I really enjoyed this winter read. Monster romance is such a fun genre, and this one had a real horror tone. Would recommend to read this during the holiday season for some festive monster fudgery. Heavy on the German, but easy to understand in context.

We loved this monster romance. The inspiration of lesser known Yuletide folkloric figures, mixed with romance, and a growing sense of danger in the wonderfully atmospheric winter landscape of the Black Forest, was so engaging. It's also beautifully balanced with cosy and tender moments between all the characters, from love interests to family and friends. It was such a privilege to get an advanced copy of this and a chance to talk to the author for our podcast!

Astrid is a winter hag in training and spends her days in the Black Forest honing her spell craft and at night she leaves offerings for the ancient monster that guards the woods. When a group of humans bring the monster to her doorstep, her only hope at survival is a plate of poisoned cookies. But she quickly realizes she doesn’t want to poison Gudarīks, but instead wants to get to know him. As they get to know each other and their feelings grow, they have to deal with the threat of an ancient magic from Gudarīks past.

This book was an unexpected surprise. This is a rich world full of magical creatures and humans who no longer believe the legends they celebrate. Gudarīks was a dangerous but lonely creature who has spent centuries guarding his woods and eating those who don’t follow the rules. When Astrid presents him with cookies instead of blood and meat, he finds himself intrigued and addicted to the new taste. Gudarīks was a fascinating creature who, while deadly, was also really sweet with Astrid. He appreciates her strength and evil desires, and has no problem worshiping her. I really loved him.

Astrid is a winter hexe (witch) in training and has followed her adoptive mother’s teaching of leaving offerings to Gudarīks nightly to be safe. She is a fierce woman who has no problem meting out death to those who don’t follow the rules. Astrid was a wonderful heroine. She was strong, smart, accepting of others, and not afraid to take her anger out on those who deserve it.

Astrid and Gudarīks relationship is a slow building one that grows as they get to know each other and deal with this ancient threat. I really loved their relationship. It was just a perfectly paced relationship that was both sweet and steamy, but also a bit bloody. I think my favorite thing about their relationship though was that they both accepted each other as monsters who kill without issue. It was great seeing a male character accept the darker side of his woman and actually support it.

This was a very fascinating world filled with all kinds of monsters. I liked that we got references to some of the other creatures that can be found in the world, like Krampus and werewolves. I would totally read other stories set in this world just because it was so fascinating. Also, I really enjoyed all the side characters in this story as well, especially Astrid’s mother who is dangerous in her own right.

Overall, this was a fascinating and wonderful monster romance that I couldn’t put down. I really enjoyed the darker aspect of these characters and the romance that built between them. I need more monster romances like this now.

TW: death; gun violence; on page torture;