REVIEW - AUGUST - neigh, it's a fab read whatever the month

August by Duckie Mack

Date read: 15th April 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: M/M Paranormal Romance 

Buy link: Amazon 

Squeeeee!!!! The Black Cat Circus is back, and I got me a front row seat. Bring on the popcorn, Zander. 

Very grown up fans of a certain cartoon may find themselves squealing with joy as much as me at a certain point. Hay yeah! 

August was brought up in a toxic environment - oh, pony-feathers! But he's been doing alright with the guy who's now his best mate. Oh, until that mate's bro comes along. Who's his twin yet sexy as all get out. 

But August has more secrets to hide. And not just that stolen thong! 

Can Alyx help August face his demons?

- a very sweet, mutually supportive, slushy romance - hay, yeah!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - EVEN IF WE'RE BROKEN - perfectly imperfect

Even If We're Broken by AM Weald

Date read: 12th April 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Healing Romance (archaeololgical)

Buy link: Amazon 

This is an amazing debut novel! And it tackles some hard-hitting topics. Within its pages, this book covers depression, anxiety, chronic pain, loss and fatphobia. And low steam btw.

Kate has been brutally dumped by her girlfriend at the start of this book. This only adds to her negative self-image and anxiety. 

But then she meets the guy who never quite was but got away anyway. He has his own issues. And a teenaged daughter as well.

There is a whole lot of caring and sharing. No magic fixes, just sensible starts on paths to recovery. 

I loved the sensitivity, both from the characters and the way in which the author dealt with all of the issues. And the details of the archaeology dig were fascinating. Oh, and a Norwegian male MC? Awesome. 

A charming, healing love story.

Norwegian Cowboy Ben for the win!!

Always in love and light,

Susan

REVIEW - A MANOR OF LIFE AND DEATH - delicious chaos

A Manor of Life and Death by Kim M Watt

Date read: 5th April 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Chaos Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Phew! Thank goodness for the comforts of chaos Kim M Watt brings. I was in a reading slump, and needed a break from the romance section (*gasp*). Happily, I realised that I'd missed some Beaufort Scales books. They can be read as stand-alones, so it didn't overly matter that I read this out of order, although some things make more sense if you do. 

The WI and the dragons decide to go on a spa weekend, dragging DI Adams along with them. Lovely country manor house. "Yoghurt" (yoga). What could go wrong? 

Oh, you're new to this series, perhaps? Answer; only everything. LOL.

Fighting staff, dismal finances and a whole heap of shady guests. Throw in some protestors and many magickal folk, and you have even more chaos than usual. But whodunnit? 

Poor DI Adams!

I thoroughly enjoyed this mayhem. It's more chaos mystery than cosy mystery, I reckon. It's like whack-a-mole - deal with one problem and someone else sticks their nose in. And although it gets rowdy, there's no graphic violence or swearing.

There is, fortunately, always a good supply of cake to get through it all. 

Suddenly, my life feels a lot easier!?

I can't recommend this series enough, especially if you want a good laugh.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - DAVID AND JOANATHAN - Soul Wrenching

David And Jonathan by Neil S Placky

Date read: 11th March 2024

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: M/M Bible Story

Buy link: Amazon 

This is not really a romance story as it's missing the vital HEA. But it is a bible story featuring the love between two men. As such, it's fascinating. 

Heart-wrenching may be the best description.

Two men from different backgrounds, brought together with a prophecy hanging over them. The love they share is deep and meaningful. 

The embellishments are wonderful - the author fills in the gaps whilst keeping within the realms of the tale. 

"The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." [1 Samuel 18:1). 

(David being of Goliath killing fame btw.)

This story is beautiful and tragic. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - YARN AND YEARNINGS - cosy cuteness

Yarn And Yearnings by Duckie Mack

Date read: 8th March 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Sweet M/M Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Ah, my safe space! Duckie Mack is a one-click author of mine, and I reach for her books whenever I need a gentle, sweet yet steamy male romance. 

And this one delivers, of course. 

Even when one of he MCs looks like a rough, tough biker dude, he is a cuddly bear, who even crochets!

Mix in a bi guy who's not long out of college, and has been seeking his hook-up guy for years, and you have a wondrous tale of....well, yearning, as the title suggests.

Because of that, there is a tiny little bit more angst, but it's good. Especially as the steamy also runs up a notch too! Phewee!! 

Oh, and Collin has the coolest gran ever.

I'd also like to give a big cheer for the inclusion of motorbikes. We get to see the softer side of bikers as well as safe, scenic rides which reflect the true nature of such activity. Huzzah!

- Each of the books in this Heartcraft Market series is a stand-alone, but I would urge you to read them all just because 'aww'. I love how you get glimpses of the characters from the other books in each one. 

Full throttle sweetness!!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Tudor Prince - hang onto your hose!

The Tudor Prince by Mimi Jonathan Posner

Date read: 30th January 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Tudor Adventure

Buy link: Amazon 

Goodness me, what an adventure! This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. 

Mary Fox is even more cunning in this book, and she has to endure much. All under the steely gaze of Henry VIII this time. No pressure!?! 

Action, kidnap, escape, fighting, plotting - this book has it all. A real page-turner! 

Will the ever so charming Marcus be able to tame this wild tomboy? 

Always in love and light, 

TL

REVIEW - THE IMMORTAL TAILOR - sew good

The Immortal Tailor by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Date read: 23rd January 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: godly errand with some love

Buy link: Amazon 

If you've read the rest of the 'Accidentally Yours' and/or 'Immortal Matchmakers' series (and you absolutely should!), you'll understand when I say, "Oh, Cimil is at it again!".

The gods have supposedly retired, but that doesn't stop Cimil from meddling.

"The tailor", Damien, is a background character in previous books; he supplies the gods with their wardrobe requirements. He is dapper and professional - very prim and proper. That is until Cimil lands him with a whole host of chaotic sidekicks who refuse to leave. 

Things to get a bit stabby-stabby btw.

This author is one of my few one-click ones for a good reason. I can always rely on chaotic fun to cheer me up. The steam is a bit lacking in this one, but I can't say I overly missed it (shocking, I know!). 

A fab, fun read!

Always in love and light,

TL