A LADY'S DESIRE - a desirable read

A Lady's Desire by Lily Maxton

Date read: 10th August 2026

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

Buy link: Amazon 

It can be difficult to find a really good historical romance ft wlw. 

OK, so a few bits are a little dubious on the historical accuracy front, but if fussy ole me can live with it, I'm sure you can. Why? Because it's a decent story which felt right. 

It fits a lot into its limited pages (being a novella). The characters are well-rounded and believable. And, oh, the yearning! I do appreciate a good friends-to-lovers plot.

The steam scene was sufficiently pleasing. 

And I loved the bluestocking science friends.

Huzzah! 

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

REVIEW - THE GOOD KNIGHT - He sure is!

The Good Knight by Sarah Woodbury

Date read: 1st October 2022

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

Phew! A tale so dastardly you don't want to believe any of it's true. 

However, this book cleverly blends historical fact with fiction. The attention to detail is amazing. It must've taken a great deal of research. 

As this book is set in 11th century Wales, there are several Welsh names which could've maybe benefited from a glossary so those unfamiliar know how to pronounce them. 

There is mention of slavery and kidnapping; just in case these are triggers for you.

That aside, this book is amazing. There are Cadfael vibes as Gwen investigates murder most foul, but within the confines of 11th century knowledge and behaviour. 

Power struggles have formed history since time immemorial and this tale utilises that in a fascinating way. It centers around King Owain of Gwynedd and his family. 

There is a host of well-rounded characters who are dragged through an action-packed drama. The body count keeps mounting and misinformation abounds! 

An intriguing mystery with some truth. 

4.5*

 

MY NEW BOOK - LOVE IN THE ROSES

 

After two years of research and writing, it gives me tremendous pleasure to say that my medieval romance, Love in the Roses is now available!

I really wanted to explore love in 15th century England - were the Dark Ages really as miserable as they made out? I mean, how much joy can there be in a land before potatoes and coffee?? 

I have made it as historically accurate as possible. There is mild poetic license utilised for the sake of a good romance story, but when is that not the case, really? 

I think you can see from all the medieval research blog posts that I have invested a LOT of effort and care into this stand-alone book. 

So, what's it about? 

Isabel has never met her husband…

Their parents have arranged the marriage. But, when Isabel discovers who her intended is, it becomes apparent that he’s on the wrong side of the Wars of the Roses.

As a knight with honour, surely her father would not sacrifice their family to the House of Lancaster. Yet, to her horror, he insists upon the union with Sir William.

15^th century England is perilous – betrayal and ruin are only ever a heartbeat away. And death hides behind every door. Can Isabel survive and be a good wife, even when she’s married to the enemy?

Adventure through Medieval England in this intriguing story of love battling against all odds.

This is a stand-alone historical romance which contains an abundance of marital bedchamber antics.

The fictitious tale of a knight’s daughter, living life as it very well may have been in 1484.

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I really hope you enjoy this one. If you do, please don't forget to leave a review. 

Paperback also available on Waterstones and  Barnes & Noble. 

Always in love and light,

TL