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The Wilds & The Weeds
On a hot summer’s day in 1975, young heiresses Willow and Ivy Wilde vanish while playing by a pond on the Stonehold estate, never to be seen again.
Now, fifty years later, Stonehold is again abuzz, this time in preparation for the homecoming of Summer Wilde and Brody Weston, whose upcoming wedding is all anyone in Echo, Washington can talk about.
Nobody knows that Summer doesn’t want to marry Brody. That she doesn’t want to inherit Stonehold and be tethered to the unshakable darkness that clings to the halls and grounds like cobwebs. Nobody knows because Summer doesn’t have a choice—she has to marry Brody, and she’s long made peace with her fate.
That is, until she sees Ford Flores—third-generation groundskeeper at Stonehold—for the first time in fifteen years. Ford is everything Brody isn’t; she’s self-sufficient, quick-witted, effortlessly kind, covered in tattoos, and a woman. And the last time Summer saw her, she’d kissed her—impulsive and electrifying—then she’d ran away like a coward.
Summer Wilde is done being a coward.
But it’s hard to take charge of your future in a place like Echo, where the past looms thick as the mountain mist tumbling down the white-tipped Cascades. From ghostly apparitions to secret rooms with mysterious paintings and an old sketchbook with a mind-blowing revelation scribbled inside, Summer begins to realize that if she wants to move forward, she’ll have to put Stonehold’s past to rest—starting with the unsolved disappearance of Willow and Ivy.
With her wedding only days away, the clock is ticking. Even with Ford’s help it won’t be easy—no one is telling the truth and everyone has something to hide. Even Summer.
Now, fifty years later, Stonehold is again abuzz, this time in preparation for the homecoming of Summer Wilde and Brody Weston, whose upcoming wedding is all anyone in Echo, Washington can talk about.
Nobody knows that Summer doesn’t want to marry Brody. That she doesn’t want to inherit Stonehold and be tethered to the unshakable darkness that clings to the halls and grounds like cobwebs. Nobody knows because Summer doesn’t have a choice—she has to marry Brody, and she’s long made peace with her fate.
That is, until she sees Ford Flores—third-generation groundskeeper at Stonehold—for the first time in fifteen years. Ford is everything Brody isn’t; she’s self-sufficient, quick-witted, effortlessly kind, covered in tattoos, and a woman. And the last time Summer saw her, she’d kissed her—impulsive and electrifying—then she’d ran away like a coward.
Summer Wilde is done being a coward.
But it’s hard to take charge of your future in a place like Echo, where the past looms thick as the mountain mist tumbling down the white-tipped Cascades. From ghostly apparitions to secret rooms with mysterious paintings and an old sketchbook with a mind-blowing revelation scribbled inside, Summer begins to realize that if she wants to move forward, she’ll have to put Stonehold’s past to rest—starting with the unsolved disappearance of Willow and Ivy.
With her wedding only days away, the clock is ticking. Even with Ford’s help it won’t be easy—no one is telling the truth and everyone has something to hide. Even Summer.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2025
196 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read
About the author
Ally North
3 books619 followersAlly North (she/her) has been writing fiction her entire life, but recently, during the pandemic, she began writing sapphic romance out of pure chaotic boredom and discovered an untried knack for the genre. She lives in America, but occasionally she lives in England. When she isn’t writing, Ally can be found cooking with obscene amounts of garlic, traveling someplace new, rescuing animals and feeding Jean-Claude, the wild possum who lives under her shed.
She'd love to connect with you on social media:
TikTok: @allynorthauthor
Instagram: @allynorthstories
She'd love to connect with you on social media:
TikTok: @allynorthauthor
Instagram: @allynorthstories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Want to read
July 17, 2025i'm normal about this
Want to read
July 18, 2025I CANT WAIT TO BE FED
December 1, 2025
Unfortunately this was not for me...
November 30, 2025
Before going inti more details, i would have given this book 3 stars having or not having read the Bloom Town duology.
I had great expectations about this book. BT Is the book i compare all the other sapphic romance to (it and Those Who Wait from Haley Cass tbh) and i must say that the wild and the weeds is very far from it.
I knew that both the series were initially born as fanfictions of the same TV show but in my opinion it is too evident when you read this book, even though i watched just a few episodes of the TV show. the manor where the story takes place, the twins, the lake, the gardner, the girl that finds out she's gay before marriage, i think it is really too similar to be read forgetting the original work.
Even in BT you could tell which carachter was who, but at least the setting and the story were completely different.
The book is well written, i can't complain about this, and in some parts there are pieces of what i like about the author, for example the dialogues about the main couple, the way they talk to each other and answer back and forth often in a smartass way. But the building of their relationship? Nowhere to be seen in my opinion. 15 years apart, we see their past just by stories of memories, little to no interaction in the present and after an exchangin of few words they are madly in love for each other. While i was reading BT i could *feel* Abby and Joey attraction developing, to the point i wanted them to kiss more than they wanted it themselves.
Particolar mention to the sex scenes: they still are good, i could say above average compared to what you can find around, but i really couldn't see the chemistry between Summer and Flores and this, at least for me, makes a lot of difference in what i read. They feel a Little unecessary somehow, like you could have them cut off or fade to black and the book would have not lost much in its narration. In BT i remember almost sweating while reading them, here even though they are in some parts similar (sometimes i had the impression the same sentences were used) i don't find them memorable.
So in the end i think this book could have been much more. Will i still buy the new Ally North book? Yes, because i think she writes well and BT showed me what she is capable of, i hope that the next one will be a total original story.
I had great expectations about this book. BT Is the book i compare all the other sapphic romance to (it and Those Who Wait from Haley Cass tbh) and i must say that the wild and the weeds is very far from it.
I knew that both the series were initially born as fanfictions of the same TV show but in my opinion it is too evident when you read this book, even though i watched just a few episodes of the TV show. the manor where the story takes place, the twins, the lake, the gardner, the girl that finds out she's gay before marriage, i think it is really too similar to be read forgetting the original work.
Even in BT you could tell which carachter was who, but at least the setting and the story were completely different.
The book is well written, i can't complain about this, and in some parts there are pieces of what i like about the author, for example the dialogues about the main couple, the way they talk to each other and answer back and forth often in a smartass way. But the building of their relationship? Nowhere to be seen in my opinion. 15 years apart, we see their past just by stories of memories, little to no interaction in the present and after an exchangin of few words they are madly in love for each other. While i was reading BT i could *feel* Abby and Joey attraction developing, to the point i wanted them to kiss more than they wanted it themselves.
Particolar mention to the sex scenes: they still are good, i could say above average compared to what you can find around, but i really couldn't see the chemistry between Summer and Flores and this, at least for me, makes a lot of difference in what i read. They feel a Little unecessary somehow, like you could have them cut off or fade to black and the book would have not lost much in its narration. In BT i remember almost sweating while reading them, here even though they are in some parts similar (sometimes i had the impression the same sentences were used) i don't find them memorable.
So in the end i think this book could have been much more. Will i still buy the new Ally North book? Yes, because i think she writes well and BT showed me what she is capable of, i hope that the next one will be a total original story.
December 4, 2025
I deeply loved Bloom Town—the plot, the action, the resilience of the characters, and the writing style of Ally North.
While reading The Wilds and The Weeds, I realized that authors cannot always give us masterpieces.
When I started reading the novel, I had a bit of difficulty because my mind kept going to The Haunting of Bly Manor, and the weirdest thing is that I would scare myself thinking about what was going to happen, when in the end it wouldn’t be “as scary and suspenseful” as the original story.
I didn’t know this was a sort of fanfic, so I was a bit shaken at first.
I did appreciate the way Ally North describes the settings; all the details made Echo, the Hearth, and Stonehold more vivid in my mind.
The main characters’ storyline required me to suspend my disbelief (no spoilers) regarding how they come together. I liked their back and forth, and the intimate scenes are actually scorching hot.
Some parts are also touching and sad, and others quite interesting regarding the paranormal/theories, etc.
What I didn’t understand—and didn’t like—is how the tasteless lockdown trend of “I feel like Anne Frank” made its way into the pages of this book.
Comparing an heiress possibly renting an attic and therefore being alone/lonely to what Anne Frank must have felt while “hiding and fearing for her life” is not good. It just isn’t. No matter what reasons you think you might have for Ellis, a lawyer who also worked for the Innocence Project, to say those words, it seemed out of character.
In the end, I managed to enjoy the book, but not love it as much as I loved Bloom Town.
I will, of course, look forward to whatever Ally North writes in the future, and I will read it for sure.
3.7 stars for me
While reading The Wilds and The Weeds, I realized that authors cannot always give us masterpieces.
When I started reading the novel, I had a bit of difficulty because my mind kept going to The Haunting of Bly Manor, and the weirdest thing is that I would scare myself thinking about what was going to happen, when in the end it wouldn’t be “as scary and suspenseful” as the original story.
I didn’t know this was a sort of fanfic, so I was a bit shaken at first.
I did appreciate the way Ally North describes the settings; all the details made Echo, the Hearth, and Stonehold more vivid in my mind.
The main characters’ storyline required me to suspend my disbelief (no spoilers) regarding how they come together. I liked their back and forth, and the intimate scenes are actually scorching hot.
Some parts are also touching and sad, and others quite interesting regarding the paranormal/theories, etc.
What I didn’t understand—and didn’t like—is how the tasteless lockdown trend of “I feel like Anne Frank” made its way into the pages of this book.
Comparing an heiress possibly renting an attic and therefore being alone/lonely to what Anne Frank must have felt while “hiding and fearing for her life” is not good. It just isn’t. No matter what reasons you think you might have for Ellis, a lawyer who also worked for the Innocence Project, to say those words, it seemed out of character.
In the end, I managed to enjoy the book, but not love it as much as I loved Bloom Town.
I will, of course, look forward to whatever Ally North writes in the future, and I will read it for sure.
3.7 stars for me
December 4, 2025
Just absolutely excellent. I cried?? Ally North is quickly making her way up my favorite authors list. This AND the Bloom Town books? She swings and she doesn’t miss!
December 1, 2025
I really really wanted to like this book more. As a huge fan of Bloomtown, I found myself struggling to get through this one.
I’m all for evocative imagery and lush detail, but each scene dragged with descriptions from the protagonists pov in a painstaking way. I truly think that in the first 20% of the book we accomplished very little.
Despite being a relatively longer page count, it really felt like not much happened throughout the book. We probably could’ve accomplished what we were going for in 60% of the length. There were so many redundant monologues from Summer about the same exact thing.
Ultimately, the antagonists this time also felt cartoonishly evil. There just wasn’t the nuance that i was expecting, and i felt myself being exasperated during certain scenes. Like i guess people like that exist for sure, but really??? The mystery also felt pretty obvious although it’s painted in a way that it’s not supposed to be.
Finally, I thought the relationship between our two lovers was just not super compelling :(( I think we could have benefited from some scenes showing rather than telling of times when they were younger. It kinda goes from 0-100 pretty fast.
Overall despite my criticisms, I think that some of the side characters were alright. I have definitely read worse, and might be a bit harder on this due to high expectations.
It’s probably closer to a 2.5 than a 3 for me sadly.
I’m all for evocative imagery and lush detail, but each scene dragged with descriptions from the protagonists pov in a painstaking way. I truly think that in the first 20% of the book we accomplished very little.
Despite being a relatively longer page count, it really felt like not much happened throughout the book. We probably could’ve accomplished what we were going for in 60% of the length. There were so many redundant monologues from Summer about the same exact thing.
Ultimately, the antagonists this time also felt cartoonishly evil. There just wasn’t the nuance that i was expecting, and i felt myself being exasperated during certain scenes. Like i guess people like that exist for sure, but really??? The mystery also felt pretty obvious although it’s painted in a way that it’s not supposed to be.
Finally, I thought the relationship between our two lovers was just not super compelling :(( I think we could have benefited from some scenes showing rather than telling of times when they were younger. It kinda goes from 0-100 pretty fast.
Overall despite my criticisms, I think that some of the side characters were alright. I have definitely read worse, and might be a bit harder on this due to high expectations.
It’s probably closer to a 2.5 than a 3 for me sadly.
December 18, 2025
This was even more of an obvious Bly Manor fic than even Bloom Town was. It was also a little draggy and more than a little silly--a character even says to Summer at one point "You have an MBA, how do you not know this?" Which is a VERY good question--but not, like, terrible. The resolution of the overarching plot gets sloppy at the end and there are SO MANY COMMA SPLICES (her editor, if she has one, needs a new job). Spoiler cut for more on the ending:
Anyway, I didn't hate this but I also didn't like it that much. It doesn't have that Bloom Town magic, but it's a serviceable self-published romance.
Anyway, I didn't hate this but I also didn't like it that much. It doesn't have that Bloom Town magic, but it's a serviceable self-published romance.
December 14, 2025
I really wasn’t sure how to rate this book; For me, it’s a 4 in enjoyment but unfortunately a 3 when it comes to quality.
Ally North is such a talented writer that I can’t work out whether this book is disappointing for Ally but amazing in comparison to most Sapphic fiction, or if it doesn’t hold its own against other similar books.
The short answer here is if you like Ally’s writing style, you’ll probably enjoy this book regardless.
Ally is a gorgeous writer and her story-setting, world building and character development was just as good as Bloomtown. The complicated relationships and family dynamics were very well written, and I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was also excellent.
However…. For me, the plot felt clumsy and the nuance just wasn’t there.
The first half of the book had me hooked, however the second half felt rushed and confused. The plot can’t seem to decide whether it’s a mystery, horror or romance, and unfortunately struggles to commit to any of them. The mystery element felt predictable, undefined and like an afterthought.
At times, the relationship plot points felt rushed and completely unrealistic. And on top of it all, there were a LOT of typos here.
Essentially, I did really enjoy this book and would read it again - However, it’s not a polished final product and feels quite messy in some parts. That being said, Ally’s beautiful writing style shines through and, for me, makes all the questionable aspects of this book worth it.
Ally North is such a talented writer that I can’t work out whether this book is disappointing for Ally but amazing in comparison to most Sapphic fiction, or if it doesn’t hold its own against other similar books.
The short answer here is if you like Ally’s writing style, you’ll probably enjoy this book regardless.
Ally is a gorgeous writer and her story-setting, world building and character development was just as good as Bloomtown. The complicated relationships and family dynamics were very well written, and I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was also excellent.
However…. For me, the plot felt clumsy and the nuance just wasn’t there.
The first half of the book had me hooked, however the second half felt rushed and confused. The plot can’t seem to decide whether it’s a mystery, horror or romance, and unfortunately struggles to commit to any of them. The mystery element felt predictable, undefined and like an afterthought.
At times, the relationship plot points felt rushed and completely unrealistic. And on top of it all, there were a LOT of typos here.
Essentially, I did really enjoy this book and would read it again - However, it’s not a polished final product and feels quite messy in some parts. That being said, Ally’s beautiful writing style shines through and, for me, makes all the questionable aspects of this book worth it.
December 13, 2025
Mixed thoughts
I actually hate to drop my rating but I feel really strongly about this book and not in a good way. I feel like this was a Bly Manor fanfic where are the characters were just recycled versions from the show.
Dani/Poppins = Summer/Sunshine
Jamie = Ford
Flora and Miles = The twins
Idk I could probably go on but what's the point. Sadly everything felt like an "Echo" of the show.
At least reading Bloom Town the concepts were distanced enough to not be a distracting reminder of Bly but this book was almost ridiculously copycat-ish.
The groundskeeper, Ford, talks exactly like Jamie. The setting is a mansion. It's haunted by these "memories". Grotesque murders occurred. People died in a lake on the property.
Overall I just felt disappointed that this book felt unoriginal and it really made it difficult to enjoy.
I actually hate to drop my rating but I feel really strongly about this book and not in a good way. I feel like this was a Bly Manor fanfic where are the characters were just recycled versions from the show.
Dani/Poppins = Summer/Sunshine
Jamie = Ford
Flora and Miles = The twins
Idk I could probably go on but what's the point. Sadly everything felt like an "Echo" of the show.
At least reading Bloom Town the concepts were distanced enough to not be a distracting reminder of Bly but this book was almost ridiculously copycat-ish.
The groundskeeper, Ford, talks exactly like Jamie. The setting is a mansion. It's haunted by these "memories". Grotesque murders occurred. People died in a lake on the property.
Overall I just felt disappointed that this book felt unoriginal and it really made it difficult to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
Sooooo so so good. SO GOOD. So good. SO GOOD!!!!
December 1, 2025
I must admit that this book threw me off at first since so different from Bloom Town, ghosts/memories playing an important role and Summer Wilde is thirty years old and has yet to grow a spine and choose her own happiness, break up with her fiancé Brody Weston she doesn’t love and not live her entire life pressured by obligations to the Westons for taking her in after her parents death.
I am a patient and open-minded person though and the more I got into the story the more I liked it, the things that were a bit hard swallow at first were in the in the end what I will remember extra much, it all just made sense. This is a book that is focussing on a mystery Summer must solve, the disappearance of the Wilde girls in 1975 and what was the whole deal with her parents’ accident 22 years prior. The romance part with Ford is more a side story even if also so important for Summer’s growth, freeing herself from the Westons and finally admitting the truth about her sexuality, so of course a huge enhancement to the story.
So as a summary, the book is not the type of addictive book that Bloom Town was but still worth a read and thoroughly enjoyable if you give the story a chance.
I am a patient and open-minded person though and the more I got into the story the more I liked it, the things that were a bit hard swallow at first were in the in the end what I will remember extra much, it all just made sense. This is a book that is focussing on a mystery Summer must solve, the disappearance of the Wilde girls in 1975 and what was the whole deal with her parents’ accident 22 years prior. The romance part with Ford is more a side story even if also so important for Summer’s growth, freeing herself from the Westons and finally admitting the truth about her sexuality, so of course a huge enhancement to the story.
So as a summary, the book is not the type of addictive book that Bloom Town was but still worth a read and thoroughly enjoyable if you give the story a chance.
December 1, 2025
Like BT, this is based on the same TV series. I really didn’t mind this, but this book is just too similar to the source material. My guess is this was written before BT.
The relationship building was not as strong here for the MCs. Ford has strong feelings for Summer almost straight from the beginning, despite limited interaction when they were younger. If you reference a 15 year longing, there really has to be something to back it up. There needed to be more build up when they reconnected or more of a friendship when they were to younger to warrant Ford’s feelings.
All that aside, Ally still writes an interesting story and I enjoyed her take on the mystery twins. Still looking forward to what Ally will put out next as I think she’s grown as an author from when this was written.
The relationship building was not as strong here for the MCs. Ford has strong feelings for Summer almost straight from the beginning, despite limited interaction when they were younger. If you reference a 15 year longing, there really has to be something to back it up. There needed to be more build up when they reconnected or more of a friendship when they were to younger to warrant Ford’s feelings.
All that aside, Ally still writes an interesting story and I enjoyed her take on the mystery twins. Still looking forward to what Ally will put out next as I think she’s grown as an author from when this was written.
December 2, 2025
The first half moved pretty slow and then moved too fast at the end. It felt like there was too much happening within the plot that could’ve been removed. I really wanted to like it but I couldn’t :(
November 30, 2025
ALLY MOTHER FUCKIN NORTH, damn she knows how to write a sapphic novel. This was such a fun read, I am in love with Ford. There were too many characters in the beginning for my little pea brain to follow, and I still feel weird about the relationship between Brody and Summer. BUT my favorite thing about Ally North’s writing is the poetic writing trickled in. You’ll be reading about something silly and then BAM you’re hit with the most introspective and deep sentence you’ve ever read.
since I know you’re all wondering, I did not enjoy this as much as Bloomtown - but mostly because I think Bloomtown is an utter masterpiece and I cannot compare them fairly. The main characters are well-defined and the emotion/guilt/PTSD is once again written so well. Ally North’s writing is an utter joy, and while I didn’t enjoy Wilds&Weeds as much as Bloomtown (I don’t love contemporary romance, but I am fiercely loyal to Ally North) I would recommend it to anyone who dabbles in sapphic contemporary romance.
since I know you’re all wondering, I did not enjoy this as much as Bloomtown - but mostly because I think Bloomtown is an utter masterpiece and I cannot compare them fairly. The main characters are well-defined and the emotion/guilt/PTSD is once again written so well. Ally North’s writing is an utter joy, and while I didn’t enjoy Wilds&Weeds as much as Bloomtown (I don’t love contemporary romance, but I am fiercely loyal to Ally North) I would recommend it to anyone who dabbles in sapphic contemporary romance.
December 2, 2025
I enjoyed this.
It’s a very different book then Bloom Town and can’t really be compared.
It’s a very different book then Bloom Town and can’t really be compared.
December 1, 2025
3.5 stars tbh. I bumped it to 4 because she made a blooming together reference towards the end that had me WAILING over Bloomtown all over again 😂 was it intentional? Who knows, but I'm delusional enough to enjoy it nonetheless.
Honestly, I enjoyed myself, but I found myself wishing this was set in a different era. I think the plot would have hit way harder with like a Gothic horror romance vibe, but I digress. 'Twas a good time either way!
Honestly, I enjoyed myself, but I found myself wishing this was set in a different era. I think the plot would have hit way harder with like a Gothic horror romance vibe, but I digress. 'Twas a good time either way!
October 23, 2025
Gave it 5 stars because after the last books, I can not conceive a lesser book. Simply impossible to dissapoint
December 3, 2025
I usually don't mind editing issues, but this book had quite a lot. Also small details did not add up. Contradicting that the mc does not cry or like surprises. Small inconsistencies that just became a bit irritating. Overall I enjoyed the story, but think the book needed to be polished a bit more.
December 14, 2025
Coming off Bloom Town, quite possibly my favourite read of this past year, my expectations for this novel were understandably high. The Wild and the Weeds is an ambitious story that blends a mystery, a touch of paranormal, and romance, but for me it never quite settled into one clear identity.
Each element is intriguing on its own, yet none is developed deeply enough to fully land. The romantic story, in particular, felt more implied than earned; I wanted more emotional groundwork and a clearer sense of the characters’ history and attraction. The pacing also wavered at times, with sections that dragged followed by a sudden, less believable resolution.
That said, the ending works emotionally, and it reminded me why I admire Ally North’s writing—when she leans into character and relationship, her strengths really shine. Readers who enjoy genre-blending stories may connect with this one more than I did, and I remain very much a fan of her work overall and remain excited to see what she does next.
Each element is intriguing on its own, yet none is developed deeply enough to fully land. The romantic story, in particular, felt more implied than earned; I wanted more emotional groundwork and a clearer sense of the characters’ history and attraction. The pacing also wavered at times, with sections that dragged followed by a sudden, less believable resolution.
That said, the ending works emotionally, and it reminded me why I admire Ally North’s writing—when she leans into character and relationship, her strengths really shine. Readers who enjoy genre-blending stories may connect with this one more than I did, and I remain very much a fan of her work overall and remain excited to see what she does next.
December 2, 2025
once again, an absolutely magnificent piece of work by ally north! she genuinely cannot write a bad book 😭
she truly has such a special talent of making you feel everythinggg with her words and captivates her audience with every chapter. i had such a wonderful time getting to know and fall in love with Summer and Ford and am sad to move on from this story🥹 such a beautiful and healing story that’ll stay with me forever
thank you ally north for truly capturing the sacred, beautiful and inspiring love in sapphic relationships 🥹
she truly has such a special talent of making you feel everythinggg with her words and captivates her audience with every chapter. i had such a wonderful time getting to know and fall in love with Summer and Ford and am sad to move on from this story🥹 such a beautiful and healing story that’ll stay with me forever
thank you ally north for truly capturing the sacred, beautiful and inspiring love in sapphic relationships 🥹
December 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially once the pace picked up, which unfortunately took a little while but eventually got there. It was a little slow at first, requiring me to really focus and stick with it. I will say I definitely enjoy this author’s writing style, her descriptions, the dialogue, it really makes you feel the environment, feel the characters.
I will say, I didn’t love this book as much as Bloom town though but I tried not to hold that against this book…it’s its own story in my opinion (although I’ve seen people say this started as a fanfic of Bly manor..??? I’ve never seen nor heard of this so to me this is a regular story by an author I enjoy) The spice was spicy for sure so no worries there..lol. If Ally puts out another book, I’ll definitely be reading it. As for this one, probably bookshelf trophy worthy just haven’t purchased it yet.
I will say, I didn’t love this book as much as Bloom town though but I tried not to hold that against this book…it’s its own story in my opinion (although I’ve seen people say this started as a fanfic of Bly manor..??? I’ve never seen nor heard of this so to me this is a regular story by an author I enjoy) The spice was spicy for sure so no worries there..lol. If Ally puts out another book, I’ll definitely be reading it. As for this one, probably bookshelf trophy worthy just haven’t purchased it yet.
December 19, 2025
I wanted to like this book so much but it was oversold and she under delivered. I enjoyed the story telling but the ending was thrown together sloppily , the “murder mystery” portion of the book was lack luster , many major issues were moseyed over, the romance was … okay and the main character Summer was so stale and two dimensional to me. I actually felt as if all characters lacked depth and their personalities didn’t permeate through the page. I thought about Bloom town for weeks after I read it . I’ll forget about this book after I finish this review .
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December 24, 2025Everyone sharing half a brain cell apparently
December 14, 2025
at this point i’m more surprised when i finish a sapphic novel and don’t then find out it started as bly manor fan fiction
December 5, 2025
I liked it. I did. It was just fine. Nothing mindblowing but it was fine. Sure, was it a little fanatical at times and bordered on unrealistic? Yeah But Summer and Ford were cute. I loved Ellis. And I actually liked Brody’s bum ass. Was kinda hoping the brodyellis would end up together but…alas that didn’t happen.
I did think summer was way too old to be that naive but I’ve chosen to give her some grace. All things considered.
That’s all I have to say. It was fine. Good prose, loved that.
I did think summer was way too old to be that naive but I’ve chosen to give her some grace. All things considered.
That’s all I have to say. It was fine. Good prose, loved that.
December 6, 2025
2.5 stars
Ouch....
I would have given this 2.5 stars even if I hadn’t read Bloom Town.
But of course I have read Bloom Town..
My disappointment is huge—and completely proportionate to the expectations I had of Ally North, based on how much Bloom Town changed my life (and clearly the lives of so many other sapphic romance readers). Also proportionate to how long we waited for this book to finally come out. It’s hard not to expect magic after that.
Unfortunately, The Wilds & The Weeds is… messy and confused. It doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be.
The ghost stuff is too lukewarm and occasional to make this truly paranormal.
The crime stuff is too predictable to make this a good psychological thriller/mystery.
The love story is too much on the sidelines and underdeveloped for this to be a proper romance.
Not a coming-out story either. Summer breaking off her wedding, and coming to terms with being gay—after years of enormous emotional struggle—happens with such baffling ease that it feels unearned.
To be clear: Ally North is a good writer. Her prose is always alive. This book is no exception in that sense. But while Bloom Town overflowed with hope, adventure, and love, this one is dark, depressing, and painfully slow. Nothing happens for the first 50% of the book. I genuinely almost DNF’d, and I still can’t believe it.
My favourite parts? The rare intimate moments between Ford and Summer. Those scenes at least had a spark of the emotional clarity and tenderness I know North can write. But... fifteen years of yearning?? Can we maybe get a bit more backstory to justify that? We’re meant to believe this epic, soul-deep longing comes from… a single small peck at age fifteen? Bloom Town gave us one of the greatest love stories of the genre—intricate, emotional, unforgettable. And here… just, how?
Blah. Meh. I don’t even know.
Then I found out it was essentially a Bly Manor–inspired fanfic, and suddenly a lot of things clicked. I absolutely hated that show—bad acting, convoluted supernatural nonsense, and a terrible lesbian romance—and similarly, this book feels disjointed and uninspired.
**Oh - adding this now after another review reminded me of it - and I hope Ally North reads this, but Ellis's quote mentioning Anne Frank... No. It was really tone deaf, and inappropriate. I don't think it's just because I'm Jewish, at least I hope it's not. Ellis comparing a cramped office space to Anne Frank's hiding place just made my eyes bulge out of their sockets - so creepy and disturbing - for a character to say it, and for an author to even think of writing it.
Ouch....
I would have given this 2.5 stars even if I hadn’t read Bloom Town.
But of course I have read Bloom Town..
My disappointment is huge—and completely proportionate to the expectations I had of Ally North, based on how much Bloom Town changed my life (and clearly the lives of so many other sapphic romance readers). Also proportionate to how long we waited for this book to finally come out. It’s hard not to expect magic after that.
Unfortunately, The Wilds & The Weeds is… messy and confused. It doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be.
The ghost stuff is too lukewarm and occasional to make this truly paranormal.
The crime stuff is too predictable to make this a good psychological thriller/mystery.
The love story is too much on the sidelines and underdeveloped for this to be a proper romance.
Not a coming-out story either. Summer breaking off her wedding, and coming to terms with being gay—after years of enormous emotional struggle—happens with such baffling ease that it feels unearned.
To be clear: Ally North is a good writer. Her prose is always alive. This book is no exception in that sense. But while Bloom Town overflowed with hope, adventure, and love, this one is dark, depressing, and painfully slow. Nothing happens for the first 50% of the book. I genuinely almost DNF’d, and I still can’t believe it.
My favourite parts? The rare intimate moments between Ford and Summer. Those scenes at least had a spark of the emotional clarity and tenderness I know North can write. But... fifteen years of yearning?? Can we maybe get a bit more backstory to justify that? We’re meant to believe this epic, soul-deep longing comes from… a single small peck at age fifteen? Bloom Town gave us one of the greatest love stories of the genre—intricate, emotional, unforgettable. And here… just, how?
Blah. Meh. I don’t even know.
Then I found out it was essentially a Bly Manor–inspired fanfic, and suddenly a lot of things clicked. I absolutely hated that show—bad acting, convoluted supernatural nonsense, and a terrible lesbian romance—and similarly, this book feels disjointed and uninspired.
**Oh - adding this now after another review reminded me of it - and I hope Ally North reads this, but Ellis's quote mentioning Anne Frank... No. It was really tone deaf, and inappropriate. I don't think it's just because I'm Jewish, at least I hope it's not. Ellis comparing a cramped office space to Anne Frank's hiding place just made my eyes bulge out of their sockets - so creepy and disturbing - for a character to say it, and for an author to even think of writing it.
December 21, 2025
2.5/5
I found out about this book a day after its publication. I don't follow any authors on instagram and I just happened to be on Ally North's instagram's profile. I saw the cover in a post and basically did a silent scream. I was SO excited for this book because I absolutely LOVED Bloom Town. The Bloom Town duology is up there with My Friends by Fredrik Backman on my top 5 this year. Imagine my disappointment when I didn't like this book.
To me, the book is trying to have too many elements in it and none of it was done well. Perhaps it would be good if Ally North had taken more time to cook the story and definitely way more editing as there were typos as well. There are slightly spoilers so I'm gonna hide them.
I really don't mind waiting for longer if it means a better book from Ally North. Please take more time before releasing the next book cuz I will be reading!
I found out about this book a day after its publication. I don't follow any authors on instagram and I just happened to be on Ally North's instagram's profile. I saw the cover in a post and basically did a silent scream. I was SO excited for this book because I absolutely LOVED Bloom Town. The Bloom Town duology is up there with My Friends by Fredrik Backman on my top 5 this year. Imagine my disappointment when I didn't like this book.
To me, the book is trying to have too many elements in it and none of it was done well. Perhaps it would be good if Ally North had taken more time to cook the story and definitely way more editing as there were typos as well. There are slightly spoilers so I'm gonna hide them.
I really don't mind waiting for longer if it means a better book from Ally North. Please take more time before releasing the next book cuz I will be reading!
December 3, 2025
one thing about me… i don’t play about summer & ford
if i’ve done anything right in my sapphic rabbit hole it was find Ally North and gatekeep her for myself. every book she’s ever published has left a deep impression on my heart and soul, it’s made me think about my sexuality and how beautiful it truly is to love and be cherished by a women. besides the obvious emotional and empowerment of her wlw telling, the story itself is truly a wonder, between the characters and depths they have, to the winding ghosts who have a past story to tell. 🧙♀️
i would say the romance is a subplot and it’s more focused on the deep dive summer must do on the impending doom of her life but i didn’t hate that, the story is definitely twisty and at times a little frustrating with how much self-doubt the FMC goes through but it’s also understandable and a challenge summer has to overcome. as the story started to progress i could slowly put the pieces together and realize who was the bad guy lol. 😭
the wilds & the weeds is one (if not) the best book i’ve read in a long time and i think everyone should have the chance to appreciate this gem for its mystery, raw emotion and exploration of parental death and how it affects the young mind, as someone who went through it. summer is a beautiful character and how she grows (like a weed) and my beauty ford… do i love her! ford is such a good supporting character, her role is summers life is so pivotal to why summer is the way she is. i do wish i would’ve had chapters in fords pov, it’s hard to get a good understanding of the character just through dialogue but she was amazing.
if the author some how sees my review i beg you to write a victorian lesbian romance! 🙏🙏.
anyway with all the support ill be buying the physical copy and thinking about this book for weeks!!!
if i’ve done anything right in my sapphic rabbit hole it was find Ally North and gatekeep her for myself. every book she’s ever published has left a deep impression on my heart and soul, it’s made me think about my sexuality and how beautiful it truly is to love and be cherished by a women. besides the obvious emotional and empowerment of her wlw telling, the story itself is truly a wonder, between the characters and depths they have, to the winding ghosts who have a past story to tell. 🧙♀️
i would say the romance is a subplot and it’s more focused on the deep dive summer must do on the impending doom of her life but i didn’t hate that, the story is definitely twisty and at times a little frustrating with how much self-doubt the FMC goes through but it’s also understandable and a challenge summer has to overcome. as the story started to progress i could slowly put the pieces together and realize who was the bad guy lol. 😭
the wilds & the weeds is one (if not) the best book i’ve read in a long time and i think everyone should have the chance to appreciate this gem for its mystery, raw emotion and exploration of parental death and how it affects the young mind, as someone who went through it. summer is a beautiful character and how she grows (like a weed) and my beauty ford… do i love her! ford is such a good supporting character, her role is summers life is so pivotal to why summer is the way she is. i do wish i would’ve had chapters in fords pov, it’s hard to get a good understanding of the character just through dialogue but she was amazing.
if the author some how sees my review i beg you to write a victorian lesbian romance! 🙏🙏.
anyway with all the support ill be buying the physical copy and thinking about this book for weeks!!!
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