Originally I had won and ARC of this novel as part of librarything. And I recently rediscovered it. This is a sweet gothic romance, with hints of the paranormal. There is a bit of a mystery there, with a little dash of intrigue. The story is told in dual POV between Calia and Brone. Calia, a miller’s daughter, bears a striking resemblance to the lost princess Marilee, and she contrived a plan to pretend to be royal and wed the prince of a nearby kingdom. Prince Brone of Ebonwood is reluctant to be married again (he lost his first wife, Deidre, in a terrible accident) and so isn’t too thrilled about an arranged marriage. Calia travels to the kingdom for the “wedding.” And that’s when things start to unravel. There’s a bit of the “fake dating” trope, as Calia and Brone are in “close proximity” with one another. Later, Calia finds Princess Deidre’s diary, and decides to solve what really happened to the Princess. Overall, this book contains a sweet romance, some gothic romance mystery vibes, and a little hint at the paranormal. ( )

A good read guaranteed. For those wanting to escape for a time into another world, this is a book which will do it.
Was a little sceptical in launching into book 4 of a series but was pleasantly surprised that it didn't really make that much of a difference. A very nice mix of romance, mystery and intrigue which has prompted me to track down the other books in the series.
The sort of books which I have no hesitation in handing over to my wife and daughter for their reading enjoyment (after I have finished with them). ( )

I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.

A Young Adult book set in a forest in a kingdom where things aren't what they seem, especially not the reclusive prince's new bride. The novel is an easy read with unexpected resolutions to the mysteries of the series. One of those resolutions may not have been such a surprise if I'd read the first book in this series but I hadn't and didn't need to as the novel stood alone and that particular mystery fitted well within the story. It was very cleanly written and wouldn't offend anyone. ( )

I won a copy from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I had a conversation with two colleagues on the last day of school. All three of us were discussing the types of books we like to read and our choices for the summer. None of us like gushy romance. What I read in Cece Louise’s book, In A Dark, Dark Wood is the exact type of book I will recommend to them. Calia is trying to save her sisters. She goes to the castle hoping to secure employment for herself and her sisters. Instead she concocts a plan that will secure her sister’s well-being, free her brother from a prisoner ship and solve an issue for the King and Queen. Since she resembles their missing daughter, she will go to Ebonwood to marry the prince in their daughter’s place. This is important since their kingdom is on the edge of ruin.
Calia is not exactly welcomed by the Prince. At first he come off as very cynical. As I read further into his story I realized the effect abusive words and betrayal had on him. It is Calia, a survivor who has the ability to change all of that. She is willing to sacrifice everything, including herself for her siblings. How far will she go to help this prince she is slowly falling in love with?
This book had it all for me. A touch of romance that builds slowly and is not shoved in your face. A mystery that must be solve. Since I had not read this author before I was surprised by how well written the mystery is. I was completely blindsided. I loved the darkness of this book. To me there is a difference between downright evil feeling darkness in a book and mysterious, murderous darkness. This had that dark gothic feel that I love. Can’t wait to share this with my two friends. I love this author enough I have purchased the first three books in this series to read. ( )

I received this as an Early Review copy and I can honestly say that I loved this book. The characters were well written and the pace of the book was perfect. I enjoyed the atmosphere and build up of mystery that the author created, even though I think a few characters got off lightly. I have now purchased the first in the series after reading this one. ( )