Week 52, 2023

Hard to believe we are at the end of another year.  I almost doubled my Good Reads goal for 2023.  I have another 6 weeks to rack up points for the Coastal Magic Book Convention Reading Challenge.  I am also going to be reading Christmas stories throughout the month of January.  

Blue Forty-Two by Rayvn Salvador
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holden’s life is changed in a moment. It’s hard to have to reimagine your life. Tamryn not only offers medical advise but she’s there for him as well. Holden’s is stubborn but she’s up for the challenge. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Hair and Heart by Rhys Everly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is so well done. You can see the nod to the Rapunzel story yet this take is fresh and intriguing. You see the depths someone would go to for money. You also see the power love has to lift someone out of a dark place even if you don’t realize you are there. While the story is has some dark moments there is still plenty of whit and snarky to balance it out. I really enjoyed this story very much. #CMCon24

View all my reviews North's Pole by Leta Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how North just starts to head toward’s Liam. I like how the book acknowledged that while they had feelings in the past both realized that wasn’t the time. But it also is why their fast paced relationship made sense. A sweet love at love at the right time. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews In Safe Keeping by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was surprised by the intensity of this story. From beginning to end there are filled with danger in all kinds of forms. While Lucas is seen as the hero because of his job you also see how much strength Owen has. I also loved the other relationships that are examined during the story. This story has surprised around every corner and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last sentence. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Jakub by Joe Satoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like that while Chester can give so much to Jakob that he needs in his life, Jakob is also able to help Chester out. I like how they just fit so well together. This is a sweet Christmas story were everybody wins.

 

View all my reviews A Little Christmas: Claus's Secret by Della Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claus’s recognizes that he’s little but he has to be brave to add anyone to his life. I like the fact that both men are able to figure out how to reconcile how to make it work. Another sweet Christmas story.

 

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas: Ever by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is such a sweet story. I love how they take turns initiating the contact between each other. It really shows how difficult it can be to find someone who shares your interests without exposing yourself to misunderstanding.

 

View all my reviews A Little Christmas: Raymond by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raymond is such a sweet character. He cares about people even though he feels alone. I also loved getting to Bellamy and Finn again. Aries' actions really seem to match his personality. This was a great love story about life getting better.

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Week 51, 2023

 

Ruby by Rose Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is part of series by different authors but I was able to enjoy this story as a stand alone. I can’t image how hard it would be to set off for a new life like Ruby. I like how you learn more about both of their pasts as the story unfolds. There is some adventure and misunderstandings on the road to a future. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews The Christmas Mac-n-Cheese Mystery by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how their meet cute is a really fun club based on such a great food item. I like how Ruslian is able to lead his adult life without needed help. Dante is a good fit and there is a great balance in their building relationship. This was a fun holiday story.

 

View all my reviews Weddings, Christmas, and Such: Holiday Stories from Granby by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this collection. I would have been happy just visiting with old friends but it was exciting to meet a new couple. There story is so moving. Their way into the Granby family is a bit dramatic. I really hope someday to hear more from these two as they lead their best life. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Daddy's Little Christmas List by Della Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like the fun way these two really start a relationship. They had both seen each other but Edwin finding the list really gets things moving. This two were such a good match for each other.

 

View all my reviews His Christmas Conundrum by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trevor is in a hard place but doesn’t know how to get out of it. And along comes his friend with a really wild suggestion. I love how from the minute Milo and Trevor meet both of them are drawn together. It was a really fun holiday romance.

 

View all my reviews Blue Blood Meets Blue Collar by Cynthia St. Aubin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a lot of emotion packed into this romance. A change meeting years ago seems if it was just a blip but life throws a curve when Cosma is in Remy’s world. There is a lot of misunderstanding and harsh words. This was not a quick and easy romance but the ending is very satisfying. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Simon and the Christmas Spirit by Summer Devon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story had a different vibe. It really has a happy for now ending which isn’t my favorite way to end a story but it seemed pretty accurate to the time period.

 

View all my reviews The Holiday Experiment by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun holiday visit to Mayberry Holmes where the only action is kissing and denying feelings. This was a sweet romance of people figuring out what they really want and need in life. I also love how all the rest of the friends figured things out before Enzo and Carson. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Reindeer Games: a Planet Fantasy story by Sean Michael
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A short little story of Comet getting his best Christmas wish.

 

View all my reviews Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes by Eli Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was an impulse buy and was a wonderful surprise. I love the way Remy and Joe are thrown together and are thrown from one adventure into another. I love the whole plot of the story but as a resident of Florida I hope we never have a major hurricane for Christmas. Also I was driving on I-95 during a storm last summer and ended up at a LaQuinta in Georgia so I could picture where they were.

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While Christmas has past my holiday reading will continue.  There were so many great new books this year.  

I can't believe there is only 2 more months to Coastal Magic Book Convention.  And I have one more month of the reading challenge.  I don't think I'll make my point goal but I did pretty well and had a lot of fun.  And it's not too late to come along.  Click here for more Coastal Magic Information.

Week 50, 2023

 

Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this final book in the Christmas Falls series. I think Joel and Hayden have a great meet cute. It was also interesting to see Hayden’s thought process and he really begins to examine what his dreams and goals really are. And to see Joel making sure he has a plan was very sweet. I also love solving the mural mystery that has run throughout the series. I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

View all my reviews Ally's Christmas Daddy by Kate Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel like Luke finds Ally at just the right time. She is at a low spot and he is there to help her through but she also finally ready to look at her feelings. This is a sweet daddy.girl story and a fun holiday read.

 

View all my reviews The 12 Kittens of Christmas by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun and whimsical holiday story with a not such a meet cute as I will just be part of your life now moment. It was fun to see Killian just get moved along with all the drama. I also like all the wonderful people that are a part of their lives that make sorting out kittens so much easier. If you need some humor with just a few moments were you might get upset at bad people being mean to animals this is the Christmas read for you. #CMCon24

View all my reviews A Little Christmas: Ozzy's Secret by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story starts with a dramatic beginning. Trent must come to the rescue of a boy in trouble. It seems it is all about the rescue but as this story progresses it becomes clear that they are both being rescued in their own ways.

 

View all my reviews Christmas in His Arms by Cynthia D'Alba
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a second chance romance. Years ago Rock did what he thought was best. Now come chance encounters give them a push. It becomes clear that both of Rock and Mae have come to some incorrect assumptions based on their own life views. This story was a great little Christmas story. I listened to the audio version which was nicely done.

View all my reviews Fillion: A Daddy Boys Story by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need friends to make things happen. In this short story Rome shows up just in time to give Fillion more than a massage.

 

View all my reviews Christmas Secret by Violet Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are several surprises in this installment in the series. I love the surprises that both Robert and Maddie have. There is also other secret revealed that is a real life change. Another special Christmas story. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Mission: Nutcracker by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this up because of the Christmas theme. I hadn’t read the first book in the series so even though I didn’t understand a few things with the past reference it was easy to follow the plot in this story. There was so much action and surprises. I love how Fiona is allowed to be a strong character and you can see how smart she is. If you love steampunk with mystery and adventure this book would be a good choice to add to your holiday book pile. I listened to the audio copy and it was well done.

View all my reviews A Little Christmas! Blaine's Secret by Brina Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story that features not one but two couples. Best friends are looking for boys at the same time two friends are looking for daddies. It is a perfect match. This story also features some surprises. This story is a very special story of four men getting just what they need. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

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So far this month I've really been enjoying Christmas stories.  I have been happy to do more ARC's for Neon Rainbow.  I've also been working on trying to earn more points for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  #CMCon24. #CMCon24ReadingChallenge.  I can't believe we are only two months away from the Convention.  

It has been so much fun to be part of the Coastal Magic Convention Community.  They have a news report every Monday.  They also have different videos to help you get to know some of the authors.  There is also a month group read.  In fact tonight I'll get to chat with Amy Lane about The 12 Kittens of Christmas.  I've also been lucky enough to win different items like ebooks.  This week I recieved a Tower of Chocolate from Cathryn Marr.  

Week 49, 2023

This was a mixed week of holiday reads, ARC's, and more Coastal Magic Reading Challenge stories.  Since I've been reading so many holiday stories especially a series of ARC's from Neon Rainbow so I've been utilizing audio books for my Coastal Magic needs.  

No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This time the bad guy is the hometown guy and the newcomer is the one who wants to save the local business. It is a fun twist on a common holiday theme. I love the interaction between Ezra and James. This story really keeps you waiting for the resolution until the very end. I really enjoyed this story and it was a great addition to the Christmas Falls family. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews Wesley by Shaw Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so glad the Wesley gets his chance for a HEA. I felt so bad for him after Tyler finished his photo shoot. I also like how Tyler took responsibility for not checking in. This was a really sweet story with a lot less crazy. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

 

View all my reviews It Started with Fruitcake by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very sweet story. I like the way that relationship builds as they share time together. This was a fun little holiday story.

 

View all my reviews Mistletoe Memories by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way this story moves back and forth from the past to the present. I also love that these two are dancing around each other. Communication is the key to a 2nd change. I listened to the audio and it was very well done. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Dead Draw by Layla Reyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the interaction between these two men from the start. As the story unfolds you are pulled into the action. There are close calls and time for reflection . This story is action pack and full of romance. I listened to audio version and really enjoyed it. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Boogie Beach: The Record, Book 1 by Winnie Winkle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. There is a lot of action and the story takes some unexpected twists. Patra is such a strong woman and loved her unravel the truth. A great fantasy story will all the magics. #CMCon24

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Week 48, 2023

This one is coming to you from my hotel.  We are spending the weekend celebrating the holidays and my 2nd oldest’s birthday.  We are enjoying Universal and even scored tickets to an after hours party.  

This week I got one ARC finished and it was a really fun coming home again Christmas story.  I also crossed two more books from my audio listening pile (TBL).  I was disappointed I didn’t find as much that was a good enough deal on Audible this week but since I’m still working my way through the more than $100 I spent on the last sale I think I will be just fine.  😃

Under The Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What’s not to love about this story. It has sweet men, a bookstore, an adorable kid, and a town called Christmas Falls. A great Christmas time read. I loved the way that Trevor recognized how that Christmas Falls really held a special place in his heart before he even returned. Trey’s family is just the greatest in how they just embrace Trevor and Holly. And of course all the side characters around town are always fun to see. This story has all the warm fuzzy holiday feels. I really enjoyed it very much. I received in ARC in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews The Night by May Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was working through my audio to be listened to pile and was surprised that the next book was also a Christmas story. Poor Gideon just isn’t a Christmas person surrounded by a bunch of Santa want to bes. And then there is Liam the one that ran away. But O’Leary isn’t letting them go that easily. From one strange occurrence to the next time is helping to let both men’s rethink a lot of things. Another great book in the Love in O’Leary series.

View all my reviews Undercover by Eliot Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how each author in this series puts their own spin on the theme. Here you have Gabe who feels like his life got off track and is trying to figure out how to make it work out. Along come Alec who says all the right things but is a bit of an unknown. What follows is some caring words, necessary lies, and danger. I love the way the story plot is woven together to get to the wrap up at the end.

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Week 47, 2023

 I have fully embraced the holiday reading.  I've been lucky to get some ARC's to review and early access to other stories that I got early access to through Ream and Patreon memberships.  I have also been finding ways to combine holiday reading and Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge for maximum fun.  I can't believe there is only 3 more months until Coastal Magic.  There's still time to sign up for both the Convention and the Reading Challenge.  Coastal Magic Convention. 

Late for Christmas by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not prepared for how many feels this story has. There is also the fun light hearted Christmas moments as well. This is a wonderful story but have your tissues read for those sadder moments. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Buttons: A Daddy for Christmas by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is a common theme but done is a really refreshing way. You have both a daddy and boy without experience who are figuring things out together. Also there are lots of things to work out. This is a great story with a very wonderful holiday ending. #CMCon24


View all my reviews The Christmas Veto by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great addition to this annual fake relationship series. Reid is in a tight spot and Connor is in the right place at the right time. Of course secret crushes can make things a bit more tricky. I love the way their relationship develops. Another fun holiday read.

 

View all my reviews His Boy to Adore: A Gay Virgin Daddy Romance by G.R. Lyons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love this couple. Theo has some real trauma that has effect his life. Haven is just such a sweetie. He is also a really great friend as well. Both men deserve the very best in life. This was a wonderful story of learning to navigate not only the holidays but your past as well.

 

View all my reviews Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another story set in the Christmas Falls. Brant has a had a long running crush on his best friend’s dad. Hig has been surprised before but when he get’s surprised again well things start to happen. The physical starts quick but the rest of it follows like a holiday story should. I received an ARC of this story in return for an honest review.

 

View all my reviews Subbing for Christmas by G.R. Lyons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the peek of the upcoming story in His Boy To Adore and I really enjoyed this one as well. It was so sad to see how much misunderstandings had occurred with one incident. If nothing else they at least got to talk some of that out. This story is just the beginning of their relationship and I can’t wait for the other book to come out this spring.

View all my reviews Christmas Peace by Violet Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved seeing Maddie and Robert building their relationship and have a grand adventure. Robert is so caring and willing to set his own happiness aside to meet Maddie’s needs. A fun holiday adventure. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews ChrisMyths by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a heart warming holiday story. I love that you start with the relationship between Andy and Eli but you also get flashbacks to see how they got where they are. I loved all the wonderful people from Andy’s hometown that really come to the rescue. The ending is so full of feels. #CMCon24

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Week 46, 2023

 Holiday reviews are in full gear now.  I will also be working on my Coastal Magic Reading  Challenge by finding some of the author's holiday stories.  I have also got to do some ARC book reviews this holiday season which has been a lot of fun.  

The Right One by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both of these main characters bring out the best in each other. Each man has reasons for not looking for a relationship but they fit. Also, each one can see the strength the other one possesses. What was great to see was each man seeing their strength.

View all my reviews My Only Defense by Leigh Lennon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the fact that these two main characters had developed some feelings without even knowing everything about each other. I have been waiting for Garrison to have his chance at love and this story didn’t disappoint. I love how caring Lennon is. The last few chapters contains some wonderful and dramatic scenes. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was full of surprises. As I started this story I got the vibe that this would be a very dark, mafia story. I envisioned rougher treatment of Daniel. But then the story takes another turn and you see a man that is much more caring than expected. While this won’t be your typical sweet holiday story this book has some really unexpected things and worth the read. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful holiday second chance sort of romance. Murphy and Jem had been friends up until high school and then they drifted apart. Reasons are explained in the story. But Jem is back facing a bit of a crisis point in his life. I love the developing of their relationship from beginning to end. Christmas Falls is a great place to visit for the holidays. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Week 45, 2023

Forever Asher by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with an audio book. What a great way to start a story. Asher has learned to let his feelings for his best friend go but strange things on a long road trip. Add in a mystery to solve and you just might be on the road to happiness. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews North on Drummond by K.C. Burn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the way these two men just get put together. There are so many elements in this story with Drew and Cliff’s history in Sandy Bottom. Cliff really has to learn to trust what is happening around him and not let past feelings cloud his judgement. The whole set of characters in this story add to the fun and richness of the story. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it. #CMCon24

View all my reviews The Geeky Jock Paradox by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way that these two are drawn together. Isaac has been holding on to a dream but there are some cracks showing. I love the dramatic way they end up together just when you think things might not work out. This was a fun and enjoyable read.

 

View all my reviews Hot Chocolate Kisses by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story seems to start very slowly as compared with other holiday romance stories. But as you get to really know and understand the characters you understand they way the relationship is building. This is one of those stories that on the surface is two mismatched men but it is wonderful how other people’s jagged edges fit with yours. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story with an older main character. It is part of a multi-author series but you can read and enjoy this story without having read the other books. The message to me is that sometimes you just find someone even if you are not looking. And you need to be willing to embrace it when it comes. #CMCon24

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This week I have started my holiday reading and also got several books read for the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge.  #CMCon24.