The Night Garden

by Nicole Northwood

Ellie Blue Callaghan isn’t ready to give up her wild ways. Now that she’s nineteen, she’ll be sent to Blossom Preparatory Academy to train to be a proper sorceress, adult, and wife for Colonel Gallagher. Unfortunately, Ellie loves the wind-swept countryside of Loch Gàrraidh, her untamed and turbulent magic, and the hallucinogenic experience of a fantastical drug called Allure, and she can’t imagine a life without them.

Max O’Carroll failed out of Blossom Preparatory Academy and was cursed for eternity. His affliction will be broken if he finds true love, but nobody in recent history has even fallen for a Bèist—a being that presents as a feral cat by day and takes their original human form by night. But when Ellie and Max meet during a twilight garden party and connect over wine and a moonlit swim, they soon realize their perception of love, freedom, and control are very different from what they’ve been taught to believe.

Getting tangled in Max’s terrible enchantment could mean disaster for Ellie’s future, but only if Blossom Preparatory Academy can find her…

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2024

About the author

NICOLE NORTHWOOD writes love stories for adults that are atmospheric, intimate, and alluring. By daylight, she works as a project manager for an international medical company, while by starlight, she writes down all the little adventures taking up space in her head.

Nicole and her husband share their home in Eastern Canada with a collection of multi-colored cats, a cupboard stuffed with tea, and a lifetime’s worth of books.

Reviews

[Rachel Ashera Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost sleep because I could not put this binge-worthy romantic fairytale down. An atmospheric and spicy tale set in a fantasy version of the Scottish lochs, it follows wild girl Ellie and her more traditional, overlooked sister Sophia. Ellie just wants to party, take magical drugs, and live by the windswept seashore, but her society's rules demand that she go to Blossom Preparatory Academy, where her magic will be tamed so that she can marry Colonel Gallagher and be a proper lady. Lest she fall afoul of her expectations, there's a proper fairytale curse lurking: If she fails out of Blossom, she'll be turned into a Bèist and condemned to spend her days as one of the feral cats that lurk around the moors. Her life is further complicated by the appearance of a certain mysterious man who only appears at night, and a black cat, both of whom share the same captivating green eyes.

I adored this, and especially the relationship between the two sisters. The magic sparkles off the page, and the push-pull between family and societal obligations and individual passion is deftly written. I can't wait for the next one.

[Brittany |planted.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Finished it in less than 24 hours because I could not put it down!

I was immediately hooked in the first chapter, and captivated by the magic, and the Bèists! Was giving me The Secret Garden vibes, and I have yet to read any sort of magic that works like this and I couldn’t get enough.

I have so many highlights because there was so many quotes that just really stuck with me, made me laugh, or made me swoon.

[Vada · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no way to describe this book other than whimsical! The prose was beautiful and poetic. ✨

The Night Garden takes place in a fairytale version of Scotland where everyone is afraid to break the rules of proper society (otherwise they may find themselves to be cursed and wonder the lochs as a feral cat 🐈‍⬛).

I loved the sisters Ellie and Sophia! Both are so very different in their goals and desires for life, but the love they have for each other is so sweet. Also, Max and Ellie 😻😻.

This is the first book in the series, and I’m ready for book two. I need to know more about what happens to Ellie, Max, and Sophia (I’m also hoping for some more information about an old orange cat 👀).

Thank you so much to Nicole Northwood for the opportunity to read an eARC of The Night Garden! I’m so excited to meet you this summer at Imaginarium Book Festival!

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book

Starters As always

🥁🥁🥁🥁

Multi POV
🙌🙌🙌

This book was fantastic and beautifully written with lovely swoony characters and Forbidden love.

Think Pride and prejudice meets beauty and the beast but with cats and magics.

It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. And I'm looking fwd to the next book .

[Sarah 🌺 Books in Their Natural Habitat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is Nicole’s best book yet.

The Night Garden is atmospheric, entrancing, and emotional. I could vividly see and feel the garden, the magic, even the looks of growing love between characters. There is so much chemistry between Ellie and Sophia’s love interests, and you can feel that strong sisterly bond between them.

There’s also this palpable push-pull of fulfilling societal obligations versus individual wants and needs. It’s all interwoven seamlessly into this absolutely beautiful book.

I loved this book and savored it down to the very last page!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book! The review expresses my own opinions.

[Ingríð Älva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The night garden is so charming! Whole idea is just awesome. (I don’t want to spoil secrets but ohhh)
Garden, lake, magic, sisterhood this book is everything.
I enjoyed all 3 POV. Glad both sisters found their happiness and I am really invested what will happen next 🤭

[Katlyn Bolingbroke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Recieved an eArc copy of this book. Let me just omg 😲 😍 🥵. The spice scale is phenomenal. I love Ellie and Max. This may take the number one spot from In Flames of favorite book by Nicole northwood.

[Joyce Fernandez (Prestel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enchanting.

The author fit in so much in 370-ish pages. Nicole could write more books for these characters, a lot is open for her to build on and I hope she does!

4/18/24: changing my review from 4 to 5 stars. This is a book I keep thinking about, it deserves its 5th and final star.

[Anna (Literaria Luminaria) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Stories have a foundation in truth most of the time, I've found."


I actually quite liked this story, though the perfectly coincidental insta-love for both couples was a bit unbelievable... and there were quite a few questions left unanswered/plot holes. I thought that Blossom would be more of a thing. Also, ending with a "side" character's POV was different (I was waiting for another chapter from one of the main characters that never came).

That said, I need to know... Will there be a sequel? Do Ellie and Max escape? I was fully expecting Padraig to like, do something. Does Alastair ever go back to Lydia? Do Ellie and Sophia ever see each other again?

While I feel like the story could be developed a bit more, I really loved the mystical, atmospheric world Nicole created and would certainly read another of her stories. Thanks so much for sending me a copy! 🩷


Website | Bookstagram | BookTok

[Emily Hurricane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love in a magical romance: enchanting love at first sight, creative soft magic systems, and cats.

In one word I have to describe this one as whimsical. It’s gorgeous and character-driven and completely immersed me in a feast for the senses. The characters are flawed and relatable and I rooted for them every step of the way.

In true Northwood fashion, the dialogue shines with unique character voices that made me swoon, laugh, and gasp. Especially Max. I am a fangirl now.

If you’re looking for a binge-worthy romp through whimsy and beauty and rebellion, The Night Garden delivers. 10/10 recommend.

I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this novel and devoured it in nearly one go. I really enjoyed the fantasy atmosphere of the Scottish Lochs that the author created. This romantic fairytale follows a reckless eldest daughter Ellie and her overlooked younger sister Sophia through the trials of societal expectations, sibling relationships, budding romances, and magical curses. Though I believe this book is a solid stand alone I am excited to see where the author takes us in book two.

I do wish there had been a bit more information provided about the magic and the school Blossom. The stakes seem very high for how frequently they reference the school and the potential ramifications. However, there's nothing substantial provided about the school besides the presence of beists and a side characters off page involvement with the school.

Thank you Nicole Northwood for the eBook in exchange for an honest review!

[Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5 (explicit, but also very sweet and romantic)

4 stars for the vibes, which I'm still riding. This book had such a delicious, mystical Scottish countryside/seaside atmosphere and some pretty solid fairy tale spice. Brings you that feeling of wild youth. It probably could've been a 5 star for me after a couple passes by a technical and developmental editor, but alas... What can ya do. 🤷🏻

FYI, none of this book actually happens AT Blossom Prep School. I ended up enjoying that it didn't but I definitely went in expecting some university romance.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night Garden is the first book in Northwood's Fairytales Of The Lochs series. This book is a romantasy featuring Ellie Blue Callaghan and Max O’Carroll told from multiple POVs.

Ellie lives in Loch Garraidh, Scotland with her mother, and younger siblings, Sophia, Huntley and Pippa. She refuses to be tamed and conform to society's rules. She parties, takes drugs, enjoys physical relationships, all of which is considered inappropriate behaviour. She is bound for Blossom Preparatory Academy which will endeavour to correct her behavious and mold her into a proper and acceptable young woman. If their efforts are unsuccessful... it is said that those who fail out of Blossom will be cursed to live their days as one of the unnamed feral cats that roam the lochs.

Ellie meets Max at a party she just so happens to be hosting. There's something about him that seems oddly familiar, but she can't put her finger on it. There's also a serious attraction. But Ellie is betrothed to Colonel Iain Gallagher, which was arranged by her parents prior to her father's demise. She doesn't love Iain. In fact, she barely knows him. But her mother worries for her future and insists that she have this marriage arranged for after her graduation from Blossom...hopefully.

We learn that Max is one of those who failed out of Blossom. He is cursed for eternity to live his life as a Bèist. During the day, he is a black cat without a name, who frequently hangs out in Ellie's room, and sleeps on her bed. At night though, he assumes his human form. He has never shown his true self to Ellie, but he's learned much about her, and has fallen for her. He wants to save her from the same affliction, but to do so, he has to be honest with her. He's certain she won't believe him, because who would believe the fairytales they're told as children? But time is running out for Ellie.

I really enjoyed this story. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was delighted with this fantasy based tale involving magic and curses as well as having beliefs that differ from society's, and standing up for those beliefs. While we don't live in a world with magic (at least that we know of), one can certainly appreciate having different perspectives from societal norms and wanting to embrace choice and freedom rather than doing what is expected.

While the main story is about Ellie and Max, I appreciated learning more about Ellie's relationship with her sister Sophia who completely differs from her big sister. But maybe, just maybe, they have come commonalities. The author has laid the foundation for some other relationships, and I hope we have the opportunity to learn more in future releases.

[Whispers Wonders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Night Garden 🐈‍⬛
by Nicole Northwood

Ellie Blue Callaghan is spirited, reckless, and utterly unwilling to trade the wild freedom she loves for the polished future laid out for her. At nineteen, she’s expected to attend Blossom Preparatory Academy — to master her magic, become a proper sorceress, and one day marry Colonel Gallagher. But Ellie’s heart beats for the wind-swept countryside of Loch Gàrraidh… her chaotic magic… and the hypnotic pull of a forbidden drug called Allure.

Max O’Carroll is a Bèist — cursed to be a feral cat by day and human only under the moon. Expelled from Blossom, living in the shadows of his own monstrousness, he believes no one could ever love someone like him. His only hope of breaking the curse? A love that’s real… and returned.

When Ellie and Max’s worlds collide at a twilight garden party, sparks fly — fierce, reckless, and intoxicating. Their bond tests everything: love vs. obedience, power vs. freedom, desire vs. destiny. But getting tangled in Max’s curse could cost Ellie everything… and neither of them is ready to let go.

I devoured this book and left no crumbs. A forbidden romance between an untamed sorceress and a cursed shapeshifter? Yes, please. Ellie is wild, stubborn, and refreshingly unapologetic — even when the world tells her to shrink. You can’t help but root for her as she chooses passion over expectations. And Max? My heart. A beautifully complicated character who longs to be seen and loved beyond the beast.

And I can’t forget Sophia and Iain — their presence added depth, heart, and a touch of innocence that made the story richer. It honestly feels like this world has just begun to reveal its secrets, and I need more.

📖 “The room has always felt representative of me in some ways: messy enough to be considered on the verge of disastrous, combined with the depressing atmosphere of the dead flowers on the nightstand.”

💫 Atmospheric • Forbidden • Magical

🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements
I’m so excited to be featuring The Night Garden by Nicole Northwood — a lush, enchanting fantasy romance that feels like stepping into moonlight and never wanting to leave. ✨

Content warnings: fantasy drug use, explicit sexual encounters, drinking, references to parental death and cancer

Spicy moments: 185-193; 200-206; 337-341

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 3.5/5
Spice Meter 2/5
Nicole Northwood weaves a steamy tale in the Scottish highlands that’s full of spice, magic, and Allure. Ellie and Max are made for each other, and Northwood allows them to sweetly discover each other’s secrets in a series of meet cutes that sizzle. This kickoff to a duet ends on a cliffhanger, but also ties up many of it’s loose ends.
Tropes:
Romantic Fantasy
Drug Use
Prep School
Dual POV’s
Scottish Countryside
Breaking Curses
Fairytale-adjacent
Characters:
Ellie Blue Callaghan – Heroine, who is considered a “Bad Girl”. About to be sent to Blossom Academy (where they will try to reform her drug-addled and sex-fueled ways), Ellie decides to throw a party for one of her last nights of freedom. In a drug-induced stupor, she meets Max, and her entire world is spun out of control.
Max O’Carroll – our Hero, who failed out of Blossom Academy the previous year and is now forced to spend his life as a Beist – cat by day, and man by night. He thinks he’s found his true love in Ellie, but he has to tell her. If he does, and she loves him back, there is a terrible trade – Ellie will become the Beist, and Max is free to go.
Some Highlights:
- I loved the cross between Beauty and the Beast, and the Secret Garden. So many great elements there. Northwood does a fantastic job weaving the storyline that it doesn’t feel like a retelling, but adjacent to both stories. (Which I loved!)
- I’m excited to see where the characters go from here. Sophie and the Colonel, Ellie and Sophie’s mother, Alastair – so many great secondary characters to explore. (Dare I hope for a novella about Alastair and the mother?)
- I was left a little confused about Allure. It’s not really explained, as the story starts out with Ellie inhaling it, and then we’re in her drug-addled POV. I would love an explanation of how it’s made, and a bit more world building about how magic is used.
- The CATS. Taylor Swift would love this one. I love the banter between Alastair and Max. I would really love to know how Alastair became Alastair!
Thank you to Nicole Northwood for granting me an ARC of her wonderful book! I cannot wait to read the next one!

[Melissa MOHsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vibes in The Night Garden is one I want to jump into over and over. Think romantic Jane Austen/Pride and Prejudice set in the Scottish countryside, early 1880s, with magic!

I was captivated with our main couple, Ellie and Max. Individually these characters are fascinating, but together, they are fire!

“The end of our lives as children together, and the beginning of our lives as women— with different duties and goals and priorities.”

Another duo I fell for is Ellie and Sophia. Duo is misleading since they don’t have the best relationship, but they are sisters nonetheless. They're distinctly different, and the reasons become clear as the story unfolds. They serve as an example of how life fears can shape and influence individuals differently.

“They’re stories to make us behave until we’re so controlled by society that we don’t even know how to think for ourselves anymore.”

In their community, children's stories, issued by society leaders, are used to guide behavior. They live in a place where obedience is valued over the freedom to live and learn, and the bottom line is, if you don't adhere to the rules, you will face punishment. Ellie, on the verge of adulthood, is determined to live life to the fullest before settling into the expected roles of wife and mother. She dismisses the potential consequences, mainly due to her disbelief in the outlandish children’s tales she was raised on. Little does she know...

As the narrative unfolds, we learn that Ellie is not merely a rebel. She is a resilient woman dealing with life without any support system. After enduring a traumatic event, she spirals and rather than recognizing her struggle, her family dismisses her actions as immaturity and malevolence. The societal norms within their community end up reinforcing this misguided view of Ellie. I really appreciate this part of the book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

SYNOPSIS:
Set in a 'not at all accurate' historical Scotland, wild Ellie is resistant to comforting to societal norms and wants nothing to do with her arranged marriage or Blossom Prepatory Academy.
Max is a dropout of the academy that is meant to reform wild young people. For his failure to conform, he was turned into a Béist- a person trapped in the form of a cat during the day for the rest of their lives, unless someone falls in love with them and breaks the curse.
A worlwhind love between the two sparks, but Blossom Prepatory Academy is a looming threat. Ellie's involvement with the Béist, Max, could bring the academy on their heels... and Blossom doesn't just allow formerly turned Béists to have a happily ever after if they can have a say in it.

MY THOUGHTS:
You'll love The Night Garden if you're into atmospheric romantasy, no third act break ups, and wild main characters who are willing to take life by the reigns and take control. The fairytale-esque feeling was beautiful, and the intimate scenes were both spicy and heartwarming at the same time. It's a slow paced, character focused work of poetic love and what ifs. I kept crossing my fingers for both (yes, BOTH) love stories.
I believe this is a planned duology, and my hopes for the sequel are to get more of the development within the family. Ellie's family is definitely walking on eggshells around one another at all times, and seeing the sisters get to open up to each other and finally begin to understand one another was so beautiful. I really hope we can get more of that from the mother in the sequel 💛
I also can't wait to see more of the beauty in the magic. Ellie's ways of bringing beauty out in nature through her magic made me smile.

There's also:
🌖 he falls first
🌗 3 POVs
🌔 Jane Austen atmosphere but with magic
🌕 being tied to a bed scene 😉

[evenromanceisnerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night Garden is Beauty and the Beast inspired set in the Scottish countryside with the romance from Pride & Prejudice plus magic, curses and cats! 🐈‍⬛💫

What really sets this book apart from others is its unique storyline, concept and magic system. At a certain age, your are sent to Blossom Preparatory Academy to train to be a proper adult in order be ready for marriage and to lead a life accepted in the norms of the society. If you fail out of the academy, you are cursed to be a beist - a feral cat by day, human by night.

I loved the characters and each of their growth and development throughout the book. With the 3 different POVs, you get front row seats to that, making this book interesting and relatable. As you see each character grow individually, you see how they connect in one way or another making influences on their life decisions. Do they stick with norms of society or risk a life as a beist in order to have the freedom of individuality? This book really makes you think how real life is shaped with the norms of our society. How society norms influence our decisions. How much we let those society norms lead us to making unwanted decisions.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Add this to your TBR if you enjoy:
🐈‍⬛ Fairytale retellings
🐈‍⬛ Cats
🐈‍⬛ Jane Austen/Pride & Prejudice
🐈‍⬛ Curses
🐈‍⬛ Multiple POVs
🐈‍⬛ Fantasy Scotland
🐈‍⬛ Forbidden love

A special thank you to the author for the e-ARC copy and for the opportunity to read and review your book early! 🫶🏼🥰

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Nicole Northwood and Never and Ever Publishing for giving me an ARC of The Night Garden! As soon as I read the plot line, I was immediately intrigued by the story line. As someone with Celtic heritage, Scotland has a special place in my heart, and with this having a fantasy element to it, I knew I had to read it 🖤

The story surrounds Ellie, a young rebellious woman living in a small town with her family in a fantasy version of Scotland, where citizens have different forms of magic. Ellie is expected to soon attend Blossom Preparation Academy in order to train as a sorceress and wife for her betrothed, Colonel Gallagher.

However, Ellie has no interest in being a wife to the colonel. She spends her evenings on a magical drug called Allure partying with other youth. And her younger sister, Sophia, is left to pick up her mess and care for their younger siblings. That is, until Ellie meets Max, a man cursed to be a feline during the day, and it all changes.

I would describe The Night Garden as an enchanting and whimsical romantasy with dark elements. It was such a magical fairytale (with a good amount of spice 🌶️). I absolutely loved Max - just a perfect book boyfriend - my only wish that we got introduced to the Clodder - I was inching to know what they were like!

Though Ellie presents as a callous or careless character at the beginning, throughout the book, I found myself admiring her strength and determination to be her true self, despite societal norms and expectations. The message behind the book had a great deal of meaning to women across many generations.

I also really appreciated the third POV (Sophia) in this book, as it was really refreshing. The secondary love story was so sweet, it balanced out Ellie and Max’s steamy romance.

[Sammantha (its_a_literary_life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a whimsical and captivating book to read, I absolutely could not put this down! This was like a Jane Austen novel meets The Swan Princess but with magic and I loved it!!

The atmosphere! Y'all, if there is anything Nicole can do in a book its give you a phenomenal atmospheric setting and this book was no different. Set in a historical yet fictitious version of Scotland, reading this is like walking along side the MCs. Her writing is lyrical and just pulls you into the story.

We have 3 different POVs and truthfully I enjoyed them all. Ellie is a bit of a rebel that doesn't want to conform and yet a resilient woman. Dabbling in mysterious magical drugs and lavish parties, she was definitely an interesting FMC. Sophia, her sister, was the complete opposite and while I didn't like her in the beginning, I did come to appreciate her in the end. You can pick up on their sisterly relationship and between the two you can see how society's expectations affect their lives individually. And Max, our Beist, I adored! Give me all the deep secrets and swoon worthy cursed men! Ellie and Max were so good together! And there's some spice between them that's so well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

If you're looking for an enchanting and atmospheric, historical fantasy romance featuring cats, myths and lore, and fairytale-esque vibes, this is the book!

[Kady Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in vaguely Regency Scotland where magic is commonplace, “The Night Garden” has the vibe of contemporary fiction, from the tone of the dialogue to the casual sex and drug use the heroine, Ellie, enjoys. In this case, the drug is Allure, a magical powder Ellie conjures with her sorcery skills.

She’s supposed to marry a proper gentleman after the wildness is tamed out of her at Blossom Preparatory Academy, but she wants neither the man nor his lifestyle. Her heart is stolen instead by Max, a Blossom Academy flunk-out living his daylight hours as a cat—standard punishment for Academy students who can’t be tamed. This will be Ellie’s own future if she doesn’t settle down.

This atmospheric and steamy romance transports the reader to the Scottish Lochs and the way everything feels heightened when the sun goes down—attraction, beauty, romance, and sometimes, fear.

This is Book One of the “Fairytales of the Lochs” duology. The romance through-line delivers the HEA romance readers will be looking for, and I expect that other plot lines and potential threats set up in Book One will be paid off in Book Two. Highly recommend for romance readers who enjoy losing themselves in steamy, dreamy world Northwood created.

[Renée Shantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time reader of Nicole's, I can confidently say THE NIGHT GARDEN is in my top three for favourite reads in her catalogue. It's everything I love about Nicole's novels wrapped up in one pretty package, and it's already got me eager for what's to come next!

I'm an absolute sucker for fairytale settings, forbidden love, and cats, and The Night Garden has all these and more! The setting is a beautiful, fairytale Scotland full of people raised to be proper, lest they be sent off to the infamous Blossom Preparatory Academy to be taught a lesson. Failing out of Blossom means living life as a Bèist - human by night, but feral cat by day. (Which, honestly, sounds like a great life, but this novel might change your mind on that!)

The story is told through three different perspectives - Ellie, Max, and Sophia - and I was entranced by each one. Often in novels where there's more than one point of view, I have a least favourite character whose chapters I want to skip over - not so with this novel! I was excited for each one, eager to see how the characters were going to react to each other, desperate to know how their thoughts were going to differ. And Nicole did not disappoint. The character that I started out the novel wondering, "Why do we need this perspective?" ended up being my favourite!

The story overall is beautiful, the characters charming, and you'll find yourself wanting to curl up with them again and again. I'm already looking forward to a re-read!

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in the Night Garden Series. While we did get a conclusion to our MMC and FMC story, there were questions and a continuation of the book with other mentioned characters. Having said that, I recommend reading this series in order so you will not be confused about what will be in book 2.

This book was told lyrically and with a whimsical twist that made this book a very interesting read. Told from several POV's, the story looks at the story of 2 sisters, Ellie and Sophia, who are so very different but have one similar goal in mind. I would call their relationship contentious at times but sisters can have that fire in a relationship. They live in a fictional place based on small town in Scotland. Filled with myth, lore and magic, children are told that if you don't behave like you are told you will become a Bi'est. A way to control behavior from the elders in the town.

This story really broke by heart at times, specifically Ellie. Her past has a dark side and it explains so much why she behaves as she does. I really loved how her story unfolded and how she found happiness. This was a lot darker that I originally thought it was going to be and again the storytelling is so different. The descriptions of the evrironment were vivid and beautifully described. If you are looking for a different kind of fantasy read, check this one out.

[Shannon - a.court.of.fantasies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly an enchanting read! It was such a beautiful balance between fantasy and poetry and felt so entirely cozy while reading it. The premise of the story is not overly complex and the fantasy elements felt fresh. Max and Ellie were so alluring and Ellie’s carefree freedom was intoxicating. Being forced to attend a reforming school in order to become a productive member of society Ellie is insistent on embracing every last moment of her freedom while she still can before being forced into a proper lady and a betrothal she’d certainly rather have nothing to do with. Max is suave and irresistible then paired with their undeniable attraction for one another my heart was so happy!!

I also really loved seeing Ellie’s sister Sophia’s PoV, she’s the exact opposite of Ellie in attitude so being able to experience her perspective added a wonderful balance to the story. She may try to be prim and proper unlike her sister but I enjoyed being able to witness her let her guard down and fully allow herself little stolen selfish moments in time that were just for her own happiness. As the book came to a close I was so terrified something bad was going to happen but this read was nothing but warm loving happiness! It is listed as book 1 in the series so I am very curious what book 2 will entail!

Thank you Nicole Northwood for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Night Garden!

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Night Garden by: Nicole Northwood

I was absolutely blown away and am obsessed with this story!! First I loved the Scottish vibes, the atmosphere of an old world times, plot was an amazing second! The magical system and the curse that plagues those who fail to follow the “rules.” I loved the two FMC they were both very similar yet different in their thoughts and actions. Then there is Max ohhh Max I absolutely loved Max! Did I mention the best part? The cursed are cats… ahhhh right cats by day and humans at night! They are not to be spoken of not even their names… but should you fall for one of them will the curse be undone or will you switch places with the cat? Read this spectacular book and find out! I really hope that she does come out with the second book soon. You’re left on a cliff-ish hanger as it ends now it’s good but I want to see the epic adventures the two groups continue to have. I really cannot recommend this enough it’s a masterpiece!

Tropes:
Romantic Fantasy
Drug Use
Prep School
3 POV’s
Scottish Countryside
Breaking Curses
Fairytale and Little Women vibes
Magical System
Cats 🐈‍⬛

[Myranda | bookswithmyranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

In this whimsy Scottish setting, Ellie isn’t ready to give up her lifestyle of debauchery for that of a proper woman of society. Despite her protests, she is betrothed to a Colonel and is months away from attending a prestigious reformatory school, Blossom. Here, she will harness her magic and leave behind the pleasures of sex and dr*gs. When Ellie meets Max, who failed out of Blossom and was subsequently cursed, her world is turned upside down. Those who do not bend to the school’s will are transformed into a Bèist—cat by day and human by night—and can only break the curse if they find true love.

This was such a nice surprise to read. It felt like folklore come to life. I love that Ellie was promiscuous and wasn’t well behaved, yet she was just as deserving of love. The magical setting and Bèist premise was so unique. I’ve always wondered if cats were secretly people and now I’ll never look at my cat the same 😂

The book is told in three POVs and ends with room for another story (I think), so I’m curious if we will see more of Ellie’s sister or their mother. I hope so!

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!

[Bee’s Glorious Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

The Night Garden by Nicole Northwood

STAR RATING: 5/5⭐️

Review:
What a wonderful and addicting love story! I adored Ellie and her rebellious act, cheering her on for the decisions she made for herself and defying what was expected of her. It was also so wonderful to read about Sophia. Her perspective, her story, how she was growing out of her shell… both of them were amazing in their own way. Seeing Max’s character development as well made me swoon even more for him, I love him!

Favorite quote:
“‘I'd crash a thousand Blossom Preparatory Academy meetings and profess my love for her just to die again and again in her affections. I would drown myself in this ocean if it meant she didn't have to take the hand of someone out of obligation rather than desire. I would bury myself alive in the gardens of Loch Garraidh if it meant I could be with her every day of my life.’”

[Momma T's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I'm having a hard time with this one. It was my Bookclub pick for May. But I'm unsure. This is the first book, so I'm hoping that it is just the build-up.

The Players: Ellie ... man, she needs help. A wild child, so to say. Sophia ... her duty torn sister. Colonel Gallagher ... the betrothed. And Max ... the cat shifter. The mom and Alister. (Secretly hoping these two have a story somewhere).

My Issue: There was too much. While Ellie and Max are supposed to be the story, I seem to be invested more in all the other characters. There was an Academy storyline, but it seemed as an afterthought later on. Ellie had a friend's with benefits for a few chapters. It was going somewhere, then it disappeared.

Again, it's going to be a series, so I'm hoping to get some clarification. I would read the 2nd one just to see if I could get some answers. Before totally dismissing it.

[Christina Paine · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒩𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒢𝒶𝓇𝒹𝑒𝓃
𝒩𝒾𝒸𝑜𝓁𝑒 𝒩𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽𝓌𝑜𝑜𝒹
3.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️

sᴄᴏᴛᴛɪsʜ ғᴀɪʀʏᴛᴀʟᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
ғᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ
ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀɪᴄ & ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍʏ
sɪsᴛᴇʀʜᴏᴏᴅ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴsʜɪᴘs

This book was unlike anything I have read recently. Based on a fairytale in fictional (yet historic) Scotland, the plot tracks the lives of sisters Ellie and Sophia in their village of Loch Garraidh. I def felt Midsummer Nights Dream vibes with a little less magic and miscommunication.

This is book 1 of 2 in the Fairytales of the Lochs duology. The story is alive with love, curses, rebelling against societal expectations, and coming into your own. It fell a bit short towards the end for me, but I will be reading the next installment.

🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️

[Juliana Knight Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next one!

The plot and characters are unique and refreshing and the world-building is very well done. The relationship between the love interests develops quickly, but you also become invested very quickly, so it doesn't feel rushed. The author does a great job at getting you into the characters' minds and you become very attached to them - you also feel sympathetic to what makes them different in the world they live in. She also describes Scotland beautifully and I am dying to visit the Highlands.

I love the way people are so interconnected, how problems are resolves (Ellie's betrothal!), and I'm excited to see what takes place for all of the characters in the next book.