Review: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Name: Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore

Author: Emily Krempholtz

Publisher: Sphere

Date published: November 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, cosy

Pages: 359

Rating: 4/5

Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over - not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.
The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance - she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.
Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery - and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.
When a mysterious blight threatens every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another to save their community. But with a figure from her past knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder... does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?

- From Goodreads. 

This was a very heartwarming and cosy fantasy romance, and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy other cosy fantasy stories like Sarah Beth Durst's The Spellshop or Sangu Mandanna's The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

My only problem with the story was the conflict between Violet and Nathaniel towards the end that only seemed to be included to add to the tension and felt a little forced, like their character development was undone for a scene to make the end more suspenseful. I think that could have been done without forcing the conflict. Otherwise, I think the plot was very compelling and I was rooting for the two main characters to find their happy ending together.

I liked the concept of the story, I think the main character having a past in which she was very close to and helped a villain who did terrible things, and her feeling very confused and torn about how she felt about him made for a lot of interesting depth to her character and it was understandable that she felt so unsure of what her future would be without him. I really felt sympathy for her and hoped she would be able to live the peaceful life she wanted.

I do recommend this if you are looking for an easy-to-read, light-hearted fantasy romance, it's not perfect but it is comforting and I think has a lovely happy ending. I would definitely be happy to read more from this author. 

BOOKS | Review: Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Name: Rewitched (Rewitched #1)

Author: Lucy Jane Wood

Publisher: Pan MacMillan

Date published: September 2024

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, cosy, witches

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/5

Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark... but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either.
Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-witches around her - Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.
But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get - from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her...

- From Goodreads. 

This was so lovely and charming, and a very sweet story about finding confidence in yourself and being brave enough to take risks and do things that might be scary but will result in amazing things for you if you take the chance. 

I loved how the magical world was fit into our own, it was very fun to see how the magic worked and how different witches and warlocks used it.

All the characters were very enjoyable to read about and all of them had interesting and full lives and stories to tell. I liked that Bella learnt a lot from each different character and they all really contributed something to the story and Bella's journey of finding more confidence in herself.

I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy cosy fantasy stories like Sangu Mandanna's The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping, it had the same whimsical magic and wholesome found family, along with a little bit of heartwarming romance. 

BOOKS | Most Anticipated New Books of 2026

I had such a wonderful reading year last year, and I am so excited to see what 2026 will bring! These are the books I'm most eagerly awaiting the releases of this year.

1. Otherworld by L.L. Starling

Expected publication 1st November 2026

The Chronicles of Between #2 

With more leather pants references, chaos, and drunk unicorn action than its predecessor, OTHERWORLD is a rollicking fairy tale ride!

- Goodreads.

Between was so funny, clever and creative, I reread it towards the end of last year and had the most enjoyable time, so I am so excited to read more of this world, find out what happens next and just to get to read more of L.L. Starling's wonderful writing style. 

Between review 

2. The Antiquarian's Object of Desire by India Holton

Expected publication 21st April 2026

Love's Academic #3 

Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they're forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble... 
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real. 

- Goodreads.

The first two books in this series were so fantastic, I just adore the humour and how witty the writing is, and how sweet and thoughtful the romances are, I just know this is going to be such a lovely reading experience! 

The Ornitholigist's Field Guide to Love review 

The Geographer's Map to Romance review 

3. Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

Expected publication 7th February 2026

Agnes Aubert is very fond of making lists. These lists kept her afloat when she lost her husband two years ago. And now, as the founder of a cat rescue charity, her meticulous organization skills feel like the only thing standing between her beloved cats - His Majesty, Banshee and sweet elderly Thoreau, to name a few - and utter disaster.
But when Agnes is forced to move the charity, she soon discovers that her new shop is being used as a front; right under her feet is the lair of the decidedly disorganised - not to mention self-absorbed and infuriatingly handsome - Havelock Renard.
Havelock is everything Agnes doesn't want in her life: chaos, mischief, and a little too much adventure. But as she gets to know him, she discovers he's more than the dark magician of legend, and that she may be ready for a little intrigue, perhaps even romance. After all, second chances aren't just for rescue cats...

- Goodreads.

I really, really loved the Emily Wilde series by this author, so I'm intrigued to see what a new story will be like from her and it sounds like it has a wonderfully cosy premise, which I always have a good time with.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries review 

4. The Orb of Cairado by Katherine Addison 

Expected publication 9th April 2026

The Chronicles of Osreth #1.1 

Five years ago, Ulcetha was studying at the University of Cairado, working his way toward becoming a scholar first-class in the Department of History. Then a prize artifact disappeared and Ulcetha, deftly framed, was kicked out. Now he works for a crooked importer, using his knowledge of elven history to write provenances for the fake artifacts Salathgarad sells.

When the airship Wisdom of Choharo explodes, killing the emperor and three of his four sons, it takes with it Ulcetha's best friend, Mara Lilana. But Mara leaves behind a puzzle - the one thing Ulcetha can't resist. And the puzzle leads Ulcetha back to the Department of History... and maybe the chance to clear his name. 

- Goodreads.

The Goblin Emperor is one of my favourite books of all time, and I loved rereading it for the 6th time last year, so of course I'm excited to read anything else set in this world, and I think the summary for this story sounds fascinating!

The Goblin Emperor review 

5. Enchanting the Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis

Expected publication 27th January 2026

Queens of Villainy #2 

Queen Lorelei is a notorious fae seductress, with a trail of broken hearts in her wake. But behind her glamorous lifestyle and sparkling mask lurks a dangerously intelligent woman who’d do anything to keep her people safe - even kidnap the enemy empire’s most famous hero.
The virtuous high general Gerard de Moireul represents all that is moral and true. He has to, after his parents were executed for treason. The last thing he needs is the Queen of Balravia, who showers glitter and rainbow-colored sparkles everywhere she goes without the slightest regard for good taste, decorum, or royal dignity.
They’re opposites in every way, but when they’re swept up together in a grand - and deadly - fae tournament, they discover all of each other’s most hidden truths - and how perfectly they might be suited for each other after all.

- Goodreads.

The first book in this series was so much fun and just such a great fantasy romance, I'm curious to see what this next story will be like and to learn more about the characters we got a peak of in the first book.

Wooing the Witch Queen review 

6. Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst

Expected publication 28th July 2026

Spellshop #3 

Marin is a supply runner with her own boat that she sails from island to island, delivering whatever anyone will pay her to deliver: letters, flour, even the occasional enchanted lemur. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers, and she wouldn’t trade the freedom of the sea for anything. Her only companion is a sea serpent, Perri, whom she saved from a fisherfolk’s net.
One day, she sails to Alyssium and discovers the city is on fire. There’s been a revolution, and the empire has fallen. Marin, with Perri, begins transporting refugees, finding them new homes where they can start over. One such refugee is Dax, a composer who refuses to leave behind his instruments, no matter how much she tries to emphasize the gravity of the situation. Intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, and his charming smile, Marin discovers perhaps she isn’t saving him - maybe it’s the other way around. 

- Goodreads. 

 I loved the first two books in this world, reading them really was like getting a lovely warm hug, so I'm looking forward to finding another comfort read in this next book!

The Spellshop review

The Enchanted Greenhouse review 

7. Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher

Expected publication 25th August 2026

Swordheart #2 

Four hundred years ago, three warriors were trapped inside enchanted swords, cursed to be immortal servants of whoever wielded the blade. One of them is the Dervish, a restless, fiery soul who hates his captivity and hates his wielders even more, but has never found a way to escape the sword’s magic.
Then one day, a disillusioned scholar named Learned Edmund is tasked with delivering the sword to a distant city, and, in the greatest of peril, draws the blade. The Dervish finds himself bound to a sweet, brilliant, and above all kind young man. And while he may be able to protect Edmund from bandits, cultists, dragons, and strange inhuman diplomats, he may find it much harder to protect his own heart. 

- Goodreads.

I truly fell in love with T. Kingfisher this past year, and I'm so excited to read more. Swordheart was so delightful with its humour and also full of depth and feeling, which I think T. Kingfisher always balances well, and I can't wait to see what's next for this world.

Paladin's Grace review 

8. Lore Olmpus: Volume Ten by Rachel Smythe

Expected publication 2nd June 2026

Lore Olympus #10 

After years of yearning, the big day has finally arrived: Hades and Persephone are getting married! It’s the ceremony of the century, and practically all the gods are invited to celebrate the happy couple. The wedding, full of love and joy, provides a much-needed respite for the pantheon... but the newlyweds have no time for a honeymoon.
The king and queen of the Underworld begin unprecedented dives into the dream world to find the god that Kronos took hostage - and, hopefully, to get answers on defeating the furious titan once and for all. During their explorations, they begin to suspect that Persephone’s powers over spring may have been altered. Their theory is proven correct with deadly consequences: When Persephone returns to the Mortal Realm, she ushers in not the regular change of seasons, but a never-ending winter.
And while the gods worry about the total annihilation of the Mortal Realm, Apollo uses the chaos as cover for an attempt to kill Zeus. He claims his dying father’s throne and decrees that the only way to save the Mortal Realm is if Persephone - and her power - belong to him. The others reject his outrageous demand, proposing instead that whoever can fix the failing seasons will be named interim ruler of Olympus. Hope now rests with the struggling goddess to find a way to stop the treacherous Apollo and save humankind - or else be separated from Hades forever. 

- Goodreads.

Lore Olympus has been so enjoyable and fun to read so far, I know this next volume will be just as wonderful, with such a great art style and thrilling storyline.

9. The Eye of Leviathan by M.A. Carrick

Expected publication 14th July 2026 

The Sea Beyond #1 

In an alternate Spanish Golden Age, where the map becomes the territory and mapmakers are the architects of reality, the Council of the Sea Beyond has risen to unrivaled power, exploiting the world’s most precious resources for their own gain.⁣
Determined to discover how cosmographers pin down the islands of the Otherworld, Estevan seeks power with the Council of the Sea Beyond - but he risks the exposure of his own secrets, too. For he is a changeling, a faerie masquerading as a mortal. And for a faerie to enter the mortal world like that, a child must go the other way... ⁣
The Hungry Girl, the nameless human daughter whose place he took, has grown up opposite her “brother.” Lost among the fae and desperate to find some purpose for her pitiful existence, she leaps at the chance to help a group of Spanish explorers in the Sea Beyond... only to be horrified at the atrocities they commit.⁣
Soon the unlikely siblings will need to overcome their rivalry - because only together can they bring down Spain’s worlds-spanning empire and save the homes they have come to love.⁣ 

- Goodreads.

Last year I read the whole Rook & Rose trilogy in less than two weeks and was absolutely blown away. I'm already looking forward to rereading it at some point and immersing myself in such a fantastic story again, so of course I'm also excited to see what else this author duo has created.

A Mask of Mirrors review 

10. A Remedy for Fate by M.A. Kuzniar

Expected publication 12th March 2026

Prague, 1769. In the Magic Quarter of the jewel-box city of Prague, Thea runs Stiltskin's Apothecary. There, she brews potions to chase away nightmares and soothe heartache - and strikes bargains to change her customers' fates. The only fate she cannot change? Her own.
Seven years ago, Thea bargained away her heart and her memories to the apothecary's owner, the cold, yet enigmatic Jasper, for reasons she cannot remember, and a reward she cannot recall.
Then one day a stranger arrives with an unusual request. One that will upturn Thea's entire existence - and offer her a precious chance to recover her heart... 

- Goodreads.

Midnight in Everwood was such an enchanting story that I've loved rereading during Winter, and I'm looking forward to reading a new romance from this author. It sounds like the world and story could be very compelling!

Midnight in Everwood review 

Hopefully I will get to all of these books this year, and you'll see reviews for them all! I hope everyone has a fantastic reading year and finds some excellent new favourite books.  

BOOKS | Review: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Name: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping 

Author: Sangu Mandanna

Publisher: Hodderscape

Date published: July 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, cosy, witches 

Pages: 340

Rating: 5/5

Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps her aunt run an enchanted inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep said talking fox in check, and longs for the future that seems lost to her. But then she finds out about an old spell that could hold the key to restoring her power...
Enter Luke Larsen, handsome and icy magical historian, who arrives on a dark winter evening and might just know how to unlock the spell’s secrets. Luke has absolutely no interest in getting involved in the madcap goings-on of the inn and is definitely not about to let a certain bewitching innkeeper past his walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he agrees to help Sera with her spell. Worse, he might actually be thawing.
Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera Swan is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone... and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

- From Goodreads. 

This was truly such a wonderful story, so comforting and with lovely meaning. Despite it being of course fantastical and delightfully magical, it still felt very real and relatable, and had me feeling quite emotional in some moments.

Luke and Sera were such loveable characters, the fact that they had both had such difficult pasts but both ended up finding family and a sense of belonging at the inn was so heartwarming. 

The setting of the inn was so charming and very creative and fun, all the characters that lived there and all the quirks of the place really made for some entertaining moments in the story.

I definitely recommend this if you enjoyed The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, it has the same wholesome feeling, brilliant humour, characters you just have to care about, and a well-done and thoughtful message. 

BOOKS | Review: The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

Name: The Enchanted Greenhouse (Spellshop #2)

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Publisher: Tor UK

Date published: July 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, cosy

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the Great Library of Alyssium.
When Terlu wakes up, she finds herself on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. The only other human on the island is a grumpy – but surprisingly sweet – gardener. He offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes and freshly baked honey cakes – at least until she’s ready to sail home.
But Terlu can’t return and doesn’t want to. And when she learns that the magic that sustains the greenhouses is failing – causing the death of everything within them – Terlu knows she must stay and help. Even if that means breaking the law again. Assisted by the gardener, a sentient rose and a winged cat, Terlu must uncover the spell that will save the island – and possibly also find a fresh chance at love and happiness along the way.

 - From Goodreads. 

This was such a cute and wholesome book, and it definitely lived up to the expectations set by The Spellshop as to how enjoyable it would be to read.

The world continued to be very creative, the greenhouse was such a fun and magical setting and all the different creatures and plants that lived inside were so inventive. It really was so enjoyable just to read the descriptions of each different part of the greenhouse and to see what new and exciting things we would see in each one.

The characters were also just as loveable as in The Spellshop. Terlu was so sweet and empathetic in the way she worried about being too much and failing the people she cared about, and she was so kind and thoughtful, it was so lovely to see her find a place where she really felt like she belonged with people who really appreciated her. Yarrow was such a wonderful love interest, and very relatable with the way he didn't like to talk too much or to be around a lot of people for too long. It was really sweet to see them balance each other out and learn how to respect each other's needs and be a comfort to each other.

This book was very delightful and heartwarming to read and I was happy the whole time I was reading it. I will definitely be looking forward to reading any further books set in this world as I am sure it will be wonderful getting immersed in this cosy and fantastical world again. 

BOOKS | Review: The Lord of Stariel by A.J. Lancaster

Name: The Lord of Stariel (Stariel #1)

Author: A.J. Lancaster 

Publisher: Camberion Press

Date published: October 2018

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, faeries, cosy

Pages: 322

Rating: 5/5

The Lord of Stariel is dead. Long live the Lord of Stariel. Whoever that is. Everyone knows who the magical estate will choose for its next ruler. Or do they?Will it be the lord’s eldest son, who he despised? His favourite nephew, with the strongest magical land-sense? His scandalous daughter, who ran away from home years ago to study illusion? Hetta knows it won’t be her, and she’s glad of it. Returning home for her father’s funeral, all Hetta has to do is survive the family drama and avoid entanglements with irritatingly attractive local men until the Choosing. Then she can leave. But whoever Stariel chooses will have bigger problems than eccentric relatives to deal with. Winged, beautifully deadly problems. For the first time in centuries, the fae are returning to the Mortal Realm, and only the Lord of Stariel can keep the estate safe. In theory.

- From Goodreads. 

This was such a lovely, cosy fantasy, the concept of the sentient land that the family has a connection to was so interesting and I loved how at first Hetta felt so distanced from it and her family, but slowly began to feel closer to it and to feel like she really belonged amongst her family there. It was very heartwarming to see her find her place and her confidence.

The romance was also very sweet, I think the author built the chemistry well, along with the tension, and I think the mystery around the love interest and the secrets he had really added to that.

All the side characters felt well fleshed-out and full of personality too, and they all felt well-defined and distinctive from each other, even though there were quite a lot of them.

I am really curious to see how the story continues in the next book, as although I think it wrapped up Hetta's journey of returning to Stariel and finding her place there in a satisfying way, it still left plenty of plot lines unresolved and I think it will be exciting to see what happens in the rest of the series. I'm especially fascinated to see which of the faerie characters we will meet and what part they will play.

Overall this was a very charming and fun book to read and obviously I'll be continuing with the series, and I would like to read more from this author in general as I very much enjoyed their writing style. 

BOOKS | Review: Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

Name: Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde #3)

Author: Heather Fawcett

Publisher: Orbit

Date published: February 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, cosy, academia

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5

Emily Wilde has spent her life studying faeries. A renowned dryadologist, she has documented hundreds of species of Folk in her Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Now she is about to embark on her most dangerous academic project studying the inner workings of a faerie realm - as its queen.
Along with her former academic rival - now fiancé - the dashing and mercurial Wendell Bambleby, Emily is immediately thrust into the deadly intrigues of Faerie as the two of them seize the throne of Wendell's long-lost kingdom, which Emily finds a beautiful nightmare, filled with scholarly treasures.
Emily has been obsessed with faerie stories her entire life, but at first she feels as ill-suited to Faerie as she did to the mortal world - how could an unassuming scholar like herself pass for a queen? Yet there is little time to settle in - Wendell's murderous stepmother has placed a deadly curse upon the land before vanishing without a trace. It will take all of Wendell's magic - and Emily's knowledge of stories - to unravel the mystery before they lose everything they hold dear.

- From Goodreads.

This was another excellent book in the Emily Wilde series, I could honestly read an endless amount of stories about Emily and Wendell's adventures. They're never predictable, and have a wonderful amount of humour, romance and fascinating folklore. I think the way stories and legends of the faeries were used in this book was especially clever and it was exciting the way the stakes had raised over the series as we spent the majority of the story in faerie for the first time, but Emily and Wendell were still as endearing as ever. 

I think it was lovely how the author managed to include all the familiar and loveable characters from the previous books without it feeling forced, and also introduced us to other interesting new characters who were all very intriguing. I think this along with the creativity in the world building means that there would always be more to explore in the world and it wouldn't be possible to grow tired of new stories within it. Even though this book felt it wrapped up the story that was started in the first book well, there is plenty of room for more, and I would always be happy to come back to this world, especially if that meant seeing more of Emily and Wendell, who I just adore. Their relationship was just as heartwarming as in the previous two books, and I can't get enough of how devoted they are to each other.

I will definitely continue to read more of Heather Fawcett's books, I think she has a brilliant writing style and her books always have a wonderful imagination. I will be very excited to see what she comes out with next.

BOOKS | Review: Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis

Name: Wooing the Witch Queen (Queens of Villainy #1)

Author: Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Tor Bramble

Date published: February 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, witches, cosy

Pages: 304

Rating: 5/5

Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one thing: to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, she needs to spend more time in her laboratory experimenting with her spells. She definitely doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic.
When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot. “Fabian” is sweet and a little nerdy, and his requests seem a little strange – what in the name of Divine Elva is a fountain pen? – but he’s getting the job done. And if he writes her flirtatious poetry and his innocent touch makes her skin singe, well…
Little does Saskia know that the "wizard" she’s falling for is actually an Imperial archduke in disguise, with no magical training whatsoever. On the run, with perilous secrets on his trail and a fast growing yearning for the wicked sorceress, he's in danger from her enemies and her newfound allies, too. When his identity is finally revealed, will their love save or doom each other? 

- From Goodreads.

This was just such a delightful book. The writing was perfect for the genre, with a humourous narrative voice that was really fun to read. The world building was just the right amount of detailed, with some fascinating backstory about the world, not too much that it would have bogged us down in exposition, but still enough to leave me curious enough to learn more about the world in future books in the series.

The characters were just brilliant, from the main characters right down to the crow companions that lived with Saskia in her castle, I loved everyone.

The romance between Saskia and Felix was truly wonderful. The build up of both their feelings and attraction growing for each other was done perfectly and you could really feel the tension between them. I really liked the dynamic of Saskia being the more confident, dominant and fearsome character, while Felix was more nervous, quiet and gentle. I think they really complimented each other and brought out the best in each other. 

Overall this was just a lovely romance that I sped through quickly as I enjoyed it so much. I will definitely continue to read more from Stephanie Burgis and continue on with this series.

Books | Review: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Name: The Spellshop

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Publisher: Tor

Date published: July 2024

Genre: Fiction, adult, romance, fantasy, cosy

Pages: 376

Rating: 5/5

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people, and as librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she hasn’t had to.
She and her assistant, Caz, a sentient spider plant, have spent most of the last eleven years sequestered among the empire’s precious spellbooks, protecting the magic for the city’s elite. But a revolution is brewing and when the library goes up in flames, she and Caz steal whatever books they can and flee to the faraway island where she grew up. She’s hoping to lay low and figure out a way to survive before the revolution comes looking for her. To her dismay, in addition to a nosy - and very handsome - neighbor, she finds the town in disarray.
The empire with its magic spellbooks has slowly been draining power from the island, something that Kiela is indirectly responsible for, and now she’s determined to find a way to make things right. Opening up a spell shop comes with its own risks - the consequence of sharing magic with commoners is death. And as Kiela comes to make a place for herself among the quirky townspeople, she realizes that in order to make a life for herself, she must break down the walls she has kept so high.

- Goodreads.

This was a truly delightful and heartwarming story. It made me so happy to read and I read it so quickly as I did not want to put it down.

The world was so magical and full of all sorts of different creatures, it made the story a lot of fun to read.

The characters were so loveable and I loved that Kiela really found a family amongst them on the island. The fact that she had a talking spider plant as a companion was just brilliant and made for a lot of funny moments.

The romance was just perfect. The love interest was so lovely and sweet and I loved how much he respected and admired Kiela. The two of them had a few awkward moments but I loved that they always tried to help and understand each other and respected each others' boundaries.

Kiela was a wonderful main character and I really enjoyed the journey she went on throughout the story. She was an introvert and found dealing with people difficult, which was understandable after being alone for so long as she had been, and it was lovely to see her finding friends and a group of people who understood her and watched out for her. 

It was such a cute book, definitely a very well done cosy fantasy, and I will be looking forward to any further books from Sarah Beth Durst that are like this.

BOOKS | Review: The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Name: The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love (Love's Academic series #1)

Author: India Holton

Publisher: Penguin

Date published: July 2024

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, historical, comedy, cosy, mystery

Pages: 361

Rating: 5/5

Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.

Beth Pickering is on the verge of finally capturing the rare deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in, capturing both her bird and her imagination like a villain. Albeit a handsome and charming villain, but that's beside the point. As someone highly educated in the ruthless discipline of ornithology, Beth knows trouble when she sees it, and she is determined to keep her distance from Devon.

For his part, Devon has never been more smitten than when he first set eyes on Professor Beth Pickering. She's so pretty, so polite, so capable of bringing down a fiery, deadly bird using only her wits. In other words, an angel. Devon understands he must not get close to her, however, since they're professional rivals.

When a competition to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered caladrius bird is announced, Beth and Devon are forced to team up to have any chance of winning. Now keeping their distance becomes a question of one bed or two. But they must take the risk, because fowl play is afoot, and they can't trust anyone else - for all may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.

- From Goodreads.

The two main characters in this book had wonderful chemistry and the attraction between them felt very real, you could really get lost in the moment with them. I loved that they obviously really liked each other from the moment they met but their connection became deeper over the course of the book and they came to admit it to themselves and to each other by the end. It was very sweet and endearing. It made both of the characters even more loveable.

Both characters had different personalities but they fit so well together and both were sympathetic and understandable and I enjoyed reading from both their perspectives.

It was very cleverly written, with meta jokes about romantic comedies and about the time period it was set in, and I liked the general silliness and goofiness of the tone of the story, but it was also balanced well with more sincere and touching romantic moments.

The world was very interesting with all the different magical birds which I thought were so fascinating and creative. I would have loved to learn more so hopefully in future books we will see the world expanded.

I would definitely recommend reading this if you enjoyed Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, they both have the brilliant sense of humour and academia in a whimsical fantasy setting along with a perfect romance. I would also recommend if you enjoyed Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater as this was also a great historical romance with excellent humour where the characters had to deal with the rules of society.

BOOKS | Review: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

Name: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde series #2)

Author: Heather Fawcett

Publisher: Orbit

Date published: January 2024

Genre: Fiction, adult, romance, historical, fantasy, fairy tales, mythology, folklore, cosy fantasy

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore - she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encylopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Folk on her adventures... and also from her fellow scholar and former rival, Wendell Bambleby.
Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, and in search of a door back to his realm. So despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage. Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and danger.
And she also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by Bambleby’s mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambley’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans.
But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

- From Goodreads.

I really enjoyed how this book expanded the world building that was started in the first one. We got to see more of both the mortal world and the faerie realms and there was so much detail in the descriptions and in the history and backstories, it felt very real. I loved the way the faerie realms had to be described differently to the mortal world and sometimes Emily did not even have the words for them, it really gave the sense that it was something otherworldly and almost incomprehensible to humans, too beautiful to witness.

The romance was so sweet and affectionate. I loved how clearly Wendell adored Emily and how Emily tried to be brave when taking steps in their relationship. I think they were both good for each other and helped each other grow. I loved that Emily was quite honest with herself and so her relationship with Wendell was quite open and honest too and they told each other how they were feeling. Reading them together was just very enjoyable as they could be both lighthearted and humorous and also serious and romantic and I think both sides to them were written very well.

I think it was a great sequel to the first book, the author was able to continue writing in both Emily and Wendell's voices well and I will definitely be reading the next book as I am very much looking forward to finding out what happens next on their adventures.

BOOKS | Review: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Name: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries (Emily Wilde series #1)

Author: Heather Fawcett

Publisher: Orbit

Date published: January 2023

Genre: Fiction, adult, historical, fantasy, romance, fairy tales, folklore, mythology, cosy fantasy

Pages: 315

Rating: 5/5

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party - or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.
So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.
But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones - the most elusive of all faeries - lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all - her own heart. 

- From Goodreads.

This was such a delightful story to read, I really struggled to put it down anytime I had to stop reading. I always wanted to know what would happen next and wanted to see more of the characters.

Emily and Wendell were both so loveable. I loved how they both had their own quirks and were both a little ridiculous at times but in a way where you could not help but be fond of them. Their friendship and developing feelings for each other felt so unique and was slowly built in a perfect way. I really liked the place they ended up at by the end of the book and how, although it felt like a satisfying ending, there was still room for more growth in their relationship in the next book.

It has been quite a while since I have read a book written in journal entries and I really liked how it was done in this one. It did not feel like it restricted us from getting the full story and was used very effectively to add suspense and intrigue and the characters wrote in their own distinct voices which really added to developing their personalities and giving us a good sense of who they were. They also both wrote in quite a humorous way that made it even more entertaining to read.

I loved the way folklore, myth and fairy tales were interwoven throughout the story. It made the world feel very real, with a rich history and it was all clearly well researched, including details and elements of folklore from our world while also creating its own tales and magic.

Overall it was just a perfect story for me, so charming and full of fairytale magic, but also with some darker moments that made it feel intense and compelling. I will definitely be picking up the next book!

BOOKS | Review: Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg

Name: Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House series #1)

Author: Charlie N. Holmberg

Publisher: 47North

Date published: November 2022

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, historical, mystery, cosy

Pages: 330

Rating: 5/5

 

Rhode Island, 1846. Estranged from his family, writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised when he inherits a remote estate in the Narragansett Bay. Though the property has been uninhabited for more than a century, Merritt is ready to call it home - until he realizes he has no choice. With its doors slamming shut and locking behind him, Whimbrel House is not about to let Merritt leave. Ever.
Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. She understands the dangers of bespelled homes given to tantrums. She advises that it’s in Merritt’s best interest to make Whimbrel House their ally. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too.
Prepared as she is with augury, a set of magic tools, and a new staff trained in the uncanny, Hulda’s work still proves unexpectedly difficult. She and Merritt grow closer as the investigation progresses, but the house’s secrets run deeper than they anticipated. And the sentient walls aren’t their only concern - something outside is coming for the enchantments of Whimbrel House, and it could be more dangerous than what rattles within.

- From Goodreads.

The plot of Keeper of Enchanted Rooms had an intriguing mystery and was well paced as it slowly built up to the exciting conclusion.

The author managed to create a villain that was awful and irredeemable and did horrendous things, but still made him sympathetic enough that you understood his motivations, why he had done what he had done and how he had got to the place that he had.

The magic of the world and the setting of the house was so creative and it was exciting to learn about it as the book went on. I loved that the house had such a personality and story of its own, it really made it a character too.

The romance was lovely, it built so slowly and sweetly and the way the affection grew between the two main characters was wonderful to read, I could read so much more of them together. Hulda and Merritt were both such interesting characters that really attached themselves to my heart. Their backstories were both so sympathetic and compelling and really made you hope things could end well for both of them.

I also loved the side characters in the book and how, along with Hulda and Merrit, they all became a very loveable found family, it was very wholesome.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable book with a sweet romance and also quite a dark, suspenseful fantasy plot. It was a well written and made me very interested to read more from the author.