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Into the Midnight Wood
A whimsical fantasy romance about two mismatched roommates whose fragile—and definitely not romantic at all—balance is upended by an impending family wedding and an otherworldly danger in the nearby enchanted wood.
There are at least 100 things wrong with Meredith Schwarzwelder. In fact, keeping track of these things is the only way David Carew has managed to remain living with him for as long as he has. Meredith is an irredeemable eccentric who flirts with everyone in his path (#3 on the list), cries at anything (#35), makes the worst coffee in the world (#70), and talks to mice, or imagines he does (#50).
It’s bad enough living with such a person on the edge of the Midnight Wood, but when magic starts to seep from the wood and a dark being emerges with a sinister plan involving Meredith, David decides that it’s time to leave the cottage, and his roommate, behind. Then Meredith’s brother gets engaged to the daughter of David’s boss, and David sees an If he can insert himself into the festivities, maybe he can advance his career and get himself out of a personal rut.
With wedding bells sounding and the dangers of the Midnight Wood encroaching, David realizes there’s much more hiding beneath the surface of his roommate’s seemingly carefree charm, and that perhaps his own exasperation carries more fondness than he’d like to admit.
Cozy, sharp, steamy, and poignant, Into the Midnight Wood is 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.
There are at least 100 things wrong with Meredith Schwarzwelder. In fact, keeping track of these things is the only way David Carew has managed to remain living with him for as long as he has. Meredith is an irredeemable eccentric who flirts with everyone in his path (#3 on the list), cries at anything (#35), makes the worst coffee in the world (#70), and talks to mice, or imagines he does (#50).
It’s bad enough living with such a person on the edge of the Midnight Wood, but when magic starts to seep from the wood and a dark being emerges with a sinister plan involving Meredith, David decides that it’s time to leave the cottage, and his roommate, behind. Then Meredith’s brother gets engaged to the daughter of David’s boss, and David sees an If he can insert himself into the festivities, maybe he can advance his career and get himself out of a personal rut.
With wedding bells sounding and the dangers of the Midnight Wood encroaching, David realizes there’s much more hiding beneath the surface of his roommate’s seemingly carefree charm, and that perhaps his own exasperation carries more fondness than he’d like to admit.
Cozy, sharp, steamy, and poignant, Into the Midnight Wood is 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.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
38 people are currently reading
8798 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
February 2, 2026
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
4.5 stars — i’m very confused at the lukewarm reviews for this book, because i really enjoyed it and found myself immersed in the world and the problems each character had.
into the midnight woods is a lovely lowstakes, queer cozy fantasy full of social commentary, reaffirming identity, acceptance, creativity, and most importantly love.
david and meredith were such unique and three dimensional characters with very real problems despite the magic and whimsical setting in the book.
my only complaint is the dreaded miscommunication that occurred throughout the book regarding david and meredith’s relationship; of course, everything is resolved in the end, so i’m not too mad.
i also listened to the audio, and the narrator did a fantastic job! i love when there’s different inflections for different characters, and i feel that the narrator did meredith’s voice very well.
——
next up! maybe one day i will finally read my arcs before pub day😅
4.5 stars — i’m very confused at the lukewarm reviews for this book, because i really enjoyed it and found myself immersed in the world and the problems each character had.
into the midnight woods is a lovely lowstakes, queer cozy fantasy full of social commentary, reaffirming identity, acceptance, creativity, and most importantly love.
david and meredith were such unique and three dimensional characters with very real problems despite the magic and whimsical setting in the book.
my only complaint is the dreaded miscommunication that occurred throughout the book regarding david and meredith’s relationship; of course, everything is resolved in the end, so i’m not too mad.
i also listened to the audio, and the narrator did a fantastic job! i love when there’s different inflections for different characters, and i feel that the narrator did meredith’s voice very well.
——
next up! maybe one day i will finally read my arcs before pub day😅
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.
January 25, 2026
2.75
I had been looking forward to reading Into the Midnight Wood ever since it appeared in my inbox, as the premise suggested a cozy, winter-appropriate read with intriguing themes. While I appreciated the atmosphere, the seasonal vibes, and the overall concept, the story did not fully resonate with me.
The two main characters’ dynamic has its moments of charm, and there are glimpses of depth — especially around vulnerability and self-discovery — but overall I didn’t find their intactions compelling, and that made the emotional beats fall a bit flat for me. I appreciated the cozy atmosphere and the weird, whimsical setting, but it wasn’t enough to make me fully engage with the story.
That said, the book has a pleasant tone, and the cover design is particularly beautiful.
In short: Into the Midnight Wood had a premise I wanted to love and some solid worldbuilding vibes, but for me it ultimately missed the mark on character connection and narrative payoff. Perfectly fine if this sounds like your thing, but it just didn’t become the winter gem I’d hoped it would be.
———-
I received an arc for this book and I’m very excited. Can’t wait to read it when it’s officially winter.
I had been looking forward to reading Into the Midnight Wood ever since it appeared in my inbox, as the premise suggested a cozy, winter-appropriate read with intriguing themes. While I appreciated the atmosphere, the seasonal vibes, and the overall concept, the story did not fully resonate with me.
The two main characters’ dynamic has its moments of charm, and there are glimpses of depth — especially around vulnerability and self-discovery — but overall I didn’t find their intactions compelling, and that made the emotional beats fall a bit flat for me. I appreciated the cozy atmosphere and the weird, whimsical setting, but it wasn’t enough to make me fully engage with the story.
That said, the book has a pleasant tone, and the cover design is particularly beautiful.
In short: Into the Midnight Wood had a premise I wanted to love and some solid worldbuilding vibes, but for me it ultimately missed the mark on character connection and narrative payoff. Perfectly fine if this sounds like your thing, but it just didn’t become the winter gem I’d hoped it would be.
———-
I received an arc for this book and I’m very excited. Can’t wait to read it when it’s officially winter.
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.
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! 💙✨
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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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
January 24, 2026
This book had very confusing vibes, but I liked it! Somehow I think the ridiculousness and mentions of a reality that's just slightly Off came together well.
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*
November 22, 2025
Got to 40% and gave up. It did absolutely nothing for me. I have no idea what the story is about or where it is going - if there is even a story there. Just not my cup of tea.
Life’s too short so I moved on.
Life’s too short so I moved on.
January 31, 2026
***Thank you to Dutton for providing an advanced copy of the book via NetGalley. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***
I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting from Into the Midnight Wood, but it managed to worm its way into my heart with its quirkiness and whimsy. I adored this book so much and could not get enough of the characters. I laughed and cried and erupted in rage at different points in Meredith and David’s journey. When starting the story, I never thought I was picking up a new favorite book, but here we are.
The plot of Into the Midnight Wood didn’t have much to it. So, don’t come into the story expecting some grand epic fantasy with lots of action. This book was more of a slow-paced, slice-of-life story that focused on the characters’ relationships and inner journeys. Stuff was happening, obviously, like Meredith needing to deal with his horrible family as they prepared for his brother’s wedding and David attempting to gain a promotion while searching for his own place. There was also the sinister presence in the forest wreaking a bit of havoc. It was just all in service to the bigger picture of the character growth happening. In the end, I was happy with how all of the different threads came together.
Despite the book’s name, the midnight wood played less of a role in most of the story than I expected, and the world-building, in general, was quite chaotic and not well-defined. The wood was sort of an ominous and powerful thing in the background, and I’d have loved to spend even more time in it. Random creatures populated this town with no explanation, such as the real estate agent with tentacles, and I’m honestly not even sure where the town was set. Ultimately, none of the weird, unexplained eccentricities of the town mattered that much, though, and they provided a fun sense of wonder and whimsy. As someone who typically prefers a lot of structure to magic and world-building, the chaos really worked for me in this story, which was a pleasant surprise.
Now on to my favorite thing about Into the Midnight Wood: the characters. Meredith was equal parts delightful and exasperating. lol. He was so extra and such a whimsical ray of sunshine that lit up every scene he inhabited. His chaotic nature was A LOT but in a good way. It also hid a lot of depth that became clearer and clearer as the story progressed. So much of everything happening in this book was tied to his past and the hurt he carried around from the world looking down on him for who he was. I liked that we didn’t get his POV in this book because we got to uncover the person behind the facade alongside David, which was a journey filled with so much emotion. I also really loved how the character inhabited the space between masculinity and femininity. There were times that his character felt quite masculine and others where he was super feminine and wearing dresses. However, no matter what, he felt distinctly like Meredith, which speaks to the strength of the characterization.
As for David, he couldn’t have been more opposite from Meredith if he’d tried. He was serious and liked things tidy and structured. Meredith’s chaos was anathema to him, and his list of things he “hated” about Meredith was honestly a pretty hilarious way to structure the first half of the story. The two of them bickered and acted like an old married couple despite them, or at least David, not realizing they were totally in love. lol. The miscommunication and denial were dialed up to a ten between them, but I didn’t mind it because the entire situation was just so entertaining. David slowly coming to terms with his feelings and realizing Meredith’s chaos might be good for him was really endearing. He peeled back Meredith’s layers and found the wounded person on the inside. Then he decided to do everything he could to make his life better, which was both sweet and sad since he had contributed to so many of the hurts, as well. Their relationship was far from perfect, but the way they genuinely cared for each other oozed off the page.
I could say so much more about Into the Midnight Wood and the relationship between Meredith and David, but I don’t want to ruin the experience of getting to know these characters while reading. The story was quirky and quite cozy with so much heart, and I never expected to fall in love with it so much. All things considered, I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting from Into the Midnight Wood, but it managed to worm its way into my heart with its quirkiness and whimsy. I adored this book so much and could not get enough of the characters. I laughed and cried and erupted in rage at different points in Meredith and David’s journey. When starting the story, I never thought I was picking up a new favorite book, but here we are.
The plot of Into the Midnight Wood didn’t have much to it. So, don’t come into the story expecting some grand epic fantasy with lots of action. This book was more of a slow-paced, slice-of-life story that focused on the characters’ relationships and inner journeys. Stuff was happening, obviously, like Meredith needing to deal with his horrible family as they prepared for his brother’s wedding and David attempting to gain a promotion while searching for his own place. There was also the sinister presence in the forest wreaking a bit of havoc. It was just all in service to the bigger picture of the character growth happening. In the end, I was happy with how all of the different threads came together.
Despite the book’s name, the midnight wood played less of a role in most of the story than I expected, and the world-building, in general, was quite chaotic and not well-defined. The wood was sort of an ominous and powerful thing in the background, and I’d have loved to spend even more time in it. Random creatures populated this town with no explanation, such as the real estate agent with tentacles, and I’m honestly not even sure where the town was set. Ultimately, none of the weird, unexplained eccentricities of the town mattered that much, though, and they provided a fun sense of wonder and whimsy. As someone who typically prefers a lot of structure to magic and world-building, the chaos really worked for me in this story, which was a pleasant surprise.
Now on to my favorite thing about Into the Midnight Wood: the characters. Meredith was equal parts delightful and exasperating. lol. He was so extra and such a whimsical ray of sunshine that lit up every scene he inhabited. His chaotic nature was A LOT but in a good way. It also hid a lot of depth that became clearer and clearer as the story progressed. So much of everything happening in this book was tied to his past and the hurt he carried around from the world looking down on him for who he was. I liked that we didn’t get his POV in this book because we got to uncover the person behind the facade alongside David, which was a journey filled with so much emotion. I also really loved how the character inhabited the space between masculinity and femininity. There were times that his character felt quite masculine and others where he was super feminine and wearing dresses. However, no matter what, he felt distinctly like Meredith, which speaks to the strength of the characterization.
As for David, he couldn’t have been more opposite from Meredith if he’d tried. He was serious and liked things tidy and structured. Meredith’s chaos was anathema to him, and his list of things he “hated” about Meredith was honestly a pretty hilarious way to structure the first half of the story. The two of them bickered and acted like an old married couple despite them, or at least David, not realizing they were totally in love. lol. The miscommunication and denial were dialed up to a ten between them, but I didn’t mind it because the entire situation was just so entertaining. David slowly coming to terms with his feelings and realizing Meredith’s chaos might be good for him was really endearing. He peeled back Meredith’s layers and found the wounded person on the inside. Then he decided to do everything he could to make his life better, which was both sweet and sad since he had contributed to so many of the hurts, as well. Their relationship was far from perfect, but the way they genuinely cared for each other oozed off the page.
I could say so much more about Into the Midnight Wood and the relationship between Meredith and David, but I don’t want to ruin the experience of getting to know these characters while reading. The story was quirky and quite cozy with so much heart, and I never expected to fall in love with it so much. All things considered, I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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.
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