REVIEW - TEACHER OF THE YEAR - gets my vote!

Teacher of the Year by MA Wardell

Date read: 1st November 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: m/m Swoony Rom-Com Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Happy New Year!

One of my favourite books of 2023 was Mistletoe and Mishigas by MA Wardell. So, my first read for 2024 was its predecessor. They're stand-alones, so the weird reading order really doesn't matter. 

And OMG this book is so sweet. But also heart-racing. 

Marvin is a Jewish man who has ADHD and anxiety. He's a kindergarten teacher and up for an award. Oh, and he's the child of an alcoholic parent. And a klutz. Phew! He's adorable, as Olan tells him often.

Olan is the single-parent, gorgeous black guy who throws Marvin into flibbety-floops. And he might just be gay for Marvin. 

Five-year-old Ilona adds an endearing dynamic.

These two guys are super cute. But will their issues be the making or breaking of their relationship? There is a lot for them to navigate. 

Will Gonzo be forever more the therapy kitty? 

I loved how this was written, and the relationship dynamics. It certainly doesn't shy away from big issues, and they were handled with care. It's all quite 'real'.

The few steamy bits are HOT! 

Sweet, angsty, steamy goodness.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - MISTLETOE & MISHIGAS - Sparkly Wonder

Mistletoe And Mishigas by MA Wardell

Date read: 30th November 2023

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: m/m Festive Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

First off; I haven't read Teacher of the Year yet :-O But this totally reads as a stand-alone. And I was after festive reads. 

Sheldon is a femme, super gay. I appreciate this won't be to everyone's taste, but hey, I LOVED him. After being rejected so badly, he's even 'more' to compensate. And how marvellous that he was free to do that in this book. 

The relationship between him and his twin sister is everything! And shows his vulnerability behind closed doors. Oh, and Janice the cat is adorable. 

Now, we get to the 'grump' part. Theo, bless him. He is a veteran with PTSD - an injured warrior. He has cut himself off from the world as he tries to come to terms with what's happened. This makes him appear grumpy and stand-offish. But that won't stop the unicorn-fart that is Sheldon from trying to bring sparkly sunshine into his life. 

Theo Berenson seems to be Iorek Byrnison in human form! 

btw mishigas means 'craziness'.

Fake dating is not usually my thing. But in this book it really worked. Both guys have issues, and together they can tackle them. (*whispers*) They're both really sweet too. And there's a height difference.

The mix of Hanukah and Christmas was lovely - a blend of festive cheer that was heart-warming. 

The steam was pretty good too ;) 

I thoroughly enjoyed this festive fake dating tale.

So, if you want a different type of holiday romance, you should definitely give this one a go. 

A 4.5* shiny stars from me.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Crown - Glory Be

The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau 

Date read: 3rd November 2023

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Historical fiction (which has murder mystery and a hint of romance)

Buy link: Amazon 

I actually discovered this book whilst researching my own novel, and I'm so glad I did.

The author has carefully weaved threads of real history into this fictional world, as marvellous as one of the tapestries made in the story.

Joanna Stafford (of the infamous Stafford family), is a novice nun at Dartford Priory.

Her strong ties to family vie with her staunch religious beliefs in this tale of woe and mystery.

There is a burning at the stake, imprisonment in The Tower of London, secret passageways, murder and sleuthing, Tudor style.

This was clearly very well-researched. And the characters are all intriguing. Brother Richard and Geoffrey Scoville are two of my favourites.

I felt immersed in Tudor life throughout.

A fab historical fiction (which has murder mystery and a hint of romance).

4.5*

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE MONK'S TALE - Dastardly Deeds

The Monk's Tale by April Munday

Date read: 4th October 2023

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Medieval Adventure Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

This is actually the first book I've read by this author, but it is the 2nd in a series. 

Although I was maybe hoping to see more of the monastic life, given the circumstances, I'm sort of glad I didn't. 

This book contains triggers for: violence, abuse, kidnapping and killing. It's set in violent times, after all.

It is action packed - danger is all around the two main characters. Former novice, Mark, is sought out by Tilda who is in desperate need of protection. Much jostling for position ensues! 

The characters all have depth; I appropriately loathed the bad guys and was enchanted by the good ones. And there were some wonderful touches which really drew you into the 14th century.

A well-researched, medieval adventure!

A solid 4.5* from me.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GOBBELINO LONDON - CATegorically magnificent!

Gobbelino London (series) by Kim M Watt

Date read: 12th August 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Kitty PI

Buy link: Amazon 

This series is AMAZING - no baby goats! I'm actually sad it's over (probably). There is wriggle room should the author find it impossible to stay away from the mayhem. 

I love the creative names of each books as well as the creative insults (often involving cabbages or other veg!).

More than that, I adore Callum and Gobbelino. They are awkward misfits in the human and folk worlds. They amble along, getting dragged through one potentially world-ending disaster to another. But they're not alone - a marvellous cast of characters support (or act against) them at every turn. 

Old people, trolls, rats, weres etc. - beings often shunned befriend our MCs. 

The tales are all gloriously told through the eyes of Gobbelino, the small black cat with a big attitude. And let us not forget Green Snake, who makes himself sort of understood and very useful. 

Fun, magickal chaos sums up this magnificent series! 

You just have to read it to believe it. 

(I really hope there are more books in the future - I could read these two cuties forever!)

Always in love and light,

TL

BOOKISH GIVEAWAY - LOVE BITES

 

I'm running a giveaway on Instagram.

Win:

ALL THREE signed paperbacks in the Love Bites series

The character scented candles: Pryderi and Kiera

Specially designed chibi sticker

A 'Gimme an HEA' sticker 

And a bookmark.

Click here to go to the post.

REVIEW - GENTLEMEN PREFER VILLAINS - such sweet psychos!

Gentlemen Prefer Villains by C Rochelle

Date read: 21st July 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: m/m supervillain romance

Buy link: Amazon 

"Such sweet pyschos" is not exactly something I ever thought I'd mutter, yet the phrase played on repeat in my head as I read this marvellous tome!

"My perfect tiny tyrant," or, "My murderous cream puff,"  and even, "My precious murder baby," are just some of the terms of endearment you can expect. And they tell you everything you need to know, really. 

In the first book, Wolfgang (Wolfy), showed a glimpse of his caring nature. And I was so happy to see him get his own book. Yes, the sweetness gets the spotlight. But don't misunderstand, he's still a lean, mean, killing machine. This boy is about as bad as they come! 

And yet, he's no match for the feisty brat who walks into his office. 

The banter/with flies like a caped crusader. The action is hotter than Captain Volcano. The excitement is off the charts. LOVED this!

I was worried that book 2 in the series couldn't possibly live up to my expectations from the marvels of book 1. But wow, this actually exceeded them! 

Favourite quote: "Nothing like a little hand to gland combat to inspire a battle cry."

Next book, please!! 

Always in love and light,

TL