Into the Woods was a cozy yet reflective romance story. I found myself thinking about their situations and how I would have handled them. Both Miller and Knight had relatable qualities. Even though Knight is a rock star, you can see how down to earth he really is.

I don't think I would have picked this book up as a physical copy as the chapters are LONG, which isn't really my thing. I even found myself thinking. "Wow, this chapter is just still going." Even in audio book form.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was a well written slow burn. I have seen some people call it a Enemy to lovers romance but I wouldn't agree.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬

| Thank you so much partner @readforeverpub & @holymolyjennyholi or the free early copies! |

𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢: 𝙹𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚢 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢
𝙿𝚞𝚋 𝚍𝚊𝚢: 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠!
𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮: 𝙆𝙞𝙩 𝙎𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙣, 𝙏𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙣

⛺️(𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥):
𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 • 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨 • 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 • 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥 • 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 • 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 • 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙭 𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 • 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 • 𝙜𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙮 𝙭 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 • 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 • 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮 • 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙨 •

💭:
ItW is an enemies to lovers story with funny banter, dual PoV, and a great story. I ate it all up!

I knew I’d love this book after reading Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday.

The book starts off with the FMC, Gretchen, swearing off all men.

She’s a 40 year old dancer and business owner that has had her string of bad dates. No more online dating apps for her!

I will always love and appreciate a book where the characters are a little older.

I’m 40 👀 so reading about characters closer to my age makes them feel more relatable.

The interactions between the main characters felt authentic, their romance was organic.

I loved reading about their experiences in the woods, listening to some of their backstory.

The best part for me was the communication between them. I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, it can be frustrating!

💜:
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
-summer camp setting (for artists)
-cozy vibes
-the MCs emotionally connecting
-growth in characters
-Teddy’s connection with a musical camp kid (my heart)
-the humour (“tree decorating excursion” lol)

𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠, 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤.

𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤, 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩!

🎧:
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵.

"Into the Woods" by Jenny Holiday is a fun rom-com, set within the idyllic confines of a summer arts camp. The story centers on two instructors/artists in residence, who find the serene setting an ideal backdrop to disconnect from their hectic lives (and their phones) and reevaluate their paths. The audiobook version was enjoyable, with male and female narrators effectively alternating to bring the narrative to life. I particularly appreciated the added depth stemming from the main characters being in their late thirties, which brings a more mature perspective to the romance. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this title!

I was very excited to read this book after absolutely devouring "Canadian Boyfriend". I loved getting to learn more about Gabby while also getting to peek in on Rory.

The overall book was good and I enjoyed seeing how the characters were growing and changing. I just felt like some things moved too quickly (like the relationship) while others dragged (the back stories). I would have preferred they focus on building the new relationship rather than focusing on how they got there.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced readers copy of this audiobook.

A strong, independent woman is pushing 40 and has decided to throw in the towel on men. (TBH, I don't remotely blame her.) A gruff rockstar has fallen out with his band and doesn't know where to take his life next. Both end up teaching at a summer camp for the arts. Big shock... life changes and love are on the horizon.

Into the Woods was a fun rom-com with decent banter, a bit of spice, and, although somewhat formulaic, the plot attempted to differ from the norm. I enjoyed the slightly older MCs and rustic setting. (Who doesn't enjoy getting lost in the woods and a good romp in the lake.) As expected, the narration did not disappoint. Teddy Hamilton gets 5 stars every time.

Overall, the perfect story for a quick listen with a happily ever after.

Trigger Warnings: Childhood trauma, poverty, and neglect (hippie and free-spirit parents)

📚Trope(s): Grumpy / Sunshine, Forced Proximity, (not quite) Enemies to Lovers
What you get: ⛺️👙🌲👯‍♀️🎸
⭐️Plot: 3/5
🔥Chemistry: 4/5
🌶️Spice: 3/5

Another pre publication date audio read from NetGalley. This was what I call ‘American trash’ but which I enjoyed listening to for the majority of the book. The narrators were perfectly fine and in keeping with what I felt the characters would be like although for some sections were annoying, it alternated between his and her viewpoints but was easy enough to follow. There was no earth shattering new story plot to this - boy meets girl, don’t like each other turning into friendship leading to more with trauma and baggage as expected injected in to make it slightly less straightforward. I won’t be raving about this book in weeks to come or remembering in a few years but for the duration of the time I’ve listened it was a perfectly easy and acceptable read, although perhaps would’ve been better with less graphic sex scenes.

INTO THE WOODS falls into the rather unfortunate string of mediocre, uninspired romcoms that have been published as of late. Everything felt exceedingly formulaic, and the chemistry between the romantic leads was missing completely.

I am new to Jenny Holiday books, but I will be checking out her back catalog after thoroughly enjoying this one! A character from one of her previous books appears, but as a new to her reader I didn't feel I needed to have read that first. I loved that the FMC, Gretchen, was on the edge of 40 with a slightly young MMC, Teddy. I also loved that she was ready to give up on romance and enter her "crone" stage. Honestly, same! Even though this is a romance novel so that didn't really happen for her. I liked the depth in what could have been a flippant rom-com. I especially appreciated that something that could have been considered a "big reveal" was handled maturely and with thoughtful conversation. There is a bit of a third act break-up, but even that was done better than I've read elsewhere. The spicy scenes were plenty of fun too ;)

The audiobook featured a dual narration from Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton, which combined with the synopsis, was the reason I requested the audiobook. Kit Swann is always terrific and Teddy Hamilton is a top-tier male narrator!

Having previously read and enjoyed Holiday's Christmas in Eldovia series, I was elated when I received an advanced copy of the audio of her new book, "Into the Woods." I thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration by two of the best in the business and would recommend this book to romance lovers who want something a little edgier than a typical "fluffy" romcom without being too dark.

*♡Thank you to NetGalley and Jenny Holiday for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion♡*

Jenny Holiday has written a funny, emotional and totally believable romcom. Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton are an amazing combination as narrators and really helped me enjoy this audiobook!

Having the main characters in their Kate 30s was such a breathless of fresh air, they both have life experiences and make the story more relatable.

The FMC Gretchen was an independent, badass entrepreneur/dance teacher and I loved how she felt strong enough in herself to know that she didn't need a man to solve all her problems, and didn't swoon over sub oar attempts!
Teddy was a grumpy rockstar who had a secretly soft centre, his character arc was really enjoyable and relatable.

This is a perfect book if you are looking for a little later in life love story, where the characters fall in love as they get to know each other in an environment totally different than what they are used to.

I loved this book! I listened to it in two days, I loved the character development with Teddy. I was thinking he was a big a-hole and I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I loved him. Gretchen was also great but I really strongly disliked how many times the word "crone" was used. At the young age of 40 and giving up on love doesn't give much hope to readers that could be going through the same thing. I'm happy in the end she found her calling and discovered what she really wanted to do and opened her heart up for love. I also am happy that Scott got no extra book time, he SUCKED, I thought there was going to be a plot twist and Scott would end up Teddys ex's baby daddy, thank god that wasn't a thing.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet and spicy romance read featuring older lead characters.

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.