REVIEW - A FASHIONABLE INDULGENCE - scrubs up well

A Fashionable Indulgence by KJ Charles

Date read: 26th July 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: M/M Regency Romance (trad pub)

Buy link: Amazon 

Wow, this book has a LOT going on! Harry has been brought up to fight the oppressors. But gets flung into the Ton when his grandfather elevates him, but only once he's been brought up to snuff.

Julius is the very man forced into teaching Harry how to become a gentleman. But can he ever fit in? He finds himself caught between two worlds. Sedition vs Tories, gay men vs Society - gallows await anyone caught on the wrong side.

Danger lurks around every corner in this action-packed novel. But there is also a lot of fashion, friends and parties as well as marriage arrangements - whilst passion swirls through it all. I think my head's still spinning.

Well-researched and carefully planned out, this book explores the underbelly of London at a dangerous time. 

A thrilling read!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE VICAR AND THE RAKE - A-mews-ing

The Vicar And The Rake by Annabelle Greene

Date read: 20th July 2024

My rating: 4* 

Genre I reckon: M/M Regency Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

I was in the mood for some raunchy Regency romance between guys. This one seemed to fit the bill. 

I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers yearning. I would've liked to have seen more glimpses into their former relationship; what left them both secretly longing for one another? Did they kiss? 

The rake is really well written; you get to see how he's been flinging himself around London. And the secret society is amazing. The author clearly did their research (yay!). 

There is a very cute kitten, Buttons, who adds his own sass to the story. And there are secrets and mysteries which add a layer of intrigue. 

The steam is mostly centred around one night, but phew, what a night!

The push and pull of these two characters as they try to overcome their passions is heart-wrenching. Edward has so much pain. But maybe the patient vicar that his childhood friend, Gabriel, has become can help him sift through his trauma? Be his safe haven and redemption.

I really enjoyed the side characters as well. Ginger is a cheeky chappy, and Gabriel's sister is a formidable foil to Maurice, Edward's brother. 

The ending felt a little rushed, and I really wanted to see how the pair would find a way of actually living together in their hostile Regency world.

Overall, a very encouraging debut novel. 

A sweet, intriguing Regency romp.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - BONFIRE OF CALAMATIES - Penny for them!

Bonfire of Calamaties by Kim M Watt

Date read: 9th July 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Dragony WI Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Penny for the guy! But, oh dear, he goes missing only to be replaced by a dead body - only in Toot Hansell!

Deadly dealings are afoot, and more trouble is brewing. And there are all manner of animals on the loose! 

This is possibly the most dangerous mystery for the WI yet. And it was marvellous. Thrilling action! I must say Thompson definitely earned some delicacies on this one.

And now I must wait for the next book (*twiddles thumbs*).

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - BEAST LAID PLANS - Beastly!

Beast Laid Plans by Kim M Watt

Date read: 29th June 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Dragony WI Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I'm still ambling my way through the Beaufort Scales series. And this one may be the best yet. A fine mix of the endearing chaos and loathsome danger. When the WI goes bad! 

A village further along the Yorkshire Dales is host to the madness only monster hunters can bring. But the Toot Hansell hipster dragon has gone missing, and all eyes turn to that village. Is Gilbert OK?

The usual host of marvellous characters aren't likely to sit still when one of their own goes missing and needs them. Ladies of a certain age unite! And rope in our favourite police and distant relatives.

The language used is so eloquent - descriptions lull you into the folds of the Dales with poetic beauty. Juxtaposed with riveting peril. These books are simply charming yet enthralling. 

And I keep diving in for some comfort reading I know I'll enjoy. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - FARREN - A-mer-zing

Farren by Morgan Lysand

Date read: 16th June 2024

My rating: 4.5* 

Genre I reckon: M/M Paranormal Romance 

Buy link: Amazon 

Oooh, a merman (heart eyes!). And such a gorgeous one. 

Add in a gargoyle with self-worth issues, and you got another fab book in the Black Cat Circus series. 

I love the interaction with the other, well-known characters. I feel like I'm part of the gang now, I know them all so well. Each person has their intriguing quirks. 

I heartily recommend both parts to this magickal series. Low angst, medium steam, and a whole lot of sweetness.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Akira - Sexy Pirate Vibes

Akira by Kota Quinn

Date read: 9th June 2024

My rating: 4.5* 

Genre I reckon: M/M Paranormal Romance 

Buy link: Amazon 

Oh, squeeeeee! A kitsune - yes please! Add in the 'touch him and die vibes' and I was a melted puddle. I was so glad the fierce fae fighter got to seek love.

River has a LOT going on. A bi-awakening AND an ahole uncle to shake off. 

And, of course, some of your other favourite characters appear. Yay, Peanut!! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - VAMPIRE IN THE JUNGLE - Fangtastsic

Vampire in the Jungle by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Date read: 3rd June 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Hilarious Godly Paranormal Romance 

Buy link: Amazon 

This is book 2 in the Immortal Tailor series. And I'd actually recommend reading the entire Accidentally In Love With A God, and Immortal Matchmakers series first - because they're hilarious and you're just missing out if you haven't. 

So, this book in particular:

Tailor is tasked with going into the jungle and bringing a vampire to LA. He, however, is quite happy being alone in his cave, and any visitors end up inside out - yikes! 

Of course, this has Cimil written all over it. My favourite batshoite crazy goddess is back...with a vengeance! 

Some secrets which shouldn't have been hidden are, quite frankly, revealed in all their shocking despicability. 

Love and deception. Crazy goddess. A deadly choice. And talking demon chihuahuas. 

Read it or forever wonder what you're missing out on!

Always in love and light,

TL