This was a great story. My only complaint was using the male narrator for every male character and the female narrator for every female character. I don't mind when narrators use other voices to differentiate and it was actually a little bit weird to hear. If it weren't for Teddy Hamilton's narration, I probably would have just read the book rather than listen to the audiobook.

But I did love the story. I love the tie in to Canadian Boyfriend (which I adored). I loved the aspect of finding your place in life and not letting what other people think or tell you you should be doing effect what ultimately makes you happy.

This book was the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads. It was sweet and funny while still touching on deeper topics. The narrators for this audiobook (Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton) really brought the characters to life!

I absolutely adored our MMC and I love that our main characters were older. The flirty banter was the perfect addition and the pacing was great. Overall this was a lighthearted read, but our characters did help each other through some deeper issues. I would highly recommend this one!

Gretchen needs a restart or a man vacation. She's quitting dating. She's offered to be a dance mentor at a kids camp. She thinks it's the perfect reset. At camp, she meets Teddy. His band has just broke up and he wants to write his own songs. Teddy and Gretchen bond over their similar backgrounds. I read this book and listened to it and let me tell you, I loved it both times. Jenny Holiday is my go to for heart, emotion, humor and a well written book. There's lots of good conflict that kept me reading and great character growth. Both narrators did a great job of bringing this book to life. This book completely captured my heart. Jenny Holiday books are a must read. Huge thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for allowing me to listen and review this wonderful book.

this book was so much fun!

I loved the premise of just leaving life for a bit to go focus on something that matters to you, whether that’s refining a passion or meeting a deadline or finding your goal. I love seeing Gretchen have fun and introspect her passions and reclaim what she wants. she is such a badass lady for living her dreams and passions to what she believes and taking the time for herself to find out what that is and how it’s evolved.

and grumpy Teddy is such a sweetheart of a character, finding his purpose and passion beyond other people or their expectations. I love how he and Gretchen (his sour plum) find such a fun friendship in a night lost in the woods after a bit of a bumpy start. they show such honest love & respect to one another and have such a spicy chemistry, I loved seeing them discover that in each other and find true love in it.

I also really loved all the side characters here! there was so much good character development in all the characters it felt like a fully developed happily ever after for everyone involved even if we only focused on Teddy and Gretchen.

overall, just a beautiful fun story! I loved the narration of the audiobook as well. it let me fully immerse myself in the story and feel all the things 🥰

A playful, heartfelt romp through the magical world of summer camp romance, Into the Woods combines the perfect blend of grumpy rockstar meets sassy dance instructor in an enemies-to-lovers tale that’s as warm as a campfire and as refreshing as a lake dip on a hot day.

When Gretchen Miller trades city life for a summer at Camp Wild Arts as a dance instructor, she’s ready to embrace her inner crone, swear off men, and bask in the simplicity of nature. Enter Tennyson “Teddy” Knight, rockstar, recent band breakup victim, and the epitome of the arrogant musician trope. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and an undeniable attraction simmers beneath their bickering.

A relatable heroine with a sharp wit and a softer side, Gretchen is navigating a mid-life crisis with humour and grace. Her journey toward self-acceptance and her struggle with the complexities of romance add depth to her character. She’s refreshingly self-aware, embracing her imperfections while striving to find balance and joy.

Brooding, grumpy, and disarmingly charming, Teddy is the quintessential rockstar with a heart of gold (buried under layers of cynicism). His arc is compelling as he grapples with professional betrayal, personal insecurities, and a burgeoning connection with Gretchen.


Camp Wild Arts was the perfect setting for this story. From the serene lake to the crackling campfires, the camp is the perfect backdrop for a story about reinvention, connection, and the healing power of nature. The vivid descriptions and the enchanting ambiance make you feel like you’re right there, swatting away mosquitoes and toasting marshmallows.


Into the Woods is about rediscovery, rediscovering passion, purpose, and the courage to love again. Both Gretchen and Teddy are at crossroads, using the camp as a safe space to explore their artistic and personal selves. The narrative deftly flows through themes of healing through art, the significance of second chances, and the beauty of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

Gretchen and Teddy’s chemistry is electric, starting with sharp banter and evolving into genuine affection. The slow burn is cleverly paced, with every glance and touch crackling with tension. Their relationship is both steamy and sweet, filled with moments of vulnerability that make their connection feel authentic and deeply moving.


Narrators Kit Swann and Teddy Hamilton bring Into the Woods to life with their dynamic performances. Swann’s portrayal of Gretchen captures her strength and sass, while Hamilton’s gravelly tones embody Teddy’s gruff exterior and hidden depths. Their chemistry enhances the story, making the listening experience immersive and engaging. The narration adds an extra layer of charm, making the humour sharper, the tension tauter, and the romance more swoon-worthy.

Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday is a delightful mix of humour, heart, and heat. With compelling characters, a charming setting, and a romance that’s both fiery and tender, it’s the perfect summer read (or listen). Whether you’re a fan of rom-coms, enemies-to-lovers, or simply a well-told love story with a healthy dose of humour, this book will sweep you off your feet and into the woods.

Synopsis: After a string of bad online dating experiences, Gretchen has sworn of dating. Forever. She takes a job offer at a summer camp mentoring young artists, musicians and dancers as an opportunity to begin her life as a crone 😂. The first person she meets at camp is Teddy, whose rock band has just broken up. The two immediately butt heads, but form a tentative friendship as the summer progresses.

Thoughts: I am definitely the target audience for this book. It checks a lot of very specific boxes for me-enemies to lovers ✅ music ✅ summer camp ✅ main characters older than their 20s ✅. I love Gretchen and Teddy as main characters. They are both relatable in their own ways, and their relationship progression felt authentic. And the banter! So good! I really love to see romances with older characters (nothing against characters in their 20s, I just like the representation of finding love in all phases of life!) Overall, great story, fun characters, and excellent writing make this one a highly recommended read!

Read this if you like:
🩰 music/dance
🩰 summer camp
🩰 enemies to lovers
🩰 main characters in their 30s/40s
🩰 dual pov
🩰 banter

💭Aah, I’m so glad I picked this audiobook up. Jenny Holiday is a new-to-me author, and this made me an instant fan. Two major reasons I grabbed it? The gorgeous cover and the narrators—hello, Teddy Hamilton! But it’s not just a pretty package, the story itself is downright adorable, and I can’t help but connect with Gretchen’s journey. She’s in her 40s, has had enough failed dates (online and in person) to last a lifetime, and decides she’s done with love for good. I feel that in my soul, SO MUCH. Gretchen’s journey hit close to home—love finds you when you least expect it, right?

Enter Teddy, our moody rockstar who initially can’t stand Gretchen’s sweetness. But sure enough, he warms up, befriends her, and before they know it, feelings start to blossom. Their dynamic is just so fun. Teddy starts off totally unimpressed with Gretchen’s bubbly personality, but as they spend time together, he can’t help but warm up to her. Their banter turns into friendship, then something much deeper. It’s one of those romances that sneaks up on you, full of sweet & spicy moments, a bit of snark, and all the feels.

✨If you’re into cozy rom-coms and love stories that feel real and relatable, this one’s perfect, especially if you’re navigating your own midlife chapter like Teddy & Gretchen.

🎧Teddy Hamilton is always fantastic, and he’s perfect as “Teddy”, the character’s name alone fits him like a glove, right? And Kit? She was a total revelation for me. I haven’t listened to much of her work before, but she absolutely nailed it. She brings Gretchen’s sweet, yet feisty personality to life in such a delightful way. Together, these two make listening a total joy, this is definitely one audiobook you shouldn’t miss.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟱⭐️ | 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝟮🌶️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:𝟱🎧

✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 HACHETTE AUDIO & NETGALLEY 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨

#IntotheWoods #NetGalley

Gretchen has sworn off dating in order to enter her girlboss crone era. Dating is disastrous and her career is both fulfilling and taking off with the opening of a new studio. After a disastrous "last hurrah" she receives an offer to be a dance instructor at a summer camps and seizes the opportunity to escape to the woods. Her fellow artist-in-residence happens to be the bandmate of the man who was supposed to be her final hurrah. Teddy is grouchy, arrogant, and actually kind of hot if he would fix his attitude. As they grow closer, they realize there's more to the other than they realized, and maybe they don't want their budding romance to be just for the summer.

It's always so refreshing to read a book with "older" main characters (as opposed to late teens/early 20s), especially when they act their age. I found these two so lovable and charming. Teddy's character development as he bought into the program and really started believing in and rooting for the kids was phenomenal. Gretchen started off great, but watching her let loose was also an absolute treat. The summer camp aspect of things was super fun as well.

There were definitely times I was cringing at the "girl boss crone" of it all, but it did feel very believable especially as an internal monologue. I'm also really glad I didn't read the full description before diving into the book, because I don't know that I agree with enemies-to-lovers. I think I'd label it more as "bad first impression", but others may disagree. They definitely don't like each other at first, but the attraction is always there.

I loved this book and would recommend to people who are tired of the dating scene and are excited about the summer camp setting! This was super cute.

In this second installment following Canadian Boyfriend, the owner of the dance studio, Gretchen is done with dating and ready to fully invest in herself and her dance studio. She gets invited to be a dance counselor at an arts camp in the woods, and when she arrives she meets Teddy, an arrogant and grumpy rock star whose band just broke up. After initially disliking each other, sparks begin to fly, and maybe Gretchen will have just one more fling before she completely gives up on men.

I'm glad I just listened to Canadian Boyfriend a few weeks ago (which I did in anticipation of this release) because it made it much more fun to revisit the characters (that being said, you don't NEED to read the first one). I really enjoyed this listen, the narrators were great (I have a new love for Teddy Hamilton) and I again ignored life around me because I needed to listen to this one (5 sponge rating for me, which means I did A LOT of chores around the house to continue to listen). If you liked the first you will like this one as well, and even if you haven't read Canadian Boyfriend - this is totally great on its own.

4.25

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ARC to review

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

First of all, what an absolutely fantastic audiobook! It is what we call an audiobook duet, where the female narrator did all the female voices, and the male narrator did all the male voices. I actually think this is the first time I've encountered this format, and it was great. Often an audio is ruined for me when the male narrators in a dual narration do the female characters voice.

Now, the story. A little farfetched, but in the most fun way. Two proper grownup (she's 40, he's 35) successful people (a dance teacher/business owner and a rockstar), who are feeling lost and end up being artist in residence at an art summer camp. They were both interesting characters, fairly well fleshed out, and fun to read about.
The setting was fun, and felt like a bit of a fresher take on a summer camp set; though it felt a bit Camp Rock. Reading this during summer with the air con blasting to keep the 30C heat at bay helped get me in the mood.
The steamy scenes were well written and fun (sorry to say it again!). Gretchen striving to become a crone that summer was such a vibe, but it did get a bit old after a while. Particularly with Teddy always seeing her as so vibrant and full of life in his POV. The term crone was used to describe giving up on love and moving on, but it really conjures images of a decrepit old woman (and there's nothing wrong with that, but that's not Gretchen).
There was a theme of feminism throughout, and how women are treated on dating apps and in the various arts industries. This was done well, and didn't overstay it's welcome. This is a romance book, and you want to root for the couple to get together, not necessarily for her to burn the patriarchy down. Teddy definitely comes across as the guy to hand Gretchen the matches though, and I loved that about him.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable read. I need to go back and read Rory's book which was already on my TBR.

Overall 3.4 🌟
Ihave like this book. There is quite a dynamic with the artistic aspects that i have loved. 🥰

The characters are complete and very well done. There are lot of conversations between then that are quite interesting. 🫶🏻

The main plot is well structured, there are some funny moments and the FMC is really funny 😂

The audiobook format is understandable and well produced 🎧

Thank you NetGallery for the copy🥹😁

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & Hachette Audio
🎧 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧

🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine 🕶
🕶 Dual POV 🌞
🌞 Middle Age MCs 🕶
🕶 Summer Romance 🌞

Jenny Holiday’s writing sucks me in each time. She gives us a full story you don’t feel like you don’t fully understand the setting or who the characters are.

I don’t believe I have ever read a camp romance with adults before, and I was here for it. I loved the banter and back and forth these two had. It was a hard-fought friendship that grew to more.
I don’t know that I felt like this was a “camp” setting because it felt more like a mentor role for the summer. It was very different than what camp means to me.
Teddy and Gretchen both need to get away and self-reflect.
They both experience personal growth. We see Gretchen bloom and find herself in a role other than a dancer; she is more than that.
We see Teddy finding himself outside the band setting and trying to figure out where he is going. Can he still write? Can he still make music his career?

In the interim, they come to seek each other out and find they have more in common than they originally thought. It causes them to become closer and that turns to lust, and possibly more. Can they be long-term? Do they both want that?

Personally, I enjoyed the narration Teddy Hamilton is a favourite of mine he just delivers such an authentic experience. Kit Swann was the perfect Gretchen her voice was so easy to listen to. I need more from both of these narrators.

This one time, at band camp...etc. First of all, I did not know that this is a 'sequel' to My Canadian Boyfriend, but after a bit I kinda caught on, which is delightful because you get a glimpse of Rory's lift after getting married. But this is really about Gretchen & Teddy. Gretchen is at a midlife crisis and wondering what's next for her life. She decided that expanding her dance studio business is the way to go, as part of her journey to bad-ass-ness before she turns 40. Also, one more date and see if there's anything to it, of course that was an epic fail which confirms her believes of men, in general. Rory suggested her to lend her time at this Art Camp, as a break from life and break from the business as.a change of scenery. That's where she met the angsty rocker, Teddy.

At first, he was standoffish, coming off the breakup of his band, but she fascinated him in just a few minutes, I think simply because she's so different from him. Her outgoing personality, knowing that she's not like the resident artists who are here to run camp as well as flushing out their artistic needs. Teddy was there to hide, while Gretchen thought she was there to do someone else a favor. Thru their time as camp, teaching kids they found themselves and of course, they found each other. I think Teddy knew he fell for her by actions long before Gretchen did. She was so hell bend on her mission to rid of men, just needed a good time. Of course, feelings get tangled and all sorts of silliness ensues.

I really liked Gretchen & Teddy. However broken they each are, they are also very honest, and very vulnerable and very supportive. I love how positive they are. There were some 3rd act stuff in there, but glad that their camp-mates help them get their heads out of their asses to get them to see straight. Of course, we get our HEA.

I got the audio book version of Into the Woods. Love love love Teddy Hamilton, he portrays the angst well, but can also so the thoughtful and change of heart too. This is my first time having Kit Swann, and she can play flirty, to panic, to badass, which play up this book.. It was a good match.

Thank you NetGalley & Hachette Audio for the ARC.

This is my second novel by Jenny Holiday & I really enjoyed this one!

I really enjoyed the main characters, Teddy and Gretchen. They made a lot of sense together. I was happy that the big reveal didn't end up being ridiculous. The ending was very well done. I loved the setting of the art camp and all the "counsellors".

I'd love another story with more about Teddy's sister though!

Huge thanks to NetGalley & Hachette Audiofor an advance copy

Out of The Woods is a charming, humorous story that captures the struggles and self-reflection of a woman approaching 40, grappling with the age-old question: “Is this all there is?”

When Gretchen is unexpectedly invited to fill a last-minute spot as an Artist-in-Residence at a summer camp for creatively inclined youths, she starts to question more than just her summer plans (like her quest to become a single-for-life “crone”). She’s also reevaluating some of her bigger life choices, such as whether she’s still as passionate about growing her ultra-successful business.

Enter fellow artist-in-residence, Teddy, a talented but grumpy musician whose band recently split up. His only goal for the summer is channeling all of his bitterness into writing the perfect “revenge album.”
Despite his initially prickly exterior, there’s more to Teddy than meets the eye, and when he and Gretchen meet, sparks fly—both in humorous and heartfelt ways.

The chemistry between the Gretchen & Teddy is light and fun, and their dynamic is full of warmth and wit. I loved them together.

Out of The Woods is a delightful exploration of personal growth, second chances, and the unexpected twists life can throw at you when you least expect it.

4⭐️ 1🌶️

Into the Woods is a contemporary romance about two adults (FMC -40 & MMC - 35) who have a lot of self-work to do.

I love a good contemporary romance and Into the Woods did not disappoint! The story takes place in an arts camp called Wild Arts which gave me all the Camp ROck vibes! Except we follow two adult counselors instead of the students. Gretchen is a dance teacher and Teddy is a musician. They each attend the camp as counselors for their own objectives and they soon learn they have a lot in common.

I loved how vulnerable they became with each other. They each were able to talk and discuss some big moments in their childhood and reflect on how that trauma shaped them into the adults they are today. I loved these moments! It allowed their relationship to build not from lust, but from understanding and learning each other. I don’t often see this in romance books, and I find that I want more of it!

I listened to an ALC of the book and the narration was perfection! I loved the duet narration portrayed by Teddy Hamilton and Kit Swann. I will listen to anything with Teddy Hamilton so of course I LOVED IT! I thought they brought the characters to life! Narration: 5⭐️

✨Dance Instructor x Rockstar
✨Summer Romance
✨Banter
✨First Person & Dual POV
✨Bonding Campfires & Late Night Swim

Thank you to Forever Grand Central and NetGalley for the early copy!

I almost quit this within the first few minutes of listening. There is a jarring bit where Gretchen talks about herself in the third person and then switches back to first person narration. I found this to be quite frustrating. I ended up enjoying the story a lot more than I expected but that part really got to me.

Gretchen is a bad-ass. She grew up mainstream poor and opened a dance studio and is ready to expand her empire all before her 40th birthday. When the chance to work at an arts camp for a few weeks pops up, Gretchen takes it, not expecting to hit it off and on with grumpy rockstar Teddy Knight. She has sworn to use this time to become a crone, but she never got to squeeze in that chance to go out with a bang!

The romance is excellent and the story is interesting. There is no huge drama, and that makes for a nice read.

All in all, an enjoyable romance for those who love romance. Just grin and bear it through that first section.

The narrators were excellent and really enhanced the story.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Forever, and Net Galley for the DRC! All opinions are my own.

Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday is a delightful follow-up to Canadian Boyfriend that stands beautifully on its own. Fans of the first book will love getting to hear Gretchen’s story, but you don’t need to have read Canadian Boyfriend to fully enjoy this charming romance.

The dual narration truly elevates the audiobook experience, with two narrators perfectly capturing the voices of the main leads. Their performances bring Gretchen and her love interest to life, adding depth to their chemistry and enhancing the emotional beats of the story.

Gretchen’s journey is filled with relatable challenges, personal growth, and a romance that balances humor, tenderness, and just the right amount of steam. The dynamic between the leads is compelling, making their love story one to root for from start to finish.

While a few plot points felt slightly predictable, the strength of the characters and their heartfelt connections shine through, making Into the Woods an engaging and enjoyable listen. If you love romance with dual perspectives and fantastic narration, this audiobook is a must!

Jenny holiday is such a comfort author for me. Much like her previous works this book was sooooo funny and the romance gave me all the butterflies. I couldn’t stop listening and I highly recommend

Gretchen is about to turn 40 and is swearing off of dating after so many failed dates. She fills in at an art camp for kids as the dance expert where she meets Teddy, a rockstar whose band just broke up. She decides she can do one last hurrah.

This book was really cute!! I loved the characters in this story. Gretchen is an independent woman who owns her own business and is expanding it in celebration of her 40th birthday. She works with the girls at the dance camp on girl power songs. Teddy is a grumpy rockstar whose band just broke up and he’s at this camp because he didn’t read the fine print and didn’t realize he would be working with children.

They form a friendship based on their similar upbringing and they also help one another realize and work through things they need help with.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the duet style narration. Teddy was narrated by Teddy Hamilton!