Welcome to Blackbird Hollow

Blackbird Hollow #1

by Allison Carr Waechter, Victoria Mier

The town that slays the fae together stays together.

Alice Blythe is a string-board wielding academic with an earth-shattering The aliens she’s spent years studying in her elite PhD program are a lie—the fae are behind everything. No one has ever believed her, but when she’s kicked out of school for punching a rich student in the face, Alice has a chance to pursue the best lead she’s had in years. She throws caution to the wind, and heads to a mysterious small town in the Blackbird Hollow.

Wyatt Hayes is the middle sibling in a family of fae hunters. Not only is he tasked with holding the line between the faerie world and the mundane, he’s spent his life playing referee between his siblings. When he gets word that the fearsome Wild Hunt is coming through his beloved Blackbird Hollow, he has just one make sure no one else gets taken.

But then Alice Blythe blows into Blackbird Hollow looking for answers, and everything in Wyatt’s carefully structured life is knocked off-course. Pursued by secretive government agencies and perhaps even the Hunt itself, she’s a massive distraction to protecting the town—and his closely guarded heart.

Will the Hunt steal Alice from Wyatt before they have their shot at love? Find out in this new paranormal small town romance from Victoria Mier and Allison Carr Waechter. Welcome to Blackbird Hollow. Turn back now if you know what’s good for you.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romantasy, Paranormal Romance, Small Town Romance, Cozy

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy]

This was cute. Maybe a bit too cute 😅. RTC

[Nezha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is THE atmospheric read for the autumn cosy-spooky season 🍁🤌🏻

Allison and Victoria have done an amazing job painting this perfect small town - blanketed in changing autumn leaves, smelling of pancakes and smoke - with just the right eerie undertone (because who doesn’t love the dark side of fae folklore??).
By the end, I was fully invested in the world they’ve built, and I can’t wait for the next book in this cosy series of interconnected standalones.

Reading about Alice finally finding her place and her people was such a delight - I’ll never get tired of the found family trope. I also loved the unpredictable mystery elements and that not everything has been resolved yet; the unanswered questions really make you excited for the next book!

That said, I did find the historic aspect of the worldbuilding a bit lacking - I hope the next books offer a bit more insight into the “Reformation” era.
The romance was enjoyable, but I would have prefered it if Alice and Wyatt’s relationship developed more slowly. Alice was very lonely and guarded given her past, so a slower build would have felt more natural and added depth imo. Also, the constant “sweet girl” endearment was getting repetitive and a bit cringy - my biggest complaint, honestly 🫣

All in all, I’ll definitely continue the series - I’m invested in the Hayes siblings’ stories now and I 100% recommend adding Welcome to Blackbird Hollow to your autumn TBR! 🍂

I'm so thankful to have received this ARC; all opinions are my own!

[Mai ༊*·˚]

Happy Release Day to Welcome to Blackbird Hollow!

I am really craving that cozy paranormal small town vibe and I hope this delivers.

_________________

This was gifted to me by the book's authors. Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Ash (so there’s this book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Spice: 2/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is the first interconnected stand-alone in this series. Each book will follow one of the three Hayes siblings.

The Catalog: F/M, FMC on a quest for the truth (the truth is out there), folklore & paranormal beings, small town with mysteries and paranormal activity, government conspiracies, family of hedgeriders, lonely, touch starved MCs, found family, Welcome to Night Vale and X-files vibes, female friendship

Synopsis: Alice Blythe has always believed the unexplainable, but no one has ever taken her theory seriously: that extraterrestrial lore is a cover for the real enemy on Earth, the Fae. Between government conspiracies, apocalyptic societal restructuring, and agents stalking her, when she’s expelled from school, she follows a desperate trail to Blackbird Hollow, where the legends of lore walk the foggy streets. But with Samhain right around the corner, she’ll have to learn what she can from a family of Hedgeriders to prepare for the Wild Hunt.

Thoughts:
Hell yes. Absolutely, with fervor, YES. This book!? I. Am. Obsessed. Everything about this book speaks to me on a chemical level. The lore and world building? Creepy, nostalgic, yet incredibly fresh. The characters? Goofy, adorable, and incredibly lovable. The vibes? Cozy in the spookiest way, with a dark folklore feel, and the warmest found family feels. The romance? An incredibly sweet slow burn between two lonely characters that finally feel seen.

My favorite part of this story is the seamless melding of sub-genres, folklore, and different cultural magics. There’s Indigenous belief systems, different kinds of witchcraft, Gaelic folklore, paranormal beings, and apocalyptic aspects, all set in small town America. It was spellbinding and sucked me in immediately.

The main characters, Alice and Wyatt were so enjoyable. Alice is finally finding somewhere to belong, somewhere where her theories and interests aren’t odd, and expressing herself doesn’t get her put on a government watch list. Wyatt comes from a long legacy of Hedgeriding: a human of fae descent that straddles the line between the human world and Faerie. He’s a smexy, flannel wearing protector that has stopped wanting love because his life is so dangerous. I adored their soft friends to lovers arc, the way they truly saw each other, and found home with each other.

I also really adored the found family feels in this one. The Hayes family is truly the best and I loved how easily Alice fit in, and her friendship with Wyatt’s sister, Fallon, was one of the best parts of this book!

Def recommend, especially if you’re looking for the perfect spooky & cozy paranormal romance for October!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ 𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 ✨
📖: Welcome to Blackbird Hollow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

An outcast academic meets a grumpy small town hottie in this immersive paranormal romance. As the meddling government agency and the Wild Hunt threaten the sleepy town of Blackbird Hollow, Alice and Wyatt’s lives collide in ways neither expected.

Tropes:
👀Dual POV
📓Academic FMC
🙋Grumpy hot man in flannel
🏠Paranormal small town romance
🚫Touch him and 💀
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Found family
💕“My girls”
🧝‍♂️Scary fae
🐾Hellhounds
🌶️: open door

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is a journey into the heart of a community and the truth behind Fey lore. We meet these broken characters as they continue to heal, build trust, and embrace the terrifying unknown together. The romance between Alice and Wyatt sizzles and the fast friendship with Fallon, Wyatt’s sister, is so heartwarming.

Filled with conspiracies, camaraderie, and challenges, the authors paint a vivid world and characters that don’t fit the mold of the society but fit perfectly together. Wyatt’s family is deeply rooted in the town and Alice may finally find a place to plant roots and thrive.

This book delivers peak cozy autumn, small town paranormal vibes and I cannot wait to return to Blackbird Hollow in the next story!

Huge thanks to the authors for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Blaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town ✅ paranormal activity ✅ spooky but cozy vibes ✅ witches and fae and other supes ✅ hot and gooey cinnamon roll MMC ✅

This book was like Supernatural meets a bit of X-Files and I was here for it. In some dystopian-esque world Alice is a grad student studying extraterrestrial affairs. But what Alice doesn’t know is that the supposed extraterrestrial are actually the Fey. After a disastrous turn of events she ends up in Blackbird Hollow where nothing is at it seems and whispers of The Wild Hunt coming through this small town has the locals in a tizzy. No one really knows what the Fey are after and the government run Sector is hell bent on keeping Alice’s nose out of whatever is happening in this small town and in their employ.

This story is a fun look at sibling bonds and the struggle to belong. The overarching story of these potential interconnected standalones have something to do with whatever it is the Fey are after so I’m excited to see where this story goes in book 2.

What you get:
- paranormal activity
- fae hunters
- conspiracy theories
- big brother government
- folklore/magic
- found family
- sibling bonds

[Valerie | Vanelena.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town that fights the fae together stays together. 

Ok, I absolutely loved this!! What a fun book that’s just perfect for fall!

90’s Gilmore Girls x Supernatural vibes, small town romance, paranormal beings, and a mysterious government agency in a dystopian state - it’s just perfect and exactly the book I needed right now. My elder millennial heart is just so happy with these vibes. I love Wyatt and Alice. Their relationship was just so sweet - a bit of insta-love, but as a standalone, I’m Ok with how it all unfolded. The found family and sense of community was amazing.

Thank you so much to Allison and Victoria for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own!

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is exactly the kind of cosy-spooky, small-town fantasy I didn’t know I needed. Picture a town where nothing is quite what it seems, fae lurk in the shadows, and the locals are delightfully quirky, basically Supernatural meets a touch of Stranger Things, with a sprinkle of cinnamon roll romance thrown in for good measure. The story took a little while to fully pull me in, but once it clicked, I was completely hooked. The authors did a fantastic job blending mystery, humor, and heart, and the writing has this easy, inviting rhythm that makes it hard to put the book down. If you’re a fan of sibling dynamics, small-town secrets, and a hint of paranormal mischief, this book will hit the sweet spot. Bonus points if you’re an ’80s–’90s kid: there are charming little nods to pop culture that made me grin. Overall, a fun read, can't wait for more in this series!

[Camis.little.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, spooky paranormal romance!

-Cozy-against-the-dark small town romance
-Scary fae
-Diners
-Feral women
-Community care
-90s nostalgia
-Wolfdogs
-“Supernatural” and “Twin Peaks” vibes
-Dual POV
-Spice

This story from beginning to end was so much fun. With the paranormal romance, banter, found family- I ate it up in just about a day!

The writing was great for the vibes and pacing of the book, there were monsters, some mystery - this book really has it all! Not to mention with the spooky vibes it’s perfect for this fall.

I can’t wait for book 2 and am curious if it will be the same characters or moving on to two others?!

Highly recommend for any paranormal romance lovers!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, cozy little fantasy—but I did not need to know the color of every person in town. Even in the last chapter we get, “two old white folks.” Like… why? 😂 Every single introduction came with a skin color descriptor and it pulled me out of the story every time.

That said—cute story, cute town, and I’m curious enough to possibly check out book two when it drops.

[merp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holyfuckingshit this was good

[Garry Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and adorable. I’ve been describing it as a mix between Gilmore Girls, Twilight, and the X-Files. Definitely very cozy and lovely to read. The world was quite fun and engaging enough that I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Courtnee G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is the perfect fall read for anyone who loves cozy or paranormal small town settings like Gilmore Girls or Halloweentown & mysterious paranormal investigation and hunting like Supernatural or the X-Files. WTBH follows FMC Alice as she becomes the newest addition to the small town of Blackbird Hollow. She meets the Hayes siblings and discovers there’s a lot more to her world than meets the eye.

I loved both the love story between Alice and Wyatt Hayes and the story of friendship between Alice and Fallon Hayes. I can’t wait to see the rest of the stories in this small town & love the world building.

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Women who outwit me at every turn, Fey-f*cking jokes, and warlock arms dealers with cute butt's - this is my life."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

What you'll find in this book:
- Scary Fae
- Touch Him and Die
- Found Family
- "My Girls"
- Grumpy Man in Hot Flannel
- Paranormal Small Town
- Cozy Against the Dark
- Hellhounds: if not friend, why friend-shaped?

So initially this book had me a little twisted up, I was slightly confused with the link the book was trying to elude between the fey and extra terrestrial life. However, once I got a bit more into the book and everything became more established and we learned a little more information, I began to put the puzzle pieces together and I was hooked. Once I understood where Alice was coming from and more about the lines between mortals and the magical and how hedgeriders straddle the line between two worlds. Frankly a couple of chapters into this book I was done, hook line and sinker, for this small town, dark yet cozy, fantasy romance set in the town that houses the close knit community that makes up Blackbird Hollow.

Alice Blythe, and academic who suspects everything is not as it seems, that the aliens she has spent years studying is a lie and that instead the fae are behind everything. Despite being on governmental bodies radars, no one has ever showed signs of believing Alice's theories and when she is kicked out of school for punching an entitled student in the face she decides to take a leap of faith and follow the breadcrumbs to the small town of Blackbird Hollow. Wyatt Hayes is the middle sibling in a family of what are known as Hedgeriders, those who Hunt the fae that threaten human life. Responsible for keeping the balance and the peace, he also plays referee between his two squabbling siblings. When Wyatt finds out that the Wild Hunt is coming through his small town, he knows he has only one goal, ensuring that the towns people remain safe. However, when Alice blasts into Wyatts life looking for answers in bus small town his whole world is knocked off its axis. Continuously being pursued by secretive government agencies and maybe even the fearsome Hunt that is getting closer and closer, Alice is a massive distraction that Wyatt can't afford but one he can't getting out of his head or his heart.

I really enjoyed how much of a mess Alice is in the beginning, it makes her all the more relatable in this world where the normal and magical intertwine. We read as Alice finds her feet while also continuing to second guess herself as she ventures outside her comfort zone and against the wishes of the governmental body watching her to travel to Blackbird Hollow. I know some people aren't a fan of that instantaneous connection between characters, but I absolutely love the connection that Alice and Wyatt have from the very moment they meet, you can practically feel the insatiable need they have for eachother leaping off the page. Wyatt screams old soul which I am 100% here for, his mannerisms and language feeling so old school but at the same time being something that gels so well with Alice's wacky personality. The way that Alice fits into the Hayes family feels fated in the best kind of way, it certainly seems like Fallons and Alice's souls have known eachother forever, they get along like a house on fire and cause chaos when left alone which frankly is the best kind of female friendship to have and definitely something they both sorely need. Even Cade, Wyatt and Fallon's quiet and somewhat nerdy younger brother clicks with Alice almost instantaneously and how could I forgot the gorgeous puppy that is Fern who dotes on Alice. I feel like having this steadfast foundation of the Hayes Clan works against the spooky, sinister background where people are going missing just outside the small remote town.

Allison and Victoria have done such a fantastic job in blending together the darker tales of the folk with the modern world and a whole heap of mystery. You get that cozy close knit vibes of the small town throughout the entirety of the book, especially as they are all so happy to welcome Alice into their community. I was so very intrigued and definitely did not see all of the plot twists coming, and oh boy does this story twist and turn. I am so ready to discover more of Blackbird Hollow and its residents in the coming books for this series, I feel like we have really only scratched the surface like that of a human visitor looking to escape in a small town that is far from sweet and innocent. We've had a fair amount of teasing about different characters and creatures, and I don't know about anyone else but I'm ready to meet the warlock arms dealer. Consider me very much ready for book two in this series, I have fallen head of heels for these characters and this charming small town with a slightly sinister side.

Thank you so much to the authors for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.

Author: Victoria Mier & Allison Carr Waechter
Series: Blackbird Hollow
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Pages: 333

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💫

“When I’m done, there won’t be a doubt left in your mind that I want every last part of you.”

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is the first novel in the adult paranormal romance series by the same now. Each novel is an interconnected standalone so they are all set in the same town but will focus on a separate couple. In this first one we follow Alice and Wyatt as a brainiac investigating fae and a hedgerider meant to protect the secrets of the hidden world find themselves brought together when dark forces converge onto the town of Blackbird Hollow. Alice is determined to unlock the truth but in the shake up of Wyatt's own world will Alice find the home she's always looked for?

If you want a truly sweet romance in a gritty investigative world this book will be the perfect sweet spot!

I had so much fun with Alice and Wyatt. Alice has always been curious about fae but a government organization known as the Sector has got their eyes on her. I loved her following her gut and thrusting herself into a world she doesn't fully understand but is willing to explore. She is a warm character who just wants to help and learn and she fits the world of Blackbird Hollow so incredibly well.

Wyatt is a calm and steady soul that just felt right in this story. I enjoyed his presence and support he provided to his family and Alice. He isn't afraid to say what he wants and yet he's also not here to trample everyone in the process. He also has an adorable wolf dog I could not get enough of.

“I don’t think I believe in things like fate or destiny, even soulmates. But it’s hard not to feel like we weren’t made from the same stardust. Or some [sheet] like that.”

In terms of spice I would place this as a 1.5 spicy pepper out of 5 spicy peppers. This is definitely a slow burn in the spice department with spice not occurring until the 62% mark but the romance has this immediate connection with a friendly to friends to lovers. The connection between these two is undeniable and I loved how effortless their relationship was. The spice was a cherry on top of a romance that just worked. It is detailed and explicit with a touch of romance. There is also quite a few scenes of them making out but with a lot of stuff happening plot wise they have to learn restraint :P

The story itself gave me this almost Twin Peaks-esque vibe as we grapple between the paranormal with hidden fae in the world and also a government organization out to deceive the world using aliens. Also, throw in a mystery around the Wild Hunt that is leading to disappearances. I also loved how immersive the world is - you are never fed the lore, you are gathering it piece by piece as the characters just live it. I felt satisfied in learning secrets and truths. The side characters really helped make the town feel cosier as they all work together against these darker forces and Wyatt's two siblings are hilarious and fun. I was not expecting some of the twist and turns and I was so psyched when they revealed something truly different. The ending brings things together for our main couple but there is definitely more to explore in this world and I cannot wait.

This book was so much fun and I cannot recommend it enough!

Thank you to Allison and Victoria for this arc!

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…it’s like there’s this big ball of warmth inside of me, tingling across my skin, and it won’t let me be properly afraid. Like maybe I’m finally where I belong, finally with the people I belong to—have always belonged to and just never realized it.”

If you’ve ever longed for a place that feels like your own, this book is for you. If you believe in just a little bit of magic, no mind the evidence against it, this book is for you. If you want to cozy up with a latte in your favorite mug, probably chipped, and dive into a slightly spooky, magical adventure in a town that you’ll be wishing were real, this book is for you.

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow by Victoria Mier and Allison Carr Waechter is my favorite read so far this fall. I was instantly drawn in to the story of Alice Blythe, a feisty, intelligent woman who has spent her life trying to uncover the truth of her world. It’s a world that feels a bit like our own, but diverges in a dark, twisty, fabulous way.

She is drawn to Blackbird Hollow, a small town full of its own magic and mischief. Witches, hedgeriders, and darker creatures abound - and Alice falls in with a family who immediately feels like her own. Wyatt, Fallon, and Cade Hayes are the most fun, quirky, hilarious little family and watching them take to Alice and introduce her to life in Blackbird Hollow made my heart melt. Wyatt in particular is the type of steady, strong, yet sarcasticly sweet guy that I love to read about. He never condescended to Alice even though he wanted to protect her, but instead challenged her ideas and answered the questions she’s longed to ask. The chemistry between these two was smoking! I loved their little interactions and the banter was so entertaining.

The writing is absolutely gorgeous - descriptive and a little melancholy, with perfect chunks of humor and romance. I love the setting of Blackbird Hollow! This was the most atmospheric, moody town and being immersed in it gave the perfect fall vibes I’ve been longing for. The story itself was so interesting and kept me entranced through each new development. I truly can’t say enough good words about this book - a new favorite from me, and I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book. Victoria and Allison are the perfect writing duo and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read an arc of this novel.

[achaserigtrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book when it comes out! Read it outdoors on a cool October afternoon on a plaid blanket laid upon crunchy leaves with a thermos of your favorite coffee while wearing your most comfortable hand knit sweater and big, dirty boots. And thank me later.

Everything Allison and Victoria touch turns to magic and this book jointly written by both of them is no exception. Filled with the warmest sense of community, belonging, and acceptance, it is the sweetest autumn romance. Alice and Wyatt’s love moves fast—let’s face it, we were all here for that anyway—but it’s also an integral part of the plot and Alice belonging somewhere for the first time in her life—and that somewhere is the perfect secretive 90s small town on the edge of a creepy forest filled with fascinating side characters.

The MMC Wyatt has this sort of charm about him that reminds me of my childhood in the Northwest. He is somehow 70s logger-esque meets yearning 90s small town man meets edgy Hedgerider all wrapped up in a devoted, perfect package. Handsome, floppy-haired, flannel-wearing, classic truck driving, hardworking with impeccable taste who can cook, knit, and get his hands dirty while living in a rustic cottage near the woods. All the while he is patient, kind, and careful with Alice’s heart. I mean, COME ON. Dream MMC.

Alice is a grad student who has thrown herself into her studies but never really fit into the Northeastern upper class vibes of academia. When she receives an anonymous tip to check out Blackbird Hollow for her research, she decides to go and from the moment she steps foot in this perfectly autumnal, magical, gothic town, she is smitten—with it, Wyatt, its people, and lore.

Allison and Victoria took so much care with the setting, which is also basically a character. It is a 90s autumn dream and the timeframe they chose to set the book makes me love it even more—like they took their favorite parts from every great 90s supernatural show and combined them into this perfect book.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the authors. All thoughts are my own. Thanks so much, Allison and Victoria! I can’t wait to return to Blackbird Hollow with the next book.

[ChellesOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Content warning: use of weapons, violence, unconsented monitoring, injury detail, grief from family loss

Thank you to the authors for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

Let's start with what I love - the township of Blackbird Hollow was honestly so inviting, I wanted to move there myself. I loved the tight-knit community, the groups of different supernatural entities all living and working to protect what is theirs, and the overall small-town cosy vibes. I appreciated how well both authors created rich imagery of the township and the core characters, which strengthened over the duration of this read. I wanted to learn more about the townies and how they all worked together with the Hayes family as they prepared for the Wild Hunt to come through town. I also really loved the sinister nature of fae, in comparison to the cosy paranormal vibes the rest of the characters in this story portray. I really wished for a deeper dive into their existence. Finally, I enjoyed the Hayes trio. The siblings all have their strengths and weaknesses, and I liked how they responded to Alice in their own ways.

Unfortunately, I did struggle with the pacing of the relationships in this book. This was an issue with both the main couple and their instalove rush into feelings, and how quickly everyone just accepted Alice entering their lives. To me, it felt a little unbelievable and far too convenient. Had the pacing been a little slower in developing these connections, I am certain I would have enjoyed this story a great deal more. I liked a lot of details, but this overlooking of the relationship believability often threw me out of the story, as I'm personally not a fan of instalove. I also didn't quite grasp the government sector "men in black" element. I liked that there was an extraterrestrial cover-up story for their Wild Hunt and Their (fae) existence. But I felt as if I had picked up a book that wasn't the first in the series when it came to understanding the overall world lore, from the government influence on curfews and utilising somewhat of a dystopian ruling. It conflicted with Blackbird Hollow and how it was constructed, and I wished the focus had either been on developing the fae further or explaining more about the zones and why society had been monitored as it was. The characters understood it, but I felt like I didn't and was left out of core information that I must have not ingested at some point in the read.

That being said, I do think this first installment of the series is interesting enough, and for fans of faster-moving connections, small town vibes with a paranormal twist, I think many will enjoy this.

[Nova McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to my new Halloween comfort read!
Welcome to Blackbird Hollow!

We follow Alice, who’s just been kicked out of her PhD program and feels a bit adrift. She receives a tip about paranormal happenings in the nearby town of Blackbird Hollow, where people are going missing, and she takes the chance to check it out. That’s where the adventure begins.

With the Wild Hunt about to sweep through town, tourists disappearing, hellhounds prowling, redcaps, pixies, and nymphs appearing, and Sector agents lurking with a curious interest in Alice, this book is full of mystery and intrigue. The plotline had my folklore-loving heart pitter-pattering, but for me, the most captivating part of the book was the wonderfully lovable found family and the grumpy, plaid-wearing fae hunter who turns Alice’s world upside down.

The romance? Absolutely adorable. With flirty banter, blushing cheeks, and stolen glances, my heart was racing. Their love is easy, soft, and just right. Wyatt is the classic “falls first, falls hardest” hero, and while there’s a light touch of the “she’ll never want to stay in this small town” trope, at its core, this is a sweet and tender romance.

The found family element is gold. I’m slightly obsessed with Wyatt’s chaotic, lovable family, from his newly-turned brother Caden to his sister Fallon, who seems to be a kindred spirit to Alice, their connection almost as strong and immediate as Alice’s with Wyatt. Beyond Wyatt’s family, the town’s residents warmly embrace Alice, making her feel like she truly belongs. They all add so much charm. Alice arrives in Blackbird Hollow a little lost, and it’s so moving to see her slip right in, like a missing puzzle piece, and finally find her people.

And the folklore! I adored the more classic depiction of the fae and the mix of paranormal and mythical creatures woven in. It gave the story a rich, vintage feel that made it the perfect fall read.

Thank you to Allison Carr Waechter and Victoria Mier for this gifted copy! I need Fallon's story asap!!

[Camilla_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two of your fave indie authors team up for a paranormal romance you KNOW its going to be good. And it really, really was! I was drawn in from page one, and completely obsessed by the end of the first chapter. Blackbird Hollow is equal parts charming and creepy, and I want to move there immediately. In this market of gorgeous misunderstood fae, this book brings back the old stories I grew up on about mischievous and oftentimes dangerous creatures not to be trifled with.

Alice is coming to town with a last-ditch academic angle, desperate to prove her theories correct in a future that's accepted the idea of aliens but won't acknowledge the Other Folk. Wyatt knows Them well, having grown up a Hedgerider tasked with keeping the Hollow safe. The chemistry is immediate, and while I'm not usually one for insta-love, it makes sense in this magically charged, small-town setting. Something Else seems to have brought them together, inexplicably drawn to each other.

There are of course wonderful elements of found family and a host of brilliant and diverse side characters - a trademark of both authors. And obviously, they managed to get me choked up a few times too. I'm just such a sucker for an FMC winding up somewhere she finally belongs and is cherished like she deserves, okay?!

I can't wait for the next book in the interconnected series of standalones!

Highly recommend this if you enjoyed Bride, A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon and The Kiss Curse.

Content Warnings: alcohol consumption, blood, bodies, death (parental - off page but discussed, on page human and non-human), gore, sexual scenes.

Thank you so much Allison and Victoria for an e-ARC!

[Jess (scijessreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is the world we get when two amazing authors come together and create a story that has a bit of everything that I love in it. This world reads as if Stars Hollow and Twin Peaks and Wayward Pines all came together in a world with the scary kind of Fae and dubious government agencies. We get to explore a world that reads a bit dystopian/alternate history, full of folklore and conspiracy and a whole lot of unanswered questions. Blackbird Hollow is a place that attracts people who belong - who are willing to become part of the community - and is built upon legacy and survival.

What I love about Alice is her search to find somewhere to belong, to feel at home. Wyatt is trying to keep his family together, and is not looking for complications. But complications (and a bit of insta-love) manage to fall into his lap in the form of Alice when she rolls into town. They both join forces to find out what is happening to missing hikers, prepare for the Wild Hunt that is on the way, and learn just why the government is still tracking Alice.

Outside of Alice and Wyatt, my favorite relationship may just be Alice and Fallon. This story is so much about finding family, finding your place, and not being afraid to stay instead of run. THe entire surrounding cast of characters adds so much depth to the story and world, and I know we are just beginning to unravel a whole host of mysteries.

In Blackbird Hollow we get humor, heart, and hope. Which is all we can ask for sometimes.

I read this early as an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[scribsbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is a paranormal small town romance with Supernatural vibes and a healthy dose of mythology…or is it? Alice Blythe is an academic doing a lot of research for her PhD program but things come to a head when she gets kicked out for punching another student (honestly, a hilarious part of the story). Unsure of where to go and what to do, she makes her way to Blackbird Hollow where things aren’t always as it appears to be, especially when she meets Wyatt Hayes. Wyatt Hayes is the middle child of the Hayes family, a family long associated with being fae hunters. When Alice arrives she’s the newcomer asking a lot of questions and while neither Wyatt nor the townspeople are too open, there’s something about her that makes the sleuthing a lot more interesting.

This is the perfect start to the fall if you’re looking for something that’s cozy but also mysterious. While this genre is not my typical wheelhouse, I did enjoy the journey even if it took me a bit longer than I would have preferred. The worldbuilding is rich and well balanced; the plot is intriguing and engaging; the writing itself is so good that it’s hard not to enjoy the story. The pacing, despite taking place in a somewhat high stakes situation, is still fairly relaxed and there are moments of humor that helps create a cozy atmosphere. This is a small town that I think I could definitely enjoy!

Thank you so much to Allison Carr Waechter and Victoria Mier for the gifted ARC. I can’t wait to see what happens next! All opinions are my own.

[Ashley (alwaysbooksandtea) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Because a world with magic is just better than one without, even if that magic is wild and strange and dangerous- just like it seems to be here in Blackbird Hollow."

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is a dual POV paranormal/fantasy romance. It tells the story of Alice, a graduate student who moves to Blackbird Hollow in pursuit of the truth about the fey. Wyatt is a local, dedicated to protecting the people and secrets of his town.

The story was cute. I thought the history/worldbuilding lacking in some areas. There were also plot points that were mentioned but didn't amount to anything. There's instalove between Wyatt and Alice, which is a hit or miss trope for me. I didn't buy into their immediate connection, and so their relationship fell a bit flat for me. If you like paranormal/fantasy romances with a small town setting, this may be up your alley. I recommend giving it a shot.

"I don't know why I find a six-foot-two man who looks like he does a lot of manual labor blushing and saying things like "ol' switcheroo" so delightful, but I absolutely do."

"I want with all my heart to belong here. I didn't know you could be homesick for a place that isn't your home and that you haven't even left- but that's the best way I can describe the feeling curled up beneath my breastbone, bitter and sweet."

"He knows how heavy personal histories can get in this world, how uneasily those gory stories lie beneath their headstones. But with Wyatt, I feel like I can safely dig mine up. I know he'll catch me before I tumble into an open grave."

[KittyKate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes this book was everything you want in a fall season book.

Firstly, the world building is so good!! It had me asking so many questions ( some are still not answered and that’s totally okay.. maybe the second interconnected book will reveal more, maybe not). The history and events leading to the story had me intrigued right away. It’s a world like our but not and something happened to eff sh*t up.

As an avid reader of Allison’s I can say that the characters are deep and rich (like always). This is a found family based book and OH MAN it provides. The Hayes family is flawed but also perfect. The town of BlackBird Hallow is a quirky bunch of close knit people and I want to live there!!!

The setting and vibes were spot on. Like a little spooky at time ( had to pause reading at night … yes I am a chicken) but also warm and cozy at times too. It reflected the autumn season perfectly. Think like an old, mountain town with creepy woods and hushed whispers.

Alice and Wyatt…. What a great couple. I adored them together. They were soft when needed and supportive/ hard when it was called for. There was a give and take in their relationship; providing what the other needed at that time and a knowing that it would land in love.

Seriously, this is the read for this spooky/ fall season! Get on it now friends.

Found family
Spooky vibes
X files -ish but like folklore
Paranormal and post apocalyptic-ish
Female friendship
“My person”
Dark but cozy

[Karmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
🌶️

I enjoyed reading this, I did feel a bit like I was always waiting for something to happen… around the 70% mark is where I became the most invested, and the last couple of chapters had me really excited for what may potentially come next… I really hope in the next book we get more stories focused on the world of black hollow and those that inhabit it as well as some information on reformation (if this is explained then my ADHD brain missed it 🫠)

Disclaimer: In all fantasy series, I’m the person who needs encouragement to push through on book 1 (it took me ten years to read ACOTAR - which is now one of my god tier) I always feel it’s important to note this as I just never really get crazy about book 1 in a series … ever (except zodiac academy)

Side note: If you were born in the 80s there is going to be many moments of nostalgia, without copying the originals, there were definitely nods to shows we grew up loving, supernatural being one which I’m currently rewatching 😂

Things I didn’t love
- the pet names, sweet girl and baby girl
- Sweet boy
These terms just gave me the ick (but that could just be a me problem)
- I couldn’t always remember whose chapter it was, Alice or Wyatt’s sometimes they seemed like the same person and not two distinct individuals
- no aliens…? 👽

[Madi (madifett.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Victoria and Allison for the opportunity to be on your ARC team! 🖤🫶 and thank you for writing one of my favorite books of this year.

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is my first book by these authors, but it definitely won’t be my last. This book is sweet, eerie, and brutal, but it has serious heart. I read it the way someone who’s just run a marathon chugs a bottle of water. I honestly couldn’t put it down.

Can you be homesick for somewhere you’ve never been? Because I’m homesick for Blackbird Hollow. The world-building in this book is incredible. I found myself wanting more and more history of the world that seemed to have experienced so much turmoil. The authors’ descriptions of the world around Alice and Wyatt are breathtaking. And the nod to famous witches throughout history and pop culture made me smile. I was completely spellbound for the entire book. I’m still in awe of Victoria and Allison’s ability to co-write this book - their individual voices come together so perfectly.

I adore Alice and Wyatt’s relationship. The mutual respect and love that the two have for each other is a beautiful thing. Welcome to Blackbird Hollow is a romance, but it’s so much more - it’s a love letter to the paranormal shows I grew up with (hi, Buffy!) and a profound story of found family and community.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And, if the Wild Hunt takes us, at least we had one last part before the end.”
~
There were so many quotes I could have put there, but this seemed a relatively safe, spoiler-free option. But okay first of all! Fern, I NEED my own Fern, I adored her and her personality so very much! But truly, this story was an absolute gem. It was the perfect mix of small town, romance and supernatural and it left me with more questions than answers, so I’m really glad that book two is coming next year. The folklore that was pulled to create the magic system of the ley lines and nymphs and Fey and something…other, was brilliantly done and I found myself gobbling up every new tidbit and interaction that we got. Alice was a perfectly flawed and strong female main character, and my heart about burst at all the Mr. Rabbit scenes. I just wanted to hug her so many times, and was cheering her on so much as we went. Wyatt. Sweet, sweet Wyatt. We love a golden retriever man who can also be cunning and protective and badass and I loved him! And Fallon. FALLON! She is THE alpha, I swear, I don’t care that Cade is what he is (even though I love him, too), she is the moment okay? This was such a fun story to read and escape into and it’s perfect for your fall TBR!

[Danni Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow
By Victoria Mier & Allison Carr Waechter

🍂 Paranormal Small Town
🐈‍⬛ Found Family
🍂 Touch him and ☠️
🐈‍⬛ Scary Fae
🍂 Cozy Against the Dark
🐈‍⬛ Grumpy hot man in flannel
🍂 "My Girls"
🐈‍⬛ Hellhounds: if not friend, why not friend-shaped?


This incredible novel follows the tale of Alice, a grad student who feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere, who has thrown herself into study and conspiracy theory when she receives an anonymous tip that she should check out Blackbird Hollow where some mysterious disappearances have happened. So off she goes desperate to uncover some truths to see if they link up to everything she believes in, when she meets Wyatt who introduces her so much more!
There's Them, there's Witches and their covens, there's even werewolves and a gorgeous doggo you are bound to fall for faster than Wyatt and Alice fall for each other (and that in itself is a feat!)😉
Not to mention a nostalgic town that protects its own and has done so for as long as they have known each other.
This novel is unique but in all the best ways 😍

Welcome to Blackbird Hollow releases September 30th 😘🖤

#paranormalromance #foundfamily #mygirls #bookreview #bookish

[fatedhearts_lorilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fae, an outsider finding her place in a small town community, a lovable animal companion, female friendship and found family? All this and more in 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬!

This was such a fun and cozy small town romance, combined with mystery around the Fae, and a dystopian government agency. Alice ends up having to leave her university, and finds herself in Blackbird Hollow where she quickly falls in with the Hayes family. It’s very insta-lovey, both with Wyatt romantically, and with the siblings platonically. I did love how quickly Alice was accepted by the family but I might’ve preferred a biiiit more of a slow burn with the falling in love part. But all things considered, it wasn’t a big issue for me. I definitely appreciated how safe Alice felt in her new community.

I really appreciated how the authors wove together so many different spiritual and supernatural elements to the story. I didn’t know which direction things were going to go, and I enjoyed the journey of figuring it out as Alice did.

Thank you so much to Allison Carr Waechter and Victoria Mier for the gifted e-arc!

4.25 🌟

[Morgan Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75🌟A perfect spooky season opener!! This was giving Supernaturals meets Glimore Girls vibes! A spicy paranormal romance that is book 1 in an upcoming series of books - each book will have a completed story but there will be an overarching story.

Allison and Victoria are two of my absolutely fav authors and they are both just so damn cool. I love that they wrote this together its a nod to their friendship and I love the emphasis on platonic love! We love our besties. The romance between our MMCs is also just so sweet and while it comes on quickly it just totally works for this story! The connection and community is this story - gah I felt it in my bones! Also Mr Rabbit 🥺

Their writing is so emotive and layered i always walk away feeling like their stories are written just for me.

This world is also so freaking cool - fey, secret agencies and a cozy small town with witches and hedgeriders(think hunters like supernaturals). I cant wait to come back to Blackbird Hollow!

Thank you for this ARC opportunity 🙏