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Review for 'Love In The Cupboard' by Mari Jane Law

This is the second book in Mari's 'Love & Mishaps Quirky Romantic Comedy' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read the first book in this series which is called 'Love & Pollination' which I would also highly recommend and you can check out my review on that on Amazon and social media. The third book is called 'Love & Misdirection' which is available to purchase now and I will be getting stuck straight into it myself as soon as I have finished writing this up!.

'Love In The Cupboard' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Mari discusses/includes mental health, MS and disabilities as well as reference to Catholic Faith.


ANOTHER GORGEOUS BOOK IN THIS ABSOLUTELY GORGOUS AND ADDICTIVE SERIES.

Another great book in this series and I cannot wait to get stuck into the next book as soon as I have typed this up. I would always recommend reading books in a series in the correct order but If you have just discovered this fabulous author and want to get stuck in with this gorgeous book then never fear! There is a silver lining to reading later books in a series if you haven't had a chance to read the previous ones and that is while you are waiting for the next book to come out you can go back and read the previous books!! Speaking of which the next book in this series is already available to purchase and is called 'Love & Misdirection' but I am hoping there will be more to come after!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner along with 'Love & Pollination' today!! The descriptions, the characters and the absolutely brilliant and humorous storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how unique, humorous and heart warming this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love romance, humour, feel good books, comedy, sweet, turn a frown upside down books… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed this addictive and sweet page turner!!! In this brilliant book we meet Faith Goddard who has just come out of a relationship with her long term boyfriend Andy and thinks she will never be able to trust men again. That is until she starts talking to a man that she meets in her work cupboard where she hides away when she hears Andy coming in to her workplace. She has no idea what he looks like but after talking to him for an hour feels she needs to know more about him. We also meet Tom who is a Catholic priest who decides to leave the priesthood behind due to his desire of finding a wife and starting a family. Tom returns to his mother's home as a last resort and starts setting up his photography business in an office opposite his mothers home thanks to her and also in the same building as Faith works. One day he is sitting in the cupboard when Faith walks in. They end up kissing but Faith has no idea who Tom is. They meet up in the office after Tom spills coffee on Faith and ends up staring at her breasts. As he disguised his voice in the cupboard she has no idea he is cupboard man and takes an instant dislike to him!! Tom is devastated and continues to disguise his persona of "cupboard man" from Faith. However when their world begins to weave with him counselling her friends Tom and Gavin, Faith bumping into his Mum after coming out of a casket in a hearse they use for her sister Hope to sleep in between shifts due to having MS and Faith helping Tom as a wedding photographer how long can Faith hide the secret of Hope's disability from Tom and the rest of her workplace and how long can Tom hide the fact that he is the man in the cupboard?? Well, if you want to find out then you will have to grab your copy of this lovely and unputdownable book today and I can guarantee you will not regret it. With a storyline filled with secrets, bad dancing, heartache, humour, caring, love, lies, romance and everything you could ask for and more in a book what are you waiting for? I will mention again that Mari covers several health issues in this book along with MS and the fact that she has done her research absolutely shines through the pages! It is a pet hate of mine when authors do little or even no research on their chosen topics and the story is littered with unnecessary mistakes that ruin the book but there is no need to worry about that here. Mari covers several sensitive topics in this book and does so in a compassionate and sensitive way while highlighting certain things that I have never heard of before. I think it is a great idea when authors highlight certain topics in books as it helps to spread awareness of those things. This book is a real pick me up and will definitely turn any frown upside down!! It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Mari's fantastic writing skills and vivid descriptions will put the reader in the storyline along with Faith and Tom ensuring you see and feel everything that they are! This is one of those fantastic books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Mari will whisk you away with the storyline!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant read that will make your day brighter!

Although this is the second book in this stunning series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without reading the first books in the series prior to this one. Every book in this series can be read as a standalone. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Mari has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Faith and Tom throughout. I absolutely loved meeting them and was rooting for them throughout. It was not just Tom and Faith I loved meeting, well Faith again, but also many of the other characters that I met and fell in love with when I read 'Love & Pollination' including Faith and Hope, Perdita and Saul along with their baby Petal who Perdita was pregnant with in the previous book, Gavin and Luke and even the poor librarian Barbara who has been roped in yet again! I loved watching the personalities and confidence change and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships with all of the characters. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, weaknesses, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all. The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Mari brings them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Mari truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all, some again!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in this fab book and on that note I am off to read 'Love & Misdirection' next where I am hoping to meet some of the characters from these past two books again!

Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner ❤️

Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will sweep you away making you smile, rant, laugh and need the next book!!!

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@MariJaneLaw @DuBoisPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

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Love in the Cupboard by Mari Jane Law is a delightful and humorous romantic comedy that blends the charm of an enemies-to-lovers trope with forbidden love, all wrapped up in a quirky, feel-good story. Set in Bristol, UK, the novel introduces readers to Father Thomas Sheridan, a Catholic priest who finds himself falling for Faith, a woman he's secretly met in a cupboard, but can't bring himself to reveal his true identity.

The novel thrives on witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and farcical misunderstandings, especially as Faith finds herself attracted to both the mysterious man she met in the cupboard and the infuriating Tom in the office kitchenette - without realising they are the same person. The central conflict, of course, is Tom’s secret life as a priest, which keeps the tension simmering throughout the novel.

The supporting cast is just as lovable, adding extra layers of charm and humour. From Faith’s supportive yet meddling friends and family to her gay neighbours Luke and Gavin, whose subplot adds its own share of laughs and heartwarming moments, the characters feel vibrant and real. Law skilfully creates a world full of comedic twists and genuine emotional beats, ensuring that readers will stay invested in Faith and Tom’s unfolding story.

Although the book follows some familiar rom-com beats, the unique premise and comedic timing set it apart. The heat level is mild, which makes this a perfect read for those who prefer a "fade-to-black" romance with a heavy dose of humour.

Love in the Cupboard is a charming, uplifting rom-com that will leave readers smiling. With its clever plot, endearing characters, and moments of genuine hilarity, this second book in the Love & Mishaps series is a thoroughly entertaining read.

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Why did I pick up book 2 in a series? Because I don’t pay attention oops. But I saw that it’s a quirky romance so I wanted to read it! And it’s fine, I will probably go
find book 1 at some point, but in the meantime this is as a fun book!

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Mari Jane Law’s "Love in the Cupboard" is a charming and whimsical romance that captivates with its endearing storyline and playful characters. Set in a quaint and cozy setting, Law’s narrative blends humor and heartfelt moments, creating a delightful escape for readers. The characters are vividly brought to life, each with their own quirks and charm, making their romantic journey both engaging and relatable. The novel’s clever premise and lighthearted approach offer a refreshing take on love and connection. "Love in the Cupboard" is a heartwarming and entertaining read that will leave readers with a smile. A must-read for fans of sweet, feel-good romance.

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Fun read, the story of Faith and Tom, I really wanted everything to work out for Tom. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, da ich es aufgrund relativ kurzer Ausleihdauer (ohne Verlängerung) nicht lesen konnte.

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Faith is a woman scorned. After her last relationship ended in betrayal, all she wants now is a man she can trust. In comes Father Tom Sheridan, a Catholic Priest who has abandoned the cloth in order to seek a wife. Can a kiss in a cupboard really spell true love?

This book includes diversity regarding disability and sexuality so props to that.

I’ll be honest, this was a hot mess. When I read the synopsis for this book, I found myself quite excited as it seemed like it would be a really sweet and romantic read but I’ve found that my expectations weren’t quite matched. Faith and Tom had so much potential but unfortunately it was completely overshadowed by all of the deceit. This would have been super cute if a certain character had just been honest from the get-go. Hell, the tag line on this book is literally “A betrayed woman needs an honest man”…she may need it but she certainly didn’t find it. I just found the whole situation incredibly frustrating which made it hard for me to root for our main couple.

I quite enjoyed the side plot involving Gavin and Luke. Their struggles with deciding if a baby was on the cards was really poignant. It was such an interesting debate to watch. But I must say, it felt like a was reading a completely different book during those chapters.

I enjoyed the beginning of this and had high hopes because of the synopsis. Faith’s character was really engaging and I think it made perfect sense why her and Tom were love interests. I think it was the execution of their story that let me down. While this may not have been for me, I can see why other people may enjoy this read.

I volunteered to review a free ARC of this book for NetGalley.

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This was a good book. I connected with the characters. I felt engrossed with the plot. I would read another book by this author.

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Well written and fun. Nice to see that it normalises some disabilities, whilst not trivialising the challenges carers face.Enjoyable light read.

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Amazing book!
I was thoroughly engaged throughout this book and I didn't want to put it down! The author captured my attention from the get go! Five stars from me :)

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This book was completely different from what I expected. It was good and different and it was entertaining and I enjoyed it.
I just reviewed Love in the Cupboard by Mari Jane Law. #LoveintheCupboard #NetGalley
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A delightful and heartwarming romance that explores love, faith, and honesty. When Catholic priest Father Thomas Sheridan meets Faith in a dark cupboard, he is immediately drawn to her and believes she could be his future wife. However, Tom is hesitant to reveal his true identity, leading to misunderstandings and complications. Meanwhile, Faith is captivated by the mysterious man she met in the cupboard, unaware that he is a priest. As their relationship develops, they must navigate their feelings for each other while also confronting their own beliefs and values. The novel is filled with charming characters, witty dialogue, and a touching exploration of love and faith.

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This book puts the com in Romcom and is full of laughs and funny predicaments. A great holiday read that’s just light hearted and predictable but will also make you laugh. The characters relationship was done well and I haven’t read many before like this.
Thank you for this advanced reader copy :)

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thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

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📱E-Book Review📱

Love In The Cupboard
Mari Jane Law

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is book 2 of the Love and ...... Series. I didn't have chance to read book 1 first...and didn't really notice anything out of place, so this can definitely be read as a standalone - but, I loved this and definitely want to catch up with book 1 soon.

Father Tom has decided it's time to settle down and is looking for a wife. Faith has come from a bad relationship where she was betrayed. She needs an honest man if she's going to venture into a new relationship.

I loved our 2 main characters and the mad situation of them meeting in a dark cupboard. Upon meeting for real, they don't get on...but we know that things will change for them and are rooting for them throughout.

The writing style was brilliant and had me racing through this one. It was packed with humour and although you he'd on some more serious topics, these were balanced out with some laugh out loud moments too.

I am definitely going to make time to read back on book 1 - Love and Pollination - and can't wait to see more in this series and from this author.

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A very entertaining modern day sitcom. The book is full of laugh out loud predicaments. The lives and hopes of the main and the other connected characters are cleverly threaded together producing an entertaining comedy full of sub themes and addressing current day issues and modern day life. A good can’t put down book to take on holiday and get immersed in.

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Father Thomas Sheridan is looking for a wife. While hiding out in a cupboard he meets Faith. He thinks he’s finally found a wife but is afraid to share his true identity after the two share a mysterious kiss.
Faith first meets Tom in the office kitchenette and takes an immediate dislike to him. Faith can’t stop thinking about the mysterious man from the cupboard and can’t wait to meet him again. After bring burned by her ex Faith as a new rule: one lie and he’s out. Everyone else loves Tom including her chronically ill sister and two gay neighbors. They all encourage Faith to give Tom a chance but she can’t forget about the man from the cupboard. But what will she say when she finds out that Tom and the man from the cupboard are one and the same.
This book was extravagantly funny. If you’re a person who gets second hand embarrassment it will certainly happen while reading this book. I was laughing and blushing throughout. Tom is a priest who decided to leave the church and find a wife. He’s awkward and sincere in the most endearing way. I love that he has no issue working with Faith’s neighbors on their issues despite his beliefs. It’s honorable that he is accepting of the couple without pushing it on Luke and Gavin. Because he is a priest Tom is a virgin so while the tension between him and Faith is there the sex is fade to black.
Faith is confident and awkward. She makes decisions with such certainty and determination just to end up in awkward situations. Faith is very much a people pleaser with taking care of her sick mom and sister. I love Faith as a character for that reason. This was more of a character driven book as seen by all the funny situations the characters end up in. I enjoyed the fairly quick romance and the hilarious awkwardness.

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The story was bonkers, as were the characters and I completely loved every moment. There were moments when the characters did absolutely bizarre things, like buying and sleeping in a hearse and this proved to be highly entertaining. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout the book.

I read this as a standalone and I really liked how all the characters were connected to each other.

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Very funny reading!
A story that should not happen but what happens in the cupboard stays in the cupboard.
Can you fell in love with somebody you have never seen?

Very funny and a little bit emotional.

Have fun reading!

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Quirky, zany, improbable but…

An unusual story about a Catholic priest, Father Thomas Sheridan, with a Jewish mother, who decides he wants to leave the priesthood, fall in love with a woman ,and have a family. He doesn’t want to be alone.
Of course things become super entangled and Father Tom ends up being coerced into doing wedding shots for a cop’s wedding day (strange story), counselling a gay couple, and meeting the woman of his dreams in a dark cupboard. Only that woman, Faith Goddard was having her own problems with her lying, cheating ex boyfriend, and a sister with ill health whom she’s supporting. Faith thought Cupboard Man and Tom the photographer were two seperate people. So what’s a girl to do when she likes them both, and doesn’t realize they’re the same person? And no, the lights haven’t been turned on in that dark cupboard, which strangely resembles more the Confessional than anything else.
The tale weaves a mind boggling complex dance with the degrees of separation more like three than six. Fortunately the misunderstandings, missed opportunities and misapprehensions came together rather satisfactorily to forge something new.
The Catholic Church has a few questions thrown it’s way about attitudes, homophobia, married priests and housekeepers.
I wondered where the story was going at first but as it wandered through bravely weird territory I found myself rather enjoying it.
An off-the-wall engaging rom com!

A BooksGoSocial ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

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