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Into the Midnight Wood
Alexandra McCollum's debut INTO THE MIDNIGHT WOOD, a queer cozy romantasy about a prickly accountant and his eccentric roommate who live at the edge of an enchanted wood and must face a malevolent magical entity and an impending family wedding that force them to finally confront what they mean to one another.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 26, 2025
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
The writing style was not exactly fanfiction-y per se, but the trope itself dark grumpy x airy sunshine dynamic between twenty-nine-year-old 6'3'' accountant David Carew and thirty-one-year-old 5'10'' surrealist tattoo artist Meredith Schwarzwelder reminded me of my fav fanfiction couple - iwaoi. (iykyk) ☺️ I don't know, the vibes were very strong for most of the fics I've read of them, or maybe because it is such a popular pairing.
There was such a rhythmic smoothness to the flow of the plot and relationships that made it a pleasant and immersive journey Into the Midnight Wood, an eerie and dangerous place, but it likewise held beauty and magic and creatures that served as the catalyst of their relationship in this charmingly quaint cozy fantasy set in modern day USA - complete with a flurry of fantastical beings, although not much is created anew, which may have added to the charm and whimsical of the conflict that arises. ✨
For while David may have to put up with Meredith's countless trysts with others, not knowing that his heart pines for one who doesn't return his affections, it is not without selfish interests that he enlists his help in trying to get closer to his boss and finally get out of the crazed daze of nonsensical talk that was Midnight Cottage, by asking him to actually attend his brother's wedding, not knowing how much discontentment exists between those who disregards Meredith's' very existence and purpose of being. 🥺
“Yeah, well, I expect that’d be my problem, not yours.”
“You,” growled David, “are always my problem.”
But, it is that pitiful plea that finally makes the key turn for the shift in their five-year-stint together - one that paves the way of unresolved tension and attraction - fueled by David's rage at the hurt and shame Meredith endures, to the strange darkness come to life straight out of the pages of some sinister fairy tale, to his eventual defeat of the denial of interest he had to —that absurd, jangling, brainless little walking disaster. 🥹
The two of them were very cute together; their comedic levity of bickering, the ease and comfort they exuded, their simple understanding of one another was lively and endearing. 💑🏻 It felt natural as to how David got so furious on Meredith's behalf - how he witnessed Meredith be humiliated, degraded for his interests, his way of life, his mannerisms, his fashion choices - that all he wanted was to protect him and hug him and keep him safe. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Meredith, a bewildering and infuriatingly good-natured hurricane, shines with his sweet and sincere disposition and magical temperance that draws humans and magical creatures alike towards him. He lights up a room and is impossible to stay angry with for too long, his own brand of protectiveness fierce as ever. 'It can’t get you, I won’t let it. Promise. 🫂 The ebb and flow of doubting their mutual feelings is palpable for how he is still a charming likeable flirt, never admitting to love to any of his one night stands and broken hearts that followed, David never believed he'd ever be a likely contender.
“The last time—both times—had been impulsive, thoughtless, but now something had changed.”
The simple misunderstanding of fractured miscommunication between the two went on a tad too long, but it was handled tastefully and charmingly so. It was much needed for David to wake up and realize how oblivious he was to his obvious feelings for him, and how he was at the risk of ruining the one good part of his life he's ever held onto - who never saw him as the most unremarkable person he'd ever met- but one who lit up his heart. 🥰 💛
It had a lovely balance of sweet and steamy moments - refreshingly tasteful and spicy once they embraced the moment of temporary insanity one time too many, as a chance to finally act upon their much repressed desires. I never knew how sexy it was to tie a clasp of a necklace but they way it became their new favorite thing - a prelude to taking it all off - and then some... 🥵❤️🔥 It was very passionate and earnest love and affection - almost endearing as to how David accepts his resigned fate that it's no longer just a one sided affair that Meredith is the only one who makes him go quite wobbly inside. 🫠🫠
“Some people need to— To sparkle. I don’t, but you do. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
It was a nicely written, well paced, enjoyable debut, despite the misunderstanding trope and a questionable reference that could have been changed into something less extreme, maybe. I would have liked a little bit more originality to the fantasy element; aside from Forkupine, that is. 😕
The supporting cast also could have been a bit more fleshed out, aside from fleeting in here and there, as there was not very much world-building - it just was. Still, it was engaging, even with only David's perspective. Meredith was a soulful dear, deserving of love and attention and affection, and to be treated with love and care for how horribly his cruel family attacked his way of being and life. 🤧
The conflict, itself, is one that captures the loneliness and sadness of those who feel like they don't fit in or belong; who carry their pain quietly and bury it deep and destroy their happiness - one reflected in Meredith, who underneath his fleeting free-spirited nature is a fragile vulnerability that results in a hesitancy for he's been crushed and taken seriously his whole life.
“There’s nothing the matter with you just as you are.”
It's David's fierce resolve and reassuring determination that brings him back from the depths of despair and darkness - reminding all those who may feel lost and doubt themselves - that there will be someone to see their light and treasure them for who they are. 🫶🏻 🫶🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“But you’re my little bird, my glittering magpie. My starlight.”
The writing style was not exactly fanfiction-y per se, but the trope itself dark grumpy x airy sunshine dynamic between twenty-nine-year-old 6'3'' accountant David Carew and thirty-one-year-old 5'10'' surrealist tattoo artist Meredith Schwarzwelder reminded me of my fav fanfiction couple - iwaoi. (iykyk) ☺️ I don't know, the vibes were very strong for most of the fics I've read of them, or maybe because it is such a popular pairing.
There was such a rhythmic smoothness to the flow of the plot and relationships that made it a pleasant and immersive journey Into the Midnight Wood, an eerie and dangerous place, but it likewise held beauty and magic and creatures that served as the catalyst of their relationship in this charmingly quaint cozy fantasy set in modern day USA - complete with a flurry of fantastical beings, although not much is created anew, which may have added to the charm and whimsical of the conflict that arises. ✨
For while David may have to put up with Meredith's countless trysts with others, not knowing that his heart pines for one who doesn't return his affections, it is not without selfish interests that he enlists his help in trying to get closer to his boss and finally get out of the crazed daze of nonsensical talk that was Midnight Cottage, by asking him to actually attend his brother's wedding, not knowing how much discontentment exists between those who disregards Meredith's' very existence and purpose of being. 🥺
“Yeah, well, I expect that’d be my problem, not yours.”
“You,” growled David, “are always my problem.”
But, it is that pitiful plea that finally makes the key turn for the shift in their five-year-stint together - one that paves the way of unresolved tension and attraction - fueled by David's rage at the hurt and shame Meredith endures, to the strange darkness come to life straight out of the pages of some sinister fairy tale, to his eventual defeat of the denial of interest he had to —that absurd, jangling, brainless little walking disaster. 🥹
The two of them were very cute together; their comedic levity of bickering, the ease and comfort they exuded, their simple understanding of one another was lively and endearing. 💑🏻 It felt natural as to how David got so furious on Meredith's behalf - how he witnessed Meredith be humiliated, degraded for his interests, his way of life, his mannerisms, his fashion choices - that all he wanted was to protect him and hug him and keep him safe. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Meredith, a bewildering and infuriatingly good-natured hurricane, shines with his sweet and sincere disposition and magical temperance that draws humans and magical creatures alike towards him. He lights up a room and is impossible to stay angry with for too long, his own brand of protectiveness fierce as ever. 'It can’t get you, I won’t let it. Promise. 🫂 The ebb and flow of doubting their mutual feelings is palpable for how he is still a charming likeable flirt, never admitting to love to any of his one night stands and broken hearts that followed, David never believed he'd ever be a likely contender.
“The last time—both times—had been impulsive, thoughtless, but now something had changed.”
The simple misunderstanding of fractured miscommunication between the two went on a tad too long, but it was handled tastefully and charmingly so. It was much needed for David to wake up and realize how oblivious he was to his obvious feelings for him, and how he was at the risk of ruining the one good part of his life he's ever held onto - who never saw him as the most unremarkable person he'd ever met- but one who lit up his heart. 🥰 💛
It had a lovely balance of sweet and steamy moments - refreshingly tasteful and spicy once they embraced the moment of temporary insanity one time too many, as a chance to finally act upon their much repressed desires. I never knew how sexy it was to tie a clasp of a necklace but they way it became their new favorite thing - a prelude to taking it all off - and then some... 🥵❤️🔥 It was very passionate and earnest love and affection - almost endearing as to how David accepts his resigned fate that it's no longer just a one sided affair that Meredith is the only one who makes him go quite wobbly inside. 🫠🫠
“Some people need to— To sparkle. I don’t, but you do. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
It was a nicely written, well paced, enjoyable debut, despite the misunderstanding trope and a questionable reference that could have been changed into something less extreme, maybe. I would have liked a little bit more originality to the fantasy element; aside from Forkupine, that is. 😕
The supporting cast also could have been a bit more fleshed out, aside from fleeting in here and there, as there was not very much world-building - it just was. Still, it was engaging, even with only David's perspective. Meredith was a soulful dear, deserving of love and attention and affection, and to be treated with love and care for how horribly his cruel family attacked his way of being and life. 🤧
The conflict, itself, is one that captures the loneliness and sadness of those who feel like they don't fit in or belong; who carry their pain quietly and bury it deep and destroy their happiness - one reflected in Meredith, who underneath his fleeting free-spirited nature is a fragile vulnerability that results in a hesitancy for he's been crushed and taken seriously his whole life.
“There’s nothing the matter with you just as you are.”
It's David's fierce resolve and reassuring determination that brings him back from the depths of despair and darkness - reminding all those who may feel lost and doubt themselves - that there will be someone to see their light and treasure them for who they are. 🫶🏻 🫶🏻
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2025
An unusual and enchanted tale
This was a story of two halves. The first half of this story was an extremely slow burn, building the story of David and Meredith, who were housemates living in a cottage on the edge of Midnight Wood.
David struggled with his housemate, Meredith, who was weirdly eccentric and lists 100 things wrong with him. As the story progressed, the reader starts to find out what has happened in Meredith’s past and how this contributes to how he views himself. I found this hard to read at times as it made me feel very uncomfortable, not just the history but the amount of self-loathing he had for himself.
The magical elements, once they were allowed to spill into the story, were well written and captured the imagination. For me, there felt a little disconnect, as it took some time for these elements to appear and often, they would appear at very random moments.
The romantic connection was a typical case of miscommunication and lack of understanding. From a reader’s perspective both characters were equally frustrating. The chemistry between the pair was real, albeit both appeared quite immature and idiotic.
My favourite character was Mrs Jupiter and I loved her spells and quirkiness as the story unfolded. She brought the light, magic and humour to the story and I would have liked to have read more about her.
All in all, a strange, romantic, fairy tale and/or a journey of self-hatred, trauma and discovery. Although this cozy fantasy was not for me, I did start to connect in the second half and enjoyed the ending, although it took much too long to get there. Please read trigger warnings beforehand, as some distressing content of abuse.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business and Alexandra McCollum for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 22 January 2026.
This was a story of two halves. The first half of this story was an extremely slow burn, building the story of David and Meredith, who were housemates living in a cottage on the edge of Midnight Wood.
David struggled with his housemate, Meredith, who was weirdly eccentric and lists 100 things wrong with him. As the story progressed, the reader starts to find out what has happened in Meredith’s past and how this contributes to how he views himself. I found this hard to read at times as it made me feel very uncomfortable, not just the history but the amount of self-loathing he had for himself.
The magical elements, once they were allowed to spill into the story, were well written and captured the imagination. For me, there felt a little disconnect, as it took some time for these elements to appear and often, they would appear at very random moments.
The romantic connection was a typical case of miscommunication and lack of understanding. From a reader’s perspective both characters were equally frustrating. The chemistry between the pair was real, albeit both appeared quite immature and idiotic.
My favourite character was Mrs Jupiter and I loved her spells and quirkiness as the story unfolded. She brought the light, magic and humour to the story and I would have liked to have read more about her.
All in all, a strange, romantic, fairy tale and/or a journey of self-hatred, trauma and discovery. Although this cozy fantasy was not for me, I did start to connect in the second half and enjoyed the ending, although it took much too long to get there. Please read trigger warnings beforehand, as some distressing content of abuse.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business and Alexandra McCollum for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 22 January 2026.
September 17, 2025
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the arc!
4.20 stars
Rtc!
4.20 stars
Rtc!
September 3, 2025
Beware - once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop! Here’s a book that kept me up past my bedtime and introduced me to two completely lovable lead characters who are meant to be - if they can figure it out.
Taking the Grumpy/Sunshine pairing (my favorite) to exquisite heights with the delicate, artistic, melancholy-under-the-smiles Meredith just did me in. I love Meredith. I would do anything for Meredith. As David learns he would too, the protective impulse him is just wonderful. Bravo, David!!!
I found the fantasy elements throughout this novel utterly enchanting. The way they’re dropped in without lengthy explanations lets you read immersed in a completely transformed world. A raven is talking (and dropping an excellent reference I might add), a character you assumed was human waves a tentacle as he departs, there’s a federal holiday mentioned with zero context that made me laugh out loud.
Cozy, loving, magical in every way: read it!
*Reader received advance review copy from NetGalley.
Taking the Grumpy/Sunshine pairing (my favorite) to exquisite heights with the delicate, artistic, melancholy-under-the-smiles Meredith just did me in. I love Meredith. I would do anything for Meredith. As David learns he would too, the protective impulse him is just wonderful. Bravo, David!!!
I found the fantasy elements throughout this novel utterly enchanting. The way they’re dropped in without lengthy explanations lets you read immersed in a completely transformed world. A raven is talking (and dropping an excellent reference I might add), a character you assumed was human waves a tentacle as he departs, there’s a federal holiday mentioned with zero context that made me laugh out loud.
Cozy, loving, magical in every way: read it!
*Reader received advance review copy from NetGalley.
January 11, 2026
Rtc…
I received an arc for this book and I’m very excited. Can’t wait to read it when it’s officially winter.
I received an arc for this book and I’m very excited. Can’t wait to read it when it’s officially winter.
Read
December 3, 2025dnf @ 40% I'm bored
October 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra McCollum, and Dutton for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The main reason this didn’t work for me was the characters. I’m a fan of character-driven stories, but these characters were very immature. I don’t remember how old they were supposed to be, but I know they are at least adults. I loved the cozy fantasy vibes and the descriptions of where they live, but this was not for me.
The main reason this didn’t work for me was the characters. I’m a fan of character-driven stories, but these characters were very immature. I don’t remember how old they were supposed to be, but I know they are at least adults. I loved the cozy fantasy vibes and the descriptions of where they live, but this was not for me.
January 12, 2026
a whimsical, romantic, & enchanted tale of connection, self-discovery, trauma, & love. this was much more than I thought it would be — silly yet intense, heartbreaking yet heartwarming, whimsical yet serious — just MORE.
what do we get when we mix an unlikely pair of 30-something roommates — a big & burly, straight-laced, reasonable accountant on the brink of a quarter-life crisis & a charming, free-spirited, quirky tattoo artist who seems to have no cares in the world — with a mysterious enchanted wood that follows no rules & is full of nonsensical critters & otherworldly creatures? the answer is quite a stir!
this book was complex & nuanced in a way I wasn’t expecting. I was thrown off-balance at the beginning by the setting (very english behavior & language but apparently set in the U.S.), the magic system (no explanations or pretense, it just was), & the character’s behavior (frustrating most of the time) but everything starts to come together in such a unique way. at the end, it felt like I was falling into the same trap being described by the characters — how the need to pack everything into neat boxes & make perfect sense sometimes takes away from our ability to empathize, communicate, & form genuine connections with those around us.
ultimately, this is a story of intention vs. impact, & how we internalize self-hatred & trauma. it’s about loneliness & sadness, but also communication & connection. it’s about love, & how it can hurt us & heal us. it’s about busting stereotypes, breaking out of the norm, & removing the importance of labeling things we don’t quite understand. I felt that this story has many small yet beautiful moments throughout that really make the journey worth it.
this was so sweet but also doesn’t lack any spice, iykyk! thank you SO MUCH to dutton for the advanced reader copies - the cover is quite beautiful in person! 💙✨
what do we get when we mix an unlikely pair of 30-something roommates — a big & burly, straight-laced, reasonable accountant on the brink of a quarter-life crisis & a charming, free-spirited, quirky tattoo artist who seems to have no cares in the world — with a mysterious enchanted wood that follows no rules & is full of nonsensical critters & otherworldly creatures? the answer is quite a stir!
this book was complex & nuanced in a way I wasn’t expecting. I was thrown off-balance at the beginning by the setting (very english behavior & language but apparently set in the U.S.), the magic system (no explanations or pretense, it just was), & the character’s behavior (frustrating most of the time) but everything starts to come together in such a unique way. at the end, it felt like I was falling into the same trap being described by the characters — how the need to pack everything into neat boxes & make perfect sense sometimes takes away from our ability to empathize, communicate, & form genuine connections with those around us.
ultimately, this is a story of intention vs. impact, & how we internalize self-hatred & trauma. it’s about loneliness & sadness, but also communication & connection. it’s about love, & how it can hurt us & heal us. it’s about busting stereotypes, breaking out of the norm, & removing the importance of labeling things we don’t quite understand. I felt that this story has many small yet beautiful moments throughout that really make the journey worth it.
this was so sweet but also doesn’t lack any spice, iykyk! thank you SO MUCH to dutton for the advanced reader copies - the cover is quite beautiful in person! 💙✨
![Profile Image for RottingInThePlot [Julia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1753194309i%2F192294465._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 27, 2025
I have to give this a solid 4. It's not a 5 for me, but so what? I would so absolutely recommend this to friends if this was something they seemed like they were in the mood for, and I am so happy I got to read it!
This was an absolutely precious, whimsical story! I loved how David (DaaaaaaFFFFIDDDD) grew and developed over the story, but I also wanted to beat him in the head at times, because COME ON BROTHERRRRRR, please! But I give credit to McCollum for writing him wonderfully in a way that I didn't want to give up on him and his hard-headedness.
Meredith was never too much for me, but at times it was a little confusing because he just didn't make sense. Ultimately, I was enchanted with Meri and his utter self-ness that he was. (Spoiler, Meri is my ideal human match. Ever). I actually really liked the "roommate is in love with me" and how it played out. I loved how the two overcame their trauma, doubts, and more.
Into the Midnight Wood lost me for a moment here and there, as I felt so stuck in the setting. Sometimes so deeply lost in David's thoughts and denials, that there was no room to get to know the little enchanted town it took place in. The magic of the woods, the magic of the other characters?! Wolves, witches, magic mice, pixies, a realtor with tentacles, etc.
These things were so casually mentioned, it was if they didn't actually matter and this could have been a normal town with a deep dark eerie forest. Had this book not had such explicit sex scenes, it could have been YA. The alignment between the Midnight Wood and Meri's trauma resonates well with youth. Or New Adult.
Regardless, I loved it. This was a great read!
This was an absolutely precious, whimsical story! I loved how David (DaaaaaaFFFFIDDDD) grew and developed over the story, but I also wanted to beat him in the head at times, because COME ON BROTHERRRRRR, please! But I give credit to McCollum for writing him wonderfully in a way that I didn't want to give up on him and his hard-headedness.
Meredith was never too much for me, but at times it was a little confusing because he just didn't make sense. Ultimately, I was enchanted with Meri and his utter self-ness that he was. (Spoiler, Meri is my ideal human match. Ever). I actually really liked the "roommate is in love with me" and how it played out. I loved how the two overcame their trauma, doubts, and more.
Into the Midnight Wood lost me for a moment here and there, as I felt so stuck in the setting. Sometimes so deeply lost in David's thoughts and denials, that there was no room to get to know the little enchanted town it took place in. The magic of the woods, the magic of the other characters?! Wolves, witches, magic mice, pixies, a realtor with tentacles, etc.
These things were so casually mentioned, it was if they didn't actually matter and this could have been a normal town with a deep dark eerie forest. Had this book not had such explicit sex scenes, it could have been YA. The alignment between the Midnight Wood and Meri's trauma resonates well with youth. Or New Adult.
Regardless, I loved it. This was a great read!
October 14, 2025
ARC. I decided to dnf this book at 35% because I think it was not just for me… I thought at this point I would know what this book plot was but I had no clue what the story was heading to, nothing was really happening.
January 13, 2026
3.5-stars ☆☆☆
Thank you to Dutton Books and Netgalley for giving me early access. All opinions are my own!
What to expect *⁀➷
➳ Magical Realism
➳ Talking Animals
➳ Yearning + Unrequited Love
➳ MM romance
➳ Roommates
Alright, where to begin with Into the Midnight Wood. I was thisssss close to giving it 4-stars. The middle of the book was definitely a 4-star read. The very beginning I had a hard time with, probably because I found Meredith off-putting. And I mean, so did David, so makes sense. However once Meredith started alluding to pining after someone for years, I started to get invested.
The meat of the Into The Midnight Wood was good! I enjoyed watching David and Meredith's relationship change. I mean, Meredith really was a goner and David is very much clueless, and that is 100% my favorite trope.
However, the ending left a bit to be desired. The ending felt kinda CW. Does anyone get what I mean? Was anyone here watching all the low-budget CW shows in the 2010s? In the same vein, this book's ending felt formulaic, a bit melodramatic, and showy to the point it felt unnecessary. I don't have a better way to say it other than it made me cringe a bit. That brought my already teetering 4-star rating down to a 3.5. Still a respectable rating, but not as high as it was.
So, do I recommend Into the Midnight Wood? I would say yes. Thought it felt a bit cringey at times and took a second for me to get into, the love story was really there. It was the highlight of the book for me. (And of course, I love a magical-realism setting and fantastical creatures.)
Thank you to Dutton Books and Netgalley for giving me early access. All opinions are my own!
What to expect *⁀➷
➳ Magical Realism
➳ Talking Animals
➳ Yearning + Unrequited Love
➳ MM romance
➳ Roommates
Alright, where to begin with Into the Midnight Wood. I was thisssss close to giving it 4-stars. The middle of the book was definitely a 4-star read. The very beginning I had a hard time with, probably because I found Meredith off-putting. And I mean, so did David, so makes sense. However once Meredith started alluding to pining after someone for years, I started to get invested.
The meat of the Into The Midnight Wood was good! I enjoyed watching David and Meredith's relationship change. I mean, Meredith really was a goner and David is very much clueless, and that is 100% my favorite trope.
However, the ending left a bit to be desired. The ending felt kinda CW. Does anyone get what I mean? Was anyone here watching all the low-budget CW shows in the 2010s? In the same vein, this book's ending felt formulaic, a bit melodramatic, and showy to the point it felt unnecessary. I don't have a better way to say it other than it made me cringe a bit. That brought my already teetering 4-star rating down to a 3.5. Still a respectable rating, but not as high as it was.
So, do I recommend Into the Midnight Wood? I would say yes. Thought it felt a bit cringey at times and took a second for me to get into, the love story was really there. It was the highlight of the book for me. (And of course, I love a magical-realism setting and fantastical creatures.)
November 11, 2025
Lovely housemates-to-lovers romance with light fantasy elements and thoughtful exploration of some LGBTQIA+ issues.
This is a well-balanced story about two men of highly differing temperaments. Our POV character David is a steady, reliable accountant, and his freespirited tattoo artist housemate Meredith gets on his absolute last nerve ... but also has done so for several years, while third-wheel housemates come and go. Mmmhmm! The worldbuilding is very light-touch, it's just a fact that, for example, some people are witches, and some real estate agents have tentacles. I loved this aspect, but if you prefer explanations or otherworldly details, this is not that.
From David's POV we watch him come to support Meredith's self-exploration, in particular why labels don't quite stick to him and what feels true to him and about him, rather than what anyone else expects. It's an interesting journey, and though in some ways I'd've loved Mere's POV, I also think it would have been very hard to write in a non-clunky way "I am now thinking about my gender expression ... "
As it is, it's cosy but not twee, whimsical but not silly, and a great time if you want a contemporary-ish, paranormal-ish romance with a little bit of a different vibe!
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
Rating: 16/20
This is a well-balanced story about two men of highly differing temperaments. Our POV character David is a steady, reliable accountant, and his freespirited tattoo artist housemate Meredith gets on his absolute last nerve ... but also has done so for several years, while third-wheel housemates come and go. Mmmhmm! The worldbuilding is very light-touch, it's just a fact that, for example, some people are witches, and some real estate agents have tentacles. I loved this aspect, but if you prefer explanations or otherworldly details, this is not that.
From David's POV we watch him come to support Meredith's self-exploration, in particular why labels don't quite stick to him and what feels true to him and about him, rather than what anyone else expects. It's an interesting journey, and though in some ways I'd've loved Mere's POV, I also think it would have been very hard to write in a non-clunky way "I am now thinking about my gender expression ... "
As it is, it's cosy but not twee, whimsical but not silly, and a great time if you want a contemporary-ish, paranormal-ish romance with a little bit of a different vibe!
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
Rating: 16/20
January 17, 2026
4 stars
2 for spice
Into the Midnight Wood is a LGBT fantasy romance story following the perspective of David. This book was unique for me and I loved the modern day setting filled with magic and creatures as well. The character David was a difficult character to like at the beginning, ridge, boring and judgemental. As the story went on his character really came to some realizations and change and I loved that growth but also for Merideth too. This book was character driven and the reveal of the antagonist of the story was really fascinating. The romance was really sweet and the vulnerability and caring the characters showed was compiling. I enjoyed reading this book, it was not what I expected but I had a wonderful time.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
2 for spice
Into the Midnight Wood is a LGBT fantasy romance story following the perspective of David. This book was unique for me and I loved the modern day setting filled with magic and creatures as well. The character David was a difficult character to like at the beginning, ridge, boring and judgemental. As the story went on his character really came to some realizations and change and I loved that growth but also for Merideth too. This book was character driven and the reveal of the antagonist of the story was really fascinating. The romance was really sweet and the vulnerability and caring the characters showed was compiling. I enjoyed reading this book, it was not what I expected but I had a wonderful time.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A classic case of a great premise but poor execution. The first few pages were engaging, but the 'purple prose' and over-the-top descriptions quickly became a distraction. It reached a point where I couldn't stay invested, and I ended up skimming most of the book. It’s possible the audiobook version would be more tolerable, but this definitely wasn't my cup of tea. I wish I had put it down sooner!
November 15, 2025
A perfect mix of magical mysteriousness and a sweet love story.
David and Meredith are housemates. David counts the ways that Meredith annoys him and yet they have been together for five years. David decides he wants to leave their little house on the edge of the Midnight Wood but doesn’t tell Meredith.
The relationship between David and Meredith blooms and grows like the forest, but really, the relationship was always there, it’s just that David kept his feelings so far hidden, that he didn’t even see it himself. Meredith is so beautifully perfect. I loved him so much. I’m team Meredith. And team Bianca. What’s not to love about a little diva chihuahua.
There are scenes in this book that play out like a film. It was like the Labyrinth but with two beautiful souls.
David and Meredith are housemates. David counts the ways that Meredith annoys him and yet they have been together for five years. David decides he wants to leave their little house on the edge of the Midnight Wood but doesn’t tell Meredith.
The relationship between David and Meredith blooms and grows like the forest, but really, the relationship was always there, it’s just that David kept his feelings so far hidden, that he didn’t even see it himself. Meredith is so beautifully perfect. I loved him so much. I’m team Meredith. And team Bianca. What’s not to love about a little diva chihuahua.
There are scenes in this book that play out like a film. It was like the Labyrinth but with two beautiful souls.
September 25, 2025
*For transparency, I received a proof of this title as I currently work at Penguin Random House UK*
Not a proper review but some thoughts now that I hold a single thought without thinking about Meredith:
David Carew knows there are at least 100 things wrong with Meredith Schwarzwelder and he keeps track of it everyday. Meredith is a irredeemable oddity who flirts with anyone in his path. It's bad enough his roommate scares away any potential of a third inhabitant to their cottage home but when the Midnight Woods at the edge of their home begins to feel a lot more sinister, David learns that there is more to his roommate than he initially thought.
Ever since finishing A Hex for Hunger, I've been craving to find another book that would make me fight for characters like Ambrose and Emery. And Into the Midnight Wood gets that itch like no other. Low stakes romantic fantasy with a plot that seems to go everywhere and anywhere that I usually wouldn't like in most cases but MY GOD I loved Meredith so much. I would be a better man than David. If anyone breathed wrong in Meredith's direction, I would've started swinging which, in his defence, he definitely does start doing that towards the end. Miscommunication trope working the best here because it made sense!
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
“Some people need to—“ He made a vague gesture toward Meredith, searching for a descriptor. “To sparkle. I don’t, but you do. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
I feel like my brain is not working well when it comes to writing reviews lately. I blame the seasonal depression. I loved this book but there was a lot in it so I’m not sure where to start.
What I liked:
- Meredith. I loved Meredith. Sure, he was chaotic and unpredictable and that would definitely get annoying pretty fast. But he was also kind, caring, and gentle. He was creative and fought hard to be himself despite being judged for it. I find people like that very easy to love.
- The fantasy/fairytale aspects. I love modern-day fantasy books. Magical people and places mixed in with technology like cars and phones and electricity have always delighted me especially when the magic is out in the open instead of a secret that only the main characters know about. And I loved fairytales. I reread Grimms' Fairytales and Hans Christian Anderson’s over and over as a child as well as lesser-known fairytales like those by E. Nesbit.
- The Midnight Woods. It was something straight out of a fairytale and I absolutely loved it.
- The character growth. David was not the easiest character to like. He was judgmental, irritable, often unkind, and prone to blaming his problems on other people instead of taking responsibility for them. He experienced a lot of character growth throughout the course of the story. One of my favorite parts is when David can’t play the bridal shower game and answer simple questions that prove he knows Meredith well by knowing things like his favorite color, but then he proves that he does know Meredith in ways he would only know him if he was paying attention and that was so much more romantic.
- The slow-burn romance. I love a slow-burn romance especially one involving roommates or friends. And this one was genuinely romantic albeit messy and full of angst and misunderstandings.
- The depiction of mental illness, specifically depression, and trauma brought on by things like homophobia, abuse, and ableism. Although it’s never stated and possibly unintentionally it’s pretty obvious that Meredith has adhd. I say this as someone who also has adhd.
-The fluidity with gender and gender expression. I don’t see that often enough in queer books. I liked Meredith’s lack of interest/desire for labels. It’s pretty common in real life but frustratingly rare to come across in books.
- The ending. It was satisfying without suddenly making everything perfect all of a sudden. People will still be growing and healing and going to the therapy they desperately need.
- I also liked the friendships. Each character was unique and interesting including the little dog, Bianca.
What bothered me:
- I think the world-building needed a little more work/explanation especially in regard to the Midnight Woods.
- The brief neo-Nazi plot line. It did not feel like it fit in with the rest of the story and besides helping a certain plot line along it was otherwise completely unnecessary and personally I thought it was jarring and interrupted the flow of the story.
- The slurs. I just was not expecting them and a little warning at the beginning of the book would have been nice. The blurb does not make you think that this is the kind of book that would have slurs so it felt a bit like a slap on the face to stumble across them unexpectedly.
- The writing was beautiful but also somewhat lengthy or overly dramatic/amateur in parts. This is a debut novel though so I didn’t mind too much.
Hopefully, I didn’t forget anything. I genuinely did love this book and it was a delightful read. I’m very glad I happened upon it. I can’t wait to see what the author will write next.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
“Some people need to—“ He made a vague gesture toward Meredith, searching for a descriptor. “To sparkle. I don’t, but you do. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
I feel like my brain is not working well when it comes to writing reviews lately. I blame the seasonal depression. I loved this book but there was a lot in it so I’m not sure where to start.
What I liked:
- Meredith. I loved Meredith. Sure, he was chaotic and unpredictable and that would definitely get annoying pretty fast. But he was also kind, caring, and gentle. He was creative and fought hard to be himself despite being judged for it. I find people like that very easy to love.
- The fantasy/fairytale aspects. I love modern-day fantasy books. Magical people and places mixed in with technology like cars and phones and electricity have always delighted me especially when the magic is out in the open instead of a secret that only the main characters know about. And I loved fairytales. I reread Grimms' Fairytales and Hans Christian Anderson’s over and over as a child as well as lesser-known fairytales like those by E. Nesbit.
- The Midnight Woods. It was something straight out of a fairytale and I absolutely loved it.
- The character growth. David was not the easiest character to like. He was judgmental, irritable, often unkind, and prone to blaming his problems on other people instead of taking responsibility for them. He experienced a lot of character growth throughout the course of the story. One of my favorite parts is when David can’t play the bridal shower game and answer simple questions that prove he knows Meredith well by knowing things like his favorite color, but then he proves that he does know Meredith in ways he would only know him if he was paying attention and that was so much more romantic.
- The slow-burn romance. I love a slow-burn romance especially one involving roommates or friends. And this one was genuinely romantic albeit messy and full of angst and misunderstandings.
- The depiction of mental illness, specifically depression, and trauma brought on by things like homophobia, abuse, and ableism. Although it’s never stated and possibly unintentionally it’s pretty obvious that Meredith has adhd. I say this as someone who also has adhd.
-The fluidity with gender and gender expression. I don’t see that often enough in queer books. I liked Meredith’s lack of interest/desire for labels. It’s pretty common in real life but frustratingly rare to come across in books.
- The ending. It was satisfying without suddenly making everything perfect all of a sudden. People will still be growing and healing and going to the therapy they desperately need.
- I also liked the friendships. Each character was unique and interesting including the little dog, Bianca.
What bothered me:
- I think the world-building needed a little more work/explanation especially in regard to the Midnight Woods.
- The brief neo-Nazi plot line. It did not feel like it fit in with the rest of the story and besides helping a certain plot line along it was otherwise completely unnecessary and personally I thought it was jarring and interrupted the flow of the story.
- The slurs. I just was not expecting them and a little warning at the beginning of the book would have been nice. The blurb does not make you think that this is the kind of book that would have slurs so it felt a bit like a slap on the face to stumble across them unexpectedly.
- The writing was beautiful but also somewhat lengthy or overly dramatic/amateur in parts. This is a debut novel though so I didn’t mind too much.
Hopefully, I didn’t forget anything. I genuinely did love this book and it was a delightful read. I’m very glad I happened upon it. I can’t wait to see what the author will write next.
January 4, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Into the Midnight Wood is a standalone gay fantasy romance set in a contemporary supernatural world. Straight-laced accountant David Carrow lives in the Midnight Cottage beside the enchanted Midnight Wood, sharing the house with Meredith Schwarzwelder, an eccentric, flighty, and relentlessly flirty tattoo artist with no regard for the dangers lurking beyond the trees. David has amassed a mental list of complaints about Meredith and is determined to move out for good. But when a chance to advance his career arises through Meredith’s estranged relatives, David inserts himself into Meredith’s family and begins to learn truths about the man he’s been living with that change everything, just as something from the Midnight Wood comes calling.
I found this book utterly wonderful. It reads more like magical realism than traditional fantasy, with the supernatural elements woven into the setting rather than driving the plot. The story is whimsical and cozy, decidedly character-driven rather than plot-heavy, following David as he slowly reevaluates how he sees Meredith and confronts his own long-unacknowledged feelings. While the romance is central and essential, this is ultimately a story about self-acceptance, forming meaningful connections, and knowing when it’s time to let them go. It’s poignant, moving, and joyful, even with a few darker moments along the way.
I loved both David and Meredith. You couldn’t find two people more obviously in love, with one (David) blissfully mistaking his attraction for irritation and the other (Meredith) convinced he’s nursing an unrequited love. As a fellow complainer, I strongly related to David, and his running list of grievances didn’t bother me, even when some of them edged into hurtful territory. Their interactions are cute despite the bickering, charming in their mutual obliviousness, and electric in how deeply in love they feel on the page.
This book would have been nearly perfect if not for the final miscommunication near the end (in Chapter 26). I could have done without it entirely. The relationship already hinges on a quieter, more organic misunderstanding that feels necessary to the story, so that last bout of miscommunication felt redundant and slightly frustrating, even if it didn’t diminish my overall love for the book.
With its cozy magical realism and tender slow-burn romance, Into the Midnight Wood charmed me completely with its warmth, humor, and emotional depth.
*Thank you Dutton for the eARC via NetGalley
Into the Midnight Wood is a standalone gay fantasy romance set in a contemporary supernatural world. Straight-laced accountant David Carrow lives in the Midnight Cottage beside the enchanted Midnight Wood, sharing the house with Meredith Schwarzwelder, an eccentric, flighty, and relentlessly flirty tattoo artist with no regard for the dangers lurking beyond the trees. David has amassed a mental list of complaints about Meredith and is determined to move out for good. But when a chance to advance his career arises through Meredith’s estranged relatives, David inserts himself into Meredith’s family and begins to learn truths about the man he’s been living with that change everything, just as something from the Midnight Wood comes calling.
I found this book utterly wonderful. It reads more like magical realism than traditional fantasy, with the supernatural elements woven into the setting rather than driving the plot. The story is whimsical and cozy, decidedly character-driven rather than plot-heavy, following David as he slowly reevaluates how he sees Meredith and confronts his own long-unacknowledged feelings. While the romance is central and essential, this is ultimately a story about self-acceptance, forming meaningful connections, and knowing when it’s time to let them go. It’s poignant, moving, and joyful, even with a few darker moments along the way.
I loved both David and Meredith. You couldn’t find two people more obviously in love, with one (David) blissfully mistaking his attraction for irritation and the other (Meredith) convinced he’s nursing an unrequited love. As a fellow complainer, I strongly related to David, and his running list of grievances didn’t bother me, even when some of them edged into hurtful territory. Their interactions are cute despite the bickering, charming in their mutual obliviousness, and electric in how deeply in love they feel on the page.
This book would have been nearly perfect if not for the final miscommunication near the end (in Chapter 26). I could have done without it entirely. The relationship already hinges on a quieter, more organic misunderstanding that feels necessary to the story, so that last bout of miscommunication felt redundant and slightly frustrating, even if it didn’t diminish my overall love for the book.
With its cozy magical realism and tender slow-burn romance, Into the Midnight Wood charmed me completely with its warmth, humor, and emotional depth.
*Thank you Dutton for the eARC via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m sorry, but I made it to about 30% and I just can’t do it anymore. I have a full page of notes, and even that doesn’t cover all the reasons this book was not it for me.
The pacing is off, the prose is clunky, and I genuinely cannot get past how often words are misused. You describe a woman as boxy and then immediately tell me she’s skinny—so which one is it?
The dialogue is stiff and way too long for my taste, and nothing is actually happening. It’s just two roommates spending an absurd amount of time together, where one lives to hate everything and the other floats around in complete lala land.
It does not do justice to the idea of “100 reasons to hate,” because most of those reasons are painfully superficial. Hate him because he makes bad coffee? Hate him because he doesn’t introduce himself to strangers the “right” way? Seriously?
David, our protagonist, could not be more unlikeable even if he tried. He’s controlling, exhausting, and deeply unpleasant. How am I supposed to root for a romance when the dynamic is this pompous and toxic on another level? Truly, may the universe protect me from people like this in real life.
I could easily write my own list of 100 things I dislike about him as a companion piece to this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Dutton for this book in exchange for honest review.
The pacing is off, the prose is clunky, and I genuinely cannot get past how often words are misused. You describe a woman as boxy and then immediately tell me she’s skinny—so which one is it?
The dialogue is stiff and way too long for my taste, and nothing is actually happening. It’s just two roommates spending an absurd amount of time together, where one lives to hate everything and the other floats around in complete lala land.
It does not do justice to the idea of “100 reasons to hate,” because most of those reasons are painfully superficial. Hate him because he makes bad coffee? Hate him because he doesn’t introduce himself to strangers the “right” way? Seriously?
David, our protagonist, could not be more unlikeable even if he tried. He’s controlling, exhausting, and deeply unpleasant. How am I supposed to root for a romance when the dynamic is this pompous and toxic on another level? Truly, may the universe protect me from people like this in real life.
I could easily write my own list of 100 things I dislike about him as a companion piece to this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Dutton for this book in exchange for honest review.
November 11, 2025
Meredith Schwarzwelder is a quirky and loveable character who lives at Midnight Cottage with long-suffering housemate of five years David Carew and a third occupant who is replaced when no longer able to tolerate the domestic chaos. All David wants is to live in a world blissfully devoid of Meredith and he has a list of 100 reasons why. But as he starts to learn more about Meredith and begins to understand him better, he realises he couldn’t have been more wrong about him. This central plot unfolds within close proximity to the richly imagined magical world of the Midnight Wood where something strange and dangerous is afoot. Perilous encounters added to the emotional intensity of this heart-felt novel in which uplifting moments and hopeful outcomes felt truly earned.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Viking for knowing how much I would enjoy reading this book and inviting me to read a digital advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Viking for knowing how much I would enjoy reading this book and inviting me to read a digital advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
Wonderfully weird.
David and Meredith live in Midnight Cottage on the edge of Midnight Wood - and enchanted place where trees move and the strangest of creatures live. Meredith loves the wood and spends a lot of time in there, but David finds it unsettling.
They’ve had many third people rent the other room, but none stay, mostly because Meredith is unique and he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. He has even wound David up on occasions.
I loved the magic and the fantasy, the relationships and found the main characters endearing.
Would have been 4 stars, but found the two particularly explicit sex scenes out of character with the rest of the book, leaving a little more to the imagination may have been more discreet for me.
David and Meredith live in Midnight Cottage on the edge of Midnight Wood - and enchanted place where trees move and the strangest of creatures live. Meredith loves the wood and spends a lot of time in there, but David finds it unsettling.
They’ve had many third people rent the other room, but none stay, mostly because Meredith is unique and he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. He has even wound David up on occasions.
I loved the magic and the fantasy, the relationships and found the main characters endearing.
Would have been 4 stars, but found the two particularly explicit sex scenes out of character with the rest of the book, leaving a little more to the imagination may have been more discreet for me.
October 27, 2025
Into the Midnight Wood is a whimsical, queer fairy tale filled with mythical creatures, deep emotion, and a raw, honest look at self-doubt and identity. Meredith Schwarzelder has “100 things wrong” with him—or so he believes—but through his journey, those flaws become the very traits that make him human, complex, and lovable.
The story explores heavy themes including self-loathing and grief, woven into a world of enchantment that’s both strange and beautiful. The relationships—especially between Meredith and David—are layered, heartfelt, and compelling, bringing light to a world that often feels shadowed.
It did take me a little while to settle into the world-building, but once I did, I was fully invested. This is a story that breaks your heart and slowly stitches it back together.
A beautifully odd and emotional tale that I’m still thinking about.
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story explores heavy themes including self-loathing and grief, woven into a world of enchantment that’s both strange and beautiful. The relationships—especially between Meredith and David—are layered, heartfelt, and compelling, bringing light to a world that often feels shadowed.
It did take me a little while to settle into the world-building, but once I did, I was fully invested. This is a story that breaks your heart and slowly stitches it back together.
A beautifully odd and emotional tale that I’m still thinking about.
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
This was a fun, cute little read! I was looking for another cozy fantasy with a queer romance and this didn't disappoint.
I found the characters both adorable and relatable, even if they make questionable choices that lead to misunderstandings, I'm a sucker for oblivious idiots in love. I enjoyed the setting, although it wasn't the best executed blend of our world with magical elements, it was whimsical enough as a background to the story.
I think I liked the first two thirds of the book better than the ending, but I appreciated the growth of the characters. The message, though a bit heavy-handed, is an important one as well.
All in all, I would recommend this book, if it sounds like your kind of thing!
Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I found the characters both adorable and relatable, even if they make questionable choices that lead to misunderstandings, I'm a sucker for oblivious idiots in love. I enjoyed the setting, although it wasn't the best executed blend of our world with magical elements, it was whimsical enough as a background to the story.
I think I liked the first two thirds of the book better than the ending, but I appreciated the growth of the characters. The message, though a bit heavy-handed, is an important one as well.
All in all, I would recommend this book, if it sounds like your kind of thing!
Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 19, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! The world building was done extremely well and I was able to picture myself actually being there with David and Meredith in The Woods. All the characters were so well flushed out and it made it so easy to fall in love with all of them (with the exception of one or two people, you’ll know who when you read it). There is a bit of miscommunication between David and Meredith throughout most of the book but it’s done in a way that isn’t super annoying, if anything it made me even more invested because I wanted to see how they resolved everything. If you want a cute, queer, fantasy romance this is the book for you!!
*Thank you Alexandra McCollum and NetGalley for allowing me to read the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review*
*Thank you Alexandra McCollum and NetGalley for allowing me to read the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review*
ugh
January 3, 2026Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher (Dutton) for the chance to read this book. Unfortunately…
DNF - 18% (like…page 74 ish)
Why?
Generally, because I know if I keep reading that this book will be a one star read - and I don't want to do that to myself or, being fair, to the book, because I KNOW there will be some people that like it.
Now, specifically, the final straw was David, our narrator thinking 'David had missed his chance there, and there was no one to blame for it except Meredith, for dragging him on this ridiculous outing to begin with.'
Sounds fair enough, right. I mean, sometimes people are to blame because they…well, push/talk you into things you do not want to do.
This instance?
'"Well, I expect you've got something or other you'll be wanting to get back to, but it's such lovely weather out, I feel like a walk myself. In the Wood," he [Meredith] added pointedly.
[…Paragraph of David talking about the weather and why he needs to convince Meredith of something RIGHT NOW!]
"Wonderful," said David, "that's just where I was planning o go myself."'
…
And that's how it is Meredith's fault.
And this is just the final straw because David is…kind of an ass. At first I was thinking this would be fun, him the long suffering 'straight man' and Meredith the cloudcuckoolander.
But…neither one is actually likable to pull this off. David is kind of pompous and full of himself and is doing this totally cute thing [/sarcasm] where he is constantly adding to a mental list for/against his housemate Meredith. In the for column is exactly 1 thing 'he pays his rent on time.' In the against column, there are 49 things by the time I stopped reading. He gets to 99 because after that he falls in lurve - or something - and cannot come up with any more.
(I searched and skipped ahead when I started this review. Honestly, it would have been cuter if he'd started either adding to the for column or started adding silly, cute little things to the against column. Like 'he's too cute when he wakes up in the morning.' Because, really, the against column starts out halfway serious, but even by the point I stopped, it was…basically just a man obsessed with another person and in deep, deep denial.)
Meredith is, to me and I would guess stays that way, something of an enigma because we never spend time in his head. (Which is a shame.) But he seems…like he uses obfuscation to distract from things he doesn't want to talk about.
(He is also exhausting as is David and, honestly, the rest of the book. It is trying so hard to be cute and funny that it just…makes me so tired.)
Finally…
I honestly believe that this is the first book I have read that was billed as 'romantasy'.' (There have been some that have been retroactively tagged as romantasy, but that is neither here nor there as they were not marketed and sold as romantasy.)
If this is a good indication of romantasy, I have been right to avoid it like the plague because this is not romantasy. This is romance with fantasy trappings. Fantasy is not dumping in references to satyrs and dyads and white mice that keep track of time (hullo, Alice) and dropping it into a US/England setting with no explanation of ANYTHING.
Oh my gosh, there is no world building, this is just 'rule of cool' or something because how/why are any of this stuff like this? Is this our world with the masquerade pulled back? If not, how does magic existing for everyone change jobs and life?
(Why did Meredith talk about going to dinner with a wolf that had good table manners, even with his paws? Was he a wolf? A werewolf? What?)
Please, for the love of all that's good, EXPLAIN anything.
(I think I am taking a break requesting ARCs. I have three left right now that I hope to read this month and, maybe next, so I will work on them, but afterwards… I have been doing really terribly lately picking out books so I think it's time for a break.)
(This review has been cross posted to NetGalley, Storygraph and Goodreads.)
(NtGalley note: I do not rate DNF's. However, NetGalley does not allow reviews to be posted without a rating.)
DNF - 18% (like…page 74 ish)
Why?
Generally, because I know if I keep reading that this book will be a one star read - and I don't want to do that to myself or, being fair, to the book, because I KNOW there will be some people that like it.
Now, specifically, the final straw was David, our narrator thinking 'David had missed his chance there, and there was no one to blame for it except Meredith, for dragging him on this ridiculous outing to begin with.'
Sounds fair enough, right. I mean, sometimes people are to blame because they…well, push/talk you into things you do not want to do.
This instance?
'"Well, I expect you've got something or other you'll be wanting to get back to, but it's such lovely weather out, I feel like a walk myself. In the Wood," he [Meredith] added pointedly.
[…Paragraph of David talking about the weather and why he needs to convince Meredith of something RIGHT NOW!]
"Wonderful," said David, "that's just where I was planning o go myself."'
…
And that's how it is Meredith's fault.
And this is just the final straw because David is…kind of an ass. At first I was thinking this would be fun, him the long suffering 'straight man' and Meredith the cloudcuckoolander.
But…neither one is actually likable to pull this off. David is kind of pompous and full of himself and is doing this totally cute thing [/sarcasm] where he is constantly adding to a mental list for/against his housemate Meredith. In the for column is exactly 1 thing 'he pays his rent on time.' In the against column, there are 49 things by the time I stopped reading. He gets to 99 because after that he falls in lurve - or something - and cannot come up with any more.
(I searched and skipped ahead when I started this review. Honestly, it would have been cuter if he'd started either adding to the for column or started adding silly, cute little things to the against column. Like 'he's too cute when he wakes up in the morning.' Because, really, the against column starts out halfway serious, but even by the point I stopped, it was…basically just a man obsessed with another person and in deep, deep denial.)
Meredith is, to me and I would guess stays that way, something of an enigma because we never spend time in his head. (Which is a shame.) But he seems…like he uses obfuscation to distract from things he doesn't want to talk about.
(He is also exhausting as is David and, honestly, the rest of the book. It is trying so hard to be cute and funny that it just…makes me so tired.)
Finally…
I honestly believe that this is the first book I have read that was billed as 'romantasy'.' (There have been some that have been retroactively tagged as romantasy, but that is neither here nor there as they were not marketed and sold as romantasy.)
If this is a good indication of romantasy, I have been right to avoid it like the plague because this is not romantasy. This is romance with fantasy trappings. Fantasy is not dumping in references to satyrs and dyads and white mice that keep track of time (hullo, Alice) and dropping it into a US/England setting with no explanation of ANYTHING.
Oh my gosh, there is no world building, this is just 'rule of cool' or something because how/why are any of this stuff like this? Is this our world with the masquerade pulled back? If not, how does magic existing for everyone change jobs and life?
(Why did Meredith talk about going to dinner with a wolf that had good table manners, even with his paws? Was he a wolf? A werewolf? What?)
Please, for the love of all that's good, EXPLAIN anything.
(I think I am taking a break requesting ARCs. I have three left right now that I hope to read this month and, maybe next, so I will work on them, but afterwards… I have been doing really terribly lately picking out books so I think it's time for a break.)
(This review has been cross posted to NetGalley, Storygraph and Goodreads.)
(NtGalley note: I do not rate DNF's. However, NetGalley does not allow reviews to be posted without a rating.)
December 8, 2025
I rated this 3.5 out of 5.
I have complicated feelings about this book. If I were just rating the book on the romance and the vibes I got from the story, it would be a five out of five. However, if I were rating on how engrossed I was in the story and how easy it was to follow, I would rate it a two. I therefore split the difference between the two.
Meredith and David's dynamic is endearing and has just enough pre-existing tension between the two of them that, as their romantic feelings develop, I was rooting for them. I was also emotionally invested in the outcome of their story. Also, the spice scenes were steamy!
We follow the story from David's perspective, and this allowed me to bond with him a little more than Meredith, but it also allows me to see the transformation that David goes through in how he views Meredith, which was beautiful.
Where things started to fall apart for me with this book was the magical components at the heart of the plot. There are witches, moon calves, talking mice, and werewolves. All of which are great character elements on their own, but I truly have no idea, nearly 10 hours after finishing the book, why this was so central to the plot. What follows is going to contain some spoilers.
This book occurs in a world with magical elements, which is great, but I am so confused about how exactly David and Meredith fit into this world. Are they wizards/witches/vampires (there are some biting scenes)??? I truly have no idea, but apparently, Meredith's art is creating the creatures in the Midnight Wood. To the point that he is considered the ruler by the animals that live there. HOW? Why? Does this mean that the wood didn't exist until Meredith moved in? Or did it become magical after he started living nearby?
Also, does everyone know about magical creators? What are the human/magical creature relations like? On that note, why is David and Meredith's last roommate (Eric, I don't know, they had a lot of roommates) afraid of werewolves? Does everyone know that Mrs. Jupiter is a witch? How? .
Another issue that I had was the family dynamics and the mention of hate groups in the text. Again, spoilers.
Is Meredith's brother a member of a neo-Nazi party? Is he just an extreme jerk? It felt like McCollum seems to be hinting that those who are different are the target of hate groups writ large, and the way they attack is blatant, like ganging up on someone and attempting to knife them. However, the more sinister nature of the groups can arise in families. However, I felt that we never squared that circle in the text. Were they related? Am I supposed to draw connections?
My final difficulty with this book is actually related to David, whom I loved as a character. Why is it so important for him to impress Cartier? I understand that he wants a step up in his career, but truly, I am so confused by David's single-minded focus on impressing this man. It mostly felt like a throwaway plot line to create tension between David and Meredith.
This book has two great main characters, and the love story is beautifully written. McCollum also knows how to write spicy scenes. The plot has a few holes in it, but the joy that comes from reading the love story balances that out. I would recommend this magical romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Dysphoria
Minor: Classism
I have complicated feelings about this book. If I were just rating the book on the romance and the vibes I got from the story, it would be a five out of five. However, if I were rating on how engrossed I was in the story and how easy it was to follow, I would rate it a two. I therefore split the difference between the two.
Meredith and David's dynamic is endearing and has just enough pre-existing tension between the two of them that, as their romantic feelings develop, I was rooting for them. I was also emotionally invested in the outcome of their story. Also, the spice scenes were steamy!
We follow the story from David's perspective, and this allowed me to bond with him a little more than Meredith, but it also allows me to see the transformation that David goes through in how he views Meredith, which was beautiful.
Where things started to fall apart for me with this book was the magical components at the heart of the plot. There are witches, moon calves, talking mice, and werewolves. All of which are great character elements on their own, but I truly have no idea, nearly 10 hours after finishing the book, why this was so central to the plot. What follows is going to contain some spoilers.
This book occurs in a world with magical elements, which is great, but I am so confused about how exactly David and Meredith fit into this world. Are they wizards/witches/vampires (there are some biting scenes)??? I truly have no idea, but apparently, Meredith's art is creating the creatures in the Midnight Wood. To the point that he is considered the ruler by the animals that live there. HOW? Why? Does this mean that the wood didn't exist until Meredith moved in? Or did it become magical after he started living nearby?
Also, does everyone know about magical creators? What are the human/magical creature relations like? On that note, why is David and Meredith's last roommate (Eric, I don't know, they had a lot of roommates) afraid of werewolves? Does everyone know that Mrs. Jupiter is a witch? How? .
Another issue that I had was the family dynamics and the mention of hate groups in the text. Again, spoilers.
Is Meredith's brother a member of a neo-Nazi party? Is he just an extreme jerk? It felt like McCollum seems to be hinting that those who are different are the target of hate groups writ large, and the way they attack is blatant, like ganging up on someone and attempting to knife them. However, the more sinister nature of the groups can arise in families. However, I felt that we never squared that circle in the text. Were they related? Am I supposed to draw connections?
My final difficulty with this book is actually related to David, whom I loved as a character. Why is it so important for him to impress Cartier? I understand that he wants a step up in his career, but truly, I am so confused by David's single-minded focus on impressing this man. It mostly felt like a throwaway plot line to create tension between David and Meredith.
This book has two great main characters, and the love story is beautifully written. McCollum also knows how to write spicy scenes. The plot has a few holes in it, but the joy that comes from reading the love story balances that out. I would recommend this magical romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Dysphoria
Minor: Classism
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
What an unexpectedly gut-wrenchingly magnificently cozy magical romance.
This started as giving me ‘Running Close To The Wind’ vibes with the quirky but annoyingly lovably charming main character being tolerated by the roommate with their witty banter and Tête-à-tête vibes, but it ventured into a more meaningful lovely territory.
Cozy, sharp, very steamy, and poignant, this was a contemporary queer fairy tale about the masks we wear, the stories we tell, and the powerful need for true, honest connection to heal old wounds and new.The world building was immense.
I appreciated the real world but with magic/magical creatures vibes. David is dealing with real world issues: trying to advance in his career, attempting to buy a house, while dealing with this magical woods near his house that keeps scaring prospective 3rd roommates away. My only really issue was the Neo-N*zi subplot which wasn’t needed. Meredith is a tattoo artist who covers up a reformed guy’s tatatoo and it goes viral and he gets accosted by members leading to a “DON’T TOUCH HIM” moment. I feel like it went with the real world vibes, but also it could’ve been something else that helps with that and the subsequent emotional caharsis.
I loved the relationship between David and Meredith. They both contained multitudes and the reveals were interesting to read about as their relationship grew. All the characters felt fully realized and their motivations. They felt like true friendships/family/coworkers.
This was such an unexpectedly stunning debut I couldn’t put down. Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
‘Meredith Schwarzwelder might have been a nightmare to live with, but at least he paid his share of the rent on time.’
‘The interior of the forest disregarded the laws of time in space, and it was Home to innumerable strange plants and dangerous creatures. At times, faint strains of music seemed to drift out of the wind at night and banish the moment when I tried to listen more closely.’
‘David didn’t know where to begin with Meredith’s accent. It had layers, like a fine perfume or a wallet. I’ve been painted over many times. Or – here David settled on a more familiar comparison – rather like a spreadsheet running numerous functions at once.’
“It’s a Midnight Mouse. They’re an endangered species you know.
They keep the time here, without the Midnight Mice making their rounds; the clocks would go all wrong.”
“You,” growled David “are always my problem.”
“Only if you’re asking, what am I, in my head - if you want me out a name to things - s’pose maybe I am a bit of this and a bit of that and a sprinkle of what-have-you, but I mean in the end, I’m just me, aren’t I.”
‘It felt almost too personal to share, but he reasoned, a psychic was like a doctor: one must tell them the truth, no matter how embarrassing the ailment.’
‘David was struck by the urge to take him into his arms and pin him against the refrigerator and kiss him senseless – which, of course, he wasn’t going to do, he reminded himself firmly.’
“Yes, well, if the two of you could avoid placing yourselves mortal peril while I’m out, I’m sure I’d be much of obliged.”
“You’re-real?”
“I am now… He made me real.”
What an unexpectedly gut-wrenchingly magnificently cozy magical romance.
This started as giving me ‘Running Close To The Wind’ vibes with the quirky but annoyingly lovably charming main character being tolerated by the roommate with their witty banter and Tête-à-tête vibes, but it ventured into a more meaningful lovely territory.
Cozy, sharp, very steamy, and poignant, this was a contemporary queer fairy tale about the masks we wear, the stories we tell, and the powerful need for true, honest connection to heal old wounds and new.The world building was immense.
I appreciated the real world but with magic/magical creatures vibes. David is dealing with real world issues: trying to advance in his career, attempting to buy a house, while dealing with this magical woods near his house that keeps scaring prospective 3rd roommates away. My only really issue was the Neo-N*zi subplot which wasn’t needed. Meredith is a tattoo artist who covers up a reformed guy’s tatatoo and it goes viral and he gets accosted by members leading to a “DON’T TOUCH HIM” moment. I feel like it went with the real world vibes, but also it could’ve been something else that helps with that and the subsequent emotional caharsis.
I loved the relationship between David and Meredith. They both contained multitudes and the reveals were interesting to read about as their relationship grew. All the characters felt fully realized and their motivations. They felt like true friendships/family/coworkers.
This was such an unexpectedly stunning debut I couldn’t put down. Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
‘Meredith Schwarzwelder might have been a nightmare to live with, but at least he paid his share of the rent on time.’
‘The interior of the forest disregarded the laws of time in space, and it was Home to innumerable strange plants and dangerous creatures. At times, faint strains of music seemed to drift out of the wind at night and banish the moment when I tried to listen more closely.’
‘David didn’t know where to begin with Meredith’s accent. It had layers, like a fine perfume or a wallet. I’ve been painted over many times. Or – here David settled on a more familiar comparison – rather like a spreadsheet running numerous functions at once.’
“It’s a Midnight Mouse. They’re an endangered species you know.
They keep the time here, without the Midnight Mice making their rounds; the clocks would go all wrong.”
“You,” growled David “are always my problem.”
“Only if you’re asking, what am I, in my head - if you want me out a name to things - s’pose maybe I am a bit of this and a bit of that and a sprinkle of what-have-you, but I mean in the end, I’m just me, aren’t I.”
‘It felt almost too personal to share, but he reasoned, a psychic was like a doctor: one must tell them the truth, no matter how embarrassing the ailment.’
‘David was struck by the urge to take him into his arms and pin him against the refrigerator and kiss him senseless – which, of course, he wasn’t going to do, he reminded himself firmly.’
“Yes, well, if the two of you could avoid placing yourselves mortal peril while I’m out, I’m sure I’d be much of obliged.”
“You’re-real?”
“I am now… He made me real.”
August 22, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an eARC.
3.5 Stars.
Into the Midnight Wood is a thoughtful, cozy novel that was an enjoyable read. There were moments of humour and sadness in equal measure. I enjoyed the casual magic of the world, and the small community of characters that have built up around the titular Midnight Wood. It is a whimsical and dreamy book, and I imagine that upon its release date, will make a wonderful midwinter read--something to beat back the winter blues with.
While I appreciate what the book did in terms of exploring estranged family, abuse at the hands of siblings, and exploring how trauma evolves as you become an adult, I had two major complaints.
The first was the world building. I found it disjointed and not fleshed out enough. Spoilers ahead: How exactly does the Midnight Wood work? Was it there before Meredith, or did Meredith just fabricate the creatures? Is this a Ronan Lynch/Cabeswater situation? Who knows? I sure don't. Additionally, because of this disjointedness, when we come to the final 1/4 of the book, it feels drastically different in tone from the rest. We spend most of the book following David doing relatively mundane things-going to work, going out with friends, ruminating on relationships and life goals and the housing market, dealing with roommates and neighbours (often to zany and funny effect)-so when we get to the final part of the book, the fairytale feeling feels at odds with the rest of it.
The second is the characters. This bothered me to a lesser extent, because a major part of this book was about David and Meredith learning from each other and becoming better people, but... they are both so fucking stupid. Obtuse. Idiots. Most of the time, this is to the books benefit. A lot of the humor comes from them behaving childishly and misunderstanding each other in the worst ways possible. It is also where a lot of the romantic tension comes from, to the books detriment. While the characters are firmly adults (30+ protagonists, for those who are looking for that), neither of them feel like adults (sorry to the same folks looking for 30+ protagonists). Sure, they are talking about house ownership, marriage, and promotions at jobs-all very adult things-but they behave childishly. I don't want to criticize too harshly, because I am adult who comes across immature at times because of my interests and whimsical sense of dress. I hate that you are expected to lose that sort wonder as you age, but Meredith genuinely behaves like a child. And David is almost worse, because he feels a sense of superiority to Meredith for not behaving childishly, yet claims to love him for those exact things.
Mostly, I don't understand how they work in a relationship.
All this to say, I still had fun reading about Meredith and David. Even if I didn't always enjoy their characterizations, there is a compelling nature to their enduring friendship. I read well into the night to see how their relationship evolved. How their characters evolved. So while this isn't my favourite book in the world, I still enjoyed reading it.
3.5 Stars.
Into the Midnight Wood is a thoughtful, cozy novel that was an enjoyable read. There were moments of humour and sadness in equal measure. I enjoyed the casual magic of the world, and the small community of characters that have built up around the titular Midnight Wood. It is a whimsical and dreamy book, and I imagine that upon its release date, will make a wonderful midwinter read--something to beat back the winter blues with.
While I appreciate what the book did in terms of exploring estranged family, abuse at the hands of siblings, and exploring how trauma evolves as you become an adult, I had two major complaints.
The first was the world building. I found it disjointed and not fleshed out enough. Spoilers ahead: How exactly does the Midnight Wood work? Was it there before Meredith, or did Meredith just fabricate the creatures? Is this a Ronan Lynch/Cabeswater situation? Who knows? I sure don't. Additionally, because of this disjointedness, when we come to the final 1/4 of the book, it feels drastically different in tone from the rest. We spend most of the book following David doing relatively mundane things-going to work, going out with friends, ruminating on relationships and life goals and the housing market, dealing with roommates and neighbours (often to zany and funny effect)-so when we get to the final part of the book, the fairytale feeling feels at odds with the rest of it.
The second is the characters. This bothered me to a lesser extent, because a major part of this book was about David and Meredith learning from each other and becoming better people, but... they are both so fucking stupid. Obtuse. Idiots. Most of the time, this is to the books benefit. A lot of the humor comes from them behaving childishly and misunderstanding each other in the worst ways possible. It is also where a lot of the romantic tension comes from, to the books detriment. While the characters are firmly adults (30+ protagonists, for those who are looking for that), neither of them feel like adults (sorry to the same folks looking for 30+ protagonists). Sure, they are talking about house ownership, marriage, and promotions at jobs-all very adult things-but they behave childishly. I don't want to criticize too harshly, because I am adult who comes across immature at times because of my interests and whimsical sense of dress. I hate that you are expected to lose that sort wonder as you age, but Meredith genuinely behaves like a child. And David is almost worse, because he feels a sense of superiority to Meredith for not behaving childishly, yet claims to love him for those exact things.
Mostly, I don't understand how they work in a relationship.
All this to say, I still had fun reading about Meredith and David. Even if I didn't always enjoy their characterizations, there is a compelling nature to their enduring friendship. I read well into the night to see how their relationship evolved. How their characters evolved. So while this isn't my favourite book in the world, I still enjoyed reading it.
October 13, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book was...interesting to say the least. There is a magic wood that somehow draws in on of the characters, which may or may not have been created by him. There is not a ton of details there, and there seems to be some connection between the wood and the characters. It never feels fully explained, and then the last chunk of the book gets very magical - which felt disjointed from the rest of the book. I thought we were going for magical realism, and then there was full on magic happening here.
The characters were also a choice. I found Meredith to be a bit too infantile for my liking. He would act very childish in one scene, and in the next he was having sex with David. The same man who wrote 100 reasons why Meredith is awful and looked down on him....almost in a fatherly fashion? I don't know, but Meredith's childishness with David's condescension was a bit much for me.
Seriously, I started to wonder if maybe there was something wrong with Meredith, and if it was considered "taking advantage" of him when David and him started doing....things. It was very uncomfortable, and I have conflicted feelings.
I mean, they have some good moments, and some good development. There were times that I felt like the story was leaning into TJ Klune vibes and I wanted that to continue, but then there were also points where I was trying to figure out how they went from zero to sex in the span of one page. Meredith did grow up with a lot of abuse and a pressure to put labeled on himself and his relationships, and we see David learn this and try to help with it, but then they both go and do things with blatant disregard for one another. It was a bit whiplashy.
Also, I am not sure if this will change in the finished copy - but the author used the word "retarded" twice in this book. In 2025, I did not expect to have that dropped in a story, especially one marketed as a romance like this.
The ending got interesting, and made both characters confront some uncomfortable truths. It also made them confront how stupid they were and how miscommunication caused all their problems, as it does in a romance. Again, it got super magical here, which felt very disjointed from the vibes in the rest of the story.
Overall, I am left wondering what I just read. The sex scenes made me uncomfortable after the way Meredith acted throughout the story, I did not expect the R-word to be dropped (twice!), and I am wondering if the author wanted magical realism or straight fantasy. The book has it's moments, but overall I am a bit upset that I spent time reading this. Definitely not something I would pick up a second time.
Content warnings: bullying, toxic relationships, sexism, homophobia, loss of a loved one, trauma, sexual content, cursing, emotional abuse, mental illness, physical abuse
This book was...interesting to say the least. There is a magic wood that somehow draws in on of the characters, which may or may not have been created by him. There is not a ton of details there, and there seems to be some connection between the wood and the characters. It never feels fully explained, and then the last chunk of the book gets very magical - which felt disjointed from the rest of the book. I thought we were going for magical realism, and then there was full on magic happening here.
The characters were also a choice. I found Meredith to be a bit too infantile for my liking. He would act very childish in one scene, and in the next he was having sex with David. The same man who wrote 100 reasons why Meredith is awful and looked down on him....almost in a fatherly fashion? I don't know, but Meredith's childishness with David's condescension was a bit much for me.
Seriously, I started to wonder if maybe there was something wrong with Meredith, and if it was considered "taking advantage" of him when David and him started doing....things. It was very uncomfortable, and I have conflicted feelings.
I mean, they have some good moments, and some good development. There were times that I felt like the story was leaning into TJ Klune vibes and I wanted that to continue, but then there were also points where I was trying to figure out how they went from zero to sex in the span of one page. Meredith did grow up with a lot of abuse and a pressure to put labeled on himself and his relationships, and we see David learn this and try to help with it, but then they both go and do things with blatant disregard for one another. It was a bit whiplashy.
Also, I am not sure if this will change in the finished copy - but the author used the word "retarded" twice in this book. In 2025, I did not expect to have that dropped in a story, especially one marketed as a romance like this.
The ending got interesting, and made both characters confront some uncomfortable truths. It also made them confront how stupid they were and how miscommunication caused all their problems, as it does in a romance. Again, it got super magical here, which felt very disjointed from the vibes in the rest of the story.
Overall, I am left wondering what I just read. The sex scenes made me uncomfortable after the way Meredith acted throughout the story, I did not expect the R-word to be dropped (twice!), and I am wondering if the author wanted magical realism or straight fantasy. The book has it's moments, but overall I am a bit upset that I spent time reading this. Definitely not something I would pick up a second time.
Content warnings: bullying, toxic relationships, sexism, homophobia, loss of a loved one, trauma, sexual content, cursing, emotional abuse, mental illness, physical abuse
November 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I'm a little torn on this book. I was quite excited after readign the synopsis and was in the mood for cozy romance, So, let me start with the good stuff.....
I really enjoyed both the MCs. Meredith is absolutely a precious soul and it was nice seeing David's growth throughout the story. I wanted to give Meredith a hug so many times!! There was a lot of wit, and David's list was good for some laughs. I did feel invested is how the story ended for them, and if miscommunication tropes are for you, then this would be a good fit. There were quite a few emotional parts regarding Meredith that were done nicely, but I totally wish the antagonists/bullies would have gotten more of what they deserved!!
The side characters were just okay, I didn't feel particularly invested in any of them. I was a little confused by Mrs. Jupiter, as it seemed she was a single woman/witch....so not sure why "Mrs." was her title.
Things that didn't work for me.....
I don't have issues with contemporary mixing with fantasy, but for some reason, the two were just not meshing well for me in this particular story. I found that I enjoyed the more contemporary aspects and the actual romance far more than the fantasy portions. The woods and characters within, along with some of the supporting and side characters just seemed a littel juvenile - ex: the realtor with tentacles, talking mice/weasels/random creatures, dryads, the Erlking, etc. I understand that some of those characters were taken from classic German tales, probably in an effort to go along with Meredith's German heritage, but again, it just wasn't doing anything for me.
It took me a minute to get oriented in the beginning of the book as far as figuring out location/setting. David is the narrator, and he is clearly British. Meridith is initally described as sounding both American and British. Mutiple places are mentioned (Ohio, Wales), and I was quite a ways in before it mentions where David is from and how he ended up in Ohio.
There were also a couple storylines that didn't make a whole of sense (the whole bridal shower thing was strange) and some that did't seem thourogh, like Meredith stating that he's "a bit of a sadist", but then that never really plays out in the spicy parts. The romantic parts were better written than the sex/spice in my opinion....just seemed like the chemistry wasn't really there as much for the sex scenes, almost like they were rushed.
On one more positive note, I see that Will Watt is narrating the audiobook, and he is absolutely amazing. I may have to give it a listen just to see how everyone sounds. I do think I would love listening to David's inner monologues and Meredith's muliple accents. Overall, the story did make me feel happy and cozy.
I'm a little torn on this book. I was quite excited after readign the synopsis and was in the mood for cozy romance, So, let me start with the good stuff.....
I really enjoyed both the MCs. Meredith is absolutely a precious soul and it was nice seeing David's growth throughout the story. I wanted to give Meredith a hug so many times!! There was a lot of wit, and David's list was good for some laughs. I did feel invested is how the story ended for them, and if miscommunication tropes are for you, then this would be a good fit. There were quite a few emotional parts regarding Meredith that were done nicely, but I totally wish the antagonists/bullies would have gotten more of what they deserved!!
The side characters were just okay, I didn't feel particularly invested in any of them. I was a little confused by Mrs. Jupiter, as it seemed she was a single woman/witch....so not sure why "Mrs." was her title.
Things that didn't work for me.....
I don't have issues with contemporary mixing with fantasy, but for some reason, the two were just not meshing well for me in this particular story. I found that I enjoyed the more contemporary aspects and the actual romance far more than the fantasy portions. The woods and characters within, along with some of the supporting and side characters just seemed a littel juvenile - ex: the realtor with tentacles, talking mice/weasels/random creatures, dryads, the Erlking, etc. I understand that some of those characters were taken from classic German tales, probably in an effort to go along with Meredith's German heritage, but again, it just wasn't doing anything for me.
It took me a minute to get oriented in the beginning of the book as far as figuring out location/setting. David is the narrator, and he is clearly British. Meridith is initally described as sounding both American and British. Mutiple places are mentioned (Ohio, Wales), and I was quite a ways in before it mentions where David is from and how he ended up in Ohio.
There were also a couple storylines that didn't make a whole of sense (the whole bridal shower thing was strange) and some that did't seem thourogh, like Meredith stating that he's "a bit of a sadist", but then that never really plays out in the spicy parts. The romantic parts were better written than the sex/spice in my opinion....just seemed like the chemistry wasn't really there as much for the sex scenes, almost like they were rushed.
On one more positive note, I see that Will Watt is narrating the audiobook, and he is absolutely amazing. I may have to give it a listen just to see how everyone sounds. I do think I would love listening to David's inner monologues and Meredith's muliple accents. Overall, the story did make me feel happy and cozy.
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