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The Wilderise Tales #1
The Good and the Green
Fans of Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes will love this heartwarming tale of finding love and coping with loss in the beautiful (and magical) kingdom of Wilderise.
"Like a Hallmark movie set in Middle Earth." --Justin Reed
With the help of her late father, Alison Lennox has carved out a promising career path in a kingdom dominated by land-hoarding elves and industrial tycoon dwarves. But her salary barely covers the rising rent, let alone the luxury lifestyle she dreams of. So when she unexpectedly inherits a neglected property in a distant land, it seems like the solution she's been seeking.
All she needs to do to keep her life on track is get in, flip the cottage, and get out, hopefully with a pocket full of coin for the effort.
Upon her arrival, Alison quickly discovers she isn’t immune to the village’s charms. But maybe she could look past the quaint shops, the sweet little old ladies, and the adorable talking cat and stick to the plan if it weren’t for Keir Ainsley. At first, she finds the former doctor and town recluse good and irritating, and he’s definitely wrong about where his property ends and Alison’s begins. But then he has to go and save her life from a DIY disaster. And then he shows her that under his bristly exterior, there’s a tenderness that feels familiar and right.
Not good.
But the town does have a problem. A mysterious vine is spreading through the land, choking out everything in its path. “Cute cottage; minor overgrowth issue—probably not poisonous” isn’t going to work as a real estate listing, but that’s not all that’s wrong. The deeper her connection to Keir and the town grows, the further she strays from the life her father wanted for her.
And she’ll have to dig deep into the town’s thorny past to have any hope of stopping the vine.
The Good and the Green is the first novel in the planned four-novel series The Wilderise Tales. Visit amyyorke dot com to sign up for free giveaways and be the first to hear about new releases.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2024
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5262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
February 4, 2024
The Good and the Green follows Alison, who must put her career in a busy and bustling city on hold when she unexpectedly inherits a neglected property in a distant land. Although Alison tries to resist the charming village, with its quaint shops, sweet town-folk, and talking cats, a DIY disaster lands her in the care of her bristly yet handsome neighbour. Together, they must solve the mystery behind a magical vine spreading through the land and choking out everything in its path.
Whilst the cosy romantasy label is being pushed heavily for this novel (“A Cozy Romantic Fantasy” that "Fans of Travis Baldree’s 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 & 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘴 will love"), it doesn’t sit well with the story I read. This is instead a country house novel with fantasy-romance elements that tackles some heavy themes with reasonable success. It is at times charming and sweet, but it is heavily weighed down with strong themes of death and grief. The story is slow-paced and oft long-winded, despite its page count and the sheer number of events that take place within the span of approximately two narrative weeks. This was exacerbated by the choice of narrative style (genteel and old-timey) and the long list of characters that were under-developed and difficult to keep track of. I didn’t feel a connection with either the protagonist, Alison, or Keir, the dark and broody human love interest; even now, I don’t have a strong sense of their personalities, and their romance felt rushed and unnatural.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, low-stakes, cosy romantasy that whisks you away from our current hellscape, this may not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a slow-paced, sweet but emotional story about personal growth, living with and processing grief, and exploring personal flaws, that happens to have a loose cosy vibe, a romance, and a fantasy country setting, this is a solid debut novel and an author you may wish to follow in future, as it appears it is intended to be part of a series.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
I was offered an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Whilst the cosy romantasy label is being pushed heavily for this novel (“A Cozy Romantic Fantasy” that "Fans of Travis Baldree’s 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 & 𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘴 will love"), it doesn’t sit well with the story I read. This is instead a country house novel with fantasy-romance elements that tackles some heavy themes with reasonable success. It is at times charming and sweet, but it is heavily weighed down with strong themes of death and grief. The story is slow-paced and oft long-winded, despite its page count and the sheer number of events that take place within the span of approximately two narrative weeks. This was exacerbated by the choice of narrative style (genteel and old-timey) and the long list of characters that were under-developed and difficult to keep track of. I didn’t feel a connection with either the protagonist, Alison, or Keir, the dark and broody human love interest; even now, I don’t have a strong sense of their personalities, and their romance felt rushed and unnatural.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, low-stakes, cosy romantasy that whisks you away from our current hellscape, this may not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a slow-paced, sweet but emotional story about personal growth, living with and processing grief, and exploring personal flaws, that happens to have a loose cosy vibe, a romance, and a fantasy country setting, this is a solid debut novel and an author you may wish to follow in future, as it appears it is intended to be part of a series.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
I was offered an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2024
Though it was good... It was very boring
I got a fun DND vibe from it at the beginning and then it kinda just well fell off
Sure it was cozy and an easy read, but with cozy reads it's hard because they can be very boring too, also this is a very fast paced book if you want that.
In the end I'm glad I read it, but I assure you all I will forget the whole plot tmrw
I got a fun DND vibe from it at the beginning and then it kinda just well fell off
Sure it was cozy and an easy read, but with cozy reads it's hard because they can be very boring too, also this is a very fast paced book if you want that.
In the end I'm glad I read it, but I assure you all I will forget the whole plot tmrw
February 12, 2024
You know that feeling when it's raining outside, and you sit down on your favourite chair, with a throw over your lap, a massive cup of tea in your hands, and you're surrounded by scented candles? That is exactly the feeling that this book gave me.
This book is everything I never knew I needed. As a D&D and WoW fanatic, I always craved a world where those two things would be combined with the cosiness of Girlmore Girls, and this book managed to do so. The author created a wonderfully magical world full of extremely loveable characters. Dwarves are one of my favourite fantasy races and it was such a treat to read a story in which they have quite a big part.
Gwenla has my heart, together with Willow and Dinah, and I can't wait to return to this world.
This book is everything I never knew I needed. As a D&D and WoW fanatic, I always craved a world where those two things would be combined with the cosiness of Girlmore Girls, and this book managed to do so. The author created a wonderfully magical world full of extremely loveable characters. Dwarves are one of my favourite fantasy races and it was such a treat to read a story in which they have quite a big part.
Gwenla has my heart, together with Willow and Dinah, and I can't wait to return to this world.
July 28, 2024
4.75 stars.
I found this book at random browsing Kindle Unlimited options, and this was such a sweet surprise!
Often with books like this, you know it’s probably not going to be like its comparison titles in any way, but honestly? Legends and Lattes is not far off for vibes.
Alison is such an endearing and sweet main character and the way the author worked in the plot and dealt with grief in a way that didn’t feel exhausting was fantastic.
It felt like I was playing a cozy farming simulator with a romance subplot and I surely enjoyed it.
A few times, I struggled, especially with the beginning because it was like the beginning of a game exposition that you wish you could skip. The first twenty percent could have been pared down a lot more.
However, after we arrive in Herot Hollow, the story is dazzling. I love the characters and the mysterious vines. I wanted to know why as well. And Keir is so special.
I am definitely going to be picking up the second one quickly. This was just what I needed.
I found this book at random browsing Kindle Unlimited options, and this was such a sweet surprise!
Often with books like this, you know it’s probably not going to be like its comparison titles in any way, but honestly? Legends and Lattes is not far off for vibes.
Alison is such an endearing and sweet main character and the way the author worked in the plot and dealt with grief in a way that didn’t feel exhausting was fantastic.
It felt like I was playing a cozy farming simulator with a romance subplot and I surely enjoyed it.
A few times, I struggled, especially with the beginning because it was like the beginning of a game exposition that you wish you could skip. The first twenty percent could have been pared down a lot more.
However, after we arrive in Herot Hollow, the story is dazzling. I love the characters and the mysterious vines. I wanted to know why as well. And Keir is so special.
I am definitely going to be picking up the second one quickly. This was just what I needed.
February 6, 2024
The Good and The Green filled a hole that I didn’t think could be filled! I’ve been hoping for more cozy fantasies like Legends and Lattes and boy did this hit the spot. Heartwarming romance, charming cast of characters, a little thrilling moments thrown in and beautiful worlds that I long to be in. If you’re looking for a fun, easy, give your that warm hug-type feeling….this is the book for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My review is my honest opinion.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My review is my honest opinion.
February 12, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“The good and the green” is a cozy fantasy centered around Alison who inherits a cottage in a rural town. All she wants to do is visiting this village, prepared the cottage for renting and then going back to the city and her life. But she can’t resist the charming village and its villagers and her plans change. Especially with the mysterious magical vine that took over and is spreading everywhere.
The characters in this book are to die for, they are all lovely and kind and very diverse: elves, dwarfs, fairies, talking cats and magical trees that reminds me a lot of Tolkien’s Ents. The landscape and the world building are beautiful, the village is everyone’s goal, with gorgeous cottages and cozy gardens and woods and rivers.
Although it’s a great book for a quick read, perfect for rainy days, I had some issues. Firstly, it’s too long. I don’t have a problem with big books, but for a romance I found it too long. There were some unnecessary plots or stories, and the miscommunication trope is present as well. Throughout the book, I found myself uninterested with some of the actions presented.
In the second place, I did not like how the main male character acted towards Alison. I know that he went through something very difficult and sad, but I don’t like how he spoke to her: yelling and shutting the door in her face, leaving her behind and then saying “you can come now” like she was no one important. I didn’t feel like he acted as a grown man. Everything that he did made me not care about their romantic relationship.
But if you’re looking for something cute and cosy, perfect for lovers of villages and diverse communities, this is good for you. It’s a slow-paced book, sweet and emotional, with a country setting.
“The good and the green” is a cozy fantasy centered around Alison who inherits a cottage in a rural town. All she wants to do is visiting this village, prepared the cottage for renting and then going back to the city and her life. But she can’t resist the charming village and its villagers and her plans change. Especially with the mysterious magical vine that took over and is spreading everywhere.
The characters in this book are to die for, they are all lovely and kind and very diverse: elves, dwarfs, fairies, talking cats and magical trees that reminds me a lot of Tolkien’s Ents. The landscape and the world building are beautiful, the village is everyone’s goal, with gorgeous cottages and cozy gardens and woods and rivers.
Although it’s a great book for a quick read, perfect for rainy days, I had some issues. Firstly, it’s too long. I don’t have a problem with big books, but for a romance I found it too long. There were some unnecessary plots or stories, and the miscommunication trope is present as well. Throughout the book, I found myself uninterested with some of the actions presented.
In the second place, I did not like how the main male character acted towards Alison. I know that he went through something very difficult and sad, but I don’t like how he spoke to her: yelling and shutting the door in her face, leaving her behind and then saying “you can come now” like she was no one important. I didn’t feel like he acted as a grown man. Everything that he did made me not care about their romantic relationship.
But if you’re looking for something cute and cosy, perfect for lovers of villages and diverse communities, this is good for you. It’s a slow-paced book, sweet and emotional, with a country setting.
March 18, 2024
The Good and the Green is a cozy fantasy with a great romance and elements such as old magic, magical (poisonous) vines, cats, nature, found family, town society, friendships, love, creatures of nature and other creatures; elves, orcs, pixies, humans, the spriggan/wood spirit, wildcats and possibly more! Furthermore the inventions (transport ones for example) were so interesting and fun to read about as well, very original!
If you want a cozy fantasy read with romance and plenty of magical and fantasy elements as well as a rollercoaster of emotions (happy, sad and everything in between) then this is for you!
I definitely recommend this beautiful novel to any fantasy lovers, including romantasy lovers! 💚
If you want a cozy fantasy read with romance and plenty of magical and fantasy elements as well as a rollercoaster of emotions (happy, sad and everything in between) then this is for you!
I definitely recommend this beautiful novel to any fantasy lovers, including romantasy lovers! 💚
January 21, 2025
I made it through the whole book without crying and then the very last sentence of the Epilogue makes me bawl like a baby?!? i hate books 🙄
December 17, 2024
1.5 rounded up.
Yeeesh.
Yeeesh.
August 26, 2024
Nature can be cruel. Nature is a beautiful and wild thing. It cares not for good or evil, for light or darkness. It just is, and we are at its mercy.
Book 1 of the Wilderise Tales series, The Good and the Green by Amy Yorke is a cozy fantasy with a touch of romance and cottagecore feels. A story about found family, small-town living, and personal growth, the novel features a grumpy-sunshine trope, magic and mythology, and a talking cat!
In a world inhabited by magical beings, set in a time that feels like a mix between the 18th century and modern era, Alison Lennox is a city-living human living paycheck to paycheck, fighting to progress in her career as a number-cruncher. Following the death of a distant cousin, she unexpectedly inherits some property in the country, far away in the land of Wilderise. Hoping to rent out the property for some extra income, Alison is surprised to find it in an… extreme state of disrepair caused by the town’s “overgrowth” issue. Even more, her reclusive neighbor, the mysterious Keir Ainsley, is an interesting enigma, swinging from irritating to charming at the flip of a switch. With the help of newfound friends, Alison works to help the town solve their vine problem and restore her cottage, uncover the man beneath the mask, and truly discover what makes her happy.
While I savor the unhurried pace inherent to narratives of this genre, immersing myself in this particular book took a bit longer than expected. At first, the world-building is intricate, yet insufficiently explained, and initially, the narrative and dialogue struggled to captivate. However, the story gained momentum around the quarter mark, and despite some awkward moments, the interactions between the main characters resonated with a charm reminiscent of a Gregorian historical romance novel. As the story unfolded, it became fairly wonderful, particularly after the halfway mark, warranting a 3.5-star rating. I can’t wait to read the stories to follow!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Book 1 of the Wilderise Tales series, The Good and the Green by Amy Yorke is a cozy fantasy with a touch of romance and cottagecore feels. A story about found family, small-town living, and personal growth, the novel features a grumpy-sunshine trope, magic and mythology, and a talking cat!
In a world inhabited by magical beings, set in a time that feels like a mix between the 18th century and modern era, Alison Lennox is a city-living human living paycheck to paycheck, fighting to progress in her career as a number-cruncher. Following the death of a distant cousin, she unexpectedly inherits some property in the country, far away in the land of Wilderise. Hoping to rent out the property for some extra income, Alison is surprised to find it in an… extreme state of disrepair caused by the town’s “overgrowth” issue. Even more, her reclusive neighbor, the mysterious Keir Ainsley, is an interesting enigma, swinging from irritating to charming at the flip of a switch. With the help of newfound friends, Alison works to help the town solve their vine problem and restore her cottage, uncover the man beneath the mask, and truly discover what makes her happy.
While I savor the unhurried pace inherent to narratives of this genre, immersing myself in this particular book took a bit longer than expected. At first, the world-building is intricate, yet insufficiently explained, and initially, the narrative and dialogue struggled to captivate. However, the story gained momentum around the quarter mark, and despite some awkward moments, the interactions between the main characters resonated with a charm reminiscent of a Gregorian historical romance novel. As the story unfolded, it became fairly wonderful, particularly after the halfway mark, warranting a 3.5-star rating. I can’t wait to read the stories to follow!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
February 3, 2024
The Good and the Green 🐈
Amy Yorke
✨ Overall Rating ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
✨ Review ✨
What a complete and utter delight!! This book had me laughing and crying and everything in between. I took my time reading because I didn’t want it to end—I looked forward to opening up my kindle every night and taking a breather from my regular, stressful life to join Alison in her journey.
What I loved: perfectly cozy homestead vibes, diverse cast of creatures, delightful talking cats, tender romance that had me grinning at the cuteness, multiple mysteries to keep me interested, several moving discussions about love, loss, and grief
This book gave grown-up Alice in Wonderland meets the children’s comic/TV series Hilda. Both are great favorites of mine and it was a phenomenal vibe. I am excited to add this to my collection and can’t wait to recommend it to friends! If you like cozy mysteries set in lush fantasy worlds with a compelling no-spice romance, look no further: The Good and the Green is for you!!
✨ Fave Quote ✨
“It’s been eight years now. I’m not the person I was back then, and yet in some way, I’ll always be her. I will always be the girl beside the hospital bed, holding his hand through his last gasping breath. That’s a part of me now, and even when it hurts, I don’t regret it. I know I’m lucky to have experienced that kind of pain at all. To have had a love worth the pain of losing.”
✨Rating Breakdowns ✨
Concept: ⭐️
Freshness:⭐️
Character Development: ⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: ⭐️
Supporting Characters: ⭐️
Voice: ⭐️
Style: ⭐️
Intrigue: 💫
Enjoyability: ⭐️
Amy Yorke
✨ Overall Rating ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
✨ Review ✨
What a complete and utter delight!! This book had me laughing and crying and everything in between. I took my time reading because I didn’t want it to end—I looked forward to opening up my kindle every night and taking a breather from my regular, stressful life to join Alison in her journey.
What I loved: perfectly cozy homestead vibes, diverse cast of creatures, delightful talking cats, tender romance that had me grinning at the cuteness, multiple mysteries to keep me interested, several moving discussions about love, loss, and grief
This book gave grown-up Alice in Wonderland meets the children’s comic/TV series Hilda. Both are great favorites of mine and it was a phenomenal vibe. I am excited to add this to my collection and can’t wait to recommend it to friends! If you like cozy mysteries set in lush fantasy worlds with a compelling no-spice romance, look no further: The Good and the Green is for you!!
✨ Fave Quote ✨
“It’s been eight years now. I’m not the person I was back then, and yet in some way, I’ll always be her. I will always be the girl beside the hospital bed, holding his hand through his last gasping breath. That’s a part of me now, and even when it hurts, I don’t regret it. I know I’m lucky to have experienced that kind of pain at all. To have had a love worth the pain of losing.”
✨Rating Breakdowns ✨
Concept: ⭐️
Freshness:⭐️
Character Development: ⭐️⭐️
Main Characters: ⭐️
Supporting Characters: ⭐️
Voice: ⭐️
Style: ⭐️
Intrigue: 💫
Enjoyability: ⭐️
April 6, 2024
4.5⭐️
when alison inherits a cottage after a distant relative’s passing, her and her roommate think their money troubles are solved. they’ll rent it out and have enough to afford their apartment in the city, even with their landlord hiking up prices. alison travels to the distant land of wilderise, where she finds the quaint village is home to all sorts of characters, and unfortunately burdened by a magical vine of unknown origin that threatens to take over the town.
i’ve been missing out on the cozy fantasy genre if this is any indicator of what it’s like!! the beginning was a bit slow to start, but once it gets going i was thoroughly invested. the world building took a bit of getting used to, but that may have just been a me problem. the characters are whimsical, flawed, and so, so lovable. alison is That Bitch, the way she gets things done! i even teared up at the end, i really felt attached to the characters and what they went through. this was so fun, and just what i needed. i’m so happy this is going to be a four book series!!
thank you to booksirens and the author for an early copy of this novel! available as of february 6th :)
*i received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily*
when alison inherits a cottage after a distant relative’s passing, her and her roommate think their money troubles are solved. they’ll rent it out and have enough to afford their apartment in the city, even with their landlord hiking up prices. alison travels to the distant land of wilderise, where she finds the quaint village is home to all sorts of characters, and unfortunately burdened by a magical vine of unknown origin that threatens to take over the town.
i’ve been missing out on the cozy fantasy genre if this is any indicator of what it’s like!! the beginning was a bit slow to start, but once it gets going i was thoroughly invested. the world building took a bit of getting used to, but that may have just been a me problem. the characters are whimsical, flawed, and so, so lovable. alison is That Bitch, the way she gets things done! i even teared up at the end, i really felt attached to the characters and what they went through. this was so fun, and just what i needed. i’m so happy this is going to be a four book series!!
thank you to booksirens and the author for an early copy of this novel! available as of february 6th :)
*i received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily*
September 30, 2024
Wow. I am shocked this book isn't all over bookstagram/booktook, because it's so delightful. 4.5+ for me. A few rough edges here and there, but as a whole, I really loved it.
This is a 'cozy fantasy' book, however, it has depth to it. For me, some 'cozy fantasies' are a little too lightweight for my tastes, and verge on boring. This has the magic, and the fantasy elements with fae, and gnomes and all the good stuff. But, it also has characters who need to grow and heal through their past traumas and losses in life. It is a romance, but it is absolutely zero spice, and doesn't NEED the spice. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, and could really imagine what was happening. I think this would make a fun movie. Sometimes, it's hard to visualize the characters in some books, but the world building here is colorful without being difficult to follow.
This is truly a hidden gem, and if you enjoy cozy fantasy with a little side of tears, this is the book for you. I cannot wait to read the next one!!
This is a 'cozy fantasy' book, however, it has depth to it. For me, some 'cozy fantasies' are a little too lightweight for my tastes, and verge on boring. This has the magic, and the fantasy elements with fae, and gnomes and all the good stuff. But, it also has characters who need to grow and heal through their past traumas and losses in life. It is a romance, but it is absolutely zero spice, and doesn't NEED the spice. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, and could really imagine what was happening. I think this would make a fun movie. Sometimes, it's hard to visualize the characters in some books, but the world building here is colorful without being difficult to follow.
This is truly a hidden gem, and if you enjoy cozy fantasy with a little side of tears, this is the book for you. I cannot wait to read the next one!!
February 25, 2024
If you are quick to DNF, this may not be the book for you because it takes quite a while to get to the good stuff, unless you enjoy reading about what they eat for dinner and their scummy landlord making their lives more miserable. I loved the small town of Herot's Hollow and how its members' lives intertwined. Even the somewhat one-dimensional MMC couldn't stop me from cheering them on!
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
August 1, 2024
DNF, I think I was hoping for more of a Light-Hearted witch receives an ancestral home from a will. Home is in disrepair. She has to fix it up. Now don't get me wrong. That's in there but it mostly focuses on the vines taking over the town/ how hot she finds her neighbor. Who, in my opinion, doesn't have much of a personality. I'm going to be honest. I got bored.
September 30, 2024
It started bad and I could forgive that because it was the start of the book when the plot and the characters were being introduced and built on. However, it never improved and I struggled to get through the last half. It was just a combination of bad writing, underdeveloped characters, and a plot that had too many sub-plots which I personally found weren't executed in any interesting way.
November 6, 2024
the good and the green
3.5 ✨
For anyone in need of a good hug and a warm cup of tea
overview: a cozy, quaint little village setting with charming characters!
characters: quirky, vibrant, and interesting!
romance: I liked how open and honest Alison was about her feelings and Keir was a cutie!
I’m afraid I’ve become quite an idiot in his company, which I’ve been assured means I’m in love.
✨ slight dislike to lovers
✨ interest at first sight
✨ shy, brooding male character
writing: high fantasy, low stakes; short, pretty descriptions.
”It’s been eight years now. I’m not the person I was back then, and yet in some way, I’ll always be her. I will always be the girl beside the hospital bed, holding his hand through his last gasping breath. That’s a part of me now, and even when it hurts, I don’t regret it. I know I’m lucky to have experienced that kind of pain at all. To have had a love worth the pain of losing.”
atmosphere: lush green grass, a welcoming village, bright flowers in flowing hair, the soft white linen of his shirt.
Lady Selelas’s office smelled of cedar and the feverfew oil given by the apothecaries for headaches. The walls were lined with shelves overflowing with books, with piles more on the floor. A breeze from an open window blew papers and scrolls from atop the desk, blanketing the only spot where the wooden floors had been visible.
The view in the morning as they came down the mountain was worth the hassle. There were endless green fields touched with frost bordered by dark hedges and even darker forests. Creeks and rivers of the clearest, deepest blue Alison had ever seen wound through the landscape. Dotted throughout were the tiny shadows of buildings and the pinpricks of steeples. Every now and then, when the breeze hit them just right, Alison could hear church bells.
season: the end of winter, cusp of spring.
———
content: language (ar*e, “the Gods”, used a few times; tw*t, d*mn, h*ll, used once). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, no spice). other (a lesbian side character, a gay couple with little time on page).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
3.5 ✨
For anyone in need of a good hug and a warm cup of tea
overview: a cozy, quaint little village setting with charming characters!
characters: quirky, vibrant, and interesting!
romance: I liked how open and honest Alison was about her feelings and Keir was a cutie!
I’m afraid I’ve become quite an idiot in his company, which I’ve been assured means I’m in love.
✨ slight dislike to lovers
✨ interest at first sight
✨ shy, brooding male character
writing: high fantasy, low stakes; short, pretty descriptions.
”It’s been eight years now. I’m not the person I was back then, and yet in some way, I’ll always be her. I will always be the girl beside the hospital bed, holding his hand through his last gasping breath. That’s a part of me now, and even when it hurts, I don’t regret it. I know I’m lucky to have experienced that kind of pain at all. To have had a love worth the pain of losing.”
atmosphere: lush green grass, a welcoming village, bright flowers in flowing hair, the soft white linen of his shirt.
Lady Selelas’s office smelled of cedar and the feverfew oil given by the apothecaries for headaches. The walls were lined with shelves overflowing with books, with piles more on the floor. A breeze from an open window blew papers and scrolls from atop the desk, blanketing the only spot where the wooden floors had been visible.
The view in the morning as they came down the mountain was worth the hassle. There were endless green fields touched with frost bordered by dark hedges and even darker forests. Creeks and rivers of the clearest, deepest blue Alison had ever seen wound through the landscape. Dotted throughout were the tiny shadows of buildings and the pinpricks of steeples. Every now and then, when the breeze hit them just right, Alison could hear church bells.
season: the end of winter, cusp of spring.
———
content: language (ar*e, “the Gods”, used a few times; tw*t, d*mn, h*ll, used once). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, no spice). other (a lesbian side character, a gay couple with little time on page).
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💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
April 3, 2025
I don't have much to say on this one. I didn't love it enough to continue the series, but I liked it enough that I don't regret spending the time to read it. I think a combination of the world-building and the general timeline of the story lead to me not loving the book because when I thought about it too much it didn't feel quite right. All of that being said, I do wish that I could also live in a magical land and have a distant relative die and leave me their cottage nextdoor to a very handsome and eligible bachelor in a village full of kind people, so it wasn't all bad.
If you like a cozy fantasy, I wouldn't tell you to avoid this book, but I would tell you I have better recommendations.
If you like a cozy fantasy, I wouldn't tell you to avoid this book, but I would tell you I have better recommendations.
July 7, 2024
This story was full of cozy vibes while also dealing with some dark elements (childhood trauma, death of family, etc). I'm not sure how the author managed to create such an overall cozy feel while having these elements, but they blended together so perfectly to make an amazing book! This is one of the saddest cozy books I've read, but rest assured there's a happy ending. I look forward to the next book!
September 4, 2024
This book has been on my TBR for a long time. I’m almost ashamed of how long. But!!! I finally got around to reading it, and I gotta say—it was worth the wait. I loved reading about Allison and Kier and everyone in the village. There were multiple arcs to keep me entertained, and they were all equally important, even if only showing the friendships between the characters. I definitely recommend this book.
April 2, 2025
Giving it a solid 3.5
I really enjoyed the atmosphere created. The epitome of a cozy fantasy, with a side of romance.
It def wasn’t my fav romance of all time - and i pretended the timeline was different so it felt like it made more sense. But otherwise I thought it was great.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere created. The epitome of a cozy fantasy, with a side of romance.
It def wasn’t my fav romance of all time - and i pretended the timeline was different so it felt like it made more sense. But otherwise I thought it was great.
October 7, 2025
Meh.... A cozy enough read, but the pacing was odd and the worldbuilding incongruous. Many of the side characters were interesting but underdeveloped. My biggest complaint (aside from general underwhelm) is that I found the romance rather off-putting - codependency, unresolved trauma, and even what felt like glimmers of domestic abuse and manipulation. I certainly don't think it was intended that way, but some of the dialogue was majorly icky. A very "okay" read.
July 9, 2024
SO cozy - just what i needed
July 12, 2024
This book is the Hallmark movie trope of a big city girl moving to a small town mixed with the fantasy world of DND. 🧝🏽♀️🧚🏼♀️🐉
Perfectly snuggly, sweet, and unexpectedly sentimental!
🌟4
Perfectly snuggly, sweet, and unexpectedly sentimental!
🌟4
October 5, 2024
Cozy light reading
November 10, 2024
So cute & cozy!
May 13, 2025
This book was a sweet story about forgiving ourselves for things outside of our control and the beauty of being a part of a community. I loved it!
April 20, 2025
weird pacing
June 14, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ This is a book that I would not necessarily recommend to just anyone but I quite enjoyed it. It was fun, whimsical but cozy and easy to read. Nothing too terribly stressful occurred, it was just a great comforting book.
If you like fantasy and want something just pleasant, then it might be worth a shot!
If you like fantasy and want something just pleasant, then it might be worth a shot!
July 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ This book was so adorable magic meets small town romance. It was such a cozy read and I would highly recommend as a palette cleanser for a heavy read!
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