Frankly, I am having a hard time figuring out exactly how to review this story. It didn’t work for me, but it was not without some positive aspects. So, let me go with what did work. The writing was poetic in descriptions, and there was so much potential here to be a unique take on this particular trope. The historical setting, with a real-life event from that timeframe contributing to the current Hywel pack’s situation, was pretty cool. It is always fascinating to me when an author can bring in something tangible, a well-known event that occurred historically, and can entwine that directly into the plot, then that thing having a direct effect on some of the characters. The story’s setting takes place in Wales and the town, Aberarth, is almost like its own character. The author created descriptive surroundings in which the weather seemed a direct reflection of the occurrences and feelings, and, as such, it was a significant part in each event that takes place. I always enjoy when scenes are set beautifully and I can picture what’s happening in my head. I was able to imagine it all, down the stones.

Now, for where Ward & Weft fell apart for me. Honestly, I felt like I was jumping into an already set series, as the world-building and explanations of how everything works was lacking. Like I was just supposed to understand the world I was dropped into, and how it all worked, with no foundation set. Maybe this story is a part of a series? Or, maybe it takes place in a world that was set in a different series? I double checked and it wasn’t listed as such, but if this novella is part of one, I am not sure which other books may have set the groundwork. I would probably have enjoyed this story considerably more if I’d understood how it all operated. Then again, Griffith didn’t understand himself, so maybe I wasn’t supposed to either. All I do know is that Ward & Weft left me confused, as I often felt like I was trying to piece together the exact situation and how everything functioned together. It became a struggle for me. I kept going back to try to understand the world better, or to determine if something had been explained elsewhere, taking me out of the flow of what was happening. Though I began to put together some things, it was not without substantial effort, and I still have a ton of questions in other areas which were left completely unexplained.

The relationship with Llewelyn and Griffith also felt incomplete. Their romantic designs seem to have a direct effect on the plot, and are essential for the progression of the story, but I never really got a true sense of the bond between the two, as it was largely based on their past where their connection originated, and it wasn’t described well enough for me to understand them as a couple.

For me, this story needed much more detail to fill in a lot of blanks. It feels half-finished and I remain confused, like I got a summary of a story rather than a full-bodied one. Sadly, this one was a miss for me.

3.5 stars

This was really different. I liked it. The writing style is a bit quirky and I can see that it would not work for everyone. For me it added to the overall vibe of the story.

The plot revolves around two men< Griffith and Llywelyn, who were childhood friends and first loves. Griffith has been gone for some time to learn more about his magic powers and he's recently back. It's not a moment too soon as the werewolf pack he's suppose to protect is in danger from outside sources. The two men have to put aside past hurts and work together to save their pack and their land.

There is a mystical feel to the story and it incorporates some mythology and some history into the tale. There is a sweet romance and lovely second chance story.

This was my first time reading this author but I enjoyed this enough that I will definitely check out her back catalogue.

**ARC received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**