stitchsaddiction's reviews
1174 reviews

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.

Firstly, before I share my review. This book was originally called The Bluebell Bookstore, and then called Cinnamon Bun Bookstore and despite the cosy autumnal cover - this book is set in the Summer months. So I do feel a little catfished by the cover vibes versus the story itself.

Now to the story itself as we return to the adorable town of Dream Harbour the Summer after Pumpkin Spice Café is set? I was looking forward to see how the resident bookworm, Hazel's love story will unfold.

I wasn't disappointed- as much as I have a love for the enemies to lovers trope? It's friends to lovers that has me smiling like a Cheshire cat because they're just going to be perfect. 

We've got a little mystery in the romance which I do love as Hazel embraces her final summer in her twenties with a little more adventure and who better than the gorgeous and fun Noah, the resident fisherman who also runs day trips for tourists in the Summer. This is really cutely done and their friendship, with their own anxieties, felt so real. We've all been there or know someone who is introverted/old before their time and those who feel they're not enough for anyone and I wanted to give these two a big ol’ hug and reassure them that they're wonderful. Because they are, Laurie Gilmore has created characters that are relatable as well as reminding me of ones from small town Americana movies. Their adventures come about from the cutest of ways and seeing both their friendship and more romantic connection blossom is one I think many will enjoy.

There's a lot more spice in this sequel than The Pumpkin Spice Café, so if you're wanting a closed-door or more romance than spice? You may not want to read it - the cutesy cover could easily sway you into making a mistake. I did love how Noah is reassuring and almost reverent of Hazel's wishes and comfort in the moment. 

He's the perfect romantic lead in this respect as well as being the one who has fallen first and hard for the quiet and reserved Hazel. He's a wonderful friend first and foremost, and he's wanting to help her build up her confidence again.

This to me, is a perfect sequel to book one in the Dream Harbour series, Hazel and Noah are so adorable and I love how Laurie's put Hazel's love of literature at the forefront of her love story and I would very much like to visit somewhere like the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore because it sounded like a wonderful place to get lost in for a few hours.

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen takes place just after Jack and Sally Skellington get married and I had hopes of this being a great addition to the Nightmare Before Christmas world especially as, although Sally is a main character in the movie. We know so little about her and she never seemed to quite fit with anyone else in the movie character-wise.


There are so many aspects of this that I did love, particularly when we see behind the holiday doors in the Grove such as Valentine Town. I'd always hoped we would get some mini spin-offs of the franchise on TV or movie screen so the author delivers with this. (I would say, I didn't get why there's a 4th of July door as it's not a widespread holiday like the others but there we go.) 


The concept of Sally being at the centre of the story, and yet feeling misplaced in Halloweentown/her role as Queen by Jack's side is a good one. However, the story didn't live up to the hopes I had for this book because the movie and characters were a firm favourite for me and my family. Admittedly I despised Oogie's character from day one but the vampires and witches always made me giggle. I do like how the author explores Sally’s background and successfully introduces their characters to the story so they mesh well to bring this new story to life.


Unfortunately, despite that, the story felt a little lacklustre and one I'll donate rather than keep.

I think this series has achieved an almost cult-like status on social media and I got curious as to why.

Pumpkin Spice Café is a sweet contemporary romance with a teeny amount of spice between our leading couple farmer Logan, and new arrival and café owner, Jeannie. Reading it as the autumn rain came down and winds blew had me feeling that same contentment you get with a Hallmark movie. You know without a doubt the two are going to be a 'happy ever after', but there's that journey you have to go on with them that have you swept away into the picturesque New England town of Dream Harbour.

I would happily live there given the dreamy (excuse the pun) sounding stores, nosy neighbours and community spirit. It sounds like every small town where everyone knows everyone and there are little problems and who wouldn't welcome that these days?

This is a perfect book for the lover of boy meets girl, and they're the missing pieces to one another. I understand just why romance readers seem to love it because it's got everything to sweep you away from the cold nights and stormy skies.

Book two brings us pretty much up to date with a new house that's well, 333 years old? There's problems ahead here too - and I loved how honest Lee was with the realities faced with a full renovation on their hands along with new animals and their needs. 

Allison Lee has shared her journey in both of these books with a frankness that is to be admired. I felt her joys and her sorrows. Admired her strengths and weaknesses too as she and her husband navigate the life they want when so much is thrust against them. I have a feeling book three will be the same testament to the strength of their love, commitment and desire to see their beloved animals safe.

I just hope not to cry as much as I did on the third chapter, as that pain is one which is hard to recover from.

Lee doesn't hold back from the realities of their decision to live the dream many would like to do but the realities can often be so overwhelming to begin with. I was in awe of their joint strength to handle such an acclimatisation to rural and somewhat isolated life as their dream coincided with the world-wide arrival of Covid-19. Although admittedly, I would have welcomed acres of land when facing 24 hours a day with two children who were bored out of their wits! 

The journey of the last few years is one to commend them both for, and I love how Lee shared the good, bad and often ugly realities of smallholding. Her love for animals from beloved pets, to overly eager equines and fluffy and adorable sheep shines through from the page, as was her desire to learn to care for those animals whose lives she was entrusted to care for. 

Book one has them leaving the familiar and facing the harsh realities of having one's heart outweigh one's mind as mistakes a-plenty unfold. With dreams of barn renovations and animals to care for, I found Allison's exuberance for life one to admire and I couldn't help but smile at Mark's contentment to just see his wife happy along with the no doubt childhood dream of owning a tractor being realised! 

There's many battles for the couple as dream versus reality are faced. From council's being stubborn, trespassers being unruly with yoga proving it really isn't living up to expectations and animals being well… animals? All The Gear, No Idea!: Book One had me wondering how patient this couple could be. I'd have curled up by the log fire and cried - all forced trespassers back out to retrieve their bottles and wrappers!

Logan is book one in Karin Winter's The Valeur Billionaires series which is a contemporary billionaire series focusing on the Valeur brothers. 

I loved this book, especially Sloane Harris. She's our talented genius which I love and found her whole personality and ability to be strong and also vulnerable at times. She's the opposite in so many ways to the first Valeur brother who's our leading man; Logan. He is very similar to Sloane because they're both so very focused on their work, but he's also extremely introverted and withdrawn whilst Sloane comes across as being a lot more social. I wanted to reach into the page and give Logan a hug and perhaps pep talk, though he'd no doubt hate every second of it. Then again, he's known as The Dark Lord so there's that.

Their chemistry is off the scale, and Karin Winter's writing has these two unwitting lovebirds and the spice is strong. However, it feels natural and real from the page… I do love the fake dating that the two engage it, and there's moments that had me giggling just as often as there might be a blush to my cheeks.

If you're after a new spicy romance, with a strong female lead and a gentleman who can forget his manners when confronted with temptation? Then I'd suggest The Valeur Billionaires.

I'd seen The Society for Soulless Girls be described as a Jekyll and Hyde retelling so I was immediately curious. That book has had a hold on me since I was a pre-teen and I've always hoped for something to have that same grass on me. With the promise that there would be the gothic elements that come from books of that era, alongside supernatural? I curled up with a steaming cuppa and dove in.

Carvell Academy is wonderfully described and there's a sinister feeling that is both alluring and unsettling about the school that will indeed draw the reader in as we alongside our main protagonist Lottie seek out the truth amongst the secrets and lies that surround the reasoning for the school's closure. Lottie is a breath of fresh air in the unsettling darkness of the world we're in and I do like how resilient she is in the face of so much adversity and how she's the polar opposite to Alice, her roommate and resident goth of the school. Both girls have a history that has them both victims in different ways and their desire to survive all that's thrust upon them and it's what also keeps them going. I think many readers will be split in their loyalty to one or another but I confess to loving them both, but Alice does seem like she'd be quite at home as a member of The Addams Family.

The atmospherics throughout the book will keep you on edge, and there's that feeling you get watching horror movies that have you feeling very unsettled as you wait for something else to go wrong Laura Steven successfully keeps the suspense going throughout The Society for Soulless Girls. (Something that often has me very anxious as I'm not happy to be frightened and despise horror movies!)

What unfortunately let the book down to me is despite excellent characters and the wonderful, vivid and classically gothic setting. Was the plot of the mystery itself, not the way it was woven but how the pacing went. At times I felt as if it was dragging on too long and I was becoming disenchanted at other times; then as it was brought together it made me feel a little frustrated and wanting… more. (Not quite sure what it would be but that unsettled feeling you get when you know something isn't right but the why isn't evident.) 

I still think this is a really good book, and I love how descriptive and beautifully written this book was. I think my issue was how excited I was at the prospect of a firm favourite getting a new look and it didn't quite match my somewhat high expectations.

When I read Hurricane Wars, I knew that Thea Guanzon would become a firm favourite and auto-buy author because their wiring was simply that good. Creating not only a new fantasy world but the mechanisms that go along with it is no mean feat. 

When I read Hurricane Wars, I knew that Thea Guanzon would become a firm favourite and auto-buy author because their wiring was simply that good. Creating not only a new fantasy world but the mechanisms that go along with it is no mean feat. 


A Monsoon Rising is the second electrifying book in the series and is another masterpiece. This is a tale filled with political intrigue, breathtaking magic and the romantic tension between our dark prince and master of the Shadowforged Legion in Alaric and our wary princess, and Lightweaver, Talasyn.


The way we are brought back to the world is so organically done that you are thrust back into the political turmoil and aftermath of Talasyn and Alaric’s alliance with their forced marriage and the long-lasting hatred and distrust between their respective nations all against the backdrop of an impending magical catastrophe.


☆☆☆


“Will you stand with me against my enemies and help me build my empire?” “I will,” Talasyn said over a racing heartbeat, through the chill of the knowledge that she was lying.


He placed the crown upon her head.


☆☆☆


Until I was lost to the book, I had forgotten just how much I had loved the way Alaric and Talasyn. They're both struggling with the weight upon their shoulders from their respective families and nations, alongside the way the two attempt to fight the chemistry that was there in The Hurricane Wars. From pawns to two dynasties to them finding a connection and chemistry that compliments their growing respect feels so real and I loved watching the two develop a natural, strong partnership.


What shines throughout A Monsoon Rising is not only the characters and their many stories but the phenomenal world-building and attention to detail that Thea Guanzon brings to the page. The love that the author has for her country of the Philippines and South Asia is evident from the vibrant description of the world we're in throughout the series, but also how the mythology and culture from her heritage play a part in A Monsoon Rising. The storytelling would falter greatly without this attention to detail and obvious love for the story.

This is a sequel that adds to The Hurricane Wars, it has drama and tension rippling throughout the pages and I loved every moment of it. Even those that stole my breath..  I haven't loved a book as much as I have A Monsoon Rising in a while and it had me wondering as each page came to an end what else Alaric and Talasyn could experience and endure. I really enjoyed how much character development there is - especially Talasyn who is the resident sceptic. Thea Guanzon has given us a book that will be loved, and have us craving the third because just like a Monsoon and a Hurricane? Devastation comes out of nowhere and recovery takes time to be completed properly.

The sequel to Better Than the Movies is upon us and I'm left feeling like I've been forced to watch Ghost on repeat.

Take that as you wish, but if Lynn Painter can bring in quotes from movies throughout the decades; I can mention the one that broke me. Because that's exactly what happened to me when I was reading Nothing Like the Movies. I knew from the synopsis this was going to be a lot harder on my heart but Oh My God, I was hurting so much. 

We're in LA for book two, as Wes and Liz have made it to UCLA and we've jumped forward a couple of years which did throw me at first but it does make sense for what will unfold - namely Liz and Wes have broken up (I promise it's not a spoiler.) I like seeing how Liz especially, has grown as a person over our absence from her life and we witness how there's a conflict between the lover of love Little Liz and the realities of growing up. Something we all go through if we've found ourselves swept away by the romance of the movies.

Wes too has changed dramatically - but I'm sworn to secrecy because I'm not confessing spoilers to you. Just be warned, our sunshine isn't so bright and carefree anymore.

For the lover of tropes, Painter has given us many in Nothing Like the Movies, with fake dating, second chance romance, and miscommunication so be warned lover of love that you may be? You're going for be screaming at the page just like you did when watching Notting Hill and you wanted Hugh Grant to open his bloody eyes when Julia Roberts uttered those wonderful lines of being Just A Girl… 

I devoured this book, and cried several times, as well as laughed along the way. Liz and Wes are adorable, they don't deserve Painter's playing with their happiness in book two, however it does bring the drama every movie from Hallmark to MGM brings us.

I do need to raise one thing that lets this book down for me - there's an incredible lack of insight into the need for support for someone struggling with their mental health and addiction. Yes, this gets a lot darker than BTTM, and this needs highlighting.. I got extremely frustrated that you see a teen really struggle with no one there to just listen for starters. Painter had an opportunity for highlighting the necessity of healing with help and recognising that mental health is an issue for men as well as other genders as it is still frowned upon to ask for help if you're a guy.

(Also ouch to how bright the cover is - I love purple but Lordy that's as blinding as the yellow of book one.)