REVIEW - SONGBIRD - How do I love thee

Songbird by Karen Heenan

Date read: 15th April 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: historical romance (Tudor)

Buy link: Amazon

I was absolutely blown away by this book! Yes, it's an incredibly slow burn but an intense one. 

This is a Tudor romance set in the court of Henry VIII as he's on the cusp of marrying Anne Boleyn. BUT it is NOT about the monarch - huzzah! No, it's a romance novel about a young, female singer, Bess, in the Music. She's fictional but written in a way that could have been real. 

Tom is the only person who's kind to the ten year old as she gets sold to the court as a minstrel. They become best friends as the world whirls around them. 

There are friendships, intrigues, losses, disease and very few gains. 

The unrequited love becomes excruciating in the best possible way. It broke my heart and shattered my soul.

Clearly well-researched. I felt this really could have happened. The sights and smells had me living in this book. I strolled around the 'below stairs' world of Greenwich Palace and peeked into Hampton Court.

There are well-written side characters to support the tormented MCs. And the real life tales of the king are cleverly interwoven as a backdrop to this tale of torment.

Historical romance lovers need to read this!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - PIES & PROMISES - cute as pie

Pies And Promises by Duckie Mack

Date read: 7th April 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: mm adorkable romance 

Buy link: Amazon

OMG Duckie Mack has done it again - melted my heart! I cried happy tears 'n eryfin!

Jason is a single dad - he's pancakesicle, according to his adorable son. His daughter, Emily is also super sweet btw. And Jason happens to make great pies. 

Nico works hard for his dad in Pop's Diner. 

Enter the cutest of meet-cutes. Seriously. 

There's even a mild DC vs Marvel debate. And you will grin at how Jason proves his hero status. 

Duckie always writes adorkable characters, and these guys are no exception. And I was overjoyed with the easter eggs which were included for avid readers, like me. Another thing that makes me read these books faster than any other is that I get sucked into the low-angst; there's just lovely love. 

Reading a Duckie Mack book is like being wrapped up in your favourite blankey and sipping hot chocolate. My latest one-click author.

This gorgeous story manages to be both a slow-burn AND an insta-love. 

I mean, two hot guys, pie, sizzling heat, humour, mutual respect...what's not to love?

 Always in love and light,

TL