stitchsaddiction's reviews
1173 reviews

A small-town romance novella that has the comfort you find in a Hallmark Movie? Well, yes please on a cold December day.


A December Darling ticks so many boxes of what (to me) makes the perfect cosy read for this time of year with Dr Luke Darling who is the definition of a cinnamon roll MMC, and Catalina Martinez who comes across as an Ice Queen but she's wary rather than cold to me. 


Luke may well be the best friend of Catalina's ex.. who is marrying her sister but it's their love story that will have you invested and smiling. He's perfect for her, even if she doesn't realise it at first and he's adorable.


“There isn't a single doubt in my mind that I could fall in love with this girl. In fact, I hope I do.”


This just sums him up… My December Darling is a novella that's as sweet as its cover. 


I love how patient Luke is, but also I wanted to protect Catalina above all. She's the FMC who deserves everything even when she frustrates you as a reader. She's far from perfect and to me, that's what makes her so good to read about. I don't want someone who is infallible in a book because no matter the genre; everyone has their faults, fears and protected dreams. 


Expect cute moments, the joy of Lego and the loyal support of the soon-to-be-married couple for Dr Darling and the lady who is all he could ask for; and how he shows Catalina he's all she could want.

Tricia O'Malley's Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop is a Christmas must for the lover of romance and the comfort found in a happy ever after.

I loved this from the first page to the very end where I couldn't stop smiling at the joy I'd found in the book. This is my introduction to this author, and I've firmly placed them in my favourite authors' list.

Given the location of a wintry Highland village, I'd suggest to any prospective reader to make a large cup of your favourite warm drink (or a dram of a good whisky), that warm blanket you always love when it blows a gale, and curl up and enjoy an introverted Scot, an American girl out of her depth but surrounded by her idea of peace in a Bookstore, puffins and a good sprinkle of magic whether it's because they're a Cailleach or destiny has woven its spell.

This was everything I could ask for, I loved the author's world-building felt the cold wind on my skin, and heard the call of the birds. There for me, was the nostalgia for my true homeland in my heart, and for the wonder I felt stepping into the small independent bookstores I explored as a child when north of Hadrian's Wall.

Expect the joy of a love story, alongside so many emotions as friends become lovers and the chaos of everyone knowing everyone else's business comes into play. I loved the element of magic that was woven in, masterfully to remind us all that the Scots believe in so much we cannot see.

The Caraval world is one that is beautiful and truly magical and when I finally read the series; I was captivated by everything Stephanie Garber wrote from the world, the lore of the series and the wonderful characters.

So, when Spectacular was announced? It was an instant purchase because I'd missed this piece of magic and with the beautiful illustrations by Rosie Fowinkle elevated this nostalgic Christmas tale. 

It was like slipping back under your favourite blanket, and I could practically smell the sweetness of hot chocolate, and feel the crisp crunch of snow underfoot as Donatella searches for the perfect gift for her beloved Legend. It has the whimsy lovers of Stephanie Garber's writing will be delighted to see but… I do wish we'd had more glimpses of Scarlett and Julian because they're so important to Caraval. 

Even a little bit more of Jacks and anything of Eva because once again; I missed them. 

This is a perfect novella for a wintry morning, so make yourself a hot chocolate with the perfect amount of whipped cream, and curl up for your return to the mischief and magic that is the world of Caraval and all its wonder.

When you hear about a book everywhere you look, it can go one way or another. You're either going to love it or loathe it.

Quicksilver, part one of the Fae & Alchemy series by Callie Hart is one such book and my curiosity was spiked. Fae, magic, a world that's beyond broken… It was an instant order and I loved every moment of it. 

The world-building was exquisitely done, bringing the drudgery of the many to the forefront of the readers’ perspective and the sheer desire to survive it all there as we encounter our human leading lady, Saeris Fane. I love a fantasy book that brings the reader into the story from page one and this does that.

This is a dark fantasy romance that gives us everything and I love every character we encounter - even the enemies who deserve a pain worse than we can envision. Hart has clearly given their heart and soul to this book, and if this is only book one? I fear a new addiction may begin within me and not just because of the chemistry between Saeris and our leading fae male, Kingfisher which is of course; scorching. 

Whilst yes, I do love their story and it's beautiful to witness their guard fall apart as they give into their attraction. It's everything else that has me craving book two and needing to know what comes next. It's the way each character serves a purpose, and their story grows from a murmur to a roar, and it's the beautiful storytelling that had me reading till the sun rose again.

This may be everywhere; it may be a book that everyone is talking about - but it deserves all the hype because it's addictive and beautifully written.

The biker who's been burned by love and the daughter of a judge who despises the Diablo Disciples? 


This is the story of Diamond and Joelle and I loved it because V. Theia has once again woven her brand of magic with her characters. I didn't want to put this, the seventh book in the Diablo Disciples MC series because Joelle is my new favourite FMC from the author. Firstly, she's not built like a Barbie, but is curvy and whilst she has her insecurities - loves her body curves and all. Body positivity in romance is wonderful to witness as is an element of reality in how someone looks. Thank you, V.


I also loved how she's a circle in a square box, despite everything that's expected of her as a part of the rich and somewhat entitled. Joelle isn't afraid to be herself in how she looks from blue hair to vibrant colours that no doubt have many women in her ‘circle’ clutching their pearls. She's an artist who sees colour not only in her wardrobe and home. But the world around her; even if she has to put it there herself.


This story is also a little different because we get glimpses of what else the MC offers those who are willing to pay. It's not just intimidation and vehicle repair for these bikers, (I'm betting we've not seen all they're involved in yet!) I liked seeing how Axel, as the President of the 1% club, is willing to admit he doesn't control everything in his empire. Diamond is a professional and stoic leader of a security team and it's this job that will change his life.


A diamond may reflect rainbows after all, but not when it's hidden away like this biker has to protect his heart. 


There's chaos and darkness in this story but there's also so much heat and love which gives such a wonderful balance. I don't know how V does it, but each of these books is always better than the one before but this was incredible. You're going to giggle at times, especially with Joelle's antics and you're going to also want to yell at her to not be so naive at times.

Diamond is perfect for his Bluebell, (swoon) and I loved how this is a story of how sometimes fate comes into play and how what seems perfect on paper - is often something that belongs in the trash.

I'd seen this series in the bookstore every time I went in and was curious but never picked them up - until the Devil on my shoulder said go on.

And here I am after devouring it because it's addictive and I loved how it kind of reminded me of Vampire the Masquerade mixed with a TV drama. In other words, Filthy Rich Vampire and its three sequels have become my guilty pleasure for a cold day.

Julian is the epitome of the arrogant and rich with the twist of being a millennia-old vampire who would much prefer to be ‘asleep’ for a few more centuries but life, even eternal, doesn't always go the way we want. 

Fate however comes into play and despite how much they bicker, Julian and the young cellist Thea have a chemistry that's fiery and one that neither can deny. Add in the whole ‘touch her and die’ trope and I was done for because a loyal and protective partner is one I can't resist.

There's also the whole forbidden mate/partner element that the author does so well as Julian is supposed to marry to make his family more powerful. Power, it seems, is important in their wealth, their prestige and their future as a family so the lure of this talented musician whose very presence has the vampire entranced isn't what Julian should want or his family approve of.  

The vampire has fallen for his food after all. (Cue giggling on my side because I know he's doomed.)

The world-building brings this paranormal romance to life, and each of the (for now) background characters adds so much to Julian and Thea's controversial love story. I couldn't put this down, as I've said and have a feeling that Geneva Lee will be added to my list of firm favourite authors who guarantee me the opportunity to be completely swept away to pure imagination.

After enjoying the Love Hypothesis series, I was curious about Check & Mate and the mix of chess and romance. 

The book is targeted at young adult readers (12-18) but I would say that as there are moments of a sexual nature that I don't believe should be in books that certainly the younger readers of this age bracket should read. Whilst not explicit, this is one of the books that show the need for new age brackets in reading.

What I do like about Ali Hazelwood's books is how she shows women not only navigating fields of expertise where men predominantly succeed. Not only are they strong in their work, but do break the glass ceiling in their area of expertise and it's written well. Check & Mate is no exception with a main character who was a child prodigy with a bright career ahead of her in the game of chess. 

Check & Mate is a fast-paced story filled with romance, the challenges of friendship and family, and second chances. The characters are complex and are far from infallible which adds a realness to our romantic leads, Mallory Greenleaf and Nolan Sawyer. Both are chess prodigies from childhood but for Mallory; chess symbolizes loss, pain, and betrayal. The secrets that are kept of course come forward and there are moments that are so sad that I was genuinely moved for both Mallory and her family and Nolan who despite his success seems so lost.

Hazelwood has given the reader a story where you will care for the characters even if you're not a player of chess. You can navigate the games as we sit alongside the players as their Queen falls. The insight into the misogyny of the game/sport is placed under a spotlight that is a harsh reminder that we haven't moved forward completely in respect and equality for all.

This is a good story, maybe not the author's best but one many will enjoy.

Be aware however of the author's trigger warnings.

I am utterly convinced that anything S.T Gibson has a magical touch with anything she writes because there hasn’t been a single book I have read by them that hasn’t left me in a book hangover so much so that I swore I had written this review only to find that I had begun it with the words… ‘omg omg omg,,, wow; and then I think I’d started the actual review and stopped to recover.

This of course sums up the book perfectly for me of omg wow and needing a moment to recover. I sat and devoured the book in a day and spent several days afterwards wishing I could re-read it anew so I could be lost to the world that Gibson breathes life and magic into, 

I always enjoy seeing how Gibson’s knowledge of the occult, magic and interest in astrology shines through their writing and Evocation definitely gives us this and so much more. The writing feels as though it wraps around you like the finest velvet and silk against your skin and as with all the books I have read by this amazing and talented author? I found the story captivating, the characters intriguing and had moments where I simply didn’t know how to feel as each of our three main character's own journey unfolds and weaves together to give us a polyamorous relationship that feels like fate sprinkled their own little bit of sparkle into the mix. In as much as at first you're wondering if this actually makes sense and what the cost will be for each of them especially Rhys and Moira - his wife and part of his soul but not all that he needs to make him whole…

I loved how there is the love story of David and Rhys, the lovers to not quite enemies to lovers which is one that feels as though they walking  on splintering ice because choices have already been made long before but there is also a love story of David and Moira which was one that I think is so beautifully done. The delicate and intricate way the two have to navigate their love for Rhys and the realisation that  not only does Rhys need and love  them both but also that they need one another too. It’s written in such a way that you are often catching your breath when the two are together because we can see what they can’t initially and I have to praise S.T Gibson for the care that is taken to not rush their story and to treat it with the care and love it deserves. 

There is of course so much more to Evocation than the love story of three members of the occult community and that is the story of how you should always be aware of the consequences of your actions - even if the consequences don’t initially affect those who come afterwards. David isn’t initially the nicest of people, and he’s very much one who has an arrogance that needs knocking down but I felt for him as I turned each page and saw through his facade. Gibson has given us a magical story that I was on the edge of my seat reading, wondering just how David with Rhys and Moira at his side would escape and survive the mess he is and you will want to reach through the pages and sometimes scream at him to see what’s happening, and how his own choices are making things harder because he’s beyond obstinate at times and I couldn’t help but understand just why Rhys is indifferent to him at first and then beyond frustrated as he accepts that he loves and doesn’t want to lose David. 

This is a series I will own. Will love and will wish never ends and also gives me everything I crave all at once.

As long as it’s not a demonic visit or something as terrifying…

This book had me held captive from the first word to the last full stop.


Everything about The Crack at the Heart of Everything is so well done that you're drawn into this world where magic exists and the destruction of a world is not only happening but accepted by those in power because it suits their own wishes and desires. This is a debut novel that feels as though it’s been written by an established author with a stack of books you already own because the writing feels familiar and alluring,


What I love is that although the book is character-driven, Fiona Fenn has ensured that the world-building is so vivid and three-dimensional that as a reader, you're drawn into the book and find yourself fully immersed in the story from the beginning. Everything from the magical lore, to the story itself as book one in a series is fleshed out - something that we all know as readers of fantasy books is a necessity so you're not disconnected,  


As we follow Orpheus throughout his journey, we learn so much about this man whose life is complex and filled with torment (so much is not explained yet and I look forward to learning more about him) but he is, as all good characters who are layered. That he isn’t quite what he and you believe and I loved him, There are times you will want to shout, and there are times you want to plead with him as he is conflicted and finds that the inner voice he trusts isn't always on the correct shoulder. Fiona Fenn has given us a queer character who isn’t a golden retriever nor is he the deadly creature you fear- he’s so much more and I was captivated by his journey to discover just who Orpheus really is.


The Crack at the Heart of Everything has put me through a plethora of emotions, I came away and shouted at my husband that I desperately needed the sequel because it was simply wonderful to read and I needed to know more… needed to experience the highs and lows of a man who is trying to not only put the world back together but himself.

Liv Savell and Sterling D'Este have gifted us another incredible book in Emissary to the Frost Wolf; the sequel to The Last Contender.

These authors have a way with words, and create a world that we as a reader are fully immersed in once again and I loved it as we walk alongside Iniabi as the war continues against the Pheceans and Liria. It doesn't feel as though we have been away from the story at all which is a credit to both authors. (I always dislike the disconnect you feel when you're in the early stages of a sequel and this doesn't happen at all.)

Emissary to the Frost Wolf is the perfect sequel - not only is it perfectly written and holds your attention from first to last page? But we get to learn more about Iniabi and the characters as a whole which truly brings more life to the story. 

I felt so much for Iniabi, and there are so many moments where I had to put the book down to compose myself because as much as she's fierce and determined? She's also far too trusting and naive and I was internally screaming because we can see so much that she cannot. Lord, Liv and Sterling? You do like to torture those who love your books!

Alongside Iniabi's journey - we see how hard it is to change the views of those who appreciate ‘the old ways’ when we step away from the leader of the Emai and see another old face in Danae Othonos who's journey and and desires have them hitting metaphorical walls over and over. I cannot help but appreciate and like Danae more and more as we see their desire to stop harm coming to others in the midst of chaos.

I could go on, and I don't want to spoil this amazing book and series… but if you love immersive fantasy books that sweep you away to a world where some struggles are relatable but many will have you screaming at a character who feels so real? Then this is for you.

The characters are wonderful whether they're the heroes, villains or the morally grey who make decisions that are right for either side. The authors clearly care for their creations and take the time to show their fragile nature, weaknesses and struggles so that you're wanting to protect them and I loved every moment of it.

The third, I think will be the same experience of the Song of the Lost.