Winter's Winter: A sapphic romcom

by Raluca M. Matara

Normal, boring, life is underrated. Someone save me from the fairy godmother who tries to make my life better.

It was good before I met her. Well, not good, but ok. Alright, it was a trip to poop town, but I had a sense of normalcy.
Now, not only did she uproot my life, but she’s barely able to give me my happily ever after with the woman of my dreams, the gorgeous Dew.

Anyone want to trade lives? I'm offering.

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2025

About the author

Raluca M. Matara writes romance and women’s fiction that celebrate diversity and center LGBTQ+ identities—with a special focus on sapphic love.

A Romanian who publishes exclusively in English (she blames her brain’s default settings), Raluca occasionally genre‑hops when a story demands a different canvas—always with authentic emotion and strong character arcs.

When she’s not writing, you can find her working on a new drawing, devouring books, or at her nine‑to‑five corporate job.

Happily partnered, she believes the best love stories are lived first and written second.

Reviews

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ATE THIS BOOK UP!

I knew going in that it was a modern day fairy tale, so the instalove, snark, and putting aside any disbeliefs was gone before I even started . And, yes, there were a lot of eff bombs, but I drop them so much, I didn’t even notice them. I thought they added to the story.

Winter and Dew were adorable together and don’t get me started on how funny Fork was, cause she was a hoot. I completely adored the plus size rep, even though it is ridiculous that a size 14 is considered plus size. This was kind of a grumpy/grumpy/sunshine with Winter and Fork feeding on the grumpiness of each other. Dew’s sunshine wasn’t spoiled with her being a compete pushover as she held to her boundaries.

The spice was spicing. I was reading the spicy parts while waiting at my airport gate. A lady asked me to move my bag so she could sit RIGHT BESIDE ME, breaking all protocols of sitting down when there are a bazillion other open seats. She annoyed me so much that I upped the font size on my kindle to the biggest settings so the annoying lady saw all the words I hoped would make her uncomfortable.

I really enjoyed it and I’m definitely gonna reread during Christmas and I hope it becomes an audio book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter's Winter by Raluca M. Matara is a modern-day sapphic fairytale rom-com. It is silly, hilarious, heartwarming, and spicy, yet it balances all of that with deeper real-life issues in a gentle and satisfying way.
Note the trigger warnings. If swearing offends you, then skip it, but I found it funny and part of Winter's charm. 
Winter is disillusioned with life after a terrible relationship and is having a rough time of things when she takes a hard fall and dislocates her shoulder. A kind woman stops to check on her, and she is immediately smitten, so in a pained haze, she pours out cheesy pickup lines but neglects to get her name before she is whisked off in an ambulance.
Later, a strange woman approaches her and claims to be her fairy godmother. Things get crazy from there.
I was caught up in the fast-paced story right away and, for me, it was a quick read. I enjoyed the unexpected mix of reality and fantasy elements. The characters showed real growth as the story developed, and the supporting characters were varied and interesting. There is even a villain.
My notes for the very beginning were that it was adorable and funny. Overall, it was a fun way to process more serious issues. 
It wasn't perfect, but the plot-driven writing style and pace fit the characters, and I got a real feel for their personalities. This is an insta-love type story and there is a lot of gushing, but it is suited to a fairytale formula. Suspend your disbelief before beginning and just enjoy the ride.
Fairy godmothers, evil villains, true love, magic, and the coveted happily ever after make this a delightful journey.
I genuinely liked it and left me with a smile on my face, despite the cheesiness, or maybe because of it. 
#grumpy/sunshine #oppositesattract #fairytale #NewYork #Brooklyn #HEA #fantasy #magic
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an adorable light read. The characters are likable with depth. A cute rom-com reminiscent of Hallmark movies mixed with fairytale and spice.

[Darcy Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic grumpy/sunshine romance that warms my heart during these cold winter months!

I really enjoyed Winter and Dew as individuals and together they were so wholesome. There was a good level of spice to heat things up too!

Forks is my favourite character for her sass, costume changes and secret heart of gold. I love to see more of her backstory and a HEA for her too 👀

I would have liked a little more during the finale twist and with the resolution with Winter's parents but I still enjoyed what we had a lot.

A new author for me but I'll definitely be checking out other books!

*Honest review in exchange for an ARC*

[Lori Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise

Follow Winter and Dew on a mystical ride through twists and turns. Romance lovers will love this read. It will take you by surprise and then some!

[Megan Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I laughed out loud several times, shed more tears than I care to admit, and fell in love with the three main characters.
Winter & Dew individually captured my heart immediately. They both have their own trauma to work through if they have a chance to be together.
Fork made me wish I had a fairy godmother and grateful I don’t, at the same time.
The villain was absolutely villainous, she was easy to hate, but well written.

Though I’m not big on fantasy, this whimsical read had me thoroughly entertained with a modern day fairy godmother and other magical creatures.

The spice was deliciously spicy, while also leaving room for your imagination.

I loved knowing there would be a happily ever after from the get go. “…they always get a happy ending. I'm not aiming for realistic here because real life is already as it is.” -Raluca Matara

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable, plot based and genuinely a lovely read.
I loved the twists in the plot, I didn’t figure it out before it happened, but it was a fun read all around ☺️

Another book I’d recommend to others who enjoy the genre ☺️

Thank you to the author for allowing me to adv read this 🫶🏻

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honest review in exchange for an ARC

I really wanted to like this but I just couldn’t get further than the first few chapters. It was a very fast paced read so I can understand how this would help someone out of a reading slump but to me that just came across as lacking substance and actual storyline. I didn’t really care for the swearing either and felt like it was every other word.

[Sandi D · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book..

This was an interesting book. There were times I wanted to stop reading but ultimately wanted to find out how it ended. Certainly liked the fairy godmother character, Lucifer too. Actually all the characters were good.

Did like the authors style so will look to see if she’s written other books.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given an arc copy of Winter’s Winter in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like this book, but I just could not get into it. I stoped reading at 38%. I love a good sapphic romance but this one didn’t do it for me.

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an experience. 

Winter Summers slips on ice and hurts her shoulder, only for an angel of a woman named Dew Drop to come to her aid. Leaving the hospital, Winter encounters her fairy godmother - call her Fork - who is determined to help Winter find her happy ending. 

One good thing about this is that it leans into the ridiculous and fantastical to tell the story. I was entertained and ranted plenty about various aspects of this story. It needed another editing pass to tighten up the pacing and development. I did like the way it touched on grief and moving on after loss, but the turnabout of Winter's parents' behavior felt really sudden. They all need therapy. The whole thing with the toxic ex "Lucifer" was so weird from the get-go that the end didn't surprise me in the least. OFC that's how it went. 

If you go into this expecting campy and silly, you will be satisfied. 

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review. 

[Rebecca]

I got 30 pages in before DNFing. Winter is clearly mad at the world and is constantly yelling about it. On page 2, she yells at innocent Christmas carolers, telling them she hopes they choke on their saliva. She then gets a fairy godmother who she keeps yelling at. She also keeps referring to her toxic ex as Lucifer, and it's just weird. It feels very exaggerated, and it's just not for me, unfortunately.

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Winter. Winter is my name, but you can call me yours if it’s easier.”

I want to start this review by saying that I am so glad I was chosen for this ARC book and decided that it would be my first book of 2025!

Raluca M. Matara did a fantastic job of creating a contemporary fantasy world, where fairy godmothers exist (“[they’re] just not what you learned from Cinderella.”). This story follows Winter Summers (yes, that’s her name), a foul mouthed, spunky, and grumpy woman who claims “joy, happiness, bliss, and Christmas” are just tricks for making everyone believe the world is a better place than it actually is. Recently having broken up with her, now ex, girlfriend, Winter is hating the world she lives in. That is, until an angel appears in her life. No, not a real angel, Dew. Dew Drop. (Yes, that is her name). Now, I know what you’re thinking, you thought this book had a fairy godmother in it, not an angel. I promise you, Winter’s fairy godmother, Fork (this name will make sense when you read the book), shows up shortly after she meets Dew (her angel) and the story takes off from there! Fork flips Winter’s world upside down, but definitely for the better. That’s what fairy godmothers are for, after all. Fork helps Winter formally meet Dew and then tries to help her get the happily ever after she’s always wanted. Does she actually help Winter get her happily ever after with her angel? Or will the real world work against her and mess things up at the end? The only way you’ll find out is if you read the book!

“She eyes me above a pair of glasses that magically appeared on her nose a few seconds ago. "Now, let's get to work. Your life is a shitstorm, to say the least."”

If you enjoy reading romantic comedy, sassy and spunky main characters, cheesy lines, constant banter, some spice, and a sweet grumpy vs. sunshine sapphic love story, then “Winter’s Winter” is for you!

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected delight! I received an ARC and went into it knowing nothing about it or the author. It was fantastic! Full of romance, magic, angst, family trauma, good vs evil, I adored it!

This book grabs your attention from the very beginning with the dedication:

For all the girls who use “fuck�� and “I love you” in the same sentence, and dreamed of finding their Cinderella…This is for you!

Winter's Winter is, at its heart, a sassy, sapphic romantic comedy, complete with cheesy pick-up lines and witty banter. (I laughed out loud multiple times!)
It is also a modern twist on a fairy-tale, complete with a fairy godmother who calls herself Fork.

Winter meets Dew when she falls and gets hurt on the way to work - Dew calls an ambulance for her. She is the sunshine to Winter's grumpy self and Winter is immediately drawn to her. My favorite line happens when Dew is trying to get Winter's name:

“Winter. Winter is my name, but you can call me your name if it's easier.” What the fuck is wrong with me? Did I just flirt?

There is a lot going on in this book, and this adds layers of depth to the characters and the plot. Winter has had a tough life, she lost her older sister when they were young. This affected her relationship with her parents; her mother never gave her the love and attention she needed, making Winter feel like she should have been the one to die instead. She also has a crazy ex-girlfriend who keeps popping up and attempting to weasel her way back into Winter's life.

As for Dew, she grew up being raised by her dad and her maternal aunt. Her mom left when she was young. She has trust issues and wants complete honesty in a relationship.She actually went to school with Winter (they were a year apart) and Dew secretly had a crush on the quiet goth girl, but Winter didn't notice back then.

With Winter's ex, Lucille, doing her best to break them up, it isn't smooth sailing for Winter and Dew. Winter's fairy godmother is keeping secrets and being cryptic - there's a lot at stake, including Fork's life and Winter and Dew's happily ever after.

I don't want to spoil the ending, so I'll wrap up by saying I was completely entertained by this story. I loved the characters and their growth. As far as spice, I would say it was medium spicy- not a ton of it, but those scenes were definitely hot! Winter's Winter will be out on Feb. 24th, 2025, I highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶🌶🌶!

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read! Yes, it's silly in places, like other reviewers have said, but it's an affectionate silliness. And yes, there's a lot of swearing, mainly by Winter, but she's an angry girl, with a lot of family issues, most caused by the death of her sibling years before. The anger she felt at her mother particularly felt very real. In fact, Winter was written realistically; chaotic, inconsistent, sometimes unlikeable, she felt like someone unhappy in her own skin.

I wasn't sure about Fork. The concept for the character was a good one, but I'm not sure she was really successful. Sometimes she was a good support for Winter. At other times she was just annoying. I loved her ability to change her wardrobe and look. I wish I had that ability! And her talent at bringing people together was good too. I loved the family reunion, but I won't say more than that.

It was an unusual take on a Cinderella story, with Cinders being a bolshy, shouty girl and her potential love interest being a curvy, sweet woman, although I didn't feel I got to know Dew that well. The book is reasonably long so there was time for a little more character development. It's dangerous calling something a "romcom" unless you're absolutely confident with writing comedy, and some of the humor felt a little forced in places. In others, the sight gags and characters were terrific (like Winter's mom and dad)

All in all, I enjoyed the story a lot. If you don't mind the language or a main character that self-assesses every time she speaks, you'll enjoy this too. It definitely works as a sapphic love story and the two leads are lovely together.

[Joanne Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - the premise of a fairy godmother helping our grumpy FMC find her true love was sweet and interesting. I felt that there were a few moments where I wanted more information about the fairy godmother's world, or Winter understood what was happening while the readers didn't. I didn't feel like the fairy world was fully realised - but maybe that leaves it open for a second book?

I enjoyed Winter's relationship with Dew and Dew's family dynamics. The relationship with Lucifer (IYKYK) felt forced at first, but I think you get a clearer understanding of this by the end of the book. There was a real juxtaposition between Winter's relationships and Dew's, which I think made them feel like real people. I found the development of Winter's family dynamics interesting and the way all the characters was woven together was heartwarming.

There was a good level of spice in this book and I'm enjoying delving into more sapphic reads. Representation matters, and I loved that this was sapphic and plus size friendly.

Overall this is a sweet and spicy offering with a fun use of the grumpy sunshine trope and added magical elements. It's an easy, fun read and could be great palate cleanser between heavier reads.

[Christine Timpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️

This was my first arc to start my newly found hobby of obsession reading an entire book in one setting because I cannot put books down (I just HAVE to know immediately)

Winters winter is a medium sized story that I picked it up after reading a book that caused so much whiplash-the room was literally spinning and I was left so confused. So I needed a palette cleanser that wasn’t super long to get me laying on my bed, kicking my feet up in the air-and giggles. I got all this and more. Lots of giggling out of me.

The two main characters, Dev and Winter had such good banter and sass and just, it was really refreshing to read something blossom from these two even with the not so positive moments.

I generally do not pick fantasy but I have started loving reading sapphic nerdy/fantasy books with my wife and I feel like she will like this book when it comes out on February 24th.

I can’t wait to read the other books that Raluca has published ♥️

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was Amazing! Grumpy/Sunshine with a slight fairytale twist and Spice. It was written so well, so easy to follow, and easy to connect with the characters (not Lucifer!) I just loved it!

I absolutely love Winter and Dew, and the whole book had me giggling and rooting for them. Winter is grumpy, who has a good heart, but let's her foul mouth run away with her (but I loved it) and Dew is just gorgeous 😍

Fork absolutely stole the show, though, with all her sass and story. And I loved all her outfits 😂

I really hope to read another book about Fork and her origins, because there's so much to unpack there and I know I would just devour it!

I do wish there was more done to the ending though - although it was very happy and I loved it, the very end seemed a little rushed compared to the rest of the story, so I didn't get the feels I know I would normally.

That being said, I'm so so happy I read this story, and thank you to Raluca for gifting me and Arc copy 🫶🏼

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Winter and her fairy godmother—a grumpy girl and her sassy grandma vibes. Their back-and-forth had me laughing multiple times.

And the chemistry between Winter and Dew? Undeniable. However, I feel like the relationship between them didn’t really have that much depth, since they didn’t have that much time to develop their relationship.

The pacing felt uneven. Some parts moved too quickly, leaving me wishing for more detail, while others were drawn out longer than necessary.

That said, the story took twists and turns I didn’t see coming, which made for a fun and enjoyable surprise.

The author also did a great job exploring deeper themes, particularly grief and the different ways people cope with loss.

I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun love story that isn’t afraid to dive into deeper, darker emotions. If you’re looking for a campy and silly read — this is it.

[Emily G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta love a good grumpy x sunshine trope. Now throw in a healthy dose of angst and spice and I'm hooked.
I liked the romance storyline, although I do wish it would have been played out more so that I'd get to fall for and with the characters as the story progressed. I liked Fork as a concept and as a character... I'm just not sure that the whole fairy godmother aspect did it for me in this setting. I like a good magical/fantasy/supernatural element but it's usually all or nothing for me with that. I guess it might have made more sense perhaps if that arc had been more developed that would've made it marry more easily with what else was going on in the book.
So I guess what I'm saying is while I loved several elements of the book, others did not quite hit the mark for me.
That said, it is still a good book that I'd recommend. It was my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I look forward to reading more from them.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

What a fun re-telling of a fairytale. It had all the classic tropes of a good fairytale: fairy godmother, love at first sight, magic of course, and even a villain.

For me, this book took a bit to get into as Winter was unnecessarily rude, even for a random encounter with someone trying to help her. As we dive further into the book and get to know her more, we realize some of her traumas and why she behaves the way she does. It makes her character much for relatable and my heart broke for her a bit. I also really enjoyed Dew as a character and thought they complimented each other well.

The fairy godmother was hilarious, the spice was nice, and definitely hit me right in the feels. I’d definitely be interested in reading more books in this universe in the future.

Thank you to Raluca M. Matara for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Mya Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

So... starting the new year with this book as my first reading is a blast! I am glad to call it first book on this year.
And... as the 2 previews books, this one does not fails and is high above expectations, delivering all the magic that this writer spreads with her words.
So glad to be the first among the ones that have the chance to read it, and so amazed by the fantasy that one single writer can have. As always I am pleased and very proud of these books. And the names of the characters..come on, I adore them.
Briefly, if you like fantasy romance books surrounded by magic, and a happy ending, as I do, this book will not disappoint.

Thank you for your magic Raluca.! Keep on writing! ❤️✨️

[Hadiya Hayes · Rating 1 out of 5]

A nonsensical mess... Like, the amount of times the characters contradict themselves is astounding. I gave it the good college try, but there were no redeemable qualities. Winter took the cake for being the most confusing. She jumped from being a ditzy weirdo to an overly serious person literally within the same paragraph, constantly. The comedy was lost for me because I was mostly just confused, the romance didn't hit AT ALL because the characters had no time to fall in love they just were. Instantly. I absolutely despised Fork. She was useless, and not cute or fun-loving like I'm sure she was supposed to be. Even with that being said, Winter didn't deserve her.
I'm sure this book has an audience. I am not that audience.

[Tabitha J. Quinonez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Winter isn’t your usually fbomb dropping heroine , and that makes her the more interesting. She uses cheesy pick up lines and that put a smile on my face.

Fork is a pretty “are you kidding me” type of awesomeness Fairy Godmother. I liked her style and how she wasn’t your typical fluffed out Fairy Godmother.

Dew was actually pretty awesome and strong. At first you think she’s a bit of a push over, but then you see she’s has real grit and a backbone.

I love how the story enter twines all the characters and makes you feel for them. I was even afraid for Fork for a bit. I also liked how Winter called her ex Lucifer (lol).

All in all an awesome read and a good time.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: 3.5/5⭐️

Winter’s Winter was such a cozy and hilarious read! I absolutely loved the writing style, it’s witty, warm, and had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. The Fairy Godmother completely stole the show for me. Every scene she was in was pure chaotic magic, and I adored every second of it.

One thing that made this story even more special was seeing little pieces of Romanian culture woven into the plot , from the traditional foods to familiar customs, it made the book feel a little more like home.

The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is purely personal: I struggled to really connect with the two main characters. I’m not a huge romance reader, so it’s always a bit tricky for me to find a love story that fully clicks.

[Sienna Zini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... It starts making you laugh, hard, and then it brings you through a carousel of emotions. Love, friendship, grief and an heavy dose of spiciness kept me on the edge of my seat, cheering up for Winter and Dew love story, cursing Lucifer out loud and hoping for an HEA for the crazy fairy godmother. Dew says that Winter is cheesy and, oh boy, she is. Cheesy, moody, adorable and the perfect heroine.

I loved Winter's Winter from the very first page and until the last one, and I'm planning on reading it again soon.

[Amy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author to let me ARC read!

Winter's Winter is a quick and easy read, it's funny and sweet. Winter is really relatable and I want to be here friend. (I had an alt phase in high school too so....)
Dew is... the love interest you'll crush on, but my favourite character by far is Fork. These 3 ladies make the book. I laughed, blushed and awwwed at this book, as they deal with real life, wicked exes falling in love. And a hefty pinch or magical problems. And I am sure you will do too.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

My favorite Fairytale growing up with a twist. I laughed out loud (which didn't help when i read it during Christmas with everyone staring at me), I shed a few tears. I loved the banter between the the two main characters. This was my first FF romance and i loved it! I read this in one sitting! I would recommend 10/10!!

Go read it on February 24th 2025!

[Ariel Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄️❄️ARC Review❄️❄️

I got the privilege to read this book as an ARC and I can't wait to get the actual copy on my book shelf. It is an awesome book to read. I highly recommend anyone who loves drama with some spice to get ur hands on this book. I already have my fiance wanting to read this book when it comes out!!!

[Jen Betchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Winter’s Winter was a fun new modern take on fairytale love stories. Because honestly who would want a normal fairy godmother?!? The characters were lovable and relatable, even if I got some secondhand cringe from Winter’s awkwardness at times 😬

Overall this book was a cute, spicy romcom with a happily ever after!