Lampwick and the No Strings Friend

by C.D. Rachels

Synopsis:
What if Pinocchio saved Lampwick from his dark fate? What if, years later, the two reunited and became more than best friends?

That puppet boy saved me from a life as an ass—literally.
And I swore I’d do anything to repay him, his Papa, and all the people I wronged. So now here I am, a decade later, back to work for Geppetto. I need to make up for the sins of my childhood. I’m not that obnoxious kid anymore, roaming the streets for fun.
But Pinocchio has grown up, too. He’s all man, no strings, no wood, and he’s welcomed me back into his life with open arms. Growing close to him is scary and thrilling, but could someone so loyal, brave, and true want to pursue a future with the likes of me?
My conscience is telling me the former puppet could do a lot better than a fool like me. But years ago, I got a second chance at a real life, and now, as a man, I know what my heart is wishing for. I’m falling for my childhood best friend, with all the strings attached, and I need to do what it takes to convince him I’m the real deal.

“Lampwick and the No Strings Friend” is a spicy, sweet reinterpretation of a future where Lampwick and Pinocchio find each other again. It involves carpentry, sassy pet cats, first times, bathing in rivers, and hopefully not too many wood puns. In this adult M/M romance retelling of the classic fairy tale, when you wish for a HEA, it’s guaranteed to come true.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, M M Romance, Historical

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2025

About the author

CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. At first it was all about superheroes and pocket monsters, but his genre of choice has expanded since puberty.

He’s been consuming young adult gay fiction since he was a teen, but within the past five years moved up to the big leagues of gay adult romance. In 2020 during quarantine, he burned through more male/male romance books than he ever had in the previous 29 years combined.

He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade. When he’s not reading and writing, he’s playing board games and practicing music. He is honored to become a self-published author, and if you’re reading this, your support means so much to him that it’s giving him a tingly feeling (in a good way).

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️

⋆˙⟡ When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you ⋆˙⟡

Please don’t break my heart, Pinocchio.

Friends to lovers romance inspired by the classic Pinocchio story.
I love queer retellings and Lampwick And The No Strings Friend had a very fairytale-esque vibe to it. The romance was sweet, the story cheesy. Enjoyable, but didn’t quite wow me.

Which, unfortunately, seems to be a problem I’ve encountered often with this author. The writing just doesn’t stand out, it’s basic, no spark. It’s nice? But not special.

I’m right where I was always meant to be, in Lampwick’s arms.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Virgin MC
- Mentions of child physical abuse & neglect
- Homophobia
- Sexuality awakening
- Frotting
- Top/bottom

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars 2/5 spice

This was such a fun and sweet story. I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. Fairytale retellings are either hits or misses and this one was a hit.

Lampwick and Pinocchio’s friendship was so wholesome. No matter how much trouble Lampwick caused in his past, Pinocchio always saw the best in him. What Pinocchio thinks is a friendship develops into more later on in their 20’s. Although, Lampwick has always had a crush on him.

With papa Geppetto’s encouragement Pinocchio is able to understand and confess his feelings to Lampwick which results in them exploring their connection and dating in secret since it’s the 1800’s and gay relationships aren’t widely accepted.

They share some really adorable moments and when the town eventually finds out they end up supporting them. The whole scene was really wholesome and Lampwick finally felt like he belonged.

If you’re looking for a quick, sweet read I think you’d enjoy this. Especially if you love fairytale retellings.

- Pinocchio retelling
- Friends to lovers
- Small Italian town
- Sexual awakening
- Secretly dating

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MM fairytale retelling of "Pinocchio" with a 1890s Italian setting, childhood friends to lovers, a cute reunion, sweet & teary feels, longing, a DECADE of pining, Desire meets Oblivious-ness, wishes & a splash of good ol' ✨magic✨!
I loved this story, I loved Pinnochio & Lampwick, I loved the Gs'! Just a disclaimer that while I KNOW of this fairytale, I haven't read/viewed any of its material fully before this lol. Devoured my #ARC in around 5hrs.

Pinocchio is a puppet-turned-boy, now working the woodworks business alongside his papa. P's a sunshine sweetheart always seeing the best in all, caring & kind. He's oblivious & inexperienced in the matters of heart *😏*. Got a sassy pet cat! "Sticks" 🤭.
Lampwick is P's bestie who got a 2nd chance at life after his "stint" as a donkey 😅 IYKYK. Now L's back in town to repent for his sins. L's haunted by his past mistakes & trauma, cautious at present. He's hardworking, genuine, a bit humorous with a long crush on his bestie. Is there a chance P'll want L? Does L even deserve it?

"He still has my heart wrapped around his finger."

This was a sweet story of reconnection & redemption. It has a Slowburn feel as time passes by in start. Then things pick up speed as feelings are realised, finalised & finally come out! 😍 I found the little manhandling bits soo hot 🥵, first times 😉. The emotions, insecurities fears had me on edge, that climax is definitely a Xmas miracle 🤣.

Our MCs are in early 20s but we get flashbacks & sweet future glimpses at end which I loved. I don't read much historical stories, this'll be my 2nd of 2025! All the inventions' fun, but it hurt to see the internalised homophobia of that time 😅 but allies are there still 😍. Italians words were incorporated as if it was fully Italian, I won't be able to read it 🤣. The ending is so Pinocchio & loved it!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yeah!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5💞/5
3) Top feels: 🤭😳🥺🥰😁😩😉😅🤨☺️😭😤😍🥳😳✨
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst+Pining: 2.5/5 🥺
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Friends to Lovers, Magical) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2.25🌶️



GUYS!!!! This Was PHENOMENAL!!! OMG!!! The Ending! OBSESSED!! This Is Definitely One Of My Favorites Books This Year And A New Favorite Book. This Is A New Comfort Read. Who Knew Y’all I Needed An MM Pinocchio Reimagining In My Life, But I Guess I Do Need One Cause This One Was SO Good. Pinocchio And Lampwick, YALL! Those Two Are Soulmates And Y’all Can’t Convince Me Otherwise. Those Two Are MEANT To Be With Each Other Forever, Definitely One Of My New Favorite Couples Ever. I’m Gonna Be Thinking About These Two For A Long Time. And The Ending, UGH!! Don’t Even Get Me Started On The Ending It Was SO Beautiful! Please Read This Book Y’all, It Comes Out This Wednesday And Trust Me When I Say You Won’t Regret This Cause This Book Was So Amazing And So Sweet And So Beautiful Definitely One Of My Favorite Disney Retelling💕🫶




Thank You So Much @gayromancereviews For Giving Me The Arc I Love And Appreciate You So Much💕🫶

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Pinocchio is a story most people recognize about a young puppet boy who learns valuable lessons and is turned into a real boy for his heroism. Prior to his redemption, Pinocchio was good friends with Lampwick, the wild boy who first led Pinocchio astray into bad behavior. In this reimagining of the story, Pinocchio and Geppetto return to the scene of so much trauma and rescue Lampwick from his fate as a slave donkey. The fairy who granted Pinocchio his humanity recognizes that Lampwick wants to redeem himself and turns him back to a boy, one who vows to make amends for all his wrongdoings.

I really loved how this story navigated the historical aspects of the original story, as well as developing a realistic sentimentality. Lampwick’s desire for redemption is so earnest, and his love for Pinocchio is so tender. He almost can’t believe that Pinocchio could have an attraction for him, as he’s always thought of himself as worthless–a sentiment reinforced by his struggles in school, as well as expressed long ago by his brutal and abusive father.

Read Veronica's review in its entirety here.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun reimagining of Pinocchio and Lampwick's story. I really enjoyed the story and it was fun to see the author play with a classic story.
It was very sweet and fun. Lampwick felt so bad about the things he'd done while young and his redemption was beautiful. I loved that Pinocchio was the only one who didn't think Lampwick didn't need a second chance, because for him Lampwick was perfect from the start. Their friendship was beautiful and it was fun to see them progress from that to more. I loved Geppetto's easy acceptance of their love, and it felt like there was so much love in their little family.
The epilogue was the cherry on top and the best ending to this fun and sweet story.

So, if you want to read a fairy tale reimagining this is one you should try out. Pinocchio and Lampwick will enchant you and you will be rooting for them.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should never judge a book by the cover or the blurb, but seeing the cover, then reading the description, I could not help but want to jump at the chance to read and review. C.D. Rachels is one of the first authors I interacted with when I began my online MM romance experience, and he is a talented and kind soul. However, truth be told, I have only read one of his stories that was featured in an anthology. I own at least 3 of his ebooks, which are currently on my 1300+-book black hole of a TBR. But the ends now, and it's time to move books to the front of the class.

Pinocchio is honestly very low on my Disney totem pole when it comes to stories. I honestly just thought the cat was cute and funny, and the story interesting. But it was a bit scary and weird, and at times I was not sure what to think. As an adult, my viewpoint does not vary all too much, but this title did get me thinking about the friendship aspect throughout the story and the loose ends that I did not even realize existed. I love a good friends-to-lovers with some major hurt/comfort vibes, and C.D. delivers tenfold.

Lampwick and Pinocchio meet as children and have very different upbringings. Lampwick is treated as a castoff for being different, so he turns to a delinquent lifestyle at a young age, whereas Pinocchio was literally wished into existence by a lonely man who has loved and lost, treated as his very own. But they meet, and the impression is real for both young men, when Pinocchio feels the need to learn more about his friend, who quickly became a donkey due to his behavior. Pinocchio sees the good in all, and he is ready to reconnect. He gets a brief glimpse of a young boy turned donkey turned boy again, but the real journey begins in the 10 years following the reunification. Both boys are in their early 20s and have been yearning for one another, though unknowing as to why. They feel their experience and connection are such that they are meant to be in each other's lives. But they both feel desires that they have been taught to deny, they are deviant and unacceptable. So top of their regular struggles, they are fighting the knowledge that they not only do they want a male life partner but also want it to be with their best friend.

Lampwick struggles in the town, in life, and personally, but his story is so well done, and he becomes a character that will truly burrow into your soul. His love for Pinocchio is strong, but he had been conditioned to feel unworthy, and in his quest to make amends, one experience throws those fears right in his face. What he does not account for is the love that radiates off Pinocchio towards him. His best friend sees the good in all, but especially the good in him. The connection that is made between the two as they learn and explore one another and their feelings toward their identity and their future.

This was such a great story, and the epilogue is epic and may be the greatest part of this story. I was blown away not only by the writing style but the general storytelling and how a classic story with a focus on Pinocchio was seamlessly written as if it were a Carlo Collodi-written sequel to "The Adventures of Pinocchio". You will fall in love with these two, their furry companions, and an awesome Papa who instills the power of love in both young men. C.D. gives us the perfect balance of whimsical and sexy, yet true to the soul of the characters. I cannot wait to read more reimagined stories and read more from this author to become a full-fledged fangirl.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

I am all for a fairy tale moment and when the opportunity to read a new, reimagined fairy tale from CD Rachels presented itself, I knew I had to read it! If this wasn’t the CUTEST, most HEARTWARMING, IN MY FEELS, WHOLESOME story, then I don’t know what is. I will take zero criticism here because this was simply the best, and if I hadn’t started reading at 12am (which is unhinged when you have a toddler who could wake up at any point), I would’ve finished this in one sitting! Rachels expertly took a well-known tale and enhanced a “what if” scenario of Pinocchio and Lampwick’s future that felt like an organic development of their friendship into something more–this was a fulfilling story that has a special place in my heart.

🖤MM Romance
✨Pinocchio Retelling
💛Second Chance
🖤Friends to Lovers
✨Sexuality Awakening
💛Secret Dating
🖤First Times
✨Sassy Pet Cats
💛HEA

Lampwick was the red-headed boy who led Pinocchio astray on that fateful island, the Land of Toys. While Lampwick was turned into a donkey for embracing a life of leisure and mischievousness, Pinocchio was not. But…what if Pinocchio couldn’t accept his best friend’s dark fate and saved him? What if, years later, these two reunited and realized they were meant to be more than best friends?

Pinocchio, the puppet boy, saved Lampwick from the life of an äss…literally…because he was a donkey being overworked at the age of 10. When Pinocchio saved Lampwick, Lampwick vowed to repay him, his Papa, Geppetto, and every other person he wronged in his past. So, ten years later, Lampwick is back to work for Geppetto and atone for the wrongs of his childhood.

While Lampwick has matured and seen the error of his ways, it turns out Pinocchio has grown up, too…and he’s all man–no strings, no wood, and Pinocchio is welcoming his best friend back with open arms. How could someone show such unwavering loyalty and commitment, and want to pursue a future with someone with a past like Lampwick? Will Lampwick be able to see himself the way Pinocchio sees him, or will he push his chance at a real life away before it’s even begun?

I. LOVED. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. THIS. DYNAMIC. Lampwick has secretly been in love with his best friend since childhood, and upon reuniting as an adult, feels unworthy of Pinocchio’s unconditional support. Pinocchio has only ever seen the good in Lampwick, and Lampwick is the only person Pinocchio has felt drawn to in any way beyond friendship that feels natural. These two learned from one another and their dynamic was sweet before it developed into spicy. Their road to a HEA wasn’t necessarily easy, but they figured things out together and their love blossomed. Be ready to be consumed by the cuteness of these two soulmates!

[Kandyce Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I thought this was the cutest book. On the surface there is relatively little angst and has a very fairytale vibe with a few naughty scenes in between. There was fun banter that wove throughout this that just gave this a very kick your feet up giddy vibe to it. It’s a lovely book and a great palate cleanser for all the dark romances I tend to inhale at an unhealthy rate. I NEED books exactly like this sometimes to just breathe and enjoy something light and this will be a book I’ll re-read again.

But one of the biggest reasons I loved this book was because of an interwoven storyline that was understated, but still there if you read between the lines and with all the nuance about representation, I couldn’t help but snag onto it. Pinocchio’s biggest struggle came in simply not knowing that there was such a thing as men loving men in a way that wasn’t seen as deviancy. Every depiction he’d ever come across was negative, so he didn’t understand his feelings because he’d never heard of the concept that homosexuality could be perceived as anything other than being bad. His entire inner turmoil was because he simply didn’t know, and as a result, he didn’t understand himself.

And the book takes place in the 1800’s so surely there’s enough representation for people to know better now, right? But is there really? Because there’s still all these in your face arguments about grooming and appropriateness and severe societal double standards when it comes to discussing representation and who it harms and who it helps, but I think the way CD addresses it in this book shows the conflict and self-castigation we can throw onto ourselves because the positive representation didn’t exist then, and is still fighting for a positive light now.

He doesn’t get that deep with it, but the interwoven storyline made me feel so much with how extremely important POSITIVE representation in our media, our books, and our everyday lives is. Not just for back then, but so very much for now. For me, this made this light story have more depth to it. A depth that I don’t see much of and truly appreciated it here.

For me this is definitely a 5 star read and I highly recommend it for something light, cute, cheerful, fun, and happily ever after fairytales with some spicy sprinkled in!

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sweet with touches of spice and probably one of the first fairytale retellings that actually felt like it picked up where the original fairytale ended.

This book is told from Pinocchio's best friend, Lampwick, point of view. Lampwick is the redheaded boy who helped lead Pinocchio astray, when he didn't listen to his conscience, and they eventually turned into donkeys. I appreciated the sweet, yet remorseful, introduction to Lampwick's story because honestly it's been awhile since I've actually watched the movie. So while I remembered Pinocchio in general; wooden boy turns real, his conscience is a cricket, his Papa is Geppetto, and somehow a blue fairy is involved...um, I probably couldn't have recited more than that before reading this lovely book.

Now, I realize this book is a fictional twist on an old tale, but Rachels weaves in so much of the original Pinocchio tale through character flashbacks, Geppetto's shop, the actual characters themselves, so on and so forth, that Pinocchio's story came back to me very quickly.

Now with all of that being said, this book is told through the eyes of Lampwick and after the short introduction, where both boys are still children, the story time jumps ahead to give them time to age up and experience a bit more life, after all Pinocchio had just become a real boy. It's also perfect for the two friends to begin a new chapter in what becomes the next part of their life journey.

I have to say, the story flowed so naturally it truly felt as an extension of the original fairytale. Pinocchio still has that sweet, child-like wonder about him and Geppetto is still a hard worker who loves his small family. So, as a redemption story, Lampwick's tale is quite extraordinary.

So, if you are someone like me, who loves fairytales and wonders...what happens next, especially when that tale could also be gayer...this book might be right up your alley, especially a book that made me smile and was a total feel good read.

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was super fucking cute. Nice, quick little story with comfort read vibes going on.

And it was a super cool concept that played out really well considering it could’ve gone sideways easily, as some faery tale retellings are wont to do when shit has to believably work with established content. This was an almost natural extension of the story, just make it gay. Love that for all of us.

You can tell there has to be some amazing fanfics in this author’s body of work, and I mean that in a good way. They’ve shown a fantastic grasp of how to complement and enhance something that’s already well-known and beloved in a unique and organic way, and that’s not something you can be taught in my useless, unwanted opinion. You can either do it or you can’t.

Looking at y’all, ya real big flops, y’all know who y’all are.

I guess if I had to dig for a gripe, it would be the dialogue feeling a little stilted sometimes. It was easily overlooked because it kind-of added to the vibes that they were speaking Italian, yet we’re reading it in English.

I could maybe be annoyed at the same thing I get annoyed about all the time, which is the ridiculous notion that cum is hot that seems to weasel its way into literally almost every romance novel out there, but that’s more a general gripe than a specific one… Kinda like my odd dislike of the term “giggle”. That started a few months back, though, so that’s definitely not a this book thing.

Idk what to tell y’all. It was cute and sweet and the spice fit the story and was done well. The characters were great, I loved the seamless feel of the reimagining, and it was a nicely paced, very enjoyable read. I don’t really have any complaints, and I’m glad I picked it up.

4.5/5. This one for sure has a happily ever after that makes your heart smile, and isn’t that always the point?




(—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.—)

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

CD Rachels is a new-to-me author, I think this is the first book I've read by them, and I'm impressed by their writing! When it comes to classic fairytale a lot can go wrong, if you take too much creative liberties with it then it's no longer the story you know and love, but if you don't make it enough of your own then it falls flat. CD Rachels blended the classic fairytale with their own story continuing from where the classic left off. The way this author wrote about Lampwick and Pinocchio was so creative, and I loved the creativity that came with giving both of these men more personality, depth, and detail.

As soon as I started this book I was immediately transported to a small town in Italy, that's full of love and friendship. Pinocchio and Lampwick got into a lot of trouble in their youth, and Lampwick is determined to atone for his past sins. I liked the redemption arc that Lampo's character has, it was really beautiful to see him own up to his childhood mistakes and try to find ways to earn forgiveness. His love for Pinocchio is so precious, he has had a special place in his heart for Pinocchio ever since he met the man, and it really shows.

Another aspect I'd like to point out is how this is set in an almost historical period of time, it's definitely set in an older time period and I liked how CD Rachels stayed true to that time period. I really appreciated the details that went in to describing everything from the background scenery, to the intricate cuts and detailing of the puppets, to the ways the cute cats were described. I just found everything to be well written!

Now for the romance! The romance between Lampo and Sticks was absolutely precious, seeing these two realize and admit how they truly feel about one another was so endearing. Truly so adorable! All in all a fantastic retelling of a classic fairytale!

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why wouldn’t I want to spend all my days, for years, working and hanging out with my best friend?”
His words break me, and I clench my fists. “Because I’m a screw-up, Pinocchio. I’m a bad kid all grown up,” I rasp, my voice breaking. I stare off into the distance. “After all these years, please just admit how awful I am.”
“You’re not, though! You’re the best!” He steps forward, and I have no choice but to look at him. His eyes are filled with pain and confusion, and my vision gets blurry. “I don’t want you to leave, Lampwick. You’re a good person and an even better friend.”

I loved this book! I love fairy tale retellings and have read quite a number of them, but this is my first time with a Pinocchio retelling and I was fascinated by the concept. Great world building and wonderful characters. I was captivated from the start. I loved the bond and loyalty between these two. I liked that Lampwick recognized the error of his ways when he was younger, and now while more mature and older, wants to atone. This story is a great redemption arc for him and I really enjoyed seeing him make that journey. I loved the relationship that deepens and builds between him and Pinocchio, as well as Pinocchio's unwavering belief and support of him. I also loved the hurt/comfort trope here as Lampwick feels he isn't good enough for Pinocchio. This was such a sweet and unexpectedly beautiful read. I can't wait for more in this series! 5 stars.

[Sussu {Romance Obsessed} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much GRR for the review copy!
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book when I requested it.

The premise intrigued me, and I'm glad that I gave it a chance!
The story follows Lampwick, and Pinocchio, yes! The characters from the movie. Lampwick was the boy who turned into a donkey on the toy island place.

The author felt like his story was incomplete, and honestly, I agree. This addition gives both men a happily ever after....with each other!

In this story, he gets rescued by Pinocchio and Gapetto, then turns back into being a boy. The two are inseparable, but Lampwick leaves one day with little reason as to why.
Now, years later, he's back to make amends to all those that he hurt while being a rambunctious youth.

The story is fun, and very sweet with first times for the guys as they try to figure out their feelings: is it a deep friendship they feel or is it something more?
I would give a content warning about a homophobic town, bc it's kind of old fashioned/ very much in the setting of the story. It makes sense, but I'm glad that not everyone is against them as a couple.

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read some wild stuff in my day, but a reimagined MM romance about Pinocchio and his bestie might be close to the top of my list lol. I enjoyed it SO much. A second chance story with a redemption arc thrown in for free?! All of the yes, please.

I actually hate that I put it off for so long. I got about 20% in and was absolutely cooing over how cute Lampo and Sticks were together. If you didn’t part on bad terms and you pick right back up where you left off, I don’t think you ever stopped being besties. It took them a bit to realize that, though.

Shoutout to the supportive folk in the story! Their behavior almost made me forget it’s set in the late 1880s or so. This isn’t just a story about love and friendship, it’s also a story about self-acceptance and the courage to live out loud (when your space is safe enough).

I sincerely hope C.D. reimagines more fairytales because I’ve read a bunch of them and this is by far my favorite take. Looking at the numbering of it (1 out of 1) gives me hope! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review. Definitely deserves an entry on the re-read list. 4.5 stars.

[Kala B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

CD Rachels does a wonderful job of continuing the Pinocchio tale with his friend Lampwick. It was a very cute tale of redemption, second chances, and a little love on the side. I’m giving it 4.5 stars. I received this book as an ARC from GRR.

This story starts off at the end of the Pinocchio tale ends. Lampwick is a donkey and Pinocchio is a real boy. However, Pinocchio cannot leave his friend Lampwick to suffer as a donkey. Pinocchio and his father rescue Lampwick before he is worked to death by the farmer that purchased him. Once Lampwick is rescued, the teal fairy restores him to his human nature on the condition he rights his wrongs.

Flash forward 10 years to where Pinocchio is now an adult working with his Papa. Lampwick had left to make himself better, and returned to right the wrong he caused as a child in his home town. Pinocchio could not be happier! This starts a slow burn between the two young men. Lampwick has been in love with Pinocchio for ages. However, Pinocchio is just starting out understand that he is not interested in the opposite sex but rather his friend Lampwick. Once they realize their feelings for one another it begins a slow burn romance between the two of them. At the end of this tale they find happiness, and one last surprise from the teal fairy.

[Catherine Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I was pulled in by the premise and stayed for a beautiful love story. I loved the relationship of Lampwick and Pinocchio, their friendship to love moved at such a nice pace and was so lovely to see grow page by page. It had the great pinning from Lampwick who was just happy to be a devoted friend, and Pinocchio who was figuring out more of himself and his desires. Added bonus was the beautiful relationship with Geppetto, what a wonderful Papa! I didn’t fully remember the story of Pinocchio, but reading this brought back some memories and gave me all the good nostalgia vibes. I absolutely love re imaginings of fairytales/legends and this has quickly become a top 5 adaption for me! Absolutely loved it, 10/10 for me and can’t wait to see what the author thinks of next!!

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fairy tale retellings when they put a completely unique and fun spin on the original story and this one definitely did. Lampwick was Pinocchio's friend from the Land of Toy's and he never forgot about him. He is saved from being a donkey and vows to spend the rest of his life making amends for all the wrongs he feels he's committed. The sweet budding romance between Pinocchio and Lampwick was so wonderful and I loved every second of this book. The characters were all so well-done and fleshed out that they really came to life, just jumping off the page. I was in tears from the sweetness more than once. I just adored it.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gross smelling gunk, il porco, violins & harps, woody, pneumonia, NSA friend, Treble & Bass Clef, split lip

This is the retelling of the fairy tale, Pinocchio. The other MC is Lampwick, the boy who became a farm work donkey. CD Rachels has cleverly written a sweet and heartwarming story. The visuals are easy to imagine and seem to jump off the pages. The other significant characters are Geppetto, Giovanna, Arpeggio, bookstore owner Signore Donatella, and the baker Signore Delluomo. Guess who's the bad guy.

It's entertaining and very enjoyable. I can't wait for the other books in the series! Recommended!

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨

This was my first book by this author. I really liked the concept. Although there are lots of fairytale retellings out there, I haven't read many of them.

This was a sweet read, and both Pinocchio and Lampwick were nice characters. I liked how the author was able to build on the original Pinocchio story that I know and give these two friends a future. I loved that Papa Geppetto was so supportive of them both and loved them both, making Lampwick part of the family because of his friendship with Pinocchio. While I wasn't emotionally drawn into the story, I enjoyed seeing these two get their HEA.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing as fun to read as a well told fairy tale that has been reimagined. This one features Pinocchio and Lampwick. Lampwick was not a good friend in the past but he has learned his lesson. He has come back into Pinocchio's life and they have become best friends and a bit more. Lampwick has found a place with Pinocchio and his father Geppetto. There is so much positive going on in this story. They are supported and Lampwick learns that past mistakes do not make you presently unworthy to be with someone who wants to be with you. Nicely done.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful! Pinocchio and Lampwick were friends when they were little. Lampwick, was the bad boy every parent warns their kids about. Thee are several twists and turns that eventually bring Pinocchio and Lampo together in changed circumstances that give Lampo an opportunity to make up for his behavior. Nicely created story of what if . . . The author demonstrates an amazing creative streak that could give fun new perspectives of stories and adventures many grew up with. Great flow, exciting checkpoint opportunities for change. Great family support structure, lotsa fun. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am volutarily leaving a review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a sweet romance where even during the time period, people support Pinocchio and Lampwick and their relationship this will definitely hit that spot for you. I've never been a huge Pinocchio fan, but I really enjoyed this story so don't let that stop you either. It's lovely how Pinocchio supports Lampwick and helps build up his badly battered self esteem and it was nice to see them get their HEA.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Fairytale retellings, and this was my first Pinocchio read! I found this one to be completely adorable and made me feel happy and cozy inside. The cover is a perfect reflection of our boys. Lampwick was a fun character to get to know and just the entire story had such a unique feel. Yes, definitely Sweet, Spicy, make you Smile escape from reality romance!

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful fairy tale retelling (more like a sequel) of what might have happened if Pinocchio and Lampwick got a second chance in adulthood. It was fun and had some great characters and highlights. I really enjoyed the last couple chapters and how it wrapped things up for the couple. I feel like I should have rewatched the movie before I read, so I'd suggest that!

[Brandyn {Nyn} · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it more!!

Geppetto, Pinocchio, and Lampwick are all super sweet and fun characters.

Unfortunately, the writing was pedestrian and there were too many editorial slips. Incorrect use of verbiage, oversimplification of complex subject matter, and historically wrong representation.

[Rafael Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful what-if story explores a whimsical future for Pinocchio and Lampwick, offering a fun twist on the classic tale. It's filled with just the right touch of excitement, including some spicy moments that add to the charm. It's truly a book with a soul!

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet fairytale retelling but for me, the pacing was just not right, I also got bugged by the 'he's all man' phrase being used every time Lamp and Pinnochio described each other. Overall it was a cute retelling, Geppetto & Arpeggio were adorable and the setting felt authentic.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A DELICIOUSLY SWEET AND FANTASTIC READ!

I am really delighted in the connection and moments between Pinocchio and Lampwick. I loved this retelling and just loved the flow and writing of this story.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lampwick and the No Strings Friend. So sweet and cute and different to what I was expecting. A well written storyline that pulled me in and kept me captivated. Loved it!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review