner where she works. But when she falls into unexpected trouble, Abe and his longtime family friend (who is a very pleasant Scottish witch) are the ones to come to her aid.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Julie and Abe, even though I’m personally not a big fan of the instalove trope. I still found their connection to feel very genuine and sweet, not to mention healing. I’m also always happy to read any romance with plus size representation - I love the mention of soft bellies and strong thighs and the like.
I did, however, want more world building, and just *more* in general. It’s a fast-paced read, and I could have done with more plot, but that’s my personal preference. I also thought the conflict resolution was far too easy.
I would recommend this one for anyone who wants a quick, sweet, cozy, shifter romance read - especially in the fall. The central romance is worth it!
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2023
I received this title as an ARC in exchange for a honest review. Thank you Mary Warren for the copy!
The Good
I really loved Abe and Julie's dynamic. Abe was just so sweet and protective yet grumpy and that's one of my favorite male archetypes. I enjoyed Julie's character as well and really felt for her. I felt like her trauma and deconstruction was written really well and done with care. I cannot explain how much I loved the romance in this. It was so sweet and gentle. It made me smile and giggle. Pure teeth-rotting goodness.
The Bad
While I did enjoy Bridget's character, I kinda wish Julie and Abe's connection and Julie's magic was built up to more independently of Bridget's involvement. It felt very abrupt for her to be like "hey you guys are soulmates and you have magic!" all through exposition in one scene. I still enjoyed Julie and Abe's relationship and the paranormal aspect but I felt like that scene was strange.
Format:
Ebook — Arc through Bookfunnel
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. I need to read more books by Warren because this one was delectable!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
The Good
I really loved Abe and Julie's dynamic. Abe was just so sweet and protective yet grumpy and that's one of my favorite male archetypes. I enjoyed Julie's character as well and really felt for her. I felt like her trauma and deconstruction was written really well and done with care. I cannot explain how much I loved the romance in this. It was so sweet and gentle. It made me smile and giggle. Pure teeth-rotting goodness.
The Bad
While I did enjoy Bridget's character, I kinda wish Julie and Abe's connection and Julie's magic was built up to more independently of Bridget's involvement. It felt very abrupt for her to be like "hey you guys are soulmates and you have magic!" all through exposition in one scene. I still enjoyed Julie and Abe's relationship and the paranormal aspect but I felt like that scene was strange.
Format:
Ebook — Arc through Bookfunnel
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. I need to read more books by Warren because this one was delectable!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
4.5 star
I love the start of this paranormal romance series that is set in the 1990s and has the elements I love with all of Mary’s books: Fat Love, Fat Joy, Magic and Heart.
I think the conversations about religious trauma and sexual trauma were handled with care and I appreciated seeing a fat bodied character experience things we know happens to us. I have been wanting more books with fat MCs to explore difficult and tough topics outside of fat trauma and this one gave me that.
I loved that not only was Julie plus sized but so is Abe. We need more body diversity when it comes to men’s bodies and I just loved that this book had that.
Also... can we chat about Abe for a second... that burly grumpy yet cuddly bear shifter of a man who asks permission before he even hugs her!? Yes, please give me all of that and then some.
Oh! and Bridget! She is everywhere and I love her character. That Scottish witch is such a force and I just love that she is in everyone’s business from the Mystic Falls series to this one.
I think the only thing that would have made this even better to me was seeing Julie get to explore her magic more. I think I was craving that a bit more on the page. It is a little bit on page but I love seeing that aspect of books with magic which is more of a personal wish.
I love the start of this paranormal romance series that is set in the 1990s and has the elements I love with all of Mary’s books: Fat Love, Fat Joy, Magic and Heart.
I think the conversations about religious trauma and sexual trauma were handled with care and I appreciated seeing a fat bodied character experience things we know happens to us. I have been wanting more books with fat MCs to explore difficult and tough topics outside of fat trauma and this one gave me that.
I loved that not only was Julie plus sized but so is Abe. We need more body diversity when it comes to men’s bodies and I just loved that this book had that.
Also... can we chat about Abe for a second... that burly grumpy yet cuddly bear shifter of a man who asks permission before he even hugs her!? Yes, please give me all of that and then some.
Oh! and Bridget! She is everywhere and I love her character. That Scottish witch is such a force and I just love that she is in everyone’s business from the Mystic Falls series to this one.
I think the only thing that would have made this even better to me was seeing Julie get to explore her magic more. I think I was craving that a bit more on the page. It is a little bit on page but I love seeing that aspect of books with magic which is more of a personal wish.
September 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by this author and I went in completely blind, as I often do with ARCs. I was very excited to read a book with curvy main characters.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. It was heartwarming and sweet. The MMC is incredibly sweet and careful with the FMC who’s had to deal with abusive situations in her life. This story made me smile more than once.
This book was on the shorter side and that’s one of the reasons I could not give this 4 stars. I feel like some elements were rushed and could have used more explanation (like the title says, there’s some magic in this book and I would’ve loved to see this element explained more thoroughly). While I do understand that there’s only so many pages, to me personally it would’ve been fine to add one supernatural element instead of several and work out that first one really well.
That being sad I definitely recommend this as a cozy sweet romance novel that is sure to get you out of a slump!
🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by this author and I went in completely blind, as I often do with ARCs. I was very excited to read a book with curvy main characters.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. It was heartwarming and sweet. The MMC is incredibly sweet and careful with the FMC who’s had to deal with abusive situations in her life. This story made me smile more than once.
This book was on the shorter side and that’s one of the reasons I could not give this 4 stars. I feel like some elements were rushed and could have used more explanation (like the title says, there’s some magic in this book and I would’ve loved to see this element explained more thoroughly). While I do understand that there’s only so many pages, to me personally it would’ve been fine to add one supernatural element instead of several and work out that first one really well.
That being sad I definitely recommend this as a cozy sweet romance novel that is sure to get you out of a slump!
September 1, 2024
I wanted to read something quick, short at the same time page-turner to keep me company on the plane ride.
I cannot sleep in a moving vehicle so I opted to read and I finished this in a 3hrs flight.
Julie's been a motel attendant and a diner waitress trying to meet one's end. When the motel owner tried to hurt her, she fled and found herself staying in a cabin up in the mountains owned by the grumpy owner, Abe.
It's so sweet, and a fun read. Easy to follow along at the same time, there's enough going on to keep us reading. Julie's been so strong and resilient in her life, with enough trauma that she can't catch a break. Enter Abe, who's been there to support her and be gentle with her. I love our side characters as well.
Might read the rest of the series for palate cleanser because I'm intrigued and it's short.
I cannot sleep in a moving vehicle so I opted to read and I finished this in a 3hrs flight.
Julie's been a motel attendant and a diner waitress trying to meet one's end. When the motel owner tried to hurt her, she fled and found herself staying in a cabin up in the mountains owned by the grumpy owner, Abe.
It's so sweet, and a fun read. Easy to follow along at the same time, there's enough going on to keep us reading. Julie's been so strong and resilient in her life, with enough trauma that she can't catch a break. Enter Abe, who's been there to support her and be gentle with her. I love our side characters as well.
Might read the rest of the series for palate cleanser because I'm intrigued and it's short.
September 26, 2023
Magic in the Mountains is my first book by author
Mary Warren. It was also my first paranormal romance and I was a bit unsure as I never thought paranormal romance would be something I'm into but I LOVED IT.
Abe and Julie are so sweet, (don't worry, there's lots of steam too). I loved the different themes of found family, soul-mates, and plus size MC representation.
Thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for a honest review. I can't wait to read more!
September 4, 2023
ARC review
**Mild Spoilers**
Cute and quick witchy read. This book showed up at the perfect time. I was in a bit of a funk with contemporary romance. I found myself very swoony and giggly while reading it. This story is all about the warm and fuzzies! (And I am here for it!) Julie and Abe were very sweet. I would have liked more world building, but the development of the relationship was the focus of the story. Abe is extremely respectful of her past and always wants to feel comfortable and safe. She relishes the feeling of safety and home she feels with Abe up on the magical mountain he loves on with his brother. Bridget was a HOOT!!! Everything you're looking for in an olde Scottish witch. The antagonist's story was handle quickly and cleaned up with a neat bow. If you're looking for a fast paced, sweet (and little spicy) read, this is it.
**Mild Spoilers**
Cute and quick witchy read. This book showed up at the perfect time. I was in a bit of a funk with contemporary romance. I found myself very swoony and giggly while reading it. This story is all about the warm and fuzzies! (And I am here for it!) Julie and Abe were very sweet. I would have liked more world building, but the development of the relationship was the focus of the story. Abe is extremely respectful of her past and always wants to feel comfortable and safe. She relishes the feeling of safety and home she feels with Abe up on the magical mountain he loves on with his brother. Bridget was a HOOT!!! Everything you're looking for in an olde Scottish witch. The antagonist's story was handle quickly and cleaned up with a neat bow. If you're looking for a fast paced, sweet (and little spicy) read, this is it.
September 2, 2023
This is my second ARC I received, and I must say the character development and the plot development are great. I just wish there were more Point of Views and world building. But overall this book is a great read, and will definitely keep you interested!
September 5, 2023
3.5⭐️
I instantly fell in love with Abe! I love how patient and caring he is the entire time with Julie!
Magic in the Mountains was the absolute palate cleanser for anyone who loves fantasy romances. It has all the cozy, warm blanket feels throughout the entire book while you explore a little about what makes this small town so magical.
After finishing this book, you are left feeling whole and happy. I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to author Mary Warren for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I instantly fell in love with Abe! I love how patient and caring he is the entire time with Julie!
Magic in the Mountains was the absolute palate cleanser for anyone who loves fantasy romances. It has all the cozy, warm blanket feels throughout the entire book while you explore a little about what makes this small town so magical.
After finishing this book, you are left feeling whole and happy. I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to author Mary Warren for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 5, 2023
Ok first of all this is my second ARC book that I have done and let me tell you this book is magical. The romance and the love in it just warms your heart. The author really makes you not want to put the book down! The story line was just amazing that’s all there is to say to it. There is parts that just make you want to be on the edge of oh what’s going to happen next. And the ending oh my god it will have you on the edge of your seat. The character development was amazing too btw. I also love that the main character is a curvy girl, as I am too and it makes me feel more connected to the book. I love magic and the magic in this book drawn me to love it as much as I love Harry Potter books. I think I would definitely read this again as it was really good.
December 25, 2023
no plot, just vibes
March 10, 2024
Yo no sé por qué coño leo tantísimo instalove con lo que lo odio…..pero bueno este ha sido muy cute!! Aunque me he quedado triste viendo que no hay más libros relacionados con este:(( nada de la hermana…….ni del hermano……..
August 31, 2025
perfect for when you are just craving a quick, low (relationship) drama paranormal romance. & yes, there is insta-love, but it was exactly what I was craving.
September 4, 2023
**ARC Review**
What do you get when you have a local loner, a woman escaping her past, & add in a dash of spooky magic? You get the newest novel by Mary Warren. The way Mary writes plus size stories is marvelous & the characters size is always celebrated. Letting a plus size person just be themselves unapologetically is so important & Mary is helping bring this narrative to the forefront in her writing. I do wish there was more world building with Hectate Hollow. A fun first read to start out spooky season!
What do you get when you have a local loner, a woman escaping her past, & add in a dash of spooky magic? You get the newest novel by Mary Warren. The way Mary writes plus size stories is marvelous & the characters size is always celebrated. Letting a plus size person just be themselves unapologetically is so important & Mary is helping bring this narrative to the forefront in her writing. I do wish there was more world building with Hectate Hollow. A fun first read to start out spooky season!
September 4, 2023
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Magic in the Mountains is a quick and fun read, and as someone who enjoys both fantasy/magic storylines and romances, this story brought lots to the table.
This is the 2nd Mary Warren story I've read, and as a fat reader passionate about fat representation and fat liberation, I'm so grateful for these types of stories where fat characters have storylines unrelated to their weight.
This story is a bit spicy (though not as spicy as "Lexi Lets Go").
Magic in the Mountains is a quick and fun read, and as someone who enjoys both fantasy/magic storylines and romances, this story brought lots to the table.
This is the 2nd Mary Warren story I've read, and as a fat reader passionate about fat representation and fat liberation, I'm so grateful for these types of stories where fat characters have storylines unrelated to their weight.
This story is a bit spicy (though not as spicy as "Lexi Lets Go").
September 3, 2023
Thank you for my ARC I absolutely love this story and can’t wait for more Hecate’s Hollow books. I feel like this book though short, did an amazing job at handling religious and sexual trauma. (Read the trigger warnings before reading) I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves any of the following: witches, shifter romances, forests and small towns.
November 14, 2024
Oh no. I’m so sorry but this was just badly written. From the dialogue to the way the story is told to the plot reveals. And it’s not even the underlying concept, there’s a world where this story works – a woman who has bounced around from place to place just trying to make it by after leaving a tough religious upbringing lands in a small town in the beautiful forested mountains where she discovers the beauty is literally mythical as she gets pulled into the magic world of the area by a hot burley woodworker. Great, sign me up. But this writing just ain’t it.
First and foremost there’s a spelling mistake on page 2 which is a tough way to set the tone because no matter how hard I tried not to I spent the remaining 200 pages looking for other typos.
The book is also very specific that it takes place in 1996 (though I cannot think of a reason why the story needed it to be) yet it feels like the author forgot part way through the book. She notes that this very rural and charming cabin deep in the woods has a wall mounted TV beside the fireplace, despite the fact you couldn’t get a wall mounted TV in the 90s because they were the size and weight of a college dorm mini-fridge. Also, she says he has a “bulky old pickup truck from the 80s”. From today’s date a truck from the 80s would be old but in 1996 it would have been like 10-15 years old, so either this very broke woman who is down on her luck is super judgy of this very generous and hot man’s car or the author set the book in the 90s in the prologue then had a bout of amnesia.
The dialogue is where it struggled the most. It’s so awkward and choppy, jumping around topics and throwing in abrupt actions seemingly unintentionally as none of the characters notice each other has the social skill of a Sim with all its health bars red. The perfect example is them making-out on the couch when she stops out of the blue to ask (direct quote), “So how long have you lived up here?” Sorry, did I miss the part where they turned into strangers awkwardly making small talk at a community association meeting? And he doesn’t even notice she’s apparently having some kind of episode, not even a “huh?” or an eyebrow raise. He just answers her question, like that’s a normal thing to suddenly ask someone in the middle of tonsil hockey.
Also, the (what I’m going to generously call) dialect is really strange and inconsistent, randomly flipping into what sounds like formal old English without any contractions or pause words then back to normal. And it’s not even just a specific character, like if Hotty McLumberjack got really into MacBeth one summer, they all talk like that.
Also also, I get that this author is really trying to hammer home consent especially with respect to this woman’s trauma, but me and the main character got real tired of him badgering her every 30 seconds if she’s okay with their intimacy. By chapter 14 we’re both annoyed and she tells him to stop telling her she doesn’t have to get romantic - it’s her choice and she’s given her consent and she will let him know if she gets uncomfortable. He seemingly accpets this, then proceeds to tell her she doesn’t have to get romantic for 15 more chapters (although she doesn’t seem to notice he’s entirely disregarded their conversation?).
Some of the movements also don’t make sense, with the author forgetting who was standing where or doing what so that the description of their next movement makes no sense. In one scene which has two women in it, “the rocking chair creaked as she backed into it”. Who backed into the chair? Who the fuck knows, because in the next sentence both women are standing on the grass in front of the porch. So either one of them sat down then immediately levitated off the chair or there’s a third female ghost who has never been mentioned and is never mentioned again.
My laugh out loud moment of all of these blunders coming together into one concise point was during the climax of the book. It’s a big dramatic scene - what it’s all been leading up to, life-or-death, high stakes. They’re there with two other people and after 5 pages of dialogue discussing what happened the author casually mentions in a throwaway 7-word sentence that Hotty McLumberjack is naked. And has been this whole time. And no one has mentioned it or apparently noticed. This is immediately followed by him saying to someone, “I am fine, as I assume you are,” like the totally normal not-Shakespearean-cyborg he definitely is.
Honestly if this book wasn’t only 200 pages and I wasn’t wildly behind on my reading goal this would have been a DNF at page-2 typo, but alas.
First and foremost there’s a spelling mistake on page 2 which is a tough way to set the tone because no matter how hard I tried not to I spent the remaining 200 pages looking for other typos.
The book is also very specific that it takes place in 1996 (though I cannot think of a reason why the story needed it to be) yet it feels like the author forgot part way through the book. She notes that this very rural and charming cabin deep in the woods has a wall mounted TV beside the fireplace, despite the fact you couldn’t get a wall mounted TV in the 90s because they were the size and weight of a college dorm mini-fridge. Also, she says he has a “bulky old pickup truck from the 80s”. From today’s date a truck from the 80s would be old but in 1996 it would have been like 10-15 years old, so either this very broke woman who is down on her luck is super judgy of this very generous and hot man’s car or the author set the book in the 90s in the prologue then had a bout of amnesia.
The dialogue is where it struggled the most. It’s so awkward and choppy, jumping around topics and throwing in abrupt actions seemingly unintentionally as none of the characters notice each other has the social skill of a Sim with all its health bars red. The perfect example is them making-out on the couch when she stops out of the blue to ask (direct quote), “So how long have you lived up here?” Sorry, did I miss the part where they turned into strangers awkwardly making small talk at a community association meeting? And he doesn’t even notice she’s apparently having some kind of episode, not even a “huh?” or an eyebrow raise. He just answers her question, like that’s a normal thing to suddenly ask someone in the middle of tonsil hockey.
Also, the (what I’m going to generously call) dialect is really strange and inconsistent, randomly flipping into what sounds like formal old English without any contractions or pause words then back to normal. And it’s not even just a specific character, like if Hotty McLumberjack got really into MacBeth one summer, they all talk like that.
Also also, I get that this author is really trying to hammer home consent especially with respect to this woman’s trauma, but me and the main character got real tired of him badgering her every 30 seconds if she’s okay with their intimacy. By chapter 14 we’re both annoyed and she tells him to stop telling her she doesn’t have to get romantic - it’s her choice and she’s given her consent and she will let him know if she gets uncomfortable. He seemingly accpets this, then proceeds to tell her she doesn’t have to get romantic for 15 more chapters (although she doesn’t seem to notice he’s entirely disregarded their conversation?).
Some of the movements also don’t make sense, with the author forgetting who was standing where or doing what so that the description of their next movement makes no sense. In one scene which has two women in it, “the rocking chair creaked as she backed into it”. Who backed into the chair? Who the fuck knows, because in the next sentence both women are standing on the grass in front of the porch. So either one of them sat down then immediately levitated off the chair or there’s a third female ghost who has never been mentioned and is never mentioned again.
My laugh out loud moment of all of these blunders coming together into one concise point was during the climax of the book. It’s a big dramatic scene - what it’s all been leading up to, life-or-death, high stakes. They’re there with two other people and after 5 pages of dialogue discussing what happened the author casually mentions in a throwaway 7-word sentence that Hotty McLumberjack is naked. And has been this whole time. And no one has mentioned it or apparently noticed. This is immediately followed by him saying to someone, “I am fine, as I assume you are,” like the totally normal not-Shakespearean-cyborg he definitely is.
Honestly if this book wasn’t only 200 pages and I wasn’t wildly behind on my reading goal this would have been a DNF at page-2 typo, but alas.
October 10, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Coziness: ☕☕☕☕☕
Mystery: 🔎🔎🔎🔎🔎
Paranormal: 👻👻👻/5
Plot: 5/5
Series:
Place: Hecate Hollow
Tropes: paranormal, slow burn, set in the 90’s, small town, mountain
TW: Past abuse, mentions of sexual assault, attempted attack, violence, gun violence, past abortion, religious trauma, graphic sexual content
Main Characters: Abe & Julie
Julie is such a strong woman that has been through so much more than most can say in their lifetime, but she is hard working and willing to do what it takes to achieve her goals. With a difficult past, Julie has learned to adapt with every situation she may be in. I give her major kudos for still being able to find something good in a bad situation.
Abe is a reclusive man who doesn't take crap from anyone. He has a certain vibe to him, that can't be explained. He has dealt with loss and knows how it feels to be at a loss.
I really enjoyed getting to know Julie and Abe along with Bridgette. She brought some sparkle to the story and opened your eyes to more than what meets the eyes.
I appreciated Julie and how well she handled things, like others she was able to have a handle on most things. But at times you just have to process and have a good cry. I enjoyed seeing how well Julie and Abe were able to come together and see how they were meant to be.
Abe was her strong protector when she needed it most a long sigh teaching her a few things along the way. They were able to explore together and see what was meant to be.
I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Coziness: ☕☕☕☕☕
Mystery: 🔎🔎🔎🔎🔎
Paranormal: 👻👻👻/5
Plot: 5/5
Series:
Place: Hecate Hollow
Tropes: paranormal, slow burn, set in the 90’s, small town, mountain
TW: Past abuse, mentions of sexual assault, attempted attack, violence, gun violence, past abortion, religious trauma, graphic sexual content
Main Characters: Abe & Julie
Julie is such a strong woman that has been through so much more than most can say in their lifetime, but she is hard working and willing to do what it takes to achieve her goals. With a difficult past, Julie has learned to adapt with every situation she may be in. I give her major kudos for still being able to find something good in a bad situation.
Abe is a reclusive man who doesn't take crap from anyone. He has a certain vibe to him, that can't be explained. He has dealt with loss and knows how it feels to be at a loss.
I really enjoyed getting to know Julie and Abe along with Bridgette. She brought some sparkle to the story and opened your eyes to more than what meets the eyes.
I appreciated Julie and how well she handled things, like others she was able to have a handle on most things. But at times you just have to process and have a good cry. I enjoyed seeing how well Julie and Abe were able to come together and see how they were meant to be.
Abe was her strong protector when she needed it most a long sigh teaching her a few things along the way. They were able to explore together and see what was meant to be.
I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
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