The Demon of the Wood

By Willow Quinn

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Genre: Cozy Fantasy 🥰✨

Thank you Willow Quinn, for providing me with an ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

I think I have officially read my first cozy fantasy. I have heard the term used loosely in the book community, but never knew what exactly it was. I am a mood reader, and my moods usually include epic fantasy(romance), the classics, dark academia, gothic romance, and thrillers. I was so pleasantly surprised by how warm and safe reading this book made me feel; which is what makes me believe it falls into the cozy fantasy genre!

Melina and Kaemon come from vastly different backgrounds. Those backgrounds being human and demon, respectively. No spoilers, but they come together due to an unexpected turn of events, and while you might expect a human and demon to follow an enemies to lovers trope, they are anything but. Melina is slow to trust and release the fear she feels around Kaemon and the unknown, and he is patient, kind, and acknowledges and honors all her boundaries. He never plays hard to get, and though their feelings may be complicated at times, Kaemon takes such care with Melina, both physically and emotionally.

Though this novel focuses heavily on the romance aspect, you will find fantasy in the types of species and creatures that are encountered throughout the story. One of my favorite characters happens to be the devilishly handsome satyr, Silenus. He has a grumpy friendship with Kaemon, and a teasing and joyful friendship with Melina.

Overall, I felt that the plot was well-developed, and the pacing was perfect for a slow burn romance. And don’t worry, even though it is cozy, there is plenty of tension through forced proximity and fated mates…as well as the spice we were ALL waiting for!! And yes, it was definitely worth the wait. I can’t wait to see where book two takes us!! 😊.