A dark gothic fairy tale that keeps you on your toes reading. The story starts slow with building the story and characters but once you get to the second half you find the romance and thrilling ride you would expect to see from this author.

This was fun and moved quickly. There is plenty of that dry humor you find in Victorian era stories. I did get a little turned around trying to keep track of all of the characters and if they were going to be helpful in this whole journey. Learning the lore was interesting and demonstrates how superstitious this era can be. The romance was anywhere from quaint to non-existent. No major steamy moments. I’m looking forward to reading about her sisters in the upcoming books - especially the necromancer. Thank you Net Galley for the ebook!!

A bit delayed in my review, but at no fault of the book I had initially attempted to read it on the heels of an exceptional gothic romance I adored, which led me to put this down until a later date.

I am extremely pleased I waited and gave the book another go as it was fantastic! While it is dark, gothic, and filled with ill-intended fae, it has a slow-burn romance that is rather wholesome.

I very much appreciate the Victorian setting and the proper depiction of Victorian mourning practices, and we love a morally grey hero.

There's something about this book that just screams being cozy, wrapped in a heavy blanket in a dark room with a fire glowing brightly, that is the vibe. Clearly, this book sets up a greater series to come and I absolutely look forward to reading more of this world Atwater has woven.

I can tell that this book will sell brilliantly with the romantasy crowd! Olivia Atwater has already made a name for herself with the regency faerie tales series, and anyone who loved those will also love these.

The Witchwood Knot is a gothic fae fantasy with a slow burn romance. I loved the dark atmospheric vibes, the lush worldbuilding and relatable characters. The characters had great development and I had an easy time connecting with them. I wish the pacing had stayed consistent and the ending felt a bit rushed. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys whimsical fairytales mixed set in a Gothic Victorian era.

Thank you to Starwatch Pressfor providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is an interesting mix of fantasy and historical romance, though I should say that fantasy dominates. I liked faerie world as well as the tales about faeries, and the way they were incorporated in Victorian setting. The haunted manor was great - dark and sinister. I also liked the idea of dual world: the real one and the one in the dreams.

The main heroine was strong, clever, though a bit cold, selfish and prickly, and I wish I knew more about her powers. The main hero is really intriguing and mysterious, but the romance between them was a bit lacking - I missed the transition from enemies to lovers. The pace of the story was good, but more action would've improved the main storyline. The climax felt a bit repetitive and left many unanswered questions, but I guess they will be answered in the continuation of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Starwatch Press for the arc.

The first 25% was a little slow for me to get through as expected with a new fantasy and third person perspective but I'm glad I stayed with it as the magic system is very interesting. It has a potential to be a series with the way it ended. This is my first Olivia Atwater book, I'm keen to read she comes out with next!

This is a stunning fast paced dark romance fantasy with fae & magic and I could not put it down! I absolutely need a sequel!

Olivia Atwater can do no wrong!! I loved this book so much!! Thank you for letting me review it. I can’t wait for more books from the author!

Atwater does not miss! Her Regency series was a delight- tho I still have to finish it. The Witchwood Knot is definitely a darker take on fairy tales but her prose and delightful characters make it worth the ride. Highly recommend if you too enjoy traditional fairy tales and some light romance.

Atwater has done it again! Another amazing historical gaslamp faerie fantasy to take your breath away and take your imagination on the ride of a lifetime. This time a more gothic mystery twist, a delightful ride all the way cover to cover.

This was such a gorgeous and gothic read and it was wonderful to be back in the whimsical fairytale worlds that Oliva Atwater crafts so well.
There's romance, Fae, gothic mystery all set in the perfect gothic setting an isolated manor with stained glass and of course a creepy set of gates. I loved the character development and interactions and the romance was slow burn will they wont they and when it happened it was so sweet.
I really enjoyed this book and need more of this series in my life!!!

Began fully expecting another whimsical fairie romance read from author, Olivia Atwater and ended up so surprised and delighted at how deliciously dark and gothic this fairie tale ended up being!

Things I loved:
-romance was not the focal point of the plot, but fell into place so naturally
-plot unfurled as our FMC laid down her cards
-cloak and dagger who is the MMC?? ;)

Things I wish were better:
-the conclusion of the plot came together faster than I would have liked
-hope theirs more in this world because some pretty serious questions need answering...
-more page time from side characters (they were great!)

Pros
-Stunning Gothic setting that absolutely draws a reader in
-Romantic elements
-Suspicious Fae
Cons
-Odd pacing though notably this was not a problem for my enjoyment.
Who I Would recommend this title for
Fans of Fae based stories and of movies such as the Labyrinth will be thrilled when they pick up this gem of a book.

OMGoodness I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. The characters are engaging and the world-building is just stunning. I loved every second of this read.

What can I say about this book that is even somewhat coherent? First, it was SO GOOD. I adored the Regency Faerie Tales by Atwater, and probably the only thing that could have made those better for me was a nice, gothic atmosphere. Well, here it is, I got my wish and it was spectacular!

Read if you enjoy:
. Faerie shenanigans
. Gothic settings
. Magic
. ROMANCE

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since this book is already out, I wasn't sure how much to review it. I did give it four stars on goodreads. Such a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Olivia Atwater is back at it again with a gothic faerie romance! And I am here for it! It’s got it all.
A creepy and cursed Victorian Manor, a badass governess, a suspicious faerie butler,
and SO MUCH MAGIC!

https://www.catsluvcoffee.com/2024/01/bThe author states that The Witchwood Knot "started as a cross between the movie Labyrinth and the faerie tale known as the Twelve Dancing Princesses". She admits that what she ended up with wasn't exactly what she planned but that doesn't mean it's any less fantastic. Instead, it's difficult to put a distinct name on the end story.

Is it gothic? Yes.
It is a fairytale? Yes.
But is it romantic and whimsical at the same time? Also yes!

The world Atwater created is marvelous. It has everything good gothic fiction should. Isolated countryside mansion resplendent with stained glass windows surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. Pointed gables, white columns like skeletal fingers, screaming faces in the walls. All the finer things really. Like any good worldbuilding, hers has its own rules that one must abide by but I won't give all the secrets away.

The characters are what endeared The Witchwood Knot to me. Winnie is well suited to her position as a governess. She handles her charge quite well and when he is replaced by a fetch, doesn't hesitate to head into the fairy realm after him. Mr. Quincy, butler extraordinaire, and Winnie's interactions are frustrating (for Winnie) and yet endearing. He's very smooth but there are many secrets and he is unwilling to impart his knowledge just quite yet. Her charge is quite surly and you almost immediately dislike him as a spoiled child, but like Mr. Quincy, there is so much more than meets the eye. Oliver, the protector spirit cat that resides in his own skull, was destined to be my favorite as soon as he was introduced.

I was quite surprised by the romance. It didn't seem like the characters had anything in common to even find romance an option. Even once it started developing, it lingered for so long before actually becoming romance, that I had just about given up on it. After it was all said and done, this sweet and thoughtful romance made it seem like all the rest hadn't come before. How confounding and yet, I'm still completely on board despite certain anatomical protrusions. No, not that one.

Read it for yourself and you'll see. ook-review-witchwood-knot-by-olivia.html

As soon as I read the line, “It seems a faerie has just stolen all of my unmentionables,” I knew I was going to love this book.
I adored Regency Faerie Tales and was excited to return to this world and see some familiar faces. Cook perfectly describes Witchwood Manor when she tells Winnie that “this place is unwholesome.” It’s gothic, uncanny, and perfect for fans of the Brontës who want a little more magic and a villainous hero who is so cruel as to be intensely admired by our heroine, composing songs just for her.
I was so intrigued by how Winnie expertly navigated faerie and their rules and I was biting my nails as she decided which promises to keep and who to save.
The conclusion had me cheering while the set up for future books has me anxiously awaiting the next addition to the Victorian Faerie Tales.