"If I am your Moth, you are my flame." Then, in a voice as dark as the night sky, he says, "I couldn't stay away even if I wished it."
Release Date: December 2022
Genre: Fantasy fiction, paranormal fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary romance
Rating:
Summary:
22-year-old Heather is suffering from an epic case of burnout.
So, just like any other young influencer, she abandons all of her social platforms, gathers up her best flowy dresses, and moves to a desolate cabin.
Heather imagines spending her #unplugged days traipsing through the woods and tending to her garden. However, her cottagecore fantasy is turned upside down when a wounded cryptid crashes into her roof - and her heart.
With no help from her internet followers, and the local monster-hunter growing suspicious, Heather's quiet life in the wilderness has suddenly become a little more complicated. To make matters worse, she thinks she might be falling in love with the brooding winged man in her living room.
Review:
A delightfully peculiar romance. I feel that is one of the best ways I can describe this book.
This book was a gift from my sister, Madi. I sent her on a mission to the bookstore to surprise me with a pick to read! She definitely blew ANY expectations I had right out of the water. I was so shocked when she gave this time. I asked for a surprise and she definitely delivered. I have never read any book like this before: a cryptid romance. I figured it was a great theme for October and I'd give it a shot! Side note: I do truly adore when people buy books for me to read and they are completely under my radar and surprise me. It warms my whole heart!
I genuinely thought I would be able to breeze through this book fairly quicky but I will say, it took me the whole month to get through. I just didn't find myself reaching for this book, excited to read it. I'll be honest, sometimes it felt like a chore. I feel like this book wildly exceeding my expectations while simultaneously missed the mark on all my expectations at the same time. If that is even possible?
I absolutely loved the cozy, cottage core vibes this book gives. I, too, would like to disconnect like Heather and spend some time in the cottage tending to my garden and baking pastries. I also think I would be like Heather and struggle immensely because my dreams are way more picture perfect than reality more often than not. I loved that Heather was this extremely feminine, romantic character. I also absolutely loved the LGBTQIA+ representation in this book AND chronic illness representation. It was unexpected and I appreciated that!
This was a really wholesome romance. Don't get me wrong: there was a substantial amount of cryptid smut. This is not a book for the faint of heart. BUT the love between Heather and Moth felt so genuine and it was really sweet to experience their love blossom. It felt like two people who had been lost for so long who finally found each other.
All respect to everyone who loves these kinds of novels. It was just extremely hard for me to forget that he was a moth...a moth man. There is also a second book coming out where they get engaged. I will not be continuing my journey with Heather and Moth but I wish them all the best.
Quotes:
"Put some gratitude in your attitude!"
"Be good to these woods, and I'm sure you'll be very happy here."
"It's hard to get into the groove with cleaning if I don't have the right playlist."
"I hold tight to the vintage copy of Pride and Prejudice tucked under my arm. I can - and I will - have my cute tree-climbing-moment if it kills me."
"At the top of the tree, with the hem of my dress blowing in the breeze, I feel like a rebellious Victorian lady who refuses to bend to society's norms."
"You are my forest witch."
"You -" Before I can process the tenderness of his voice, his hand cups my face just under the chin. "-are a wildflower; vibrant and unpredictable; wherever you choose to settle, roots will follow."
"If I am your Moth, you are my flame." Then, in a voice as dark as the night sky, he says, "I couldn't stay away even if I wished it."
"My love, flame, and flower - everything he calls me makes me feel precious and wanted."
