REVIEW - Keys to My Heart - unlocked the sweetness

Keys to My Heart by Duckie Mack

Date read: 19th August 2022

My rating: 4*

Genre I reckon: m/m romance

Buy link: Amazon 

It's no secret that I love the Love Bank series. And I was super excited to read Wyatt and Keys' story. 

They have an open relationship which, from glimpses in the former books, has been tempestuous. We get to see and feel the strain in this story dedicated to them. 

Can Wyatt be everything Keys needs? 

As I expect from Duckie Mack, there was a whole lot of sweetness in this book. But there was a lot more tension in this one (not a bad thing!). And of course, adorkable characters. 

It was a really quick read, and one I didn't want to put down or for it to end. 

A very enjoyable read.

(by the way; check out the new covers for the series!)

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Crown of Stones - it's magic!

The Crown of Stones - Magic Price (series) by CL Schneider

Date read: 9th August 2022

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Epic Adventure Fantasy 

Buy link: Amazon 

Book 1

What an epic tale! This book got lost in my TBR for a few years, and I really wish it hadn't. 

It is a trilogy - just getting that out now. I didn't realise that when I started reading - oops! And enslavement is portrayed. I appreciate the in-depth view the first person perspective in this book provides.

I don't really like the 'magic comes with a price' - something must die every time a spell is cast concept. But that's because it doesn't sit right with my IRL Reiki Master self. However, I can accept this is the way it is in the fantasy world of The Crown of Stones. And, I like the correspondences of the crystals/stones used.

Ian Troy f'd up! And has been in exile for ten years, not coming to terms with the awful event but letting it eat away at him more and more. He is understandably a surly loner, weened of magic like a crack addict. 

I love Jarryd - the dependable, quiet type. There is a bit of a bromance here. And Malaq - the mysterious, not-quite-sure-who's-side-he's-on one. Even Liel makes the occasional, interesting appearance. And there are some strong females represented as well. 

The pacing is appropriate; we feel the long, hard slog of lessons learned, balance with fast-paced action. The fighting is pretty cool. I wish the steam scenes were a little more detailed - the outside influence does draw a question mark over consent tbh.

Troy is flawed and I love him for it. He is a soldied Shinree - he sees danger and heads straight for it, whether or not he should.

This story has layers. 

We learn some hard truths along with Troy. 

The writing is sublime - descriptive whilst holding interest, great world-building with complex characters. Almost Tolkien-like in places.

Everyone has an agenda - who is friend and who is foe in this vicious world?

Magic, adventure, inner turmoil, battles, brawls, mistakes, love interests, politics, enlightenment - everything you could want in an epic tale.

Always in love and light,

TL