REVIEW - Gobbelino London & a Complication of Unicorns - Furtastic!

Gobbelino London and a Complication of Unicorns by Kim M Watt

Date read: 25th May2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: paranormal kitty detective

Buy link: Amazon 

You can often tell my mood by the types of books I read. Kim Watt always offers fantastical escapism. Just what I needed.

In this book, we get a rare glimpse into the history of Callum, Gobbelino's human PI assistant. And it rakes up all sorts of mischief, as one has come to expect. (Gobbelino being a magnificently snarky cat, of course.)

There is even more danger lurking in this one. It turns out, unicorns are really quite psychopathically cantankerous. I mean - how hard should they even try to look for the missing herd? And trolls can be new-aged. Who knew?

Such fun!! 

Although, I may avoid bookshops for a while. And do watch out for the donkey; may cause an existential crisis ;) 

If you're looking for a whacky detective with a plethora of paranormal activity, this is the book for you.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE DAREDEVIL - grrrreat!

The Daredevil by Duckie Mack

Date read: 13th May2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: m/m Squee Romance

Buy link: Amazon

It's no secret that Duckie Mack is one of my one-click authors. 

The timing of this book was perfect. During a stressful week, I needed its escapism. 

Adorkable characters - check. Sizzling steam - check. Low angst - check. 

Everything I've come to expect in this author's books. 

This one features a shy boy with anxiety. And, as the title suggests, a guy who seems fearless. And together, they create magick. Squee!

Oh, marshmallow! 

A touch of paranormal. Escapism. And endearing romance. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - IMMORTAL MATCHMAKERS - Insanely good

Immortal Matchmakers Inc Series by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Date read: 8th May2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Humorous godly romance

Buy link: Amazon

Reaching the end of a series is such sweet sorrow! But it is better to have loved and finished than to never have read at all. 

This was a fitting, chaotic end to the series. And answered a lot of questions. Yet, asked a couple which allows for more godly mayhem should the author choose. Indeed, there is a spin-off book already. 

Finally, Mr Zac gets a proper pursuit. Of course, there's a whirlwind of a plot with Minky and Cimil "helping". 

I LOVED this series. Yes, some books were better than others. But every one had me smiling, giggling and grr-arghing. 

Whenever the world gets a bit much, I pick up an MJP book and a) realise it could be a whole lot worse and b) get cheered by the absurdity and humour contained within the pages. 

I thoroughly recommend this entire series (including the Accidentally Yours forerunners).

Always in love and light,

TL

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

REVIEW - COMING UP ROSES - Not so rosy Toot Hansell

Coming Up Roses by Kim M Watt

Date read: 14th March 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cozy Mystery (with WI & Dragons)

Buy link: Amazon 

I seem to have been a bit grumpy with my book reviews this year. But I'm happy to say, I've now awarded this one a rare 5* rating. tbh I read this because I love Kim Watt's books, particularly when dragons are involved. 

Oh, the chaos is off the charts in this one! WI, cryptozoologist reporters, admirers, dragons, dogs...everyone's running around trying to uncover the murderer. It's only natural when Rose is a prime suspect. Well, there was a dead body in her freezer!? 

Oh, this is Toot Hansell at its zany best! The perfect pick-me-up, crazy, cozy mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

Book News - I've written a 'How To Write' book

 

After ten years of writing and self-publishing, I thought it was about time I shared some of the knowledge I've accrued. 

How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It is a beginner's guide to researching, writing and publishing a historical book. To be fair, all newbie authors may find the writing tips and publishing sections useful. 

If you’re new to writing, this book will:

~ Show you which aspects of history to research before you ‘put pen to paper’

~ Give easy step-by-step prompts and tasks to set you on the right path for your writing journey through time

~ Guide you through your options once you’ve successfully typed “The End”

~ Provide tips on writing, formatting, publishing, and advertising

~ Supply you with an easy-to-follow checklist of self-publishing tasks.

Available in ebook and paperback from all good online retailers. Launching 01 March 2023, but available for pre-order now.

Always in love and light,

TL