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The Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows
A sleeping curse. A forgotten love. A journey through a deadly forest where magic always demands a price.
For a century, Princess Rosemary has lived in the shadow of a broken kingdom, hidden away in a cottage at the edge of the Everland Woods. While her sister—the last true heir to the Seelie throne—lies trapped in an unrelenting slumber, Rosemary has spent a lifetime searching for a cure, mastering the healing arts in a world where every spell demands a sacrifice.
Prince Elias, cursed son of the Unseelie Queen, believed Rosemary was lost to him forever. Once, she was his heart. Now, she doesn’t even remember his name. When fate entwines their paths once more, Elias makes her a dangerous he will guide her through the cursed woods to find a mythical flower that can break any enchantment—if she, in turn, helps him. But he carries a secret more damning than his mother’s bloodline.
The moment she loves him again… he will have to leave her.
As the journey tests the limits of their magic, their resolve, and the ghosts of their past, Rosemary and Elias must decide what they are willing to lose. Because in the world of fae, nothing is freely given..
Curses demand sacrifice. Love was never part of the deal.
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows is book three in The Enchanted woods Cottagecore Collection.
Perfect for fans of One Dark Window, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, and The Foxglove King, Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows is a spellbinding tale of longing, betrayal, and the magic that lingers in forgotten places.
For a century, Princess Rosemary has lived in the shadow of a broken kingdom, hidden away in a cottage at the edge of the Everland Woods. While her sister—the last true heir to the Seelie throne—lies trapped in an unrelenting slumber, Rosemary has spent a lifetime searching for a cure, mastering the healing arts in a world where every spell demands a sacrifice.
Prince Elias, cursed son of the Unseelie Queen, believed Rosemary was lost to him forever. Once, she was his heart. Now, she doesn’t even remember his name. When fate entwines their paths once more, Elias makes her a dangerous he will guide her through the cursed woods to find a mythical flower that can break any enchantment—if she, in turn, helps him. But he carries a secret more damning than his mother’s bloodline.
The moment she loves him again… he will have to leave her.
As the journey tests the limits of their magic, their resolve, and the ghosts of their past, Rosemary and Elias must decide what they are willing to lose. Because in the world of fae, nothing is freely given..
Curses demand sacrifice. Love was never part of the deal.
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows is book three in The Enchanted woods Cottagecore Collection.
Perfect for fans of One Dark Window, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, and The Foxglove King, Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows is a spellbinding tale of longing, betrayal, and the magic that lingers in forgotten places.
- GenresFantasyRetellings
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
16 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hunt
13 books59 followersRiley Hunt is the pen name of Trish Beninato. She writes both adult and young adult fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal with a little romance and strong female leads that kick ass all on their own. She lives in Maryland currently, but who knows where she will end up next, even she doesn’t know. She holds a master’s in Education with an emphasis on Reading Literacy, but instead writes the literature she once sought to teach. She is a wine and coffee enthusiast who overindulges way too much. A proud nerd to the core, you’ll find Star Wars and Marvel characters littering the shelves of her office; which she uses influence from as she writes her stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 17, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Rosemary a feisty seelie is trying to save her sister from a sleeping curse and Elias a flirty and morally grey unseelie wants to break a curse. Together they go on this deadly journey through the woods to find a flower that will help break the curses.
This is the third book in the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore series and I absolutely devoured it in a couple of hours! I loved the writing and I enjoyed the mystery of Rosemary not remembering Elias or their love, the secrets, betrayals, magic, and magical creatures. I loved the chemistry between Rosemary and Elias ooh how I laughed with this two characters and their banter. I Highly recommend this story!
Thank you Riley Hunter, LS Embers and the nerd fam for this ARC copy in exchange of my honest review! 🩷
Rosemary a feisty seelie is trying to save her sister from a sleeping curse and Elias a flirty and morally grey unseelie wants to break a curse. Together they go on this deadly journey through the woods to find a flower that will help break the curses.
This is the third book in the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore series and I absolutely devoured it in a couple of hours! I loved the writing and I enjoyed the mystery of Rosemary not remembering Elias or their love, the secrets, betrayals, magic, and magical creatures. I loved the chemistry between Rosemary and Elias ooh how I laughed with this two characters and their banter. I Highly recommend this story!
Thank you Riley Hunter, LS Embers and the nerd fam for this ARC copy in exchange of my honest review! 🩷
August 4, 2025
A fun fantasy retelling of sleeping beauty with a twist. Fae, smut, betrayal, and fated mates are some themes you'll see throughout this book.
July 10, 2025
I received this book as a eARC and I absolutely loved it! If you're looking for a Sleeping Beauty retelling, here it is! Sometimes I feel like retellings can be too similar, but this story was truly its own. It is listed as a dark fantasy cottage core romance, but I wouldn't say it's overly dark. I would also rate it 2-3 chili peppers in regards to spice.
The FMC and MMC were such well rounded characters and it was so fun to be involved in their journey as enemies to lovers! Rosemary had such devotion to those around her and truly went through the ringer.
I'm not one to visualize much when reading, but the writing painted such a beautiful picture and experience. I'm excited to read more books from these authors.
The FMC and MMC were such well rounded characters and it was so fun to be involved in their journey as enemies to lovers! Rosemary had such devotion to those around her and truly went through the ringer.
I'm not one to visualize much when reading, but the writing painted such a beautiful picture and experience. I'm excited to read more books from these authors.
July 11, 2025
A charming slow burn Romantasy, with sleeping beauty elements, and a sisters quest to find a cure and save her sister.
I loved the mystery from the hidden memories, and the intrigue from prophecies and curses.
Loved the chemistry between Rosemary and Elias, and the way they protect and fight for each other.
It's a sweet story about hope, healing and sacrifice, and light over dark.
I loved the mystery from the hidden memories, and the intrigue from prophecies and curses.
Loved the chemistry between Rosemary and Elias, and the way they protect and fight for each other.
It's a sweet story about hope, healing and sacrifice, and light over dark.
July 28, 2025
I loved this standalone novel so much, I honestly wish it were a series. So much happened during Rosemary's journey to try and save her sister. At times things felt so insurmountable, I would not have blamed her for giving up. And Elias. I loved him from that first smirk. There were times I wanted to shake him until he used his words, but he got there in the end. The ending was not what I expected and absolutely perfect for the characters. This was such a fun world to escape into.
August 23, 2025
this book was such a good enemies to lovers, second chance, and slow burn romance!! I really enjoyed the specific curses and Rosemary's healing knowledge. The additional chapters consisting of the healing properties of different herbs was amazing and probably a favorite part of mine.
August 10, 2025
Thank you to both authors for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I actually rated this book 3.5 stars.
I have to start by saying that I really liked the main characters, Rosie and Elias, and their dynamic when they´re together. I liked reading about their constant bickering, that, in time, lead to something more. I like how their past was served by small courses, and not all at once, leaving me wanting more.
I enjoyed reading about the world and its magic as well.
However, I felt like the first half of the book was so slow, and it took me so long to get past it
All the scenes that were supposed to make my adrenaline spike and make me worried about the main characters left me feeling like "meh", because they were over so quickly, and felt so insignificant
I also noticed, how certain statements were on repeat over, and over, and over again, and it was annoying a lot.
The whole journey the two embarked on was caused by a curse, which they´re trying to break. And on said journey, they come across many obstacles and find out, that the situation is much more severe, than what they anticipated. And that they need to do so much more now. Love these twists
But the way the curse was broken felt just so sudden and after what they had to go through, to reach the point, it made the whole journey and the dangers they faced so insignificant.
I also think that it wouldn´t be bad, if the story showed more of Rosie went through after the curse was broken, I just feel like that what was mention was not enough.
And the whole defeating the villain part? It was so quick, and I felt like I was watching that one MLP movie again, where the centuries old villain, who had their time honing their skills in dark magic, was defeated by the power of friendship and love.
I actually rated this book 3.5 stars.
I have to start by saying that I really liked the main characters, Rosie and Elias, and their dynamic when they´re together. I liked reading about their constant bickering, that, in time, lead to something more. I like how their past was served by small courses, and not all at once, leaving me wanting more.
I enjoyed reading about the world and its magic as well.
However, I felt like the first half of the book was so slow, and it took me so long to get past it
All the scenes that were supposed to make my adrenaline spike and make me worried about the main characters left me feeling like "meh", because they were over so quickly, and felt so insignificant
I also noticed, how certain statements were on repeat over, and over, and over again, and it was annoying a lot.
The whole journey the two embarked on was caused by a curse, which they´re trying to break. And on said journey, they come across many obstacles and find out, that the situation is much more severe, than what they anticipated. And that they need to do so much more now. Love these twists
But the way the curse was broken felt just so sudden and after what they had to go through, to reach the point, it made the whole journey and the dangers they faced so insignificant.
I also think that it wouldn´t be bad, if the story showed more of Rosie went through after the curse was broken, I just feel like that what was mention was not enough.
And the whole defeating the villain part? It was so quick, and I felt like I was watching that one MLP movie again, where the centuries old villain, who had their time honing their skills in dark magic, was defeated by the power of friendship and love.
September 23, 2025
**ARC Review**
low start, lots of build up and slow burn, about 1/4 of the way through I was able to really get into it. I do feel like we missed some story building about Briar, but wonderful read.
low start, lots of build up and slow burn, about 1/4 of the way through I was able to really get into it. I do feel like we missed some story building about Briar, but wonderful read.
July 9, 2025
𝐷𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑂𝑉
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑧𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠
𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡
𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑝!
A standalone Sleeping Beauty retelling but darker, more twisted, and laced with morally grey choices. In this retelling, the heroine’s sister is afflicted with a slumber curse. Healing Elixirs & Wicked Crows is filled with longing, betrayal, hope, and magic set in a lush and dangerous fantasy world.
Princess Rosemary (Seelie) is living a simple life in a hidden cottage in the human realm crafting remedies and chasing knowledge on how to cure her sister’s curse. Prince Elias (Unseelie) is cursed and was told that the one person who he has loved, Princess Rosemary, was gone. He spent a century searching for her, determined to break their curse. When he finally finds her… Rosemary doesn’t remember him, but he remembers every detail about her.
“𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴.”
Elias is broody, morally grey and flirtatious to a fault. Rosemary is resilient, brave and has the biggest heart. Their chemistry and banter are on point. They go on a dangerous quest through the enchanted woods to find this rare, powerful flower because it might be the last attempt to save her dying sister. The story felt gothic and dark but also cozy. The cottagecore vibes come through Rosemary’s healing magic and her use of plants and flowers.
A prominent theme highlighted in the book: when someone is dealing with grief or loss, they can let that pain turn them bitter or compassionate. In the story, the evil queen chose bitterness, spreading her suffering to everyone around her.
“…𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴.”
An incredible story about healing, hope and the triumph of love over darkness.
✦ What is the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection? A collection of 11 books with cottagecore elements from gothic to cozy with various levels of spice but each one has a plant or flower attached to it that makes it all the more cottagecore cozy. ✦
Rating: 4.25/5
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑧𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠
𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡
𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑝!
A standalone Sleeping Beauty retelling but darker, more twisted, and laced with morally grey choices. In this retelling, the heroine’s sister is afflicted with a slumber curse. Healing Elixirs & Wicked Crows is filled with longing, betrayal, hope, and magic set in a lush and dangerous fantasy world.
Princess Rosemary (Seelie) is living a simple life in a hidden cottage in the human realm crafting remedies and chasing knowledge on how to cure her sister’s curse. Prince Elias (Unseelie) is cursed and was told that the one person who he has loved, Princess Rosemary, was gone. He spent a century searching for her, determined to break their curse. When he finally finds her… Rosemary doesn’t remember him, but he remembers every detail about her.
“𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴.”
Elias is broody, morally grey and flirtatious to a fault. Rosemary is resilient, brave and has the biggest heart. Their chemistry and banter are on point. They go on a dangerous quest through the enchanted woods to find this rare, powerful flower because it might be the last attempt to save her dying sister. The story felt gothic and dark but also cozy. The cottagecore vibes come through Rosemary’s healing magic and her use of plants and flowers.
A prominent theme highlighted in the book: when someone is dealing with grief or loss, they can let that pain turn them bitter or compassionate. In the story, the evil queen chose bitterness, spreading her suffering to everyone around her.
“…𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴.”
An incredible story about healing, hope and the triumph of love over darkness.
✦ What is the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection? A collection of 11 books with cottagecore elements from gothic to cozy with various levels of spice but each one has a plant or flower attached to it that makes it all the more cottagecore cozy. ✦
Rating: 4.25/5
July 16, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author @RileyHunt for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows by Riley Hunt and L.S. Embers is a truly enchanting story that perfectly blends fantasy, romance, and adventure into a beautiful tapestry of emotion and magic.
Princess Rosemary’s determination to save her sister and break a centuries-old curse felt deeply inspiring. She’s a heroine filled with hope, courage, and a fierce loyalty that drives the story forward. Watching her navigate the complexities of the fae world and her own heart was a joy—she is relatable, strong, and wonderfully human despite the magical setting.
Elias, the fae prince with a mysterious past and a heavy secret, adds so much depth to the story. Their relationship unfolds with such tender, slow-burning passion that every moment between them crackled with chemistry. The authors handled their romance with care, allowing their connection to grow naturally amidst the high stakes of their quest.
The world-building is lush and immersive—from the shadowy depths of the Everland Woods to the mythical creatures that roam it. I loved the vivid descriptions of magical plants, ancient curses, and the sense of wonder that fills the pages. It made the world feel alive and tangible.
The elixirs she creates are more than potions; they’re symbols of hope, renewal, and the painstaking process of piecing together what’s broken—not just in the body, but in the soul.
The authors beautifully explore the transformative power of alchemy, where each ingredient—be it a rare flower or a whispered incantation—carries weight and meaning.
If you crave fantasy that blends heartfelt romance with rich, detailed world-building, especially one where magic and healing are intertwined in the most poetic way, this book is a true gem. It’s a testament to how even broken things can be reborn stronger, with a little alchemy and a lot of love.
Thank you to the author @RileyHunt for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows by Riley Hunt and L.S. Embers is a truly enchanting story that perfectly blends fantasy, romance, and adventure into a beautiful tapestry of emotion and magic.
Princess Rosemary’s determination to save her sister and break a centuries-old curse felt deeply inspiring. She’s a heroine filled with hope, courage, and a fierce loyalty that drives the story forward. Watching her navigate the complexities of the fae world and her own heart was a joy—she is relatable, strong, and wonderfully human despite the magical setting.
Elias, the fae prince with a mysterious past and a heavy secret, adds so much depth to the story. Their relationship unfolds with such tender, slow-burning passion that every moment between them crackled with chemistry. The authors handled their romance with care, allowing their connection to grow naturally amidst the high stakes of their quest.
The world-building is lush and immersive—from the shadowy depths of the Everland Woods to the mythical creatures that roam it. I loved the vivid descriptions of magical plants, ancient curses, and the sense of wonder that fills the pages. It made the world feel alive and tangible.
The elixirs she creates are more than potions; they’re symbols of hope, renewal, and the painstaking process of piecing together what’s broken—not just in the body, but in the soul.
The authors beautifully explore the transformative power of alchemy, where each ingredient—be it a rare flower or a whispered incantation—carries weight and meaning.
If you crave fantasy that blends heartfelt romance with rich, detailed world-building, especially one where magic and healing are intertwined in the most poetic way, this book is a true gem. It’s a testament to how even broken things can be reborn stronger, with a little alchemy and a lot of love.
July 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
When I first heard of cottagecore, I thought “Cute!”, but maybe not for me. However, dark cottagecore I can totally get on board with.The darker elements that the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore brings to this subgenre has me eating every book up so far. The morally gray characters definitely pull you in and the magical and fantasy elements keep you fully entertained from beginning to end.
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows pulls in themes from Sleeping Beauty, but makes it darker, ups the stakes, and the romance is definitely spicier. I loved the aspect of a sister trying to save her sister and the lengths she is willing to go for said sister. As Rosemary is trying to find a cure for her sister, she meets someone who claims to be from her past, but she doesn’t remember them at all. Yet they remember things about her that no one else could.
Prince Elias has been searching for his lost love for over a century. When he finds her, she doesn’t remember anything about him. As he goes on her quest of locating a rare flower to save her sister, you are pulled into a world of magic and fantasy. I loved watching these two get to know each other again. Rosemary is familiar but still new to Elias, as he is new and captivating to her. This story remained cozy despite the gothic vibes woven throughout.
Riley Hunt and LS Embers co-authored a wonderful story about hope, second chances, and how love can conquer all. I loved how they highlighted that our individual choices to situations turns us into the type of person we choose to be. We are a direct reflection of our choices and how those choices ripple out from us.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔮Dark Cottagecore
✨Fated Mates
🔮Morally Gray Characters
✨Fae Court Politics
🔮Sleeping Beauty Retelling
✨Enemies to Lovers
🔮Bargains, Curses, and Prophecies
✨Second Chance Romance
🔮Star Crossed Lovers
When I first heard of cottagecore, I thought “Cute!”, but maybe not for me. However, dark cottagecore I can totally get on board with.The darker elements that the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore brings to this subgenre has me eating every book up so far. The morally gray characters definitely pull you in and the magical and fantasy elements keep you fully entertained from beginning to end.
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows pulls in themes from Sleeping Beauty, but makes it darker, ups the stakes, and the romance is definitely spicier. I loved the aspect of a sister trying to save her sister and the lengths she is willing to go for said sister. As Rosemary is trying to find a cure for her sister, she meets someone who claims to be from her past, but she doesn’t remember them at all. Yet they remember things about her that no one else could.
Prince Elias has been searching for his lost love for over a century. When he finds her, she doesn’t remember anything about him. As he goes on her quest of locating a rare flower to save her sister, you are pulled into a world of magic and fantasy. I loved watching these two get to know each other again. Rosemary is familiar but still new to Elias, as he is new and captivating to her. This story remained cozy despite the gothic vibes woven throughout.
Riley Hunt and LS Embers co-authored a wonderful story about hope, second chances, and how love can conquer all. I loved how they highlighted that our individual choices to situations turns us into the type of person we choose to be. We are a direct reflection of our choices and how those choices ripple out from us.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔮Dark Cottagecore
✨Fated Mates
🔮Morally Gray Characters
✨Fae Court Politics
🔮Sleeping Beauty Retelling
✨Enemies to Lovers
🔮Bargains, Curses, and Prophecies
✨Second Chance Romance
🔮Star Crossed Lovers
July 16, 2025
The Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection continues to be a whirlwind of emotion as this dual perspective Dark Cottagecore Romantasy was both fun to read and utterly heartwrenching. I was delighted to receive this ARC for an honest review.
Rosemary and Elias were complex and interesting characters, and I generally enjoyed their romance. Rosemary's growth throughout the story was wonderful to see. Elias was a decent enough mmc, but I didn't like how he handled certain things and didn't quite get his motivation to keep certain things hidden.
This is one of the few romances where the trope was enjoyable for me. Probably because they had enough of a background and connection as children, even if The spice was tolerable, with a few open door scenes, though they didn't all feel necessary to me. I was exceedingly put out that the characters had two spicy scenes
I do feel like the book was a bit long, and there were several points where it could have ended, with additional scenes feeling tacked on. I do appreciate that it wasn't just a "and they lived happily ever after" with no thought into the consequences and outcome of the final battle. I just feel like it could have been paced a little better?
Definitely take a look at trigger warnings at the beginning. The novel doesn't shy away from some hard hitting topics like choice versus fate, trauma, failure and grief.
Overall, it was a fun, emotional, and insightful ride and I enjoyed reading it.
Rosemary and Elias were complex and interesting characters, and I generally enjoyed their romance. Rosemary's growth throughout the story was wonderful to see. Elias was a decent enough mmc, but I didn't like how he handled certain things and didn't quite get his motivation to keep certain things hidden.
This is one of the few romances where the trope was enjoyable for me. Probably because they had enough of a background and connection as children, even if The spice was tolerable, with a few open door scenes, though they didn't all feel necessary to me. I was exceedingly put out that the characters had two spicy scenes
I do feel like the book was a bit long, and there were several points where it could have ended, with additional scenes feeling tacked on. I do appreciate that it wasn't just a "and they lived happily ever after" with no thought into the consequences and outcome of the final battle. I just feel like it could have been paced a little better?
Definitely take a look at trigger warnings at the beginning. The novel doesn't shy away from some hard hitting topics like choice versus fate, trauma, failure and grief.
Overall, it was a fun, emotional, and insightful ride and I enjoyed reading it.
July 12, 2025
📖 Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows
🧚🏻♀️ Riley Hunt, L. S. Embers
📚 The Enchanted woods Cottagecore Collection #3
This was such an easy 5 ⭐ read for me !!!
All my favourite TROPES with a new BOOK BF , what else does a girl desire?? 😏
This book gives you :
🧚🏻♀️ Romantasy Sleeping Beauty retelling
🐦⬛ Dual POV
✨ Enemies-to-lovers
🧝🏻♀️ Fated Mates
🧚🏻♀️ He Falls First
🐦⬛ She's Fiesty
✨ He's broody and morally grey
🧝🏻♀️ She doesn't remember him
💜 BANTER - He's flirty, She's stabby 😏
🧚🏻♀️ He can't stop thinking about her
🐦⬛ Secrets and Betrayals 💔
✨ Sizzling SLOW BURN ❤️🔥
🧝🏻♀️ Prophecy and Curses
🧚🏻♀️ Magical creatures
🐦⬛ Seelie vs Unseelie Fae
✨ Cottage core vibes
🧝🏻♀️ Dangerous Quest
This is one of those rare books that will definitely stick with me for a very long time. I fell in love with the writing and the story as soon as I started reading!
The world building is absolutely wonderful with an enchanting plot and lovable characters .
The Banter, the slow burn, the dialogues : Spot on !
& the Character development of the MCs : 🤌🏻🤌🏻
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I definitely recommend this book to all Romantasy lovers , this one is TOTALLY WORTH IT !
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Thank you so so much authors for this beautifully incredible eARC 🪷
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✦ What is the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection? A collection of 11 books with cottagecore elements from gothic to cozy with various levels of spice but each one has a plant or flower attached to it that makes it all the more cottagecore cozy. ✦
🧚🏻♀️ Riley Hunt, L. S. Embers
📚 The Enchanted woods Cottagecore Collection #3
This was such an easy 5 ⭐ read for me !!!
All my favourite TROPES with a new BOOK BF , what else does a girl desire?? 😏
This book gives you :
🧚🏻♀️ Romantasy Sleeping Beauty retelling
🐦⬛ Dual POV
✨ Enemies-to-lovers
🧝🏻♀️ Fated Mates
🧚🏻♀️ He Falls First
🐦⬛ She's Fiesty
✨ He's broody and morally grey
🧝🏻♀️ She doesn't remember him
💜 BANTER - He's flirty, She's stabby 😏
🧚🏻♀️ He can't stop thinking about her
🐦⬛ Secrets and Betrayals 💔
✨ Sizzling SLOW BURN ❤️🔥
🧝🏻♀️ Prophecy and Curses
🧚🏻♀️ Magical creatures
🐦⬛ Seelie vs Unseelie Fae
✨ Cottage core vibes
🧝🏻♀️ Dangerous Quest
This is one of those rare books that will definitely stick with me for a very long time. I fell in love with the writing and the story as soon as I started reading!
The world building is absolutely wonderful with an enchanting plot and lovable characters .
The Banter, the slow burn, the dialogues : Spot on !
& the Character development of the MCs : 🤌🏻🤌🏻
.
.
I definitely recommend this book to all Romantasy lovers , this one is TOTALLY WORTH IT !
.
.
Thank you so so much authors for this beautifully incredible eARC 🪷
.
.
✦ What is the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection? A collection of 11 books with cottagecore elements from gothic to cozy with various levels of spice but each one has a plant or flower attached to it that makes it all the more cottagecore cozy. ✦
July 10, 2025
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
This is a delightful cosy fairy tale that takes elements from the stories we loved growing up and puts a more mature spin on them. Rosemary, a seelie Fae, lives in a cottage with her sister, Briar - who has been slumbering for over a century, cursed by the evil Queen of the Unseelie Fae. Rosemary is a healer, and she discovers there is a rare flower that could cure Briar. As she prepares to go and find it, a mysterious Unseelie male, Elias, arrives on her doorstep. Whilst she has no idea who he is, he seems to know her. After making him swear a vow to never harm her, Rosemary and Elias set out on the perilous journey to recover the rare plant and cure her sister. Secrets will out, memories will return, but will their story have a happy ending?
This is a well paced story with plenty of twists and turns, and a lot of heart. Rosemary is a strong FMC who has the soul of a healer and will try to save everyone, even if it means compromising the cure for her sister. Elias is strong, likes to tease Rosemary (although she doesn't understand why), and harbours secrets that will change everything Rosemary thinks she knows. Their love story is gentle and sweet, and endures despite their circumstances. There is a gentle spice level that potentially makes it unsuitable for the youngest of readers, but this is a book that people of any age from mid teens up can enjoy.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
This is a delightful cosy fairy tale that takes elements from the stories we loved growing up and puts a more mature spin on them. Rosemary, a seelie Fae, lives in a cottage with her sister, Briar - who has been slumbering for over a century, cursed by the evil Queen of the Unseelie Fae. Rosemary is a healer, and she discovers there is a rare flower that could cure Briar. As she prepares to go and find it, a mysterious Unseelie male, Elias, arrives on her doorstep. Whilst she has no idea who he is, he seems to know her. After making him swear a vow to never harm her, Rosemary and Elias set out on the perilous journey to recover the rare plant and cure her sister. Secrets will out, memories will return, but will their story have a happy ending?
This is a well paced story with plenty of twists and turns, and a lot of heart. Rosemary is a strong FMC who has the soul of a healer and will try to save everyone, even if it means compromising the cure for her sister. Elias is strong, likes to tease Rosemary (although she doesn't understand why), and harbours secrets that will change everything Rosemary thinks she knows. Their love story is gentle and sweet, and endures despite their circumstances. There is a gentle spice level that potentially makes it unsuitable for the youngest of readers, but this is a book that people of any age from mid teens up can enjoy.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
August 19, 2025
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows is a beautifully written Sleeping Beauty retelling that weaves together magic, heartbreak, and resilience. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its darkly enchanting atmosphere and the promise of a dangerous journey through the Everland Woods.
The two main characters, Rosemary and Elias, are both strong yet scarred, and that combination makes them feel incredibly real. Their struggles, both internal and external, add so much depth to the story. I especially loved how their relationship evolved—not rushed, not perfect, but layered with history, longing, and pain. It made their connection all the more compelling.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the journey through the forest. Every encounter with new creatures and challenges expanded the world in such a vivid way, making the setting feel alive and full of both wonder and danger. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you wish you could wander deeper into the world long after the last page.
This is more than just a fairy tale retelling—it’s a story about love, sacrifice, and finding strength in the face of loss. With its lush writing and heartfelt characters, it’s the kind of book that stays with you.
I only wish there were more stories set in this world, because I’d happily return to it again and again.
4.5 wait you’re Herb out of 5
The two main characters, Rosemary and Elias, are both strong yet scarred, and that combination makes them feel incredibly real. Their struggles, both internal and external, add so much depth to the story. I especially loved how their relationship evolved—not rushed, not perfect, but layered with history, longing, and pain. It made their connection all the more compelling.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the journey through the forest. Every encounter with new creatures and challenges expanded the world in such a vivid way, making the setting feel alive and full of both wonder and danger. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you wish you could wander deeper into the world long after the last page.
This is more than just a fairy tale retelling—it’s a story about love, sacrifice, and finding strength in the face of loss. With its lush writing and heartfelt characters, it’s the kind of book that stays with you.
I only wish there were more stories set in this world, because I’d happily return to it again and again.
4.5 wait you’re Herb out of 5
July 20, 2025
Rosemary is a seelie fae princess that had spent the past century trying to wake her sister, who was the victim of a sleeping curse, while missing the memories of her childhood. Elias is a cursed unseelie prince, forced to change into a crow at night every few days. They team up for a journey to the middle of a forest to find a flower that may be the key to undoing these curses. Elias tries to keep his identity and past a secret, while Rosemary spends the trip trying to deny the connection she feels to him. They have playful banter, with often results in Rosemary threatening to inflict bodily harm on him.
This was a really cute story with some Sleeping Beauty elements mixed in. Rosemary and Elias’s relationship is fun, definitely a slow-burner, but could have used a little more spice. The authors did really great job at world and relationship building. I felt like the ending was a little dragged out and could have been wrapped up a little sooner while still keeping the important elements. Overall, a cute cottage-core read, especially if you’re into fairytales.
This was a really cute story with some Sleeping Beauty elements mixed in. Rosemary and Elias’s relationship is fun, definitely a slow-burner, but could have used a little more spice. The authors did really great job at world and relationship building. I felt like the ending was a little dragged out and could have been wrapped up a little sooner while still keeping the important elements. Overall, a cute cottage-core read, especially if you’re into fairytales.
July 9, 2025
Healing Elixirs & Wicked Crows
Enter a world of Seelie and Unseelie and get swept away in this magical story of fate and destinies. Rosemary is trying to save her sister, Elias wants to break a curse. Their past is important but only one of them remembers it.
Such a beautifully written story. Rosie has the strength and compassion that every great hero needs and Elias is sinfully cheeky and passionately mischevious. But is he enough to bring Rosie out of the darkness? Their journey takes them through so many obstacles and you want to cheer them on for every success they have and you despair at every setback.
Curses touch each of them in seperate ways. Can they face the final battle and emerge from the darkness to live a life together?
Riley Hunt and L S Embers have written a story that grabs you and pulls you in. It holds you captive until the very end. Grab it and immerse yourself in this enchanting world. You won't regret it.
Enter a world of Seelie and Unseelie and get swept away in this magical story of fate and destinies. Rosemary is trying to save her sister, Elias wants to break a curse. Their past is important but only one of them remembers it.
Such a beautifully written story. Rosie has the strength and compassion that every great hero needs and Elias is sinfully cheeky and passionately mischevious. But is he enough to bring Rosie out of the darkness? Their journey takes them through so many obstacles and you want to cheer them on for every success they have and you despair at every setback.
Curses touch each of them in seperate ways. Can they face the final battle and emerge from the darkness to live a life together?
Riley Hunt and L S Embers have written a story that grabs you and pulls you in. It holds you captive until the very end. Grab it and immerse yourself in this enchanting world. You won't regret it.
July 9, 2025
Thank you to Riley Hunt and L. S. Embers for allowing me to read an eARC of Healing Elixers and Wicked Crows. These opinions are my own.
This is book three in the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection which is a series of standalones.
Wow. I couldn’t put this one down!!! It’s got all the things you want in a romantasy!!! This is a sort of Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist!!! There were only a few spicy scenes (which were delicious) but definitely plot forward!!
There’s cursed sisters, enemies to lovers, a quest with forced proximity, secrets and lies, crow shifters, healing magic, a sleeping princess, evil queen, despair and longing, all sorts of magical creatures… etc. etc.
I LOVE the positive messages of hope and family and survival and growth in this story!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#sleepingbeauty #cottagecore #crowshifters #forcedproximity #enemiestolovers #magic #longing #evilqueen #cursed
This is book three in the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Collection which is a series of standalones.
Wow. I couldn’t put this one down!!! It’s got all the things you want in a romantasy!!! This is a sort of Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist!!! There were only a few spicy scenes (which were delicious) but definitely plot forward!!
There’s cursed sisters, enemies to lovers, a quest with forced proximity, secrets and lies, crow shifters, healing magic, a sleeping princess, evil queen, despair and longing, all sorts of magical creatures… etc. etc.
I LOVE the positive messages of hope and family and survival and growth in this story!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#sleepingbeauty #cottagecore #crowshifters #forcedproximity #enemiestolovers #magic #longing #evilqueen #cursed
July 13, 2025
The third book in the Enchanted Woods Cottagecore series.
What an incredible book from start to finish, I fell in love with the writing and the story as soon as i started reading. I was very quickly drawn to the characters Rosemary and Elias and their complicated but beautuful relationship with eachother. I have a soft spot fora duel narated pov and this was no exeption, I relished in exploring both characters lives and points of view as the story developed.
I enjoyed the amount of mystery and magic held within book cast from faded memories and foretold prophecies. I also really enjoyed the handwritten letter elements of the story and would have been happy to see more of those.
All in all a beautiful story about love, hope, sacrifice and healing with light always triumphing over dark.
What an incredible book from start to finish, I fell in love with the writing and the story as soon as i started reading. I was very quickly drawn to the characters Rosemary and Elias and their complicated but beautuful relationship with eachother. I have a soft spot fora duel narated pov and this was no exeption, I relished in exploring both characters lives and points of view as the story developed.
I enjoyed the amount of mystery and magic held within book cast from faded memories and foretold prophecies. I also really enjoyed the handwritten letter elements of the story and would have been happy to see more of those.
All in all a beautiful story about love, hope, sacrifice and healing with light always triumphing over dark.
July 20, 2025
Thank you for sending me a copy of this wonderful book, what a magical adventure!
This story follows Rosemary, a seelie fae living among humans, devoted to finding a cure for her sister’s deep slumber. She embarks on a journey with the help of Elias, who has his own reasons for helping Rosemary.
I really enjoyed reading this book! Rosemary is such a selfless and determined character. I absolutely loved the chemistry between the main characters. Elias is such a flirty and charming character, which makes it such a fun read. The highlight for me was the plot - it was beautifully paced and so engaging. It had plot twists that kept me invested!
If you enjoy romantasy with second chances, memory loss, and a great adventure, I highly recommend this book! 💕✨
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story follows Rosemary, a seelie fae living among humans, devoted to finding a cure for her sister’s deep slumber. She embarks on a journey with the help of Elias, who has his own reasons for helping Rosemary.
I really enjoyed reading this book! Rosemary is such a selfless and determined character. I absolutely loved the chemistry between the main characters. Elias is such a flirty and charming character, which makes it such a fun read. The highlight for me was the plot - it was beautifully paced and so engaging. It had plot twists that kept me invested!
If you enjoy romantasy with second chances, memory loss, and a great adventure, I highly recommend this book! 💕✨
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A dark and magical Sleeping Beauty retelling I’ll never forget.
This is one of those rare books that will stick with me for a very long time. When I first came across the description, I had a strong feeling I was going to love it—but I wasn’t prepared to fall head over heels. And yet, here I am, completely obsessed.
The world-building is rich and immersive, the dialogue is spot-on, and the character development? Breathtaking. Watching the two leads grow—not just for themselves, but for each other—was such a powerful part of the journey.
I especially admired Rosemary. She didn’t let her pain or self-pity hold her back; she did what she had to in order to survive. And Elias? His character is perfection. The way he would burn the world down for her… utterly beautiful. I also appreciated that he acknowledged his own flaws and was honest about them—he knew he wasn’t good for her, and he said it out loud.
If you’re into dark fairytale retellings, especially ones where the heroine is anything but asleep, this is for you. It’s spicy, morally gray, a little bit cottagecore, and full-on magical. Highly recommend.
A dark and magical Sleeping Beauty retelling I’ll never forget.
This is one of those rare books that will stick with me for a very long time. When I first came across the description, I had a strong feeling I was going to love it—but I wasn’t prepared to fall head over heels. And yet, here I am, completely obsessed.
The world-building is rich and immersive, the dialogue is spot-on, and the character development? Breathtaking. Watching the two leads grow—not just for themselves, but for each other—was such a powerful part of the journey.
I especially admired Rosemary. She didn’t let her pain or self-pity hold her back; she did what she had to in order to survive. And Elias? His character is perfection. The way he would burn the world down for her… utterly beautiful. I also appreciated that he acknowledged his own flaws and was honest about them—he knew he wasn’t good for her, and he said it out loud.
If you’re into dark fairytale retellings, especially ones where the heroine is anything but asleep, this is for you. It’s spicy, morally gray, a little bit cottagecore, and full-on magical. Highly recommend.
July 10, 2025
A different take on sleeping beauty. This story follows Rosemary as she tries everything she can think of to break this sleeping curse on her sister Briar. She meets Elias, an unseelie, who by birth and blood is her sworn enemy as shes a seelie. Rosie leaves her sister im the care of Herb, a crow that sticks around her home. Elias helps her on her journey to gather a specific ingredient. When obstacles stand in their way, will they work together? For Elias, this journey isn't just to help Rosie but to help break his own curse. For Elias knows who Rosie really is and what she is to him. Will her memory return? This story is slow burn, about forgetten/stolen memories amd betrayals. I personally loved this story. The spice for me is around 🌶🌶.
July 13, 2025
Healing Elixirs and Wicked Crows by Trish Beninato and Riley Hunt kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read. The reimagined sleeping beauty retelling went beyond my expectations with the constant twists, turns, revelations, and the fight for good to overcome evil. Rosemary is strong and gentle, Elias is a good soul hidden by his troubled actions. Both are fighting to save their siblings from curses at any cost, even at the cost of their own lives. The world is beautifully written and dangerous, full of unique creatures, magic, forgotten memories, and soul bonds that would change the world. I highly recommend this read for anyone who loves a bit of spice and a lot of sarcasm and danger!
July 16, 2025
Wow. What a book! An incredible story of strength, love and light always prevails over darkness.
Rosemary is determined to find the cure for her sister, Briar, who has been cursed with eternal sleep. She meets the mysterious Elias, who demands he accompany her to find the flower that will cure the curse. The only catch is, it only blooms once every 10 years. Rosemary must act quickly to save her sister, but keep her whereabouts a secret from the Unseelie Queen with whom she has unfinished business.
The character development in this is phenomenal. The details in the book paint an incredible picture. The story is wonderful, a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. Fated mates, light VS darkness, prophecies and magic. I didn't want it to end.
Rosemary is determined to find the cure for her sister, Briar, who has been cursed with eternal sleep. She meets the mysterious Elias, who demands he accompany her to find the flower that will cure the curse. The only catch is, it only blooms once every 10 years. Rosemary must act quickly to save her sister, but keep her whereabouts a secret from the Unseelie Queen with whom she has unfinished business.
The character development in this is phenomenal. The details in the book paint an incredible picture. The story is wonderful, a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. Fated mates, light VS darkness, prophecies and magic. I didn't want it to end.
August 20, 2025
?/5 stars = 5
What drew me in? = Right off the bat, we’re asking questions about the world, the characters, and the main story line. Those questions keep pushing you to continue reading and devour the story
What took me out if the story? = Nothing of note.
Spice? =Several scenes. Good spice.
Literal best part = I’m am sucker for witchy familiars, and the antics of said familiars. I adored Herb early on in the book
Cliffhanger or complete? = Complete. The whole story wrapped up beautifully. Maybe a little too much post crescendo world stuff, but was still lovely story.
Would I re-read = Yes, I adored so much of this book. It’s not in my top 10, but it’s definitely in my top 20
I did receive an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.
What drew me in? = Right off the bat, we’re asking questions about the world, the characters, and the main story line. Those questions keep pushing you to continue reading and devour the story
What took me out if the story? = Nothing of note.
Spice? =Several scenes. Good spice.
Literal best part = I’m am sucker for witchy familiars, and the antics of said familiars. I adored Herb early on in the book
Cliffhanger or complete? = Complete. The whole story wrapped up beautifully. Maybe a little too much post crescendo world stuff, but was still lovely story.
Would I re-read = Yes, I adored so much of this book. It’s not in my top 10, but it’s definitely in my top 20
I did receive an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
Yay! Fun times with the Sleeping Beauty reimagined! Seelie court Princess Rosemary’s sister is the one with the sleeping curse, so she sets out to help her sister. Prince Elias of the Unseelie court has history with Rosemary, but there’s something wrong with her memories. I’m a sucker for lost memory scenarios, so loved that element! Interesting connection between Rosemary and Elias! Sweet and protective. Add in curses and magic and it’s an entertaining read! They team up for a bit of adventure to find a way to awaken Rosemary’s sister, and to hopefully help Rosemary remember; fun and danger ensue. An entertaining story! Enjoy the bit of adventure and romance!
July 10, 2025
Disclaimer- I was given this as an ARC
A fae fantasy with cruse breaking and discoveries.
Not too light hearted but def not dark. Mild spice.
This was well written with good characters. Overall easy to follow storyline.
This book may not have been for me- whether it was the slower storyline with some back and forth dialogue that just drew it out longer- just felt like something didn’t grip me as much.
But give it a chance, it is overall a great read- break out of your comfort zones!
A fae fantasy with cruse breaking and discoveries.
Not too light hearted but def not dark. Mild spice.
This was well written with good characters. Overall easy to follow storyline.
This book may not have been for me- whether it was the slower storyline with some back and forth dialogue that just drew it out longer- just felt like something didn’t grip me as much.
But give it a chance, it is overall a great read- break out of your comfort zones!
August 4, 2025
I love a good retelling and this Sleeping Beauty retelling was perfect. It was a very unique storyline that made this story stand on its own.
This story is dark and inviting. There is torment and curses. Memories and love. Imagine loving someone for so long but they dont remember who you are. Heartwrenching ! Rosemary is such a kind and determined person. She is very resilient. Elias is such a broody soul but you love him from the very beginning.
I could read three or four more books in this story because I loved it so much. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
This story is dark and inviting. There is torment and curses. Memories and love. Imagine loving someone for so long but they dont remember who you are. Heartwrenching ! Rosemary is such a kind and determined person. She is very resilient. Elias is such a broody soul but you love him from the very beginning.
I could read three or four more books in this story because I loved it so much. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
September 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
(ARC)
This book completely drew me in!!! Sleeping Beauty retelling
The forest, the curse, the magic it all felt so alive and darkly enchanting!
Rosemary is fierce and relatable, and Elias… ugh, he’s heartbreak and tenderness all wrapped into one. Their slow burn romance is intense and painfully beautiful!
The plot moves at a perfect pace, and the stakes kept me turning pages late into the night. I only docked a half star because a few threads could have been expanded, but honestly, I was totally immersed!!!!!!!
(ARC)
This book completely drew me in!!! Sleeping Beauty retelling
The forest, the curse, the magic it all felt so alive and darkly enchanting!
Rosemary is fierce and relatable, and Elias… ugh, he’s heartbreak and tenderness all wrapped into one. Their slow burn romance is intense and painfully beautiful!
The plot moves at a perfect pace, and the stakes kept me turning pages late into the night. I only docked a half star because a few threads could have been expanded, but honestly, I was totally immersed!!!!!!!
July 10, 2025
"Tell me, my Rose. Say the words. Tell me you want me as much as I want you."
I think I swooned no less than 12 times while reading this!
This is a fast-paced, incredibly romantic, and filled with heart-felt dialogue with characters you just want to hug.
Honestly, this has some of the best banter I have read in a long time, and I found myself giggling!
I love the dual POV and the individual chapter titles! It had so much depth and Easter eggs, too, each chapter!
A perfect cozy, romantasy
I think I swooned no less than 12 times while reading this!
This is a fast-paced, incredibly romantic, and filled with heart-felt dialogue with characters you just want to hug.
Honestly, this has some of the best banter I have read in a long time, and I found myself giggling!
I love the dual POV and the individual chapter titles! It had so much depth and Easter eggs, too, each chapter!
A perfect cozy, romantasy
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