Light the Way

Magnolia Point, SC aka Man of the Month Club #5

by Matilda Martel

In 2024, escape to the low country of Magnolia Point, South Carolina, and celebrate all the fun holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their charming Southern men. See you there!

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.

I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, you’ve come to the wrong place. I don’t like dark heroes.

I like my hero to be successful, sweet, suave, sophisticated and kind--- and then I want him to lose all his composure and game when he meets the heroine. I want him to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spots the girl of his dreams and revert to a teenage boy in a man’s body trying to win her.

I like my heroines to be witty, intelligent, and unshakeable---who could do just as well without a man—until the hero convinces her otherwise.

I write A LOT OF AGE GAP--because I LOVE AGE GAP ROMANCE. I’ve got no other excuse for it.

No matter what kind of story it is, my ladies are ADORED, and my endings are always Happily EVER AFTER, not HFN.

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Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I couldn't get behind 'Light the Way' as much as I wanted to.

Adam was described as someone who wasn't personable, who came across as detached, and someone cocky and uninterested in dealing with others. His true crime podcast used to be number one, but Fiona's podcast knocked his off, and now he's dangerously close to losing the 5th spot. So, instead of accepting that Fiona wants nothing to do with him since she's jot returned his calls or emails, he sets out to Magnolia Point to talk her into working with him to boost his podcast.

Then we have Fiona, a kind, sensitive Southern girl who had a bad run-in with Adam several years ago. She met him at a con, and he completely disregarded her before she could even get out her full name. She's hated his guts ever since and would never in a million years work with him. When he shows up at her door, she meets him for coffee, shows him the error of his ways, and decides to help him even though she hates him and he's her competition.

Somehow or another, Adam has transformed from a clueless woodblock to a lovesick, emotional man who doesn't care about his podcast anymore and only wants Fiona. Fiona has conveniently forgotten her hatred and dislike for Adam, too charmed by his looks and compelling personality, and can't imagine life without him in it. Queue HEA!

These two just don't make sense to me as a couple. I think if the story was longer, they could've really transformed and been good together. But because the story is so short, neither one of them had the time to develop their characters, so it felt like we skipped several steps to get them to the relationship. I just couldn't get interested in them together whatsoever, compounded with my severe dislike of Adam calling her "little one" very early on. He doesn't seem the type for that nickname to me, and it didn't really give me the warm fuzzies.

This one wasn't for me, but if you're looking for rivals-to-lovers, opposites-attract, instalove, then it may be for you!

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and meeting the residents of Magnolia Point. This time it's Fiona, a true crime podcaster and New Yorker, Adam who comes to her for help and is unsure why she hates him! Good chemistry and a lovely story.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

True Crime Podcast rivals. She is avoiding his calls so he shows up on her doorstep. This rivals to lovers story teaches both parties things they didn't know about themselves, proving they were made for each other.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Adam and Fiona met when he comes to Magnolia Point looking for her. Three years ago Fiona went to a conference when she tried to talk to Adam he brushed her off. Now Adam wants Fiona's help, they both do podcast about crimes. Adam was at the top but now he's slipped down a few, while Fiona takes the top of the list as most popular in podcast crimes. Adam reaches out to Fiona but because of what he did to her three years ago she doesn't return his calls. Adam tells his agent he wants to head to Magnolia Point and talk to Fiona in person his agent tells him not to do it. Adam heads off anyway he knows where Fiona lives after stalking her on social media. When Adam knocks on Fiona's door she can't believe he's there. Fiona talks to Adam and she wants to know what he wants, he offers to buy her coffee if she'll just listen to him. Fiona agree to talk to Adam so they met up for coffee, she tells him a few things he needs to do to improve his podcast. Then they agree to met the next day for lunch to talk some more. The following day Adam sits at the coffee shop for thirty minutes, when a table of girls starts laughing at him he knows he needs to leave. As Adam is leaving Fiona calls out to him, she was waiting on him an hour ago but left when he didn't show up. Adam asks Fiona if they have the time messed up, she tells him they were suppose to met an hour ago. Fiona asks Adam if he changed his clock because daylight savings happened last night. When Adam pulls out his phone he tells Fiona it's dead and he only has his wrist watch which is an old fashion wind up one. Adam and Fiona still want to talk so she suggests they head to the water and dive into the depths of crime. As they talk Fiona confesses why she didn't call Adam back about what happened three years ago. Adam asks if he can take Fiona out for dinner but she tells him she'll make dinner for them at her place. Adam helps Fiona cook dinner for the both of them, when things start to heat up her best friend and occasional co-host Gisela comes. When Gisela figures out what Adam and Fiona have been doing she tells them she's headed to see her family in Charleston and she'll be gone a little while. Gisela tells Fiona that Adam can help her with her podcast. Adam tells Fiona that he'll do whatever he can to help her with her podcast. The next few days Adam and Fiona work on the podcast together. When they take a break Fiona asks Adam if he's hungry he lets her know he's hungry but not for food. Fiona tells Adam to head up to the top floor and she'll take care of dinner. Adam knows the top floor is Fiona's bedroom. When Fiona arrives she tells Adam to follow her she has a surprise for him, she takes him to the hidden spiral staircase that lead to the beacon room. Adam sees that Fiona has turned it into a breath taken heaven where they can see the ocean for miles. Adam and Fiona settle into the pillows and blankets set around, then he pleasures her and she pleasures him then they make love. Adam tells her he loves her then Fiona tells him she loves him. Two years later, their podcast have combined they now host together, they're at the top spot for crime podcast. Adam knows it was the best decision he ever made to make the trip to Magnolia Point and find Fiona. Adam and Fiona are married and now they want to start a family.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light The Way is a insta-love story of two competing true crime podcasters. Adam and Fiona are different as Night and day, but share a love of delving into and solving true crime mysteries. Will this fascination bring them more than professional fulfillment?

I enjoyed Adam's character, the deadication, honesty and determination he demonstrated. He was able to acknowledge shortcomings and search for means of improvement. I was less taken by Fiona. She struck me as immature from the outset. Turning from admiring to hating someone simply because they didn't stop their world for you is over-the-top (especially when it was mid-conference when he was likely stressed or exhausted, which she can now relate to but refuses to acknowledge even in hindsight). Further, dropping what she called subtle hints (which likely nothing at all as she acknowledged not knowing how to flirt or communicate with men) is a poor way to "ask" if someone likes you before putting yourself out there. Fiona seemed to have professional confidence, but that was the only thing she had going for her. At least Adam was up front abd to the point, not beating around the bush with important issues. Sorry guys, this one just didn't hit the right buttons for me. Too bad, as I liked the plot and MMC.

I received a gift copy of this book and volunteered my review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet Man of the Month Club Novella featuring the cute short and steamy insta-love, slow-burn romance between Adam and Fiona. Adam and Fiona are both podcasters and they're actually rivals with Fiona's show being more popular than Adam's which is starting to become a problem. Adam decides to go to Magnolia Point where Fiona resides to seek help from her having no idea that they'd actually met before. Fiona used to be Adam's biggest fan so when she had the chance to meet him 3yrs ago she was stunned that he just completely blew her off. Fiona used it as motivation she decided that she was going to be better than he was one day. As soon as Adam heard Fiona's voice he was captivated by it and drawn to it and he understands why she's so popular. When they come face to face in Magnolia Point the sparks really fly between them Fiona thinks that Adam is handsome although his personality comes across as cold. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this sweet Man of the Month Novella it's a cute short and steamy, insta-love,slow-burn romance full of banter, chemistry and heat to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morbid Deeds

Light the Way: A Man of the Month Club Novella by Matilda Martel is part of the multi-author Magnolia Point series. I loved this easy, sweet, saucy and spicy romance about Fiona Flores and Adam Kelly. They each have a true crime podcast and are rivals. Adam was at the top for a few years after working hard to get there. But over the last year he has slipped and is not at number five, while also losing some sponsors. Fiona has worked hard over the last three years and has gotten to the number one spot. Adam is determined to get back on top and he believes that Fiona can help him do that, or at least he can learn from what she does and how she researches her stories. So one day he shows up at her door and that kicks off a whole other situation between them. These two rivals will end up taking a path that takes them to a place neither thought about before.
I really loved this book. It is well written, has two likeable characters and also supporting characters. I loved that it is based in the small town of Magnolia Point, North Carolina, and includes some of the locals. I always enjoy Matilda's stories and this one is a bit different from her normal couples, which was a delightful surprise. I would definitely RECOMMEND this book to other readers!

[Michele McMullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light the Way is another wonderfully fun novella from Matilda. This is Fiona and Adam, rivals, enemies, competitors in the crime podcast world and about to find each other irresistible.
Adam has been in the podcast business for years, at the top of game, always diving into the crimes and secrets of others. That is until he is knocked down a few pegs by the lovely storyteller Fiona. She has a gift for capturing the audience with her words and compelling way she reels in her viewers with her unique way of broadcasting the crimes of others. Adam has always thought they should collaborate and really grasp the market together, but Fiona's agent never calls him back. So, now he finds himself on a road trip to meet the woman behind the microphone and let's just say he is more than captivated by her words when he finally meets her face to face. Fiona has always known who her competitor is and that he is very easy on the eyes what she didn't expect is to find him on her doorstep and to feel such a strange connection. This couple is witty, has great smart banter, and have a sizzle with the enemies to lovers genre!!!
~~Michele McMullen~~

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona & Adam were rivals since she over took his number one spot he knew he had to find away to get that back. He'd tried to get in touch with her about teaming up but after the way he treated her in the past she was even listening to his messages. In a bid to talk to her he drove to her house but having fallen in live with her voice when he met her in person it was love at first sight for him & it became a more personal journey now for him.
Even though she'd told herself he was the enemy Fiona could help but fall for him again when he turned up at her door. Not knowing the history & reason for her not speaking to him meant nothing he was willing to prove himself worthy of her giving him a chance personally.
We see him become more approachable taking in what she'd been teaching him & a softer side to both of them & romance & hopefully a enemies to lovers happy ending.
Thus us a lovely, sweet story that I read in one go on my lunch break & had a smile on my face all the time.
Definitely recommend this.

[Virginia Frick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is the word I will use to describe this amazing new release by the fabulous author Matilda Martel. I love how she had Fiona move into an old light house and refurbish it. I think that would be an amazing project. Fiona not only remodels the light house she remodeled her career. After meeting Adam at a convention where he didn’t really acknowledge her, she decided to work harder. She carried that grudge with her for years, not realizing she was.

Fiona and Adam are competitors in the murder podcast world. When Adams starts to fall in the charts, he realized he needs help. Her podcast is in the number spot on the charts, and he wants to learn her ways. She refused to return calls and emails and then one day while she is sitting in her safe place, there is a knock on her door. There on the other side and the one person she did not think would find her.

They build more then a business relationship, neither really wanting to admit they are falling for the other. Can they let their emotions go and just follow their hearts or will their desire to be the best get in their way?

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Light the Way” by Matilda Martel is another book in the Man of the Month Club: Magnolia Point series. This is a really cute small town rivals to lovers romance.

This book does have insta live vibes, and while that’s not usually one of my favorite tropes, I feel like it worked for Adam and Fiona, the main characters in this novella.

Adam and Fiona both have crime podcasts, but while Adam’s podcast is starting to fail, Fiona’s is thriving. Adam gets it into his head to ask Fiona for help, so he travels from New York to her town of Magnolia Point.

Fiona doesn’t want to help Adam at first, but his persistence wears her down, and she soon realizes that he’s not so bad after all.

When it came to their relationship, I really loved their chemistry, and I thought that they were an adorable couple.

I would definitely recommend Matilda Martel’s “Light the Way” to fans of small town romance and/or the insta love trope.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda Martel rarely writes small town romances but when she does she does it well! In 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗬 Adam and Fiona are True Crime podcasters. She is at the top of her game and outshining everyone in the field. He used to own the top spot but has now lost some ground. Adam however is not jealous or envious. He just wants to get better and knows the only way to do so is to humble himself and ask for help. Traveling to Magnolia Point, locating Fiona’s lighthouse turned home and meeting his rival proves to be the best decision he has ever made. I enjoyed watching the sparks fly between these two former rivals turned flirt buddies turned lovers. Their love shone as bright as the lighthouse they would eventually share. 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗬 Was a drama free, read in one sitting romance. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Delaine (NovelReadingNanny) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up cause
This novella is a part of the Man of the Month Club shared world. They are all meant to be fast paced, insta-love, insta-lust storylines.

Compared to the others in the series, I felt this one was a little too instant, especially for a rivals to lovers trope. I wanted just a little more back and forth.

Adam definitely falls first, and hard. Like love at first sight. Though it seems Fiona had a bit of a crush from years before, that wasn't fully described, which led to her easily accepting the advances.

I would be interested to read some of her backlist to see if some of the pressures of sticking to certain requirements for this shared world may have impacted the story. If Martel made a full length of this book in the future, I would definitely reread.

I received a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true crime or true love?

Adam and Fiona may be competitors, but are they enemies too? Adam views them as competitive until he sees her, then he knows she is his future and he has never been so glad to be wrong, he is not her competition but her partner. Unfortunately he has a slightly awkward and very blunt personality that is easily misunderstood and frequently viewed as cold, abrupt and rude, however, seeing him fumble his way through trying to convince Fiona to give him a chance makes him seem a little more human and is at times endearing.
Individually they are good, but together they have a special magic that draws listeners and sees their success rocket.
A sweet read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam used to be the second most popular crime podcasts in the country, until Fiona came on the scene. Now he has fallen to fifth place and is losing sponsors, he needs to do something. When he hears Fiona's podcast, her voice draws him in and he sees why she has the most popular show.

When she is not interested in joining forces, he goes against his agents advise and drives to Magnolia Point, South Carolina to see her in person. What started as business arrangement, has him thinking about Fiona on a personal level.

Even though she finds him attractive, she does not give in that easy, making him work for it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light the Way is part of the Man of the Month: Magnolia Point series. It's a short and steamy, OTT, enemies-to-lovers, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Adam is a hunky true crime podcaster from New York. Fiona is a curvy, true crime podcaster in Magnolia Point. She holds the #1 spot that was once held by Adam, making her his biggest rival. His manager had tried to reach out to partner with Fiona, but she has not responded as he dismissed her at an event a few years prior. When he decides to visit her in person, she is wary, but the two are instantly attracted to one another. Will these two rivals end up in bed together? They had amazing chemistry, and we got a very happy ending. I loved it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda Martel's contribution to the Man of the Month / Magnolia Point series is the charming Light the Way. True-crime podcaster Adam was once at the top of the game; but after losing sponsors and sliding down in the ratings, he is eager to learn the secrets of the new rising star, Fiona. When he tracks her to her home in small town Magnolia Point, he is surprised to discover that his interest piques more on the personal than the professional. Except Fiona is not as receptive as he had hoped. Will Adam be able to the win over the brilliant and beautiful younger woman? Sweet, swoony and steamy, Light the Way is an entertaining rivals-to-lovers romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona and Adam both run a True Crime podcast. While Fiona's is souring, Adam's has taken a nose dive. His agent is trying to setup some sort of collaboration between them to try and help Adam but Fiona is just ignoring the calls.

See, a few years prior Fiona tried to talk to Adam at a convention, she was crushing on him too, but he totally blew her off. So, no she isn't interested. Adam has no idea this happened, therefore, he decides to track Fiona down.

Adam finds Fiona's secluded home and is totally taken by surprise at the beautiful woman before him. While he needs her help to save his podcast, he is also finding his heart needs her too.

Will Fiona help Adam not only save his podcast but follow his heart?

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light the Way is a cute Man of the Month novella featuring Fiona and Adam, hosts of their own true crime podcasts. Set in the charming town of Magnolia Point, Fiona, residing in a converted lighthouse, crosses paths with Adam, her rival from NYC. Adam, desperate for a breakthrough, embarks on a journey from bustling NYC to seek Fiona's expertise. Little does he know, their paths had crossed before. Sparks fly as they reunite, instantly rekindling their chemistry.

Does Fiona hold their past encounter against Adam, or does she light the way for their love to blossom? Dive into this quick romance filled with spicy moments, familiar Magnolia Point landmarks and previous characters, and delightful banter.

[Megan Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that these MCs are true crime podcasters. In this steamy, short, novella we meet Fiona and Adam. I love that Fiona was kind of a fangirl of Adam when she first met him 3 years prior, but when he didn't notice her and basically blew her off, she decided to step her game up and beat him at his own profession. Even though Adam didn't realize who she was, he more than made up for it once he found out. Absolutely love that he literally shows up to her door after she doesn't answer his call and refuses to take no for an answer. And the epilogue at the end is seriously the cutest thing ever!!!

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Takes Two -
I really enjoyed reading this cosy, feel good romance, with witty banter, steamy encounters and engaging characters. The book may be a novella, but it was a worthwhile reading experience, as I found myself unable to stop reading this wonderful page turner, once I started. It is a definite must read book. This is the first book I have read from this author and I hope to read more of her books in the future.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Fiona both, have crime podcasts that are doing well, but Adam's listeners have been declining and he tries to enlist Fiona's help. A previous run-in with Adam from a few years prior and Fiona is uncertain whether she is willing to see or help Adam. Once they meet, sparks fly, interest is noted and Adam decides he would rather be with Fiona than gain more listeners. While this is a short story the attraction isn't and Matilda has written the love story really well. A nice short read when low on time.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute steamy novella. I enjoyed this story of Fiona and Adam who are in competition as ‘true crime’ bloggers. I liked that Fiona is the more successful and has ‘knocked’ Adam off his top spot as the main blogger in this genre. What I particularly enjoyed was the main characters’ unusual profession which added an interesting aspect to the tale. I loved that Adam tracks Fiona down to pick her brains on how to improve his success and ratings and is immediately captivated by his rival. An enjoyable romantic short story.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of the Man of the Month series, you're missing out. I have been reading them since the first month and every single one has been a awesome read and has left me anxiously waiting for the next month. Light the way is written by one of my all-time favorite authors and it was such a great addition to the Magnolia Point Series. I loved reading how Adam and Fiona overcome their differences and find a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Light the Way Man of the Month. Adam and Fiona are in the same business, true crime podcasts. He needs her help but meeting her makes him realize he needs more, he needs her. First he has to get her to actually talk to him and maybe stalking her in her home town wasn’t the smartest but he can’t pass up his chance. It’s a great storyline and I loved the characters. I really need wish I could go to Magnolia Point. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona and Adam's story was so cute! I loved that they were true crime podcasters with a history. Well, that history is unbeknownst to Adam but Fiona carries a bit of a grudge. So much so, that when he and his publicist reached out to see about a collaboration, she isn't interested in even entertaining the idea. Then he shows up on her doorstep and suddenly, everything changes. He is smitten at first sight and he is determined to get to know this intelligent, beautiful, successful woman. A fun, sweet read I really enjoyed!

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE MAGNOLIA POINT! Fiona is a crime podcaster that has a successful show. Alan also has a show, though his is falling in ratings. So he sets off to get Fiona's help. He wants to know the secret. Little does Alan know that Fiona has more to teach him then just how to be successful. Fiona can teach him how to love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two rival podcasters, Adam realizes that after asking to speak to Fiona via phone. He takes the drive to Magnolia Point from NYC. He just didn’t know the moment he met her that his whole life would change. Watching their relationship change from rivals to lovers was amazing to watch. The story being based around the lighthouse was incredible with the detail of how it was transformed from a lighthouse to a home.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light The Way is Adam and Fiona's HEA. Adam and Fiona host rival true crime podcasts. Adam is losing sponsors and listeners to Fiona's podcasts. He decides to seek her out and see if they can work together. He doesn't realize when he meets the woman behind the voice his life will change forever...
I enjoyed it. A bit different than I was expecting but a good read♥️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Fiona are rival true crime podcasters. He was once on top but she has quickly taken over and it’s costing him sponsors. In an effort to regain some listeners he makes his way to Magnolia Point, to learn from the woman who is becoming more to him than a rival or a possible co-host.
A quick read, with a slow burn. The characters are so well matched and despite a little angst and missed timing they just work perfectly. Sweet and a little spicy with a beautiful HEA.