What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet & Wild
Micah Harlow has just moved to Roseyard, a small town on the edge of a mysterious forest. Filled with hope for a new start here, Micah ventures into the woods to forage and, of course, make an offering to the guardian spirit within.
However, this forest is unlike any that Micah has been in before. The spirit himself appears and takes an interest in Micah, helping him to find whatever he needs and spending time with him. To complicate things further, the town of Roseyard is far different than Micah expects. The citizens call the guardian spirit within the woods a beast, and they seem to be held under the thumb of one affluent man.
In order to survive and thrive, Micah will be pulled further into the magic of the forest and its spirit, all while cultivating relationships within Roseyard. And hopefully, heal the wounds of his damaged heart.
However, this forest is unlike any that Micah has been in before. The spirit himself appears and takes an interest in Micah, helping him to find whatever he needs and spending time with him. To complicate things further, the town of Roseyard is far different than Micah expects. The citizens call the guardian spirit within the woods a beast, and they seem to be held under the thumb of one affluent man.
In order to survive and thrive, Micah will be pulled further into the magic of the forest and its spirit, all while cultivating relationships within Roseyard. And hopefully, heal the wounds of his damaged heart.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 17, 2025
*I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Opening thoughts: I first learned about Sweet and Wild during a pitch event on Bluesky and have been excitedly waiting for its release ever since. Larkspur describes it as cozy adjacent which I think is the perfect descriptor. Sweet and Wild is warm, sweet, and cozy, but it delves into some darker corners at times that will leave you going "Woah. Oh my god! No!" and probably crying at times. At least that was my reaction.
Worldbuilding: This is by no means an epic fantasy, but Larkspur expertly weaves in so much carefully thought out worldbuilding you can really get an idea of the larger world that Micah and Terran's story is set in. I love how the magic is very much tied to intention, nature, and caring for others. I also LOVE the lore for the forest guardians (I won't go into detail here to save you from spoilers, but trust me, it's very good lore).
Emotions: Now, I'm a very emotional reader, it's not particularly hard to make me cry, but when I tell you I was SOBBING during a particular scene (once you read it, you'll know what I mean) I am not exaggerating. But aside from making me cry like a little baby, Sweet and Wild is a very sweet (look I know I've already used sweet to describe it, and it's in the title, but that's just what it is) and heartfelt book that left me giggling, smiling like a fool, and generally just feeling very warm and fuzzy inside.
Intrigue: For me I think the most unique think about Sweet and Wild was just how human the story was. I think a lot of time in fantasy, even when the characters are human, things just feel so fantastical and out there that it doesn't feel grounded (which I also love, don't get me wrong). But the characters in Sweet and Wild just felt so real to me with very real struggles and very real emotions. And again, I just love the magic in this book. There is something very simple about it (not to say that it isn't fleshed out, it's clear that quite a bit of thought has been put into it) that makes it feel like it could exist in our own world. And who doesn't love magic accidentally baked into cookies. Also, a trope I wasn't aware that I liked but that Larkspur absolutely made me love is in this book (Who hurt you).
Relationships: At its core, Sweet and Wild is about relationships. Not only the romantic relationship between Micah and the forest guardian Terran, but also Micah's relationship with the town and people of Roseyard, his mother and her magic, the animals he cares for, the forest, and himself. It's a relatively short book, but each relationship develops so naturally and you can really feel the love every character has for Micah, and vice versa, by the end. Now, as for Micah and Terran's relationship, it's incredibly sweet (I know, I know, sue me, this won't be the last time I use that word in this review). It's clear from the very beginning that Micah is going through it and still hasn't fully processed some trauma from his past, and to contrast that with the unending kindness and love that Terran offers him almost immediately is just the perfect recipe for tugging on my heartstrings.
(I would be remiss to mention that if you're a fan of romance books without any on page spice, then this is the book for you)
Descriptions: Larkspur paints a vivid picture of the forest, characters, and the town of Roseyard without using extremely flowery or purple prose. I'm a simple person, I like simple prose that tells me what the author wants me to see. I'm a sucker for books set in natural environments, and Sweet and Wild is rife with wonderful descriptions of the forest near Roseyard.
Engagement: I absolutely tore through this book. I think I read it in about three sittings, and I only ever put it down because I had to go to work (a job? in this economy? It's more likely than you'd think, unfortunately). It's a relatively fast paced book (though quite a bit of time does pass throughout the story), and reading it honestly felt like a casual stroll through the park. It was the perfect sweet treat (okay, okay, I'm done) to jostle me out of my reading slump.
Final thoughts: If you love sunshiney main characters, a dash of trauma, characters processing, healing from, and growing with that trauma, nature, and one of the sweetest (I lied, I'm not sorry) and most caring relationships I've ever read, then I'm sure you'll love Sweet and Wild.
Opening thoughts: I first learned about Sweet and Wild during a pitch event on Bluesky and have been excitedly waiting for its release ever since. Larkspur describes it as cozy adjacent which I think is the perfect descriptor. Sweet and Wild is warm, sweet, and cozy, but it delves into some darker corners at times that will leave you going "Woah. Oh my god! No!" and probably crying at times. At least that was my reaction.
Worldbuilding: This is by no means an epic fantasy, but Larkspur expertly weaves in so much carefully thought out worldbuilding you can really get an idea of the larger world that Micah and Terran's story is set in. I love how the magic is very much tied to intention, nature, and caring for others. I also LOVE the lore for the forest guardians (I won't go into detail here to save you from spoilers, but trust me, it's very good lore).
Emotions: Now, I'm a very emotional reader, it's not particularly hard to make me cry, but when I tell you I was SOBBING during a particular scene (once you read it, you'll know what I mean) I am not exaggerating. But aside from making me cry like a little baby, Sweet and Wild is a very sweet (look I know I've already used sweet to describe it, and it's in the title, but that's just what it is) and heartfelt book that left me giggling, smiling like a fool, and generally just feeling very warm and fuzzy inside.
Intrigue: For me I think the most unique think about Sweet and Wild was just how human the story was. I think a lot of time in fantasy, even when the characters are human, things just feel so fantastical and out there that it doesn't feel grounded (which I also love, don't get me wrong). But the characters in Sweet and Wild just felt so real to me with very real struggles and very real emotions. And again, I just love the magic in this book. There is something very simple about it (not to say that it isn't fleshed out, it's clear that quite a bit of thought has been put into it) that makes it feel like it could exist in our own world. And who doesn't love magic accidentally baked into cookies. Also, a trope I wasn't aware that I liked but that Larkspur absolutely made me love is in this book (Who hurt you).
Relationships: At its core, Sweet and Wild is about relationships. Not only the romantic relationship between Micah and the forest guardian Terran, but also Micah's relationship with the town and people of Roseyard, his mother and her magic, the animals he cares for, the forest, and himself. It's a relatively short book, but each relationship develops so naturally and you can really feel the love every character has for Micah, and vice versa, by the end. Now, as for Micah and Terran's relationship, it's incredibly sweet (I know, I know, sue me, this won't be the last time I use that word in this review). It's clear from the very beginning that Micah is going through it and still hasn't fully processed some trauma from his past, and to contrast that with the unending kindness and love that Terran offers him almost immediately is just the perfect recipe for tugging on my heartstrings.
(I would be remiss to mention that if you're a fan of romance books without any on page spice, then this is the book for you)
Descriptions: Larkspur paints a vivid picture of the forest, characters, and the town of Roseyard without using extremely flowery or purple prose. I'm a simple person, I like simple prose that tells me what the author wants me to see. I'm a sucker for books set in natural environments, and Sweet and Wild is rife with wonderful descriptions of the forest near Roseyard.
Engagement: I absolutely tore through this book. I think I read it in about three sittings, and I only ever put it down because I had to go to work (a job? in this economy? It's more likely than you'd think, unfortunately). It's a relatively fast paced book (though quite a bit of time does pass throughout the story), and reading it honestly felt like a casual stroll through the park. It was the perfect sweet treat (okay, okay, I'm done) to jostle me out of my reading slump.
Final thoughts: If you love sunshiney main characters, a dash of trauma, characters processing, healing from, and growing with that trauma, nature, and one of the sweetest (I lied, I'm not sorry) and most caring relationships I've ever read, then I'm sure you'll love Sweet and Wild.
October 13, 2025
This is a very sweet story and a quick read. There's a very nostalgic feel about it, nice and warm. The world-building is suitable for the sort of 'local environment' the story takes place in, meaning that there's just enough expansion and information about the world to tell the story and nothing that isn't needed. That's not a bad thing at all, I think the world-building in that sense was quite well edited. The atmosphere of Micah's life was very tangible and his growing attachment to the village was very well-paced. I enjoyed the side-characters very much as well.
I did have questions about Terran's history and abilities; I found him to be the most intriguing character and wished he'd gotten more time to be front-and-center. One question I have comes straight from the synopsis: "The citizens call the guardian spirit within the woods a beast," but there's no explanation for why Terran has this reputation among the villagers and I really wish there was; the omission felt like a missing piece of the story.
Building from that, I also wish the villain had a more thorough motivation Micah and Terran were cute together, but most of their interactions felt very one-note. I was rather disappointed that That felt like a key moment that the story was building up to, so the fact that it was side-stepped was unexpected.
This book put a smile on my face almost like a happy Christmas movie, but in that same vein, I personally would've preferred if it had a little more complexity in some aspects. I can imagine rereading if I ever need a sweet pick-me-up.
Complete side note that doesn't impact my review, but made me raise an eyebrow
I did have questions about Terran's history and abilities; I found him to be the most intriguing character and wished he'd gotten more time to be front-and-center. One question I have comes straight from the synopsis: "The citizens call the guardian spirit within the woods a beast," but there's no explanation for why Terran has this reputation among the villagers and I really wish there was; the omission felt like a missing piece of the story.
Building from that, I also wish the villain had a more thorough motivation Micah and Terran were cute together, but most of their interactions felt very one-note. I was rather disappointed that That felt like a key moment that the story was building up to, so the fact that it was side-stepped was unexpected.
This book put a smile on my face almost like a happy Christmas movie, but in that same vein, I personally would've preferred if it had a little more complexity in some aspects. I can imagine rereading if I ever need a sweet pick-me-up.
Complete side note that doesn't impact my review, but made me raise an eyebrow
December 14, 2025
Micah has moved to the town of Roseyard, hoping to get a fresh start after the horrific experience he had in his last town. As the son of a hedgewitch he supports himself by making soaps and sweets to sell on market days and so to that end he ventures into the forest to leave an offering for the guardian spirit. To his surprise the spirit, Terran greets him as he is leaving the offering, Terran even offers to help Micah find the honey he needs. The two men begin to become friends just as Micah is also making a home and a name for himself in Roseyard. Unfortunately, not everyone is so welcoming and quickly Micah finds himself on the bad side of a Mr. Fenwick, the richest man in town. Determined to not be chased from his home again Micah stands his ground and hopes that he is friends will stand with him.
The title of this book is so perfect because it is incredibly sweet and just a little wild. Micah is just the very definition of a sweetheart, he is so kind to everyone, and it never feels like he going out of his way to do it or like it's fake. It's just who he is as a person and because of that he attracts all sorts of wonderful people to him. Terran of course but many of the townspeople in Roseyard. Honestly, he reminded me a bit of Pollyanna, the whole story did really, because simply by being his kind self he transforms the town and the people in it. They overcome Mr. Fenwick (who is an evil jerk) not by meeting him with violence (okay well there's some but that's at the end and he had it coming) but by banding together and taking care of each other. I also really loved that Kay, one of the townspeople is a sin eater. You genuinely do not see that specific type of magic come up very often and it was pretty cool that it was included in here.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a short read that will make you say aww and cry a little bit, cause yeah, I cried a bit at the end, but overall is just like being wrapped in a big hug!
The title of this book is so perfect because it is incredibly sweet and just a little wild. Micah is just the very definition of a sweetheart, he is so kind to everyone, and it never feels like he going out of his way to do it or like it's fake. It's just who he is as a person and because of that he attracts all sorts of wonderful people to him. Terran of course but many of the townspeople in Roseyard. Honestly, he reminded me a bit of Pollyanna, the whole story did really, because simply by being his kind self he transforms the town and the people in it. They overcome Mr. Fenwick (who is an evil jerk) not by meeting him with violence (okay well there's some but that's at the end and he had it coming) but by banding together and taking care of each other. I also really loved that Kay, one of the townspeople is a sin eater. You genuinely do not see that specific type of magic come up very often and it was pretty cool that it was included in here.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a short read that will make you say aww and cry a little bit, cause yeah, I cried a bit at the end, but overall is just like being wrapped in a big hug!
November 2, 2025
Such a cute story!
I thought it was a little too fast at first, but when I realized it's only 160 pages, I just rolled with it and the rest was so good. I cried at least twice and wanted to punch a certain someone in the face... multiple times.
Micah is such a sweet protagonist. A pure cinnamon roll. A witch who doesn't know he's a witch and always refutes this claim, but come on... he's his mother's son.
Terran is charming, an old soul in a young body and you can tell by his eagerness to interact with Micah that he's been alone and neglected as a forest spirit for so long.
Marion and Kay are wonderful secondary characters, I love them both. Kay's sin-eater magic was really interesting! I wanna know more about her, I love her.
Fenwich is bad. Just bad. Not badly written, or a bad character. He's the amalgamation of everything wrong in this world. Kinda. He's designed to be hated, and hoo boy do I despise him.
Short, sweet and cozy. Such a lovely little book. I will eagerly await this author's next MM romance <3
I thought it was a little too fast at first, but when I realized it's only 160 pages, I just rolled with it and the rest was so good. I cried at least twice and wanted to punch a certain someone in the face... multiple times.
Micah is such a sweet protagonist. A pure cinnamon roll. A witch who doesn't know he's a witch and always refutes this claim, but come on... he's his mother's son.
Terran is charming, an old soul in a young body and you can tell by his eagerness to interact with Micah that he's been alone and neglected as a forest spirit for so long.
Marion and Kay are wonderful secondary characters, I love them both. Kay's sin-eater magic was really interesting! I wanna know more about her, I love her.
Fenwich is bad. Just bad. Not badly written, or a bad character. He's the amalgamation of everything wrong in this world. Kinda. He's designed to be hated, and hoo boy do I despise him.
Short, sweet and cozy. Such a lovely little book. I will eagerly await this author's next MM romance <3
July 17, 2025
I both beta read this book and received an ebook ARC from the author!
Sweet & Wild is incredibly heartwarming, while having so many tragic moments within. An exploration of trauma, rebuilding community, and finding your place in the world. Micah Harlow is an incredibly relatable character, and the romance is so, so sweet. The side characters are fantastic, and I had a fantastic time reading it each time!
You'll cry for many reasons when you pick this up - from the feeling of community to the tragedy that surrounds Micah's life.
I highly recommend getting your hands on this book!
This book is featured in more detail in my April/May Reading Wrapup: https://youtu.be/gv0jcuJ1SUY?si=uUhmw...
Sweet & Wild is incredibly heartwarming, while having so many tragic moments within. An exploration of trauma, rebuilding community, and finding your place in the world. Micah Harlow is an incredibly relatable character, and the romance is so, so sweet. The side characters are fantastic, and I had a fantastic time reading it each time!
You'll cry for many reasons when you pick this up - from the feeling of community to the tragedy that surrounds Micah's life.
I highly recommend getting your hands on this book!
This book is featured in more detail in my April/May Reading Wrapup: https://youtu.be/gv0jcuJ1SUY?si=uUhmw...
August 15, 2025
Very sweet, if a bit simple! The plot and backstories were pretty predictable, but in a way that's I'm re-reading an old favorite, kind of deal. Not a deal breaker. Micah was incredibly sweet and I wanted to protect him from page one. The little glimpses we got into town and its people were lovely, although I wish there had been more of them to make the community feel more believable. Terran was absolutely charming and whenever he and Micah got to interact, it had me smiling. I do wish we got to know more about him, but that's okay. It was truly Micah's story and I'm okay with that.
A cozy read with a little bit of danger near the end, and I adored it. Very quick read too and the illustrations within the book were very nice!
A cozy read with a little bit of danger near the end, and I adored it. Very quick read too and the illustrations within the book were very nice!
October 14, 2025
I think this is the single most boring book I've ever read in my entire life. And I'm including my high school math textbooks on that list.
November 2, 2025
Omg, this book is a treasure. SWEET & WILD is a heart-wrenching story equal parts cozy, devastating, and healing. I loved it so much. I would read many more adventures with Micah and Terran!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews