Guns & Scones

by Darcia G Laucerica

In a city ruled by magic wielding families, Arawn Stant is thrust into power when his father´s abilities run dry. Taking care of his neighbours and their businesses is challenge enough. But his main concern is the school´s upcoming bake sale. He promised his niece he would bring something homemade.
The problem is... Arawn could burn water.
He must learn to bake before the weekend arrives.
It´s a good thing a little bakery just opened in
his territory. And that the owner, Alejandra,
is terribly cute.

Genres: Love Story, Romance, Fantasy

244 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2024

Reviews

[Carlijn Kollen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice cosy read! Cute and a nice flow, which makes it easy to get through. Love the magic elements mixed with maffia, set in a modern setting.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book! It's very cozy for the most part, but also contains some tension here and there, but not as the main focus necessarily. I love all of the queer representation, with a trans man, an enby, a lesbian couple, a gay man and even demisexuality, which isn't something that's represented a lot. There's also a lot of diverse family dynamics, which is interesting to discover the further you are in the book. There is no spice, for those who like to know that before reading a book (like me). The book is a bit slow paced but in a good way, not a boring way. I recommend it if you want a nice cosy read but still with some unexpected twists and turns.

[NereB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was warm and sweet in a way I didn’t expect. And the LGBT characters are a plus I was hoping to find!

The inclusion of Spanish expressions, as a Spanish speaker, makes me smile. All of them were so natural I could see my family and myself in them.

I wish it was longer to enjoy their story more. I want to know everything about the magical world the author has created and how society rejects it!!!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the modern take on a fantasy world with great lbgtq+ representation. And how the story wasn’t focused on the magical aspect but of the characters and their lives. I liked how the author explored their backgrounds and experiences while exploring the present and given us world building gradually.
I would like to read more about this world

[Merel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. I wasn't sure about the mafia before reading but it's a very cosy read. I love all of the queer representation. Also the mafia and magic world building was nice, something new I had not read about yet. It is a bit slow, but there are still some surprising plots happening.

[Alex Ockenden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually one of the cutest books I've ever read.

if you want something short, lighthearted but still deals with some heavy themes. This is a good book for you

[Karryn Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Other reviewers should note that I'm a very picky reader)
Review contains no spoilers.
I hesitated on reading this because "mafia boss" was not something I wanted to entertain, but I should've known better and trusted the author. :D Darcia turns this mafia boss into a Robin Hood character!
Arawn is our protagonist, a reluctant heir to his father's domain. He's nuanced and complex, makes mistakes but also has a deep sense of honoring commitments. He's more than meets the eye, and following his journey was delightful.
The world-building was neatly done, and there was special interest paid to the character development. I was a bit confused at times, as I had their voices but not their images in my head (this is a me problem, I'm not very visual).

I really enjoyed the baking instruction and memories that were built in the bakery. Highlight of the book!

Highly recommend if you want a fresh perspective on how justice is handled by small communities, those looking for layered stories of found family, and a dash of magic thrown in.