As a general fan of gothic stories, there are elements that must always present themselves but sometimes it can edge the side of horror, and that typically is my line. But Atwater has created a glorious story that contains the gothic vibes, delicious characters, sense of mystery, but has also succeeded in making it...cozy? Absolutely loved it.

Why do I always have such a hard time reviewing Olivia Atwater's books, when her books are so easy for me to read?

Maybe it's because I can't specifically put into words why her stories work so well for me. I read Half a Soul last year and never wrote a review for it for the same reason. It's like I consume the books in a happy daze, and come out at the other end satisfied without knowing why. I'll give it a try, though.

One thing important to note is that this book does have ties to Half a Soul. You'll have more fun unravelling the mystery if you read that first, as it does have a bunch of easter eggs.

The first thing that hit me about this book was the atmosphere. Sometimes books are marketed as "gothic", and I think about it for a while and decide I have no clue what they're talking about. But there was no doubt in my mind about what I was reading here. From the description of the house, to the woods, to the mysteries and secrets surrounding Witchwood Manor, the vibes were absolutely incredible. The other thing I really enjoy about Atwater's books is her version of the fae. I'm not a fan of the romanticized version that's very popular these days. I like it when they're cruel and clever, and the author really delivers on that front.

The story is compelling in and of itself, but the characters and the relationships really bring it to life. The romance was the kind that creeps up on you slowly, until you suddenly blink and realize these characters have wormed their way into your heart as well as each other's. So many books get marketed as enemies to lovers these days, and I tend to find most of them not to my personal preference, but Witchwood Knot understands what that looks like. Mr. Quincy and Winnie are on opposite sides, and no pretty face or lust is going to change that.

I really appreciated the exploration of Winnie's past trauma, and how that played into her relationship with Mr. Quincy. I think that because they start off as enemies, mutual respect ends up being the basis for their entire dynamic, and it worked so well for me. There was so much good quality longing, too—I was absolutely living for it.

The ending makes me really interested in the subsequent books. I have no idea if those will continue with the same characters, although I hope they do, because I'm kind of attached to them now.

If you read the Regency Faerie Tales and thought "you know what this needs? Creep factor" than this is for you! While I enjoyed the Regency Faerie Tales series, I loved The Witchwood Knot. It's both creepy and cozy - I mean there's a skeleton cat! While there is a romance, I would say it takes a backseat to the mystery plot that's happening.

I am so excited to see where this series go and I hope it maintains the spooky tones.

Thank you for providing me an eARC of this book.
This mysterious and dark book was enchanting and really captivating. I love the hidden world trope and fae that are cunning and evil.
I hope the author is going to continue this story.

Olivia Atwater has become my comfort author! Her books feel both familiar and fresh—cozy if you will! And while, compared to the Regency Faerie Tales series, this is less “cozy” with its gothic vibes, it still has that enchanting Victorian setting, whimsy and magic.

I also adore a slow burn, so I was in for a treat with this one. I’m constantly handselling it as well as her other titles.

This was a perfect romance! I loved the regency series from Atwater, but I love this new one even more. The darker, spookier elements are wonderfully done without totally eclipsing the overall sweet, cozy tone of the series. I can't wait for the next book!

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.