Review: Mainly by Moonlight (Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1) by Josh Lanyon

A gay high-society wedding. A stolen book of spells. A love-threatening lie. Can a witch avoid a murder rap without revealing the supernatural truth?

Cosmo Saville guiltily hides a paranormal secret from his soon-to-be husband. Thanks to a powerful love spell, uncertainty threatens his nuptial magic. But when he’s arrested for allegedly killing a longtime rival, he could spend his honeymoon behind bars…

Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith never believed in love until Cosmo came along. Falling head over heels for the elegant antiques dealer is an enchantment he never wants to break. So when all fingers point to Cosmo’s guilt, John races to prove his fiancĂ©’s innocence before they take their vows.

As Cosmo hunts for the real killer among the arcane aristocracy, John warns him to leave it to the police. But with an unseen enemy threatening to expose Cosmo’s true nature, the couple’s blissful future could shatter like a broken charm.

Can Cosmo find the lost grimoire, clear his name, and keep John’s love alive, or will black magic “rune” their wedding bells?

Mainly by Moonlight is the first book in the sexy Bedknobs and Broomsticks romantic gay mystery series. If you like spellbinding suspense, steamy fun, and a dash of paranormal, then you’ll love Josh Lanyon’s charming tale.


Different from Josh Lanyon’s usual. While not without its setbacks, it was still an entertaining ride!

Cosmo Saville hides his witch pedigree from his soon-to-be husband, police commissioner John Galbraith. It’s been fairly easy so far, but then they’ve only known each other for a whole two weeks.

However, when a murder and series of mishaps occur right before the wedding, Cosmo and John’s whirlwind fairytale comes crashing down.

I’ll acknowledge the elephant in the room right up front - the two week romance. With very dubious beginnings.

Yes, it was quite ridiculous. Even more so when the truth is revealed. It’s not even entirely clear whether John and Cosmo will be able to pull through until right near the end of the book.

Also, Cosmo’s a bit of a mess. Inconsistent, somewhat neurotic, and seemingly with his head in the clouds.

John, in comparison, is a no-nonsense, gruff, and fairly cantankerous man. But he has a soft side when it comes to Cosmo. He knows something’s off with Cosmo, but he’ll deal.

And yet despite the red flags, I was charmed. Because while ‘Mainly by Moonlight’ is insta-love on steroids, Cosmo and John were just fun.

Plus, the two seem well aware of the limitations - the ones not related to magic - of their relationship. So while they might be fools, they at least know what they’re getting into - for the most part.

A host of secondary characters and Cosmo’s magical background play a central role in the plot. There are magic-wielding French aristocrats, sacred lost objects, backstabbing and intrigue, and near-death experiences.

I was entertained! While the world-building definitely needs more fleshing out, book 1 does a good job at establishing the witchcraft world that Cosmo’s a part of.

There’s clearly more that still needs to be revealed about how all the different pieces fit together, and I’m looking forward to it.

Book 1 ends on uncertain ground. Cosmo and John still have a long road ahead of them, and the secrets of the world of witchcraft are brewing.

I’ve got more questions than answers, and I’m looking forward to the sequel!


A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.


No comments:

Post a Comment