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There's Something in The Woods
Jay is determined never to return to the mental hospital she’s escaped from. Which is why when her car crashes in the middle of a blizzard she decides to take her chances in the nearby woods. Just when she thinks all hope is lost she comes across a cozy cabin deep in the woods. The cabin’s sole resident is a handsome man named Laurie. He confides in Jay that he’s also recently escaped from an abusive mental hospital but is reluctant to tell her what he was sent away for.
As the storm rages on feelings between the two are growing stronger but Jay has a feeling there’s a dark secret Laurie’s keeping from her.
Laurie says they need to stick together but there’s something in the woods and Jay needs to be careful who she trusts.
As the storm rages on feelings between the two are growing stronger but Jay has a feeling there’s a dark secret Laurie’s keeping from her.
Laurie says they need to stick together but there’s something in the woods and Jay needs to be careful who she trusts.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2024
3 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Molly Likovich
21 books291 followersMolly Likovich is the author of gothic romances, poetry, and the occasional play. When she's not writing she can be found lurking around the local graveyard.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 7, 2024
Omggggg, I'm??? Molly Likovich keeps amazing me with every book of hers I read, and this one is definitely among my favourites. Two escaped mental patients finding each other and falling in love? Yes please.
It's so much more than that though, we get to see what life was like for Jay inside a mental hospital (as horrible as you can imagine), her struggles with degenerative disc disease and fybromyalgia, Laurie's secretive past and how far he will go to protect Jay, and a bunch of classic lit references to keep a smile on your face in between all the sad bits.
I wish it was longer because I fell in love with the characters, but it felt like a complete story at the same time. I did panic a bit at like 95%, how everything would be wrapped up or if we'd need a sequel (I would not complain if we got one), but it all ended on a positive note. Phew.
This was a really personal book for the author, and it shows. I could relate to a lot of it as well, so big hugs for anyone else who sees themselves in this book, we got this, we'll be okay.
It's so much more than that though, we get to see what life was like for Jay inside a mental hospital (as horrible as you can imagine), her struggles with degenerative disc disease and fybromyalgia, Laurie's secretive past and how far he will go to protect Jay, and a bunch of classic lit references to keep a smile on your face in between all the sad bits.
I wish it was longer because I fell in love with the characters, but it felt like a complete story at the same time. I did panic a bit at like 95%, how everything would be wrapped up or if we'd need a sequel (I would not complain if we got one), but it all ended on a positive note. Phew.
This was a really personal book for the author, and it shows. I could relate to a lot of it as well, so big hugs for anyone else who sees themselves in this book, we got this, we'll be okay.
February 11, 2024
Into the Woods is a gothic romance rooted in the resilience of our main character, Jay. I found myself immediately invested in Jay and wanting her to come out the other side of all she’s faced.
This story effortlessly moved from moments that had me holding my breath to those that were soft and emotional, keeping me eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. This book was a quiet kind of powerful that really stuck with me.
This story effortlessly moved from moments that had me holding my breath to those that were soft and emotional, keeping me eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. This book was a quiet kind of powerful that really stuck with me.
July 3, 2025
I’m not gonna lie, this was a hard read for me personally.
I’ve had my own grippy sock vacation from being suicidal and it’s not a time in my life I like to think about. I was lucky to have a good healthcare team for my stay but the running theme of blaming the person whose brain is on fire, as Jay describes it, is not new to me. The healthcare world, and the world in general, is unkind to people with mental illnesses. This book was a good portrayal of that. Jay was alone and desperate when Laurie found and saved her. She was sarcastic, bitter, and traumatized but still compassionate. I thought the portrayal of her depression, degenerative disc disease, and fibromyalgia was well done. I’m always a fan of when disability impacts sex because it does in real life. Pain doesn’t go away just cuz you’re in the mood. Laurie was terrifying but somehow sweet in his own way. They were who the other person needed when they needed them.
Spice: 1/5
Triggers: suicide, implied SA of FMC, forced institutionalization, forced sedation, abuse by healthcare workers, dehumanization of people with mental illnesses, discussion of MC being forced to lay in own urine and vomit while restrained, murder, violence, gore, cannibalism (past), dismemberment (vague, past), delusions/hallucinations, hypothermia
I’ve had my own grippy sock vacation from being suicidal and it’s not a time in my life I like to think about. I was lucky to have a good healthcare team for my stay but the running theme of blaming the person whose brain is on fire, as Jay describes it, is not new to me. The healthcare world, and the world in general, is unkind to people with mental illnesses. This book was a good portrayal of that. Jay was alone and desperate when Laurie found and saved her. She was sarcastic, bitter, and traumatized but still compassionate. I thought the portrayal of her depression, degenerative disc disease, and fibromyalgia was well done. I’m always a fan of when disability impacts sex because it does in real life. Pain doesn’t go away just cuz you’re in the mood. Laurie was terrifying but somehow sweet in his own way. They were who the other person needed when they needed them.
Spice: 1/5
Triggers: suicide, implied SA of FMC, forced institutionalization, forced sedation, abuse by healthcare workers, dehumanization of people with mental illnesses, discussion of MC being forced to lay in own urine and vomit while restrained, murder, violence, gore, cannibalism (past), dismemberment (vague, past), delusions/hallucinations, hypothermia
February 20, 2024
“He smiles and I can’t see the sky from this far down the rabbit hole.”
Please ignore how long it took me to read this because it in no way reflects my feelings about the book. (“It’s not you, it’s me.” @ the book) I loved the vibes of this book. It was cozy and heartwarming, but it didn’t sugarcoat any of the more bitter aspects (kind of like one of Laurie’s teas.) It was a perfect blend.
Also, I loved the ending. White rabbits all the way down.
Please ignore how long it took me to read this because it in no way reflects my feelings about the book. (“It’s not you, it’s me.” @ the book) I loved the vibes of this book. It was cozy and heartwarming, but it didn’t sugarcoat any of the more bitter aspects (kind of like one of Laurie’s teas.) It was a perfect blend.
Also, I loved the ending. White rabbits all the way down.
June 24, 2024
It was so meh. It took me forever to get through it bc I wasn’t really picking it up but I do remember liking parts of it. But overall the story was okay. The ending was eh not too memorable.
January 19, 2024
A huge thanks to the author who provided me an ARC of this novella <3 All thoughts are unaffected by this gift!
There's Something in the Woods is an atmospheric novella following Jay's escape from a mental hospital that abused her and other patients. During her escape, she crashes the stolen car and runs into the woods during a blizzard. A handsome man clearly harboring secrets is living in a secluded cabin in these woods. Despite finding a warm place to land during the brutal weather, is Jay truly safe?
I would have loved for this to be longer, to have had more time with the characters and their interactions together, but that fact does not impact how much I adored this short read. As Molly states, this is the most important literature she has wrote to date, and I totally understand that. The pieces we get of the malpractice from the mental institution are heartbreaking. As someone who has never lived this or even researched it, I took more than a good story away from this one- I took knowledge, too.
The connection between Jay and Laurie was sweet, and I love a good trauma bond. The representation of disability (with degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia) was written very well, just as I expected after reading Molly's novel, Send in the Clowns. The ending felt like perfection, it fit both characters so well. While I'm not a classic literature person, I still adored the nods to the classics and felt they were done very well / added to the story itself.
I really need to get to Molly's backlist ASAP. It seems I will enjoy everything she creates, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her writing!
There's Something in the Woods is an atmospheric novella following Jay's escape from a mental hospital that abused her and other patients. During her escape, she crashes the stolen car and runs into the woods during a blizzard. A handsome man clearly harboring secrets is living in a secluded cabin in these woods. Despite finding a warm place to land during the brutal weather, is Jay truly safe?
I would have loved for this to be longer, to have had more time with the characters and their interactions together, but that fact does not impact how much I adored this short read. As Molly states, this is the most important literature she has wrote to date, and I totally understand that. The pieces we get of the malpractice from the mental institution are heartbreaking. As someone who has never lived this or even researched it, I took more than a good story away from this one- I took knowledge, too.
The connection between Jay and Laurie was sweet, and I love a good trauma bond. The representation of disability (with degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia) was written very well, just as I expected after reading Molly's novel, Send in the Clowns. The ending felt like perfection, it fit both characters so well. While I'm not a classic literature person, I still adored the nods to the classics and felt they were done very well / added to the story itself.
I really need to get to Molly's backlist ASAP. It seems I will enjoy everything she creates, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her writing!
January 11, 2024
i think I have a new favorite Molly Likovich book.
I am lucky enough to be on her ARC team and could receive this book in the mail. this book has altered the course of my entire being.
this was very different than the other books she created but I loved how she kept true to herself and always ads in something personal to her.
diversity like this in stories is what makes them more memorable and if it's something the author themselves suffers from it allows for a better connection and understanding of the character and author.
that's what I love about Molly's books. this one was no different. Jay the fmc suffers from degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia just like Molly Likovich does. on top of this, we get a look into the atrocity that mental hospitals are via Jay's experiences which reflect Molly's.
it was beautiful. I absolutely fell in love with this story and I loved how for a MMC we get an insane psycho who only wants to protect her. it's my favorite. Laurie was perfect in his unhinged ways and I 100% sobbed many many times.
I was also worried that I wasn't gonna like this book as much due to it being less about spice and more about mental health but I found that the sprinkle of romance we got in there was absolutely perfect.
I am lucky enough to be on her ARC team and could receive this book in the mail. this book has altered the course of my entire being.
this was very different than the other books she created but I loved how she kept true to herself and always ads in something personal to her.
diversity like this in stories is what makes them more memorable and if it's something the author themselves suffers from it allows for a better connection and understanding of the character and author.
that's what I love about Molly's books. this one was no different. Jay the fmc suffers from degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia just like Molly Likovich does. on top of this, we get a look into the atrocity that mental hospitals are via Jay's experiences which reflect Molly's.
it was beautiful. I absolutely fell in love with this story and I loved how for a MMC we get an insane psycho who only wants to protect her. it's my favorite. Laurie was perfect in his unhinged ways and I 100% sobbed many many times.
I was also worried that I wasn't gonna like this book as much due to it being less about spice and more about mental health but I found that the sprinkle of romance we got in there was absolutely perfect.
February 18, 2024
A beautiful but heart wrenching story. I was hooked from the start and read it in one sitting. The characters were lovely and I loved meeting each one. Especially her friends at the hospital.
I just wish it was longer! But I always do lol
I just wish it was longer! But I always do lol
February 24, 2024
I’ll read anything Molly writes 🖤
February 15, 2024
This novella looks at the hellscape of the mental health system through the eyes of a narrator who has disabilities.
It's worth reading for a variety of reasons, all of which you'll see when you read it.
It's worth reading for a variety of reasons, all of which you'll see when you read it.
February 22, 2024
A heart breaking but beautiful bittersweet story. Jay and Laurie were so sweet together and I loved the references to Little Women and Alice in Wonderland.
May 26, 2024
one of the best novellas I’ve ever read
Love the characters and the story. This is such a well-written story and the disability and mental health representation is so important. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Love the characters and the story. This is such a well-written story and the disability and mental health representation is so important. Cannot recommend highly enough.
January 14, 2024
Molly has really outdone herself AGAIN with this one. As always with her books I never know what to expect and even then the book exceeds my expectations.
I genuinely felt all the emotions as I read this! Fear, sadness, love, happiness… all of the above.
I genuinely felt all the emotions as I read this! Fear, sadness, love, happiness… all of the above.
February 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Full review coming soon. But I will say that this one will hold a place in my heart.
Full review coming soon. But I will say that this one will hold a place in my heart.
January 28, 2024
(f t c: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own).
PLEASE check the TWs for this one.
This is my FAVORITE Molly Likovich book. I honestly wish it was longer for my own indulgence, but the story itself was told in exactly the way it needed to and I don't fault it for that.
I related to Jay's trauma a lot and it's not something I see talked about at all really. It's super important to the discussion about mental health and the nuances involved in getting help, because not all accessible care and treatment is the same or even helpful. Almost cried several times because I've been there, I know what it's like, and I felt for her. I fantasized about escaping in much the same way, and there's something about reading someone do just that that heals that part of me who is still angry and hurting.
I liked that she was very wary of Laurie while staying with him, but there is no denying that you form bonds quickly with people if you've gone through the same things they have. Them having to separate and find each other again felt bittersweet, but necessary and cathartic.
PLEASE check the TWs for this one.
This is my FAVORITE Molly Likovich book. I honestly wish it was longer for my own indulgence, but the story itself was told in exactly the way it needed to and I don't fault it for that.
I related to Jay's trauma a lot and it's not something I see talked about at all really. It's super important to the discussion about mental health and the nuances involved in getting help, because not all accessible care and treatment is the same or even helpful. Almost cried several times because I've been there, I know what it's like, and I felt for her. I fantasized about escaping in much the same way, and there's something about reading someone do just that that heals that part of me who is still angry and hurting.
I liked that she was very wary of Laurie while staying with him, but there is no denying that you form bonds quickly with people if you've gone through the same things they have. Them having to separate and find each other again felt bittersweet, but necessary and cathartic.
April 3, 2024
A powerful story that bravely delves into abuse and malpractice within hospitals and the patients they are suppossed to care for.
I loved all of the Alice in Wonderland references, especially regarding the fact that he was a tea connoissieur! The writing was great and the details such as paper pajamas and the way the nursing staff spoke to them gave me chills. I'm so proud of the author for telling her story about her own time inside one of these facilities and made the character of Jay feel so relatable because you could feel her desperation, pain, and derermination to never go back.
My favorite part was Jay's relationship to her friends inside the hospital. They way they would interact and protect one another brought tears to my eyes and Jay's struggle to leave to protect herself vs stay behind to protect them was really strong. I kept hoping she would eventually contact one of them throughout the story but she was never able to.
Another excellent tale by Molly!
I loved all of the Alice in Wonderland references, especially regarding the fact that he was a tea connoissieur! The writing was great and the details such as paper pajamas and the way the nursing staff spoke to them gave me chills. I'm so proud of the author for telling her story about her own time inside one of these facilities and made the character of Jay feel so relatable because you could feel her desperation, pain, and derermination to never go back.
My favorite part was Jay's relationship to her friends inside the hospital. They way they would interact and protect one another brought tears to my eyes and Jay's struggle to leave to protect herself vs stay behind to protect them was really strong. I kept hoping she would eventually contact one of them throughout the story but she was never able to.
Another excellent tale by Molly!
January 30, 2024
Everything that Molly writes holds a special place in my heart.
She has a way of bringing her characters to life, each voice distinct, witty, and funny.
It is no different in this book, as she weaves and finds the perfect balance between a romance that focuses on understanding, in truth, and kindness slowly building up. The heavier discussions of the atrocious state of mental institutions and the representation on chronic pain. It is vulnerable and sweet, a little deranged and just human.
I love all this book holds, from Jay and Laurie to the love for stories, the anger, and the representation. The care that Molly as an author has put into it.
She has a way of bringing her characters to life, each voice distinct, witty, and funny.
It is no different in this book, as she weaves and finds the perfect balance between a romance that focuses on understanding, in truth, and kindness slowly building up. The heavier discussions of the atrocious state of mental institutions and the representation on chronic pain. It is vulnerable and sweet, a little deranged and just human.
I love all this book holds, from Jay and Laurie to the love for stories, the anger, and the representation. The care that Molly as an author has put into it.
March 21, 2024
4.5⭐️
"It's not that I wanted to die, I wanted someone to beg me to live."
I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would! It was sweet and even made me emotional. It's inspired by Alice in Wonderland but make it mental health patient survivors who were abused by the very people assigned to care for them. There is no spice buy the story made up for that. I was a bit confused at first about the back and forth between the chapters of before and present. It didn't take long to understand, and it made the story make sense. I wish it was longer, but I really loved this story, and the disability rep was refreshing and very eye-opening. There were some things that really hit home for me that made me more connected to the story and characters. Highly recommend this beautifully emotional and raw novella!
"It's not that I wanted to die, I wanted someone to beg me to live."
I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would! It was sweet and even made me emotional. It's inspired by Alice in Wonderland but make it mental health patient survivors who were abused by the very people assigned to care for them. There is no spice buy the story made up for that. I was a bit confused at first about the back and forth between the chapters of before and present. It didn't take long to understand, and it made the story make sense. I wish it was longer, but I really loved this story, and the disability rep was refreshing and very eye-opening. There were some things that really hit home for me that made me more connected to the story and characters. Highly recommend this beautifully emotional and raw novella!
January 4, 2024
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
2nd READ THROUGH - UPDATED 2ND DRAFT
After escaping the mental hospital she was put in against her will, Jay steals a car during a snow storm and crashes it. She stumbles into the forest and comes across a cabin in the woods, inhabited by a strange man named Laurie. Jay hides from the authorities, and soon learns that Laurie has also escaped a mental hospital as well, but refuses to divulge why. As they spend more time together, Jay learns to trust Laurie, and a bond forms between them.
BROOOOOOOOOO - The changes Molly made to her 2nd draft made this story SO MUCH better. As I've said before, I devour anything Molly writes, and this novella (featuring a character NAMED AFTER ME I MIGHT ADD) is right on par with her usual addicting storytelling and writing style. I am so stocked with the updates made in this newest version. One of my requests in the first draft was the idea that I felt disconnected to Jay because we didn't get much insight on why she felt so connected to Laurie in such a short amount of time. The newly added chapter breaks with the flashbacks truly make you feel more connected with Jay and gives the reader more insight into her backstory. Having the story now span across a few days makes the connection between Jay and Laurie more believable. Not to mention, Laurie is such a great character in this updated version... I was wary of him in the 1st draft, but I am absolutely obsessed with him in this one. He is such a caring, thoughtful guy with a rough exterior and the way he protects Jay was so sweet. The ending wrapped the story up so nicely, and I loved the inclusion of the "1 year later" chapter and the direction Molly took this time. I need more from these two... please write a sequel of their life together now, I beg you Molly.
Definitely recommend ordering yourself a copy ASAP.
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FIRST READ THROUGH:
3.5/5 Stars
After escaping the mental hospital she was put in against her will, Jay steals a car during a snow storm and crashes it. She stumbles into the forest and comes across a cabin in the woods, inhabited by a strange man named Laurie. As she hides from the authorities, she learns that Laurie has also escaped a mental hospital as well, but refuses to divulge why.
We all know by now that I will devour absolutely everything Molly writes. Molly is such a clever writer, and this is no exception. She takes experiences from her own life and weaves it into this novella, to create an interesting story. Jay was an intriguing character, and I wanted to know more about her and why she made certain choices. Laurie is a bit terrifying, but I was into it for the most part lol. My biggest complaint is that it was WAY TOO SHORT (which I have already complained to Molly about)- I would be very interested to see more from both of these characters in the future.
Also - fun fact, she named her main character after me, so I think that's PRETTY COOL, and I am very honoured to be included in one of her books.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
2nd READ THROUGH - UPDATED 2ND DRAFT
After escaping the mental hospital she was put in against her will, Jay steals a car during a snow storm and crashes it. She stumbles into the forest and comes across a cabin in the woods, inhabited by a strange man named Laurie. Jay hides from the authorities, and soon learns that Laurie has also escaped a mental hospital as well, but refuses to divulge why. As they spend more time together, Jay learns to trust Laurie, and a bond forms between them.
BROOOOOOOOOO - The changes Molly made to her 2nd draft made this story SO MUCH better. As I've said before, I devour anything Molly writes, and this novella (featuring a character NAMED AFTER ME I MIGHT ADD) is right on par with her usual addicting storytelling and writing style. I am so stocked with the updates made in this newest version. One of my requests in the first draft was the idea that I felt disconnected to Jay because we didn't get much insight on why she felt so connected to Laurie in such a short amount of time. The newly added chapter breaks with the flashbacks truly make you feel more connected with Jay and gives the reader more insight into her backstory. Having the story now span across a few days makes the connection between Jay and Laurie more believable. Not to mention, Laurie is such a great character in this updated version... I was wary of him in the 1st draft, but I am absolutely obsessed with him in this one. He is such a caring, thoughtful guy with a rough exterior and the way he protects Jay was so sweet. The ending wrapped the story up so nicely, and I loved the inclusion of the "1 year later" chapter and the direction Molly took this time. I need more from these two... please write a sequel of their life together now, I beg you Molly.
Definitely recommend ordering yourself a copy ASAP.
-----------------------------------------------------------
FIRST READ THROUGH:
3.5/5 Stars
After escaping the mental hospital she was put in against her will, Jay steals a car during a snow storm and crashes it. She stumbles into the forest and comes across a cabin in the woods, inhabited by a strange man named Laurie. As she hides from the authorities, she learns that Laurie has also escaped a mental hospital as well, but refuses to divulge why.
We all know by now that I will devour absolutely everything Molly writes. Molly is such a clever writer, and this is no exception. She takes experiences from her own life and weaves it into this novella, to create an interesting story. Jay was an intriguing character, and I wanted to know more about her and why she made certain choices. Laurie is a bit terrifying, but I was into it for the most part lol. My biggest complaint is that it was WAY TOO SHORT (which I have already complained to Molly about)- I would be very interested to see more from both of these characters in the future.
Also - fun fact, she named her main character after me, so I think that's PRETTY COOL, and I am very honoured to be included in one of her books.
February 17, 2024
4.5/5 stars
Wish this was a little bit longer but a good read nonetheless.
Wish this was a little bit longer but a good read nonetheless.
September 12, 2024
definitely worth the read for lots of reasons. it was quite eye opening. liked our female main character, wanted her to survive
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews