REVIEW - THE KING OF HALLOWEEN - A pumpkin spiced latte read

 The King of Halloween by Ellen Mint

 Date read: 19th October 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Halloween Romance (m/m)

Buy link: Amazon  

This book's blurb promises a Hallmark romcom but in a Halloween book. However, that's underselling it imho. It's raunchier and grittier. 

It was lovely to see some diversity. Raj is of Indian heritage and a bit chubbly - all the better for being a bear. Although, Adam's skinniness is maybe mentioned a little too much. It's nice to have different body shapes, but just one or two mentions is sufficient. 

Having said that, I would've liked a bit more of that delicious bear/twink emphasis, and a touch more of Adam taking charge - that was a really fun dynamic. 

The small town felt a bit misogynistic and generally passive aggressive. Personally, I would've enjoyed seeing more of Adam realising their attitudes had actually changed from when he was little - an opening of his eyes and discovery of acceptance and joy - it's there but subtly. 

Both guys have inner demons to overcome, which was done well.

The steam gets hot when it kicks in. Although, more often than not, I got fabulous build-up with detailed hand and mouth stuff but then a closed door when it came down to the final act. The author has a talent for description, so to carry that all the way through would've been a treat.

Right, that's all out the way. What I absolutely adored about this book was how both Adam and Raj geeked out over old horror movies and old style special effects. 

And all the Halloween props were marvellous. That haunt sounded like heaps of scary fun, especially.

The hints of real spookiness were fun too. As were the silly little feud fights.

Autumn vibes are supplied in delicious golden abundance. 

And the costumes? Wow! Especially the Phantom - phewee!! And all Adam's suits - they gave me Barney from How I Met Your Mother if he was into Halloween. Yeah, Barney mixed with Jack Skellington.

All-in-all, this was a fun, Halloween read with steam - a bit like a pumpkin spiced latte. 

Always in love and light,

TL

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