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Under the Woods: A Fantasy Monster Romance
I just might survive the apocalypse among beings thought to exist only in fantasy books. As long as I stop fantasizing about tasting their gorgeous leader's silvery lips.
When the world was first overrun by monsters, I thought I didn’t stand a chance of surviving. Yet here I am, months into the supernatural apocalypse–a botanist still alive and kicking and… pruning. Who would have guessed that my knowledge of plants would make me valuable to forest-dwelling beings of the night? Tending their underground gardens is hard work, but I’m safe in their kingdom.
Until he shows up. One of their leaders, with looks that could kill and a task for me that just might. I have to follow him and his unconventional friends deeper into their world, where danger lurks behind every tree.
But am I focused on the risky task? No, I’m too busy imagining his muscled arms around me and his silvery lips brushing mine. Like a honeybee to a flower, I’m drawn to the enigmatic male my life depends on–and he might pose the greatest threat of all.
Under the Woods is a post-apocalyptic fantasy romance about a gentle botanist thrust into a dangerous world of monsters and royal intrigue, and a stoic male who will do everything in his power to protect her. But can he protect her from himself? Get whisked away to a world of magic and experience steamy moments, some jump scares, and quite a few laughs on the way to the guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Brave New World series but can be read as a standalone. For mature readers only.
When the world was first overrun by monsters, I thought I didn’t stand a chance of surviving. Yet here I am, months into the supernatural apocalypse–a botanist still alive and kicking and… pruning. Who would have guessed that my knowledge of plants would make me valuable to forest-dwelling beings of the night? Tending their underground gardens is hard work, but I’m safe in their kingdom.
Until he shows up. One of their leaders, with looks that could kill and a task for me that just might. I have to follow him and his unconventional friends deeper into their world, where danger lurks behind every tree.
But am I focused on the risky task? No, I’m too busy imagining his muscled arms around me and his silvery lips brushing mine. Like a honeybee to a flower, I’m drawn to the enigmatic male my life depends on–and he might pose the greatest threat of all.
Under the Woods is a post-apocalyptic fantasy romance about a gentle botanist thrust into a dangerous world of monsters and royal intrigue, and a stoic male who will do everything in his power to protect her. But can he protect her from himself? Get whisked away to a world of magic and experience steamy moments, some jump scares, and quite a few laughs on the way to the guaranteed HEA. This is the second book in the Brave New World series but can be read as a standalone. For mature readers only.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Marian Pattechat
9 books77 followersMarian is an avid fan of fantasy, science fiction, and horror books.
She started writing (in secret) novels in those genres when she was nine, and began adding a pinch of romance to her creations when the need for a Prince Charming hit her eventually.
Nowadays, her literary muse bugs her in the wee hours with steamy romance ideas combined with a hearty dose of humor. Armed with a glass of her favorite crème de menthe, Marian enjoys writing (no longer in secret) about sassy heroines and cinnamon roll heroes who discover new worlds – and love – together.
She started writing (in secret) novels in those genres when she was nine, and began adding a pinch of romance to her creations when the need for a Prince Charming hit her eventually.
Nowadays, her literary muse bugs her in the wee hours with steamy romance ideas combined with a hearty dose of humor. Armed with a glass of her favorite crème de menthe, Marian enjoys writing (no longer in secret) about sassy heroines and cinnamon roll heroes who discover new worlds – and love – together.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Under the Woods is a cute post-apocalyptic fantasy. Jasmine is a botanist who has survived 3 waves of the apocalypse: zombies, werewolves and aliens.
She finds herself whisked away to the underground realm of the elves, where her knowledge of botany makes her valuable to the elves, who have long been the keepers and protectors of the natural world. Thanks to all the damage humans did to the environment prior to the apocalypse they aren't well regarded by most of elf-kind. But Karim, the elf prince, recognizes Jasmine's skills with plants and recruits her for a special mission: retrieve and replant a rare and delicate flower.
Under the Woods is a quick and fairly light hearted (for a post-apocalyptic story) insta-lust/love read. There are some minor moments of miscommunication, mainly brought on by cultural and language differences, but Karim and Jasmine work through them by having a conversation, like the adults they are.
Thank you Marian Pattechat for the opportunity to advance read!
She finds herself whisked away to the underground realm of the elves, where her knowledge of botany makes her valuable to the elves, who have long been the keepers and protectors of the natural world. Thanks to all the damage humans did to the environment prior to the apocalypse they aren't well regarded by most of elf-kind. But Karim, the elf prince, recognizes Jasmine's skills with plants and recruits her for a special mission: retrieve and replant a rare and delicate flower.
Under the Woods is a quick and fairly light hearted (for a post-apocalyptic story) insta-lust/love read. There are some minor moments of miscommunication, mainly brought on by cultural and language differences, but Karim and Jasmine work through them by having a conversation, like the adults they are.
Thank you Marian Pattechat for the opportunity to advance read!
November 29, 2025
ARC review
The story in this book is happening after an apocalypse. The world as they know it is overrun by monsters and our FMC, Jasmine, a botanist has survived it all. She is currently working in underground gardens that are from the elves.
One day Jasmine is being fetched to go to the surface to get a special plant. Apparently it is quite hard to make sure the plant survives and she's the only suitable person to do this task. So to the surface she goes, with elves to guard her. Among the group there is our MMC, Karim, the prince of the elves. The plant is for his personal garden. While they are above ground they got attacked and Jasmine is injured. Karim takes it upon himself to make sure Jasmine gets the care she needs to get better again.
I really enjoyed the book, but I did expect a darker book. The book is way lighter than I thought. That is not a bad thing, just not what I expected. The book talks about monsters, zombies and aliens and a couple of them are being named, and they get attacked by some, I'm missing more information and dept around those creatures. Same goes for the word above ground, I did not have the feeling that I got a clear picture on how that part of the world now looks. The word underground is quite well described as are some of the elves customs that are particular for the world.
I have the feeling that there is more information about the whole world and the monsters in it in book one. I did not read this book, I was told this book could be read as a stand alone.
What I would also like to know, what is so special about the plant, why did they get it and risked their lives for it. Was the plant just a reason for the book or will it play a bigger role in a next book?
The books has the trope insta love/lust and ends in HEA.
The story in this book is happening after an apocalypse. The world as they know it is overrun by monsters and our FMC, Jasmine, a botanist has survived it all. She is currently working in underground gardens that are from the elves.
One day Jasmine is being fetched to go to the surface to get a special plant. Apparently it is quite hard to make sure the plant survives and she's the only suitable person to do this task. So to the surface she goes, with elves to guard her. Among the group there is our MMC, Karim, the prince of the elves. The plant is for his personal garden. While they are above ground they got attacked and Jasmine is injured. Karim takes it upon himself to make sure Jasmine gets the care she needs to get better again.
I really enjoyed the book, but I did expect a darker book. The book is way lighter than I thought. That is not a bad thing, just not what I expected. The book talks about monsters, zombies and aliens and a couple of them are being named, and they get attacked by some, I'm missing more information and dept around those creatures. Same goes for the word above ground, I did not have the feeling that I got a clear picture on how that part of the world now looks. The word underground is quite well described as are some of the elves customs that are particular for the world.
I have the feeling that there is more information about the whole world and the monsters in it in book one. I did not read this book, I was told this book could be read as a stand alone.
What I would also like to know, what is so special about the plant, why did they get it and risked their lives for it. Was the plant just a reason for the book or will it play a bigger role in a next book?
The books has the trope insta love/lust and ends in HEA.
December 3, 2025
post apocalyptic world
elf mmc
human fmc
this was soo good. Jasmine and the prince were so good together.
elf mmc
human fmc
this was soo good. Jasmine and the prince were so good together.
December 17, 2025
Another 4.5 ⭐ for this 3x post apocalyptic world and the beautiful love stories that manage to blossom in spite of all the destruction!
Jasmine is a 31 year old Botanist that was taken from the surface by Elves. She serves as a gardener in the gardens they keep, preserving as much plant life as they can. The hours are long, the accommodations are sparse, but she's alive and she's safe and that's more than she had on the surface. When a regal looking elf enters the garden with a task to go to the surface to retrieve a plant Jasmine seizes the opportunity. She learns they are seeking out a flower that previously would have never grown in this area of the world, but thanks to the aliens bombing everything conditions have shifted and Nature put this bloom in their path, or that's what Prince Karim believes. His love for plants and his dedication to save them sparks something deep in Jasmine. "Apparently all it took to find a man speaking my love language was three apocalypses and getting snatched by elves."😂😂😂 One problem stands in the way and it isn't Karim's best friend Diedre like Jasmine initially believes. She is a human and Karim is an elf and those pairings are forbidden in his world. But the way he looks and her and brushes his hand against hers and his hold on her once she's injured retrieving the flower tell her things may not be exactly as they seem between them. The age old battle between duty and love. Between reputation and desire. As Jasmine spends time in his most sacred spaces she wonders how he will ever decide without knowing it was never his choice to begin with. Silly temptress, little flower 😍
Little side notes just for fun:
Jasmine is a 31 year old Botanist that was taken from the surface by Elves. She serves as a gardener in the gardens they keep, preserving as much plant life as they can. The hours are long, the accommodations are sparse, but she's alive and she's safe and that's more than she had on the surface. When a regal looking elf enters the garden with a task to go to the surface to retrieve a plant Jasmine seizes the opportunity. She learns they are seeking out a flower that previously would have never grown in this area of the world, but thanks to the aliens bombing everything conditions have shifted and Nature put this bloom in their path, or that's what Prince Karim believes. His love for plants and his dedication to save them sparks something deep in Jasmine. "Apparently all it took to find a man speaking my love language was three apocalypses and getting snatched by elves."😂😂😂 One problem stands in the way and it isn't Karim's best friend Diedre like Jasmine initially believes. She is a human and Karim is an elf and those pairings are forbidden in his world. But the way he looks and her and brushes his hand against hers and his hold on her once she's injured retrieving the flower tell her things may not be exactly as they seem between them. The age old battle between duty and love. Between reputation and desire. As Jasmine spends time in his most sacred spaces she wonders how he will ever decide without knowing it was never his choice to begin with. Silly temptress, little flower 😍
Little side notes just for fun:
Review of advance copy received from Author
“ All it took to find a man speaking my love language was three apocalypses and getting snatched by elves”
The world Jasmine knew was gone, she is now confined to the underground with the elves where humans are beneath them. In her old life she was a botanist so she is tasked to look after the gardens, working all hours. Elves are thriving, humans are just surviving.
It is here working in the gardens, she comes to the attention of Karim. He wants her to help retrieve a special flower from the surface. When Jasmine sees him first she can’t keep her eyes off him, she’s mesmerised by him.
When they go to the surface he promises to keep her safe because they do not know the danger they face. Elves are able to blend well into their surroundings, they move soundlessly. When Jasmine gets hurt on their task he takes care of her.
What Jasmine doesn’t know is what Karim feels for her the moment saw her, she was breathtaking to him. His intensity, magnetism with a dangerous edge that’s what drew Jasmine to him, he was wrapped in an attractive package.
Gardens and Moss are sacred to the Elves, so when Karim made an exception for Jasmine when he put her on his moss, he was his, she belonged to him.To Karmin she’s a worthy female, she’s a temptress to him.
The desire they have for each other , their first kiss 🥵, his control hangs in the balance around her. Jasmine craves him just as much as he craves her. Trust and intimacy a soul deep connection.
“My heart to yours. My braid to yours…Temptess”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The world Jasmine knew was gone, she is now confined to the underground with the elves where humans are beneath them. In her old life she was a botanist so she is tasked to look after the gardens, working all hours. Elves are thriving, humans are just surviving.
It is here working in the gardens, she comes to the attention of Karim. He wants her to help retrieve a special flower from the surface. When Jasmine sees him first she can’t keep her eyes off him, she’s mesmerised by him.
When they go to the surface he promises to keep her safe because they do not know the danger they face. Elves are able to blend well into their surroundings, they move soundlessly. When Jasmine gets hurt on their task he takes care of her.
What Jasmine doesn’t know is what Karim feels for her the moment saw her, she was breathtaking to him. His intensity, magnetism with a dangerous edge that’s what drew Jasmine to him, he was wrapped in an attractive package.
Gardens and Moss are sacred to the Elves, so when Karim made an exception for Jasmine when he put her on his moss, he was his, she belonged to him.To Karmin she’s a worthy female, she’s a temptress to him.
The desire they have for each other , their first kiss 🥵, his control hangs in the balance around her. Jasmine craves him just as much as he craves her. Trust and intimacy a soul deep connection.
“My heart to yours. My braid to yours…Temptess”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 25, 2025
A new trope of monster love (at least to me). Haughty elves and female humans kept alive in the underground to work in the gardens of the elves during a multitude of dystopian apocalypses. Jasmine (our heroine ) has survived monsters, natural disasters and aliens only to find herself captured by arrogant, dismissive purebred elves. An accomplished botanist Jasmine's skills bring her to the attention of the elven prince who requires her to assist in a delicate transplant of a rare edelweiss flower. Returning to the surface the prince and a few associates find and recover the flower only to be attacked by werewolves and she is injured fleeing the battle. Intrigued and feeling responsible for her serious injuries Prince Karim takes her into his home to treat the wounds. As Jasmine gets to know Karim and his allies she has an intense reaction to the magnetism of the prince and the nigh irresistable charm that captivates both of them. Jasmine is tutored in elven mores and makes friends with a half-elf named Deirde as she discovers some interesting secrets of the prince that only arouse her more. The increasing connection both physical and emotional drives the rest of the story to a satisfying conclusion while also providing other exciting storylines of political and militant bent to our reading. Very much a insta-love story that leaves you satisfied. I received an ARC from the author to allow me to provide an honest review if I wished.
December 17, 2025
I had the pleasure of arc-reading Under the Woods, and it delivered exactly what I've come to expect from Patterchat: confident writing, sharp humour, exciting action, and absolutely top-shelf spice.
This is less monster romance and more very spicy romantasy. Jasmine is a relatable thirty-something with a green thumb and zero idea she’s about to derail an elf prince’s entire existence. Karim is dangerous, otherworldly, and down bad — not just with her skills with flowers, but with Jasmine herself.
The side characters are a delight without ever stealing the spotlight. My personal favourite is Deidre, a half-elf bestie who bonds with Jasmine over bad luck in love in a way that made me want more of her immediately.
The world-building hits that sweet spot: just enough elven culture and language to feel immersive, never enough to bog things down. Overall? An extremely good time. Come for the hot elf, stay for the romance (and the spice).
This is less monster romance and more very spicy romantasy. Jasmine is a relatable thirty-something with a green thumb and zero idea she’s about to derail an elf prince’s entire existence. Karim is dangerous, otherworldly, and down bad — not just with her skills with flowers, but with Jasmine herself.
The side characters are a delight without ever stealing the spotlight. My personal favourite is Deidre, a half-elf bestie who bonds with Jasmine over bad luck in love in a way that made me want more of her immediately.
The world-building hits that sweet spot: just enough elven culture and language to feel immersive, never enough to bog things down. Overall? An extremely good time. Come for the hot elf, stay for the romance (and the spice).
December 18, 2025
Such a perfect continuation of the series, we get to experience a different pov of the apocalypse and a different world setting. Compared to the first book, this felt lighter because the action was less gory which was perfect for my current mood. Amazing description and world building by the author - the difference in culture (moss! hair!) made me cackle, snort and giggle. The romance between the main characters was a bit fast but loved Karim and his yearning for his flower (swoon). Even loved the side characters in this one especially Tis. This book is a perfect way to spend a few hours escaping the real world - hilariously funny but with enough intrigue to keep you wanting to know more. My only complaint is that it’s been awhile since the first book that I didn’t realise the connection between the two till much later.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I was given an advance copy of this book but the views are wholly mine.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I was given an advance copy of this book but the views are wholly mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marian Pattechat has such a gift for making the idea of an apocalypse not so scary after all, especially if you find yourself using your knowledge as a botanist to care for underground gardens of a kingdom that resides under the woods!
Jasmine is the strong but silent heroine, observant of her new surroundings and the beings she finds herself living among, especially the very handsome prince.
Karim keeps his feelings for Jasmine to himself at first, but soon his actions scream his intentions too everyone in his kingdom.
This romance is one that will have your feet kicking with excitement! The story has it all, action, found family, annoying royal responsibilities, a cameo from some familiar faces and steamy scenes that will have you searching for a kingdom beneath your local woods!
A must read in the Marian Pattechat catalog of novels!
Jasmine is the strong but silent heroine, observant of her new surroundings and the beings she finds herself living among, especially the very handsome prince.
Karim keeps his feelings for Jasmine to himself at first, but soon his actions scream his intentions too everyone in his kingdom.
This romance is one that will have your feet kicking with excitement! The story has it all, action, found family, annoying royal responsibilities, a cameo from some familiar faces and steamy scenes that will have you searching for a kingdom beneath your local woods!
A must read in the Marian Pattechat catalog of novels!
December 10, 2025
This was fun and quite cute, I liked the post-apocalyptic world with the different creatures, and the plant aspects were interesting too.
The romance was just a little too weak for my liking though. It's a short book but it seemed like there was very little development between the characters, it was all very easy and convenient, with sadly not enough depth for me. It is explained by fate, but it still left me wanting just that little bit more.
A good slow burn though, the spice was not bad at all.
I did thoroughly enjoy other books by this author so I think this particular story was simply not for me.
* thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review *
The romance was just a little too weak for my liking though. It's a short book but it seemed like there was very little development between the characters, it was all very easy and convenient, with sadly not enough depth for me. It is explained by fate, but it still left me wanting just that little bit more.
A good slow burn though, the spice was not bad at all.
I did thoroughly enjoy other books by this author so I think this particular story was simply not for me.
* thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review *
Review of advance copy received from Author
She did it again! Marian wrote another masterpiece! Under the Woods is so so good, with hot elves and a relatable human FMC. I love that the main couple is biracial and that the plot follows where we left off in Amid the Clouds. Like every one of Marian’s books, this is one is SPICY - the MMC has a bit of foot fetish, and his hair is surprising to say the least hehehe You’re gonna love it!
December 23, 2025
This was an ARC read for me.
The concept had potential but it just fell flat for me. The characters needed way more development before they were thrown together, the dialogue was odd, the whole book just needed more oomph. I’m not sure how else to say it, but I found it kind of boring.
Characters, plot, and writing were underwhelming. I just wasn’t into any of it unfortunately.
The concept had potential but it just fell flat for me. The characters needed way more development before they were thrown together, the dialogue was odd, the whole book just needed more oomph. I’m not sure how else to say it, but I found it kind of boring.
Characters, plot, and writing were underwhelming. I just wasn’t into any of it unfortunately.
December 10, 2025
A thrilling mix of post apocalyptic fantasy and steamy romance. The tension, world building, and chemistry are addictive, with danger and desire perfectly balanced. An exciting, emotional, and unputdownable read.
Want to read
December 16, 2025Brave New World Series :
❌ 1. Amid the Clouds: A Fantasy Monster Romance (June 16, 2025) -
❌ 2. Under the Woods: A Fantasy Monster Romance (Expected publication December 16, 2025) -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F88WG6HT?...
❌ 1. Amid the Clouds: A Fantasy Monster Romance (June 16, 2025) -
❌ 2. Under the Woods: A Fantasy Monster Romance (Expected publication December 16, 2025) -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F88WG6HT?...
December 17, 2025
Loved reading it! Very fun, liked the nicknames she gave the mmc a lot!!
The world and everything is very interesting, very curious about the next book. Tho it was a bit short and therefore a bit fast for my liking I still enjoyed it so much!
Also love the little GOT reference 🤗
The world and everything is very interesting, very curious about the next book. Tho it was a bit short and therefore a bit fast for my liking I still enjoyed it so much!
Also love the little GOT reference 🤗
December 20, 2025
I'm loving this series! It's so cool how we get all the monsters in this world- I can't wait to see more.
I thought the couple in this book were cute and all the cultural differences were fun
I can't wait for Deidre's story now. I can already tell that be my favorite
I thought the couple in this book were cute and all the cultural differences were fun
I can't wait for Deidre's story now. I can already tell that be my favorite
December 25, 2025
This was such a fun read! I absolutely loved the humor. The characters—especially Deidre and Tisvali—are a blast. This book is the perfect 'Christmas hangover' read: fun, laid-back, sexy, and sweet. It was definitely an enjoyable and sobering way to spend the holiday! 😁
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews