REVIEW - THE BLACK MADONNA - dark times provide a thrilling tale

The Black Madonna by Stella Riley

 Date read: 11th October 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: English Civil War, Historical Romance (m/f)

Buy link: Amazon  

Wow! This book is EPIC!

The amount of research which has clearly gone into this book is staggering. Yet it never labours the point or bombards you with irrelevant detail. It's always exactly what the story needs. 

And this story demands a lot. I will say it's a very slow burn. There is a monumental build-up of drip-feeding. But it's all required and adds to the plot. 

Writing about England during the Civil War is no mean feat. This author gives colour and understanding like no history teacher ever did. The roundheads and the cavaliers all leap of the page, brandishing weapons both political and martial.

The sights, the smells and sounds are all there, transporting you into that tumultuous world. 

And through it all, amidst the smoke of gunpowder, saunters a dark Italian figure who makes one's heart race. Oh, he's devious and dangerous. The ultimate bad boy. Who can resist an Italian? But who's side is he truly on? Are his motives as pure as he'd have you believe with his honeyed words and hypnotic looks? 

Kate must look after her family whilst playing the dutiful daughter and weaving her own way through dangerous times. 

Treachery and villainy are all about. People switch allegiances. And it's nigh impossible to tell friend from foe. 

So, clear some time and plough through this tome. You will get more adventure, excitement and even knowledge that you didn't know you needed. 

A clever, intriguing, insightful romantic tale of deception and vengeance. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics - Mesmerising!

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

Date read: 24th June 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Romance (f/f)

Buy link: Amazon  

I'd like to start by saying I mean this in the nicest possible way - this book deserves a better cover. It is gorgeous, but imho it doesn't convey the amount of wondrous skill that's clearly gone into this novel.

This is not a chicklit bodice ripper. It's so much more deep and meaningful than that. This is a sapphic romance with heart and soul.

I was blown away by the details: historical accuracy (Regency), embroidery and science. 

The relationship between these two women develops so beautifully. There is anxiety on both sides, a reticence caused by the past they wish to leave behind. Can they come to truly trust another? 

And will the (not so) Polite Science Society thwart Lucy's attempts at proving her scientific know-how? 

Oh yes, there's a lunge at the patriarchy included - huzzah! 

LOVE IT!!!!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - DEATH MOST DEVIOUS - Fiendishly Good

Death Most Devious by Saffrom Amatti

Date read: 8th June 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon  

The gang are back! This time they're attending an exhibition where a sudden death occurs. And the culprit appears to be a snake!

I love how Tommy gets more interesting with each book. Whether he's the embodiment of Ra or just a regular fella falling for another fella, I adore him. 

The theme of Egyptology was a fab touch - I'm always intrigued by that.

Oh, and there's a mystery author in this one too. That clearly makes her suspicious ;) But everyone seems to have a motive - the victim is a really bad egg. Poor Lucas really doesn't enjoy communicating with this ghost. 

Fun and mysterious. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A GAME OF HEARTS AND HEISTS - It's playtime!

A Game of Hearts And Heists by Ruby Roe

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Sapphic Romantasy

Buy link: Amazon  

A fantasy world torn in two, a secret quest, enemies-to-lovers, vengeance, even some motorbike action - this book really ticked a lot of boxes for me. 

Love can often look a lot like hate. And when someone has stolen a lot of your clients, you're not going to feel too snuggly about them. 

But these two women (an assassin and a poisoner) play power games with one another as their carnal lust takes control - this leads to some steamy moments, for sure. But there are more false build-ups than steam scenes. Quinn and Scarlett's power dynamic is a struggle for dominance. And they both have secrets.

There are some intriguing side characters too, each with their own magick skill set. Stirling was particularly cool. I really liked the way houses collect their magicians - the buildings are sentient. Tattoos are then issued. The way each member of the team uses their individual skills is really well done. 

Can these rival heal their city, or will they unalive one another? 

A romantasy with a bit of an edge. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE ALEWIVES - Cheers m'dears!

The Alewives by Elizabeth R Andersen

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Women in Fiction

Buy link: Amazon  

 

What a fab book! I have to admit I thought the main focus was going to be on the murder mystery, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it's more about the camaraderie between three women.

The book is set in Colmar, Alsace in the year 1353.

I love these women. Grumpy Gritta with her menagerie of offspring is a grounding force not to be reckoned with. Appel who has dubious ways of making money is wise. And pretty Efi who strives to find herself after her loss. The three women are just wonderful together - perfectly imperfect. And so incredibly strong - they must face the ire of jealous men who would deem it unlawful for them to run a business. Well, they survived The Great Pestilence - they're made of stern stuff!

As someone who's written a tale of medieval monks, I was super excited to read Friar Wikerus - an intriguing figure indeed. 

This book is incredibly well researched. We get to explore the smelly tanneries district, meet the poor folk who dwell in that area AND investigate a murder (or two) and thievery. The brewing techniques are detailed in all their glory. And I felt like I was there, strolling around, poking my nose into the folk's houses. The tone was kept light with wry humour. Amazing! 

If you like historical fiction and cosy mysteries, this book is right up your...Trench Lane!

Trouble is brewing!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WOOD AND WONDERS - Theodorable!

Wood and Wonders by Duckie Mack

Date read: 16th April 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: M/Mx Romance (non-binary rep)

Buy link: Amazon  

I love the Heartcraft Market!!! I wish I could visit it IRL.

And I love this author; my go-to when I need a low-angst, gorgeous read. 

All books in this series are stand-alones, but I recommend reading them all as they're all marvellous. 

So, in this book we finally get to Theo's story. He's been quietly lurking in the marketplace, and I was intrigued by this burly lumberjack type guy. And I was not disappointed. 

Onyx explodes into his life, 'thanks' to a scammer. They are a popstar looking for a retreat to tap into their creativity. Fortunately, Theo is as silent as they come. 

I loved how these two were there for one another. Theodorable! 

It was awesome to read a non-binary character who was just themselves without any issues around that. And Theo's grief healing was done with care. 

A steamy mountain retreat for the soul. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A LITTLE LIGHT MISCHIEF - a lot of fun

A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian

Date read: 18th March 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: F/F Regency Romance Novella

Buy link: Amazon  

This is a very sweet novella. A spinster vicar's daughter with a terrible past is now a companion. Molly, who also has a lot of baggage, is now a lady's maid.

There's a slight class divide, but happily not of the power imbalance kind. Molly is bi, which is a lovely inclusion as it gives us a little daughter who's all kinds of cute. 

These two ladies have to tiptoe around one another as they explore their feelings. 

And then comes revenge! Oh, wonderful restitution.

The historical setting is appropriately done i.e. not modern gals dressed in costume. This felt very true to its time. 

A lot happens in this little novella. And it's all good. 

Always in love and light, 

TL