REVIEW - DEATH MOST DEVIOUS - Fiendishly Good

Death Most Devious by Saffrom Amatti

Date read: 8th June 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon  

The gang are back! This time they're attending an exhibition where a sudden death occurs. And the culprit appears to be a snake!

I love how Tommy gets more interesting with each book. Whether he's the embodiment of Ra or just a regular fella falling for another fella, I adore him. 

The theme of Egyptology was a fab touch - I'm always intrigued by that.

Oh, and there's a mystery author in this one too. That clearly makes her suspicious ;) But everyone seems to have a motive - the victim is a really bad egg. Poor Lucas really doesn't enjoy communicating with this ghost. 

Fun and mysterious. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A GAME OF HEARTS AND HEISTS - It's playtime!

A Game of Hearts And Heists by Ruby Roe

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Sapphic Romantasy

Buy link: Amazon  

A fantasy world torn in two, a secret quest, enemies-to-lovers, vengeance, even some motorbike action - this book really ticked a lot of boxes for me. 

Love can often look a lot like hate. And when someone has stolen a lot of your clients, you're not going to feel too snuggly about them. 

But these two women (an assassin and a poisoner) play power games with one another as their carnal lust takes control - this leads to some steamy moments, for sure. But there are more false build-ups than steam scenes. Quinn and Scarlett's power dynamic is a struggle for dominance. And they both have secrets.

There are some intriguing side characters too, each with their own magick skill set. Stirling was particularly cool. I really liked the way houses collect their magicians - the buildings are sentient. Tattoos are then issued. The way each member of the team uses their individual skills is really well done. 

Can these rival heal their city, or will they unalive one another? 

A romantasy with a bit of an edge. 

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