Week 22 - 25, 2023

 The last few weeks have been really busy with big changes at work and a trip to Space Coast Book Lover's Conference.  So trying to get all caught up.  

I am also starting to work on the Reader's Challenge for Coastal Magic Convention in February 2024. #CMCon24

The Greek Word for Love by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet young adult story. Ren comes from a different world and Jimmy is there to show him around. Ren is used to being himself and as feelings start to develop you see Jimmy having decisions he has to make. Like many things growing up isn’t always easy. I love the way that Rhys lets these men have a HEA which would be much harder in real life. A great read and an interesting looking into live in another part of the world.  #CMCon24

View all my reviews Arctic Sun by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Griffin seems to be closed off but River is able to make a connection. They both have things from their past that gives them a shared connection. What seems like a holiday romance has a the potential for more. It takes a lot of figuring things out and working on self but they are headed in the right direction.

 

View all my reviews Snowflake Kisses by Jacki James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great addition to the series. I like how their needs and talents work so well together. It also always fun when you have a child involved in the story with their own input. I like their family is expanding and River Gorge has more wonderful things becoming part of the community.

 

View all my reviews The Sweetest Ache by Bretton Sans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Life doesn’t always move in a linear way. Travis ran away from from his feelings. Spencer has moved on with his life but there is always that hold on unfinished business. With Travis back in town we see these two men move forward to finish that business. I like the journey that these men take and also seeing how their path also has effects on others around them.

View all my reviews The Next Competitor by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Next Competitor is an interesting look into the world of figure skating. Competitors really are sacrificing so much to reach that top level. Alex is driven and people see him one way. He also has ideas about the other skaters around him. But when a dramatic event occurs it seems to change everything. Suddenly, Matt is becoming part of Alex’s life. We get to see these changes and how it changes both men.

View all my reviews Cold War by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cold War - Two men who know who they are but aren’t willing to be very public about it. Also, people have their ideas about the men including their own views of the other. And yet there we are seeing them drawn to each other and all the complications that brings. It was great to see these two men find a way to live their life.

 

View all my reviews Secrets & Badges by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love hearing Fisher’s back story and it makes his dedication make so much sense. Also, we get to learn more about Miss Emma and her boys. Fisher meets Marcus at what seems to be bad timing. Marcus turns out to really be one of the good guys and it is wonderful to see their lives merge.

 

View all my reviews What Lies Beneath by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow I picked this story up and then decided to grab the audio copy. This story is packed with so much. Just the people themselves are complicated and carrying their own luggage. All of this would make a rich and deep story. But you add to that what is happening in this community and you are taken to a whole new level. The over arching story of the story ends with a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to listened to the next book. The narration is well done and very enjoyable.

View all my reviews Strike Three by Avery Flynn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short but sweet story of what happens when someone is afraid of accepting what what they want. It was fun to see Jace help Aria find a way to make their lives work together.

 

View all my reviews First Impressions by Jay Hogan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the start Josh and Michael are drawn to each other yet have so many misunderstandings, miscommunication, and uncertainty. They really struggle through most of the story. There is also crime drama that adds even more to everything more complicated. This story has a lot of drama and while it takes to almost the end of the book this couple finds a way to an HEA.

View all my reviews Sweets by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is as sweet story of two men with a meet cute that just gets cuter. They mesh well together. There are also adorable kids that add to the fun of the story. This is a great feel good love story.

 

View all my reviews White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked this book up for one of my kids at last years Coastal Magic Book Convention. They picked up the audio copy so I decided to give it a try even though it isn’t a genre I usually read. All I can say is wow this book was so good. I love the plot from start to finish. I also like the fact there is an ongoing saga that will be carried on in the other books of the series. I was really surprised how well I liked and look forward to enjoying the rest of the series. #CMCon24
I listened to the audio copy and it was well done and very enjoyable.

View all my reviews The Asshole Next Door by Emma Alcott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When you sandals go missing you are never sure what it will lead to. This is a sweet new adult story that share the story of two young men moving toward each other.

 

View all my reviews The Neighborly Thing by Allison Temple
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short but very sweet story of how a misdelivered package leads to so much more. The thin walls of the apartment building also seem to be a contributing factor. This happy for now seems to be the start of a new relationship. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Cop Out by K.C. Burn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After Kurt's partner is killed in the line of duty he finds out about Ben's double life and what he finds out upsets him because he's found out he had a life partner that he was treating really crappy. Kurt decides to help Davy out and a friendship begins to grow between the men. I really like how the author allowed the friendship and the help that came with it develop in a natural way. Poor Kurt gets confused when his feelings seem to become something more for Davy and he must battle with himself because no matter what he wants the best for Davy.  #CMCon24

Listed to this book recently so that I could go back and listen to the whole series. Kurt loses his work partner in a horrific moment in a bust gone bad. As he tries to deal with his lost he discovers his partner’s secret life. He is drawn to Davy and wants to help him out. This leads to a whole new life for both men.

I listened to the audio copy and it was well done.

View all my reviews

All books marked with #CMCon24 are books that I am reading for the Coastal Magic Convention Reader's Challenge. I had a blast last year and I'm looking forward to go again this year. Participating in the challenge helps me to be involved while I'm waiting.

It is scheduled for February 22 - 25, 2024 in Daytona Beach. Check their website for more information.

https://coastalmagicconvention.com