Into the woods. This adult romance book is something totally different. I liked this romping not necessarily your typical hea romance

Into the Woods is a lovely slow-burn love story that is both a romantic journey and one of self-discovery.

Once they get past initial misconceptions about the other, Gretchen and Teddy find common ground in the poverty of their youth. Knowing that the other understood the shame of being a poor kid and having a parent that didn’t always do what was best for their children, created a safe space which fostered the freedom to be open and honest. And once they decided to act on a mutual attraction, knowing that the relationship had an end date gave Gretchen the freedom to shed her fears and her need to please the “men of tinder” attitude. Their relationship evolves organically, but in the safe space of summer camp where there are few pressures and a lot of built-in forced proximity.

I really liked both Gretchen and Teddy; they are people that I would love to be friends with. They are amazing and caring, which lays the foundation for a solid relationship and story. It is rewarding watching their relationship blossom while they confront the demons from their individual pasts. I love that they support one another in healthy ways. Each is at a crossroads in their life, and Holiday provides insight into their emotional and mental states as they explore options and deal with baggage. This creates a bond between the reader and the characters, one that tightens as Gretchen and Teddy fall in love, and one that left me heartbroken when Gretchen’s time at camp ends and she heads back to the real world.

And even though Gretchen and I have little in common, she resonated with me as she approaches mid-life and works to avoid the dreaded “mid-life crisis.” Holiday expresses thoughts and emotions in Gretchen that mirror so many of my own over the years. I also love that Gretchen is all about being a “girl boss” and how she evaluates her life through the lens of a misogynistic society. She provides the reader and Teddy a lot to consider.

Narration: The story is shared via the first person POVs of Gretchen and Teddy. The performance is duet-style narration, with Swann performing all female dialogue and POVs, and Hamilton performing all male dialogue and POVs. Swann has an age-appropriate voice for the nearly 40-year old Gretchen. I like that it’s slightly rough around the edges and not overly high-pitched. She also does a great job altering her voice for additional characters based on age, making every character sound like a new actor. Hamilton has a deeper, huskier voice which suits rockstar Teddy well and meshes with Swann’s performance. Hamilton adjusts the additional male characters for age with success. Both performers add appropriate emotion into their work.

In the end, Into the Woods is a wonderful story and beautiful journey that hits all the right notes. Holiday excels at creating amazing characters who express genuine emotion which creates an intimate reading experience.

My Ratings:
Story: A-
Narration: A

Into The Woods by Jenny Holiday is a romance audio that I got from NetGalley and I think do two the totally different tones set by the two different narrators caused this to be a not so great audiobook. I love a dual POV in a Kindle book but two different narrators on an audio is a dangerous choice because both of them are reading from two different places and unless they record around each other, I don’t see how they could get the chemistry to work because it definitely did not end this book. although I did love the adults, Artist going to help campers. I just didn’t feel any chemistry not to mention, I didn’t find the book that interesting and kept losing track of what I was listening to. I got tired of hearing about the lemon tree and that stupid song. I think it would’ve been better at a song accompanied the lyrics, but they kept talking about it and what it meant what it didn’t mean and the song is supposed to mean whatever it means to the listener or at least I thought so that’s what ROBERT plant said. In any event, this wasn’t my favorite romance, although somebody like it, I did not. #NetGalley, #IntoTheWoods, #JennyHoliday,#HachetteAudio,

I loved these narrators! This is my second Jenny Holiday audiobook where the narrations is a true back and forth, almost like a play, and I looooove it. Teddy Hamilton is always a favorite, but Kit Swann was the real star for me. Her nuanced portrayal of so many individual female voices is unreal. Bravo!

Perfect nostalgia for Camp Kids that are now grown ups! This story really captured the magic of summer camp and camp friends, and how those relationships forged without the pressures and distractions of the real world, can help you discover your true self.

This story felt oddly commiserating. Something about a midlife crisis and reinventing of oneself felt like coming home. I was utterly addicted to Teddy & Gretchen. Their carefree relationship, free of conflict was so refreshing. His grump to her sunshine made their connection work, they balanced each other. But also their individual personal growth made for a compelling story. What truly sold it though was their banter, the comraderie, it was just pure fun!

Audio: You can’t go wrong with Teddy Hamilton. He was so easy to listen to as Teddy. Exactly the rockstar you expect. I love the way Kit Swann as able to bounce between the many sides of Gretchen. The internal more sullen versions and the bubbly enigmatic sunshine version. She truly embodied the SourPlum Fairy vibes.

4.5 stars rounded up! This was an excellent audiobooks! Having Teddy narrate Teddy was genius and he fit the role perfectly. I really enjoyed the camp friends concept and how that played into the camp relationship idea that they settled on for what ends up being the start of their relationship. I also loved how all the different types of artists were connected through the camp and ultimately how they ended up as friends - even the more reluctant ones! I adored Gretchen as a character and Kitt Swann narrated her vibe beautifully. I really connected to her and thought journey of self discovery was enjoyable to follow along with.

FULL REVIEW
When I started listening to this and realized that Teddy Hamilton was narrating a rock star MC also named Teddy I was in! Teddy’s grumpy artist vibe and Gretchen’s determination to reinvent herself led to the perfect slow-burn romance. I really enjoyed the camp friends concept and how that played into the camp relationship idea that they settled on for what ends up being the start of their relationship. I also loved how all the different types of artists were connected through the camp and ultimately how they ended up becoming friends - even the more reluctant ones! I adored Gretchen as a character and Kitt Swann narrated her vibe beautifully. I really connected to her and thought her journey of self discovery was enjoyable to follow along with.

TROPES
😈Enemies to Lovers
🎤Celebrity Romance
🎸Rock Star x Dancer
🏕️Forced Proximity
🌤️Grumpy x Sunshine
💞Self Discovery

I absolutely loved this book. I added Jenny Holidays other books to my growing pile of TBR books. The comradery she created between the two main characters was hilarious and heartfelt. I listened to the audiobook. There were two narrators, who were perfect. The story was told between the two flawlessly, no weird pauses, or edit cuts. I listened to the audiobook in a matter of days. I enjoyed it & am hoping the author will continue stories for a few of the side characters.
I could relate to Gretchen in zero ways. I am not a dancer, I'm well into my 40's, and my hair isn't pink. I found myself thinking that the two of us would make great friends, though. When an author creates characters whom I want to be friends within real life, that's when I know without a doubt, I'm enjoying the story.

Just when Gretchen has pretty much resigned herself a life devoid of romance, fate throws her a curveball…by sending her to camp where she meets Teddy. While the two don’t exactly get off on the right foot, a friendship does begin to develop…and perhaps the promise of something more. While the story does have some dark moments and I found Teddy to be more dynamic over Gretchen, overall I still enjoyed this romance. Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton do a spectacular job with the narration and truly bring these characters to life. I’d like to thank Hachette Audio | Forever, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review an advanced copy of the audio version of Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2MSM6NRFOZN7J/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday
Contemporary romance, romcom.
Gretchen is done with dating apps. Done with dating. Her 40th birthday is coming up and
she’s going to focus on her business. Become a crone. She agrees to spend two weeks mentoring dance at a summer camp. There she meets Teddy Knight, recently broken up with his band. He’s kinda hot but their sparks are more antagonistic than friendly. Gretchen is fine with that. She doesn’t care about men.
Until they have a good day together. Maybe they can scratch an itch. Just the one time….

Super fun. Dual narration by Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton.
Don’t miss this one! Great romance as they both come to terms with life changes.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The audiobook is fully integrated so conversations are by both Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton. They also do their own chapter POV but continue dual conversations. The best type of dual narration! You can’t help paying attention and staying involved. Plus, Teddy Hamilton! Both narrators also do a fantastic job with emotions.
One top of a great romance, the audiobook is a winner. I did speed up the playback to 1.5 to more closely match a Midwest conversation.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher HachetteAudio.

⭐️ 3/5 🎧 4/5

ೃ⁀➷ Audiobook Review
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Kit Swann

This was such a sweet story ♡ I'm very fussy about romances with characters above 30, but this one was a hit with me.

Everyone struggles with that unsettling feeling of 'what's next?' at least one in their lives, and that is exactly what Teddy and Gretchen are trying to navigate. Once they find each other, though, things must start to fall in to place.

The banter was so fun, I do love when my characters are having a good time, laughing or teasing each other.

☀️ Summer Contemporary Romance
⛱️ Grumpy / Sunshine
☀️ Forced Proximity
⛱️ MCs in late 30s
☀️ Starting Over
⛱️ Summer Camp Hookup

Audiobook Review (Duet narration by Teddy Hamilton and Kit Swann)

Gretchen Miller is a badass girlboss. But while her dance studio is on the rise, her dating life is failing miserably. What is a badass girlboss to do when her love life is in shambles? Swear off dating and become a crone. And what better way to do that than to take a job as the Dance Artist in Residence at a summer camp in the middle of nowhere Minnesota.

Enter fellow Artist in Residence, Teddy Knight, a Rock God, whose band and love life have both simultaneously fallen apart. He may be arrogant and get on Gretchen's last nerve, but could he be what she needs to get dating completely out of her system?

"Into the Woods" is Jenny Holiday's follow-up to "Canadian Boyfriend" and it definitely lives up to its predecessor. It's sweet, funny, emotional and the characters are well developed. The duet narration of the audiobook by Teddy Hamilton an Kit Swann really brought the characters to life. This is the perfect read for fans of Christina Lauren and Penny Reid.

Just shy of her 40th birthday, Gretchen has committed herself to a future free from dating! She has other things to focus on, like expanding her dance studio business, and spending the summer as a dance instructor at Camp Wild Arts. While the camp is lovely, one of the many pests of the forest is her fellow artist-in-residence, Teddy Knight. He is an arrogant rock star who is very hot, but also infuriating and grumpy, fresh from his band’s public breakup. When an unexpected friendship begins to bloom, Gretchen and Teddy realize they may have more in common than they first thought, and Gretchen considers if one last fling will help her swear off men forever.

This might be set in the summer, but it feels like such a great book to read at the new year! Full of resolutions and reflections on vocation and goals, Into the Woods reminds readers that even on the cusp of 40 there is still plenty of time to try something new. I am a sucker for anything set at camp, and the dual POV worked really well for this story! Sometimes predictable, this had some laugh out loud moments and tons of heart.

Thank you Forever Publishing for the gifted book, and NetGalley for the chance to listen to the audiobook!

This was such a wonderful story, full of your typical romance tropes (grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity) but it had so much more. There was a ton of character development in an idyllic setting: both characters are struggling with “what’s next” in their careers and learn so much more about themselves in the process. I loved the summer camp setting and the connections they were able to make based on their childhoods. This was the perfect escape when I wasn’t feeling well (though I would have loved it just as much if I was perfectly healthy that day). Highly recommended!

Teddy Knight is suffering from two breakups, one from his longtime girlfriend and the other his band, Concrete Temple. His sister suggests some time alone in a cabin in the woods. What he doesn't realize is that there's kids and mentoring involved. Wild Arts is a summer camp for students of the arts, totally not what he was expecting, but he can suffer through if it gets him some peace to write his own songs. If only he could ignore the infuriatingly, annoyingly cheerful dance next door.
Gretchen Miller runs a successful dance studio for children and is in the works to open a new location for adult classes. All while unsuccessfully dating in the real world. She's sick of all the swipe rights, dashed hopes, and absolute idiots she winds up with and has decided she's just done. Maybe just one last hurrah... but the guy. Scott, is the lead singer for a rock group and won't stop talking about himself the entire date. So done!! Her best friend suggests a month at Wild Arts to rest and take a break and she literally jumps at the chance. Until she finds out that a fellow mentor and her new neighbor for the summer is her disastrous date's bandmate! Ugh!
The banter between these two in the beginning was hilarious and then as they learned how much they actually had in common and became closer. I could see how perfect they were. It was such a cute story with some spice and I was looking up oldies songs mentioned in the book to add to the mood. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were easy to listen to, and easy to follow along with. Their reactions to the writing added depth to the story.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an advance copy of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

🎧𝐃𝐮𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Teddy Hamilton & Kit Swann 🎙️

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨

⛺️𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩
🏕️𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐭𝐨-𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
⛺️𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫
🏕️𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐌𝐂

✨Thoughts✨
𝐀𝐭 nearly 40 years old, Gretchen was tired of terrible dates and feeling like something was missing in her life. When she took on a role at a summer camp, she met Teddy, a grumpy rock star who ended up becoming her friend and summer fling.

𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, Gretchen and Teddy clashed, bringing out the worst in each other. But as time went on, they became each other's confidants and muses. Their fling was temporary, as Gretchen had to return to her busy life and plans to expand her business. Despite their inability to fully trust, they found solace in each other.

𝐓𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 and 𝐊𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐧’𝐬 duet narration made it easy to get into the story. Teddy is incredible as always. As for Kit Swann, she impressed me with her ability to encompass a range of voices. She particularly made Gretchen's inner dialogue very witty and entertaining.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 book delved into heavy themes like neglectful parents and poverty, adding depth and complexity to the characters. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the exceptional narration.

Thank you, Jenny Holiday, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with this ALC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

★★★★☆
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝟑/𝟓

Amazingly sweet, real and relatable even with the dancer and rockstar I still saw myself in these characters ! I need more from this author

The narration for this was really good. I liked the voices for both the FMC and MC. It was interesting to see how working at the camp and even working with each other, helped change the course of their future plans and made them better. Plus, they found each other. They were cute together even if they didn't really care much for one another in the beginning, not enemies in any way though.

Although I did like this book, it was still slow at times and then it moves into physical quicker than I would have liked but its not like there wasn't any buildup to it. I would say that they had good development up to it.

Overall, this was a good book.

This was fine overall, but nothing noteworthy and very forgettable. For these being characters in their late 30s, almost 40s, I feel like a lot their actions were very childish. Maybe this would have worked better if the characters actually were in their mid 20s or so.

The audio was well done though.

I wouldn't completely steer someone away from this, but I also wouldn't be likely to recommend it.

Into The Woods by Jenny Holiday is now the second book of hers that I've fallen in love with! I'm simply obsessed with her writing!

-enemies to lovers trope
-spice in all the right places
-dancer meets rock star
-mid-life crisis based (with self growth and wisdom only age can provide)
-self aware and sex positive
-summer camp meets Dirty Dancing vibes

Can I tell you how I ate up Gretchen's mid-life crisis!? It was incredibly refreshing to read all the truth nuggets for us readers also in our mid-life crisis era (here's looking at you 40's!)! Gretchen is a bad-ass! She's a self-aware, feminist that refuses to let societal norms define her! Her and Teddy's relationship developed so organically, and it was super refreshing to read!

This audiobook gets all the stars - Teddy Hamilton and Kit Swann nailed these characters perfectly! A swoony male voice rasped in my ear, while a sexy female voice took center stage, constantly demanding attention! Obviously this narration being performed in the best possible way was just the icing on the cake; no matter who's POV it was, that narrator voiced their character's dialog! (And I think Holiday is onto something with her audiobooks! Joshua Jackson narrated Mike for Canadian Boyfriend, and Teddy Hamilton narrated Teddy for Into The Woods!)

Holiday, you're now an auto-read author - five amazing stars all day long!!!

(This book is a standalone, but it takes place in the same universe as Canadian Boyfriend, with Rory from that book and Gretchen from this book being best friends! I loved the glimpse back into Rory and Mike's world and I love when authors allow readers to reconnect with their past characters!)

Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Hachette Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.