Review - - Into the Woods

Into the Woods

by Jenny Holiday

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Gretchen Miller is a bit of a badass. But even badasses get the blues when it comes to romance, and Gretchen could use a break from dating. So, when she gets the offer to be the summer dance instructor at Camp Wild Arts, she leaps at the chance to embrace clean air, nature, and her inner crone. But every forest has pests—and the biggest one at Wild Arts is none other than Tennyson “Teddy” Knight, the A) arrogant, B) infuriating, C) kinda hot if it weren’t for A & B rockstar who happens to be Gretchen’s fellow artist-in-residence.

Fresh off his band's epic and ultra-public breakup, Teddy's grouchier than a black bear in spring, and Gretchen is happy to ignore the unexpected heat she feels around him. Yet a wary friendship blooms, and before she knows it, Gretchen finds herself sneaking around to have one last summer fling with the broody musician before she swears off men for good. But as they grow closer, Gretchen has to figure out if she's ready to take this summer camp romance out of the woods and into real life. 

PJ's Thoughts:

I don't know who started this trend of adult summer camp romances but they have my thanks because I am loving these stories. And, Into the Woods, in Jenny Holiday's capable hands, has me ready to grab a backpack and head for the woods myself. 

I love Jenny Holiday's characters. They are beautifully developed, complex, and intriguing. Also relatable. I feel like I know them, understand them, flaws and all, and appreciate their emotional challenges. The banter between Teddy and Gretchen is impeccable, as is the friction. I love a good adversaries-to-lovers journey. Even better, there's all that delicious but unwelcome (at least at first) heat simmering beneath the surface.

Teddy and Gretchen have some life experience in their rearview (they're in their 30's/40's) and are each at a professional crossroads. Their growth, both professional and personal (each has emotional baggage to confront), adds additional depth to their journeys and made this book even more enjoyable for me. I loved their snark, loved their spark, and finished their book with heartfelt satisfaction. Also, don't discount the importance of the richly depicted secondary cast in this book. They add humor, heart, conflict, and unexpected wisdom. It's always fun when we learn life lessons from the ones we're supposed to be teaching.  

If you read last year's Canadian Boyfriend (And if you haven't, you should. Just sayin'), you may recognize Gretchen as main female character Rory's (Aurora) boss and best friend. While Rory makes appearances in Into the Woods, don't worry if you're beginning here. Each book stands well on its own and I enthusiastically recommend both. Read my review of Canadian Boyfriend here.