Thank you to Net Galley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What would you do for true love?
I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast re-telling. It was a fun, quick read with nods to German folklore while still keeping the story modern. Kaspar is the moody, cursed Alder King who has lost all hope until Eliza arrives on his doorstep looking for the accommodation she'd booked in Germany to work on her Phd research. Their chemistry is immediate and flows through every interaction. This is book 2 in the Wild Wanderings series and I'll definitely be reading more!

**spoiler alert** Frederick the stickman was the best part.

It claims to be based on an old German poem (which is only a few sentences) but its honestly more of a beauty and the beast retelling.

My biggest gripe with this book was the FMC starts off engaged but 'on a break'. Spends the whole book hating on her fiance and stating she doesn't want to marry him, but puts off telling him that - until she cheats on him with the Alder King.

I suppose the author choose this so the fiancé could turn up at the end of the book, but he could have been an ex-fiancé and still turned up. It was irrelevant and just plain irritating to have them being engaged, wedding planning but 'on a break'. Immediately from the start I knew it would involve some kind of cheating and the book did not benefit from this.

Author could have left out the cheating and the book would easily be 3 stars or more.

Dive into the enchanting world of 'Alder King Spring,' where a cursed monarch, a spirited researcher, and a forest teetering on the edge of calamity set the stage for an exhilarating journey! From the brooding Kaspar to the determined Eliza, every character pulls you deeper into the story with each turn of the page. The snowy forests of Germany serve as a breathtaking backdrop, immersing you in a world fraught with curses and enigmas, as you join our dynamic duo on their quest.

The rich tapestry of details and vivid descriptions brings this world vividly to life, making every moment feel palpable. While the burgeoning romance between Kaspar and Eliza captivates, the tension of Kaspar's reluctance to open up adds an extra layer of suspense, ensuring you're gripped until the very end. Drawing inspiration from 'Beauty and the Beast' while skillfully incorporating elements of folklore, the novel offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale.

Though Eliza's fiancé may lack luster and her emotional expressions could be more overt, these nuances add depth to the narrative, enriching the complexities of character dynamics. While not overflowing with spice, the well-crafted intimate scenes are sure to leave you craving more.

In essence, 'Alder King Spring' is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance interwoven with folklore, promising a satisfying conclusion that leaves you with a sense of fulfillment. It's a literary treat worthy of applause.

This had everything that I was looking for from this series, it continued the story in the Wild Wanderings series and thought it worked with the genre. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall use of location and seasons. It left me wanting to read more in this series and from Talia Greer.

"I’ll just find my way back to him.”

This was heart melting, I loved the characters, Kasper and Eliza. He was such a grump in the beginning, but she melted into him and didn't give up on him. Kasper is cursed by a witch, needing to find someone to love him. I love that each chapter tells us how many days are left, days are passing the count down of what time remains to break the curse. 18 hours remaining, 16 hours remaining. I was biting my nail at the edge. This was well written and simply lovely, I wish I could read it again. BTW it does get a bit spicy here. And I can't wait to read more by this author.

"My own shard of happiness in this cruel, dark world."

This book was FANTASTIC. The fantasy? Amazing. The romance? Chef's kiss. The spice? Wow. I sincerely will be recommending this book every chance I get. I loved this take on a classic trope/tale and I loved even more the twists that took place.The character development of both Eliza and Kaspar was so good. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this book!

A magical German forest, a talking tree butler, and a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Eliza is pursuing her PhD in German Folklore which leads her to take temporary accommodation in a mansion in a small town. Too bad the owner wasn't expecting any students, oh and he's running out of time to break his curse. Kaspar, the Alder King, was cursed since he was born and has accepted that he will never break his curse. Eliza and Kaspar get started on the wrong foot with Kaspar trying to evict Eliza the moment she shows up on his doorstep. The two must overcome their own internal struggles and unify against the sorceress if they want to save Kaspar and the forest.

There are so many fun elements to this book. Eliza's PhD journey, revaluating her relationship back home, magical wood spirits, a talking tree butler, and an evil witch. I liked both the bisexual and demisexual representation as well. Unfortunately, I felt like we could have done with more pining and tension building between the two MCs. They really don't start creating a friendship until like 50% through and then its a speed run to finish. I think the pacing could have been a little more even in order for the payoff to hit harder.

Alder King Spring was such a fantastic fun read with grumpy/sunshine dynamics and a heartwarming HEA 🥰
Eliza Headed to Germany to escaper her life back home and study to write her dissertation on German Literature, specifically fairy-tales and folklore. Comes to find out the subject of her reading IS her grouchy landlord!
I loved this book so much!! I will be going back to read the first in the series after this and will definitely read more from Talia Greer.

*Thank you Talia and Netgalley for providing me a copy to review early

This was an enjoyable, dark fairytale fantasy. The setting was very moody and atmospheric, it was well written and easy to picture the characters in their environment.
The developing love between the two main characters was a great read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alder King Spring is book two of Wild Wanderings series by Talia Greer. In a lovely twist, Eliza Wilson visits Germany to research all things mythical and finds herself in the middle of enchantment. For Eliza, this opportunity to complete her dissertation is an escape of sorts, she is leaving behind her inattentive fiancé and all the many reasons she should marry him. For Kaspar, Eliza’s visit will certainly spell disaster; he is living the final days of a cursed life and fears that Eliza could be collateral damage! As the reluctant housemates interact and bond, true feelings began to bloom. Ms. Greer tells her beguiling love story with beautifully lyrical language, genuine humor, and great tenderness. The world she has imagined, along with the magical creatures inhabiting it, is one I would love to visit again.

Oooh this book was fun and interesting! I loved the beauty and the best retelling. The setting was dreamy and the characters were super interesting. I really enjoyed this one! I need to check out more from this author!

This romance is top-notch. Both Eliza and Kaspar stole a piece of my heart with their wit and determination. Watching them slowly open up to each other was pure magic. Plus, the representation of demisexuality added an extra layer of depth to their connection, making it even more meaningful. If you love a slow-burn romance, this book is an absolute must-read. It left me feeling deeply connected to the characters and filled with excitement for their journey.

3.5 stars. This is a telling of the Alder King poem with a beauty/beast trope. Eliza and Kaspar get off to a rocky start when they first meet. Eventually circumstances (i.e. busybody servants) bring the truth of Kaspar's existence and curse to light. Once everything is out in the open these two let their guard down and fall in love. An evil sorceress and a sentient forest are always in the background looming during the story. Sweet scenes and medium heat. HEA guaranteed.

This is a great paranormal romance.. I liked it.. It is full of drama, with magic and dangerous surprises..