REVIEW - The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics - Mesmerising!

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

Date read: 24th June 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Romance (f/f)

Buy link: Amazon  

I'd like to start by saying I mean this in the nicest possible way - this book deserves a better cover. It is gorgeous, but imho it doesn't convey the amount of wondrous skill that's clearly gone into this novel.

This is not a chicklit bodice ripper. It's so much more deep and meaningful than that. This is a sapphic romance with heart and soul.

I was blown away by the details: historical accuracy (Regency), embroidery and science. 

The relationship between these two women develops so beautifully. There is anxiety on both sides, a reticence caused by the past they wish to leave behind. Can they come to truly trust another? 

And will the (not so) Polite Science Society thwart Lucy's attempts at proving her scientific know-how? 

Oh yes, there's a lunge at the patriarchy included - huzzah! 

LOVE IT!!!!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE ALEWIVES - Cheers m'dears!

The Alewives by Elizabeth R Andersen

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Women in Fiction

Buy link: Amazon  

 

What a fab book! I have to admit I thought the main focus was going to be on the murder mystery, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it's more about the camaraderie between three women.

The book is set in Colmar, Alsace in the year 1353.

I love these women. Grumpy Gritta with her menagerie of offspring is a grounding force not to be reckoned with. Appel who has dubious ways of making money is wise. And pretty Efi who strives to find herself after her loss. The three women are just wonderful together - perfectly imperfect. And so incredibly strong - they must face the ire of jealous men who would deem it unlawful for them to run a business. Well, they survived The Great Pestilence - they're made of stern stuff!

As someone who's written a tale of medieval monks, I was super excited to read Friar Wikerus - an intriguing figure indeed. 

This book is incredibly well researched. We get to explore the smelly tanneries district, meet the poor folk who dwell in that area AND investigate a murder (or two) and thievery. The brewing techniques are detailed in all their glory. And I felt like I was there, strolling around, poking my nose into the folk's houses. The tone was kept light with wry humour. Amazing! 

If you like historical fiction and cosy mysteries, this book is right up your...Trench Lane!

Trouble is brewing!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WOOD AND WONDERS - Theodorable!

Wood and Wonders by Duckie Mack

Date read: 16th April 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: M/Mx Romance (non-binary rep)

Buy link: Amazon  

I love the Heartcraft Market!!! I wish I could visit it IRL.

And I love this author; my go-to when I need a low-angst, gorgeous read. 

All books in this series are stand-alones, but I recommend reading them all as they're all marvellous. 

So, in this book we finally get to Theo's story. He's been quietly lurking in the marketplace, and I was intrigued by this burly lumberjack type guy. And I was not disappointed. 

Onyx explodes into his life, 'thanks' to a scammer. They are a popstar looking for a retreat to tap into their creativity. Fortunately, Theo is as silent as they come. 

I loved how these two were there for one another. Theodorable! 

It was awesome to read a non-binary character who was just themselves without any issues around that. And Theo's grief healing was done with care. 

A steamy mountain retreat for the soul. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A LITTLE LIGHT MISCHIEF - a lot of fun

A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian

Date read: 18th March 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: F/F Regency Romance Novella

Buy link: Amazon  

This is a very sweet novella. A spinster vicar's daughter with a terrible past is now a companion. Molly, who also has a lot of baggage, is now a lady's maid.

There's a slight class divide, but happily not of the power imbalance kind. Molly is bi, which is a lovely inclusion as it gives us a little daughter who's all kinds of cute. 

These two ladies have to tiptoe around one another as they explore their feelings. 

And then comes revenge! Oh, wonderful restitution.

The historical setting is appropriately done i.e. not modern gals dressed in costume. This felt very true to its time. 

A lot happens in this little novella. And it's all good. 

Always in love and light, 

TL

REVIEW - YOU AND ME - and all the feels

You and Me by Tal Bauer

Date read: 24th February 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: M/M Romance with sports

Buy link: Amazon  

This is one of those books which is full of raw emotion in the most marvellous way. 

Luke is straight and a widower. At the start of this tale he's been struggling to come to terms with the loss of his wife. He's lost in darkness. Separately, so is his son, Emmett. They barely see each other, let alone talk. Their pain is visceral. 

Finally, Luke realises he has to try to make a change, to reach out to his son. But he has no idea how. Then a letter arrives from the booster club for his son's high school American football team. 

American football is a backdrop for this story of healing and recovery. It contains its own symbolism as the tale progresses. As is the artistic way Luke views the world, as his life gradually gets painted with colour. btw I'm not a sports fan but it totally works in this book.

Landon is a "super dad" and everything Luke wants to be. His son hugs him, gives him smiles, speaks to him... Happily, Landon is very generous. And, as the two sons are best friends, Landon helps show Luke the way. 

My heart broke a thousand times at every tentative baby step these guys took. There is so much fear - neither Luke nor his son can survive another loss. 

The love story is also gradual. And contains its own fears, not about the bi-awakening itself but all which surrounds this beautiful relationship and the impact it may have.

The characters leap off the page with a whole range of emotions and behaviours. By enduring the pain you're rewarded with endearing joy.

The writing is incredible. Descriptive and real, light and shade. 

What we're left with is a story of bravery, courage and fighting for a HEA. It's like one's drowning but coming up for life-affirming air. 

A heart-wrenching, sweet and little bit steamy book of gorgeousness. 

TWs: Loss/grief, drug misuse/addiction

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE GIRL FROM THE SEA - Up where it's better

The Girl From The Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

Date read: 18th February 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: YA F/F (Sapphic) Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

This is a graphic book, as in comic strip style, which itself is enchanting. 

And it's very sweet. 

Morgan is struggling with her young teenage years in the wake of her parents' divorce, which has affected her brother too. And then a selkie comes along to complicate things even further. 

It's full of metaphors, which I feel is useful for young teenagers coming to terms with being LGBTQIA+. There are a couple of timid kisses but nothing more, so it's very YA friendly.  And gives The Little Mermaid vibes.

Here's the thing; everyone's journey is different. And this story is quite clichéd, admittedly. 

But once Megan's family and friends know her truth, they're accepting and supportive. 

It's a tale of trying to blend in with the crowd as you go through those difficult teenage years. And learning it's OK to be different.

The images are beautiful, the story is bumpy but meaningful, with a HFN (not a HEA). 

Always in love and light,

TL

 

REVIEW - GRAVE SECRETS - Truth Unearthed

Grave Secrets by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 6th January 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This is book 3 in the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries (book 1 review can be found here)

The series gives Poirot meets Ghost Whisperer vibes. You have glorious 1920s London and a quaint village. With a whole lot happening. 

I was really pleased to discover more about Tommy in this book. He's definitely a character with layers. A little bit ooh, a little bit whey! Only, in this book he's landed himself slap bang in the middle of trouble. Again. And so, his loyal friend, Clara has to dive in to try to help, along with her grumpy puppy fiancé, Lucas Rathbone.

Lucas has ghosts who can talk to him. Fair ole talk his ear off, to be fair. Gives a chap a nasty headache. 

There's definitely more to Tommy's tragic past than previously realised. 

And I must say I'm warming to the guy. 

A well-written, thrilling, dangerous and intriguing tale!

One I heartily recommend. 

A great way to start my 2025 reading.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - EARTH SPELLS ARE EASY - Mid-life crises ain't though

Earth Spells Are Easy by Renee George

Date read: 2nd November 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Middle-Aged Witchery

Buy link: Amazon 

A middle-aged witch awakening - instant buy! Just what I was in the mood for without even knowing it.

So, Iris is 43 years old, freshly divorced, and has a teenaged son. What she really doesn't need right now is her magick sparking to life, as well as her garden gnome. But here we are! LOL 

I love this middle-aged self-discovery tale. It was a refreshing take on the trope. And there are certain characters who are super interesting - hello Keir! Linda is cutely rude; I kinda miss her original nickname for Iris. 

Well written, chaotic fun. Becoming a witch and crone in a potentially explosive way. 

I can't wait to read the next one! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - SWITCHING HOUR - Fur realsies!

Switching Hour by Robyn Peterman

Date read: 29th October 2024

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Paranormal Romcom

Buy link: Amazon 

Oh, where do I start with this? This book is utter chaos. In a good way. 

It started life as a short story which does show through.

So, Zelda has been in magick pokey on parole. She has tasks to fulfil, but the details are scanty at best. 

Now, this witch has had no good role models thus far, so she's shallow and self-serving, which is how she ended up on the wrong side of witch law to begin with. And her stint with an annoying cellmate has done nothing to calm her down. 

Her habit of never naming people or places the same thing twice is a little irksome yet funny.

She's a firecracker with the mouth of a sailor and a fashionista sense of style - and I kinda love her for it. 

Her resurrected cat familiar has a fondness for cleaning his bits. A lot! And is delightfully snarky. 

The love interest is also stand-offish and a bit alpha-hole. 

This book is fast paced and has a wonderful host of characters. And quite a lot of blood and pain.

All-in-all, a fun read. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - PRINCE CHARMED - Ridicule is nothing to be scared of!

Prince Charmed by Duckie Mack

Date read: 19th October 2024

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

Buy link: Amazon 

(yeah, I totally quoted the Prince Charming song in this blog post title - Adam and the Ants forever!)

A new book by one of my favourite authors which includes magick and a prince? I couldn't one-click fast enough!! 

So, Mal and Flor were separated when they were young, having grown up together in the royal palace. And they've been pining ever since. 

Poor Flor had to learn about his magick all on his own, but has created a successful business thank you very much (and looks like a totally hot wizard whilst doing so). 

I don't want to say too much. But the little magickal oopsies the prince suffer are cute and funny. 

But can Flor's kiss transform him back into his handsome prince? 

I only wish it was a bit longer. I want more! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE PROBLEM WITH DEAD PEOPLE - Cosy cosy

The Problem With Dead People by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 16th October 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This book had been on my radar far too long. The problem with this reader is their TBR is extensive!

However, I'm delighted I finally got around to reading it. 

I was seeking something different to read. And this was just the ticket. 

Set in 1920s England, about 10 years after the war, one gets immersed in that vivid world, still recovering from all that pain.

This book doesn't just contain one murder but several, owing to that it started life as 5 novellas. But I love how they're all in one book. You see, there is a trail of breadcrumbs being laid. 

Lucas Rathbone is a reporter for the local rag. Clara, his childhood friend and sweetheart, has moved to London, but comes running any time he needs her assistance. And they're just adorable together. He's all quiet and bumbly, and she's all 'grasp the nettle'. A raincloud/sunbeam relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed following them around England, through the sleepy rural village to the seaside and even a jaunt into the city. Even if there were ghosts demanding assistance at every turn. And a nefarious group threatening them. 

The settings were all beautifully created, the people wonderfully portrayed and the plot was riveting. 

I will definitely be reading more in this series. 

A glorious cosy set of mysteries with a post-war backdrop. 

Think Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer, and you'll be in the right ballpark.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - FIRE FOX - Fiery FMC!

Fire Fox by Amanda Sloothaak

Date read: 5th October 2024

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: NA Nordic Fantasy 

Buy link: Amazon 

This is an awesome debut novel. A new adult fantasy (series) with a Nordic setting. 

The world-building is amazing. An ancient land filled with fires and snow. From the detail of the healers to the clothing and weaponry, everything is painted in wondrous colour. 

Dawn is in her late teens and is somewhat petulant. She has the 'world's against me' feels. But she is feisty and steadily learns how to put her fire to good use. 

I loved Ulf - the intriguing large wolf who is her friend. I'm sure there's a lot more to be discovered about him in the books to come.

Vidya is all kinds of mysterious. 

And Nilan is sweet but with his own secrets. 

There is plenty of danger as the Romanesque legion moves in. But then the lines get blurred between friend and foe, and a whole heap of trouble whirls around. And Dawn is left fighting for her life over and over. 

An action-packed novel for fantasy fans.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - LETTERS - Heart-wrenching Healing

Letters by Michael Robert

Date read: 21st August 2024

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

Buy link: Amazon 

Wow! This is a very special book (I read the combined duology), and I feel honoured to have read it. 

Full disclosure: I bought this months ago but had to wait for the right time in my own grief cycle before reading, as I did actually use this to help heal myself too. 

This book deep-dives into the grief process. It is heart-achingly poignant. The author takes you through the trauma of loss. BUT also, the beauty of healing. 

Perry was devastated at the loss of his husband, Jack. But he'd left Perry a letter just in case he went first. And that letter sent him on a road trip. Where he encounters some Divinely placed people with mystical talents. 

It is a voyage of finding oneself, really. Perry undergoes a transformation as he heals. And it really was beautiful to see. 

 And Lucas also undergoes grief and renewal as he faces his own challenges. 

The characters are all well-developed. The emotions are fully expressed - and there are joyful moments too. Very well-written. I sobbed at Jack's special bit (no spoilers). 

Jack is a wonderful, spiritual presence - maybe the overarching hero of this duology tbh; an incredibly special guy.

A lot gets explored; good families, bad ones, found family too. Work ethic. How to live well. Adversity. Homophobes. General gits. Overcoming so many obstacles. 

There is just so much love contained within these pages. 

Now, I just need to buy me a beach house!!

Always in love and light,

TL

BOUQUETS & BELONGING - REVIEW - Coming up roses (or sunflowers!)

Bouquets & Belonging by Duckie Mack

Date read: 16th August 2023

My rating: 4.55*
Genre I reckon: Sweet M/M Romance 

Buy link: Amazon 

So, I make no secret how much I love Duckie Mack books - I tell everyone who will listen. Because we all need sweet, adorkable yet steamy love <3 

As soon as this book was announced, I knew it was going straight on my TBR. 

I loved Marley in a previous Heartcraft Market book, and was excited to read his story. 

Each of this series can be read as a stand-alone btw. But the characters do cameo. 

Marley is a colourful extrovert, and I love that he tries to be a body positive larger guy. But he's also honest that when he sometimes gets wibbly about his image. 

But then we have Mr Serious, CMO guy in full business suit, Derek. 

It's a super meet-cute. But then a bit insta-love, if I'm being honest. 

However, as it's all so gorgeous, I'll allow it. I mean, Marley really takes no prisoners with his joie de vivre. 

Oh, and there's a kitten!! 

Just so much eep, and little bit ooh! 

Always in love and light, 

TL

REVIEW - CROWN OF STONES 2 - stone the crows!

The Crown of Stones - Magic Scars (series book 2) by CL Schneider

Date read: 4th August 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Epic Adventure Fantasy 

Buy link: Amazon 

(Book 1 review can be found here)

My goodness, this is DRAMATIC!! 

I read book 1 in 2022, but I've developed a sensitive disposition the last couple of years, so delayed reading this one until I felt ready. There are definitely plenty of triggers here; all sorts of compulsion and abuse. But then, this series is set in a war-torn land - one shouldn't expect fluffy fairy-tales when reading such an epic adventure.

And epic, it is. 

I was blown away by the descriptions. Ian Troy (and friends) has been through a LOT. And it's not getting any easier. I felt every pain and each moment of joy. 

The scenes I was transported to were varied and colourful - I could see and smell it all. And the characters all have such depth. You KNOW these people, all their good and bad points. 

Every swish of the blade and stab of the dagger is rendered in all their gory glory.

It's action-packed. Just as you think poor Troy can have a breather for five minutes to recover, he is catapulted into more drama. Every turn there is a new danger. And he's wrong-footed at every turn. I kept wanting to yell, "Don't trust (...)!". But then it's ever so difficult to know who is good, who's bad and whose side is anyone really on anyway? 

The frustrations, the compassion, the striving to do one's best, the battle of survival, the mourning (my own heart sank at the losses), the brief glimpses of small victories, the burden of responsibility...just incredible. 

So much is stacked against our hero. Can he ever defeat all his foes? And is peace in such a divided world even possible? I'm definitely going to read book 3 to find out (with my breath held and fingers crossed!).

Always in love and light, 

TL