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. 

Week 43 - 44, 2023

 I'm getting excited to start my holiday reading.  But here is the way I've started fall.  

Wicked by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for the audio release of Wicked and it was so worth the wait. I love they way that they are drawn to each other right away but how to make it work is the struggle and sacrifice they both need to make. This story is full of feels. There was one statement near that really resonated to me as Manny was reflecting on life but no spoilers so I can’t share but I’m sure I won’t be alone. Such a wonderful addition to the series.

View all my reviews Singapore Fling by Maida Malby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was reading this book for the Coastal Magic Challenge and picked it based on it’s location. I have traveled through Singapore and it is a place I would like to go back to and spend some time. At the beginning of the book I wasn’t sure how much I like it. But the the story takes a big twist that really pulled me. Overall I really enjoyed this story and can easily give it a 4.0 #CMCon24

View all my reviews Recalling My Demon by Colette Davison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book as part of my Patreon membership and would be one I would have picked on my own based on the title. But wow this book is so full of so much love. The struggle of holding on to love was real. There were some dramatic moments and the story really pulls on the heart string. I would say don’t let the title put you off. This is a wonderful love story.

View all my reviews Stroker by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a whole lot of humor with Gates and Tallahassee’s path forward. There is a lot of distrust on Tallahassee’s part based on past Gates. Current Gates is working on himself. But along the way there is plenty of aggravation between them along the way. The audio was fun to listen to.

View all my reviews Moving On by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Close proximity is always like a fun trope and this story does it really well. Sean’s life if literally falling caving in on him. His sister has a solution but of course her husband had the same solution for a a co-worker. Of course that is the start of building feelings. I listened to the audio version of this story and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter (Mason Dixon, #1) by Eric R. Asher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was a big surprise. I received as a give away as part of the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge. This story starts out with a very dramatic moment that made me questioning my choice of a listen. But the rest of the story is filled with a mix of mystery and humor. The premise is a fun look at a life with cryptids. This story leaves you with laughs and gasps. I listened to the audio version and it was a lot of fun. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Grinch Kisses by D.J. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This books was so much fun to read and great way to kick off my personal holiday reading season. Both MC were a lot of fun. This book is full of humor and is an easy read. Griff is seen as the local Grinch and has some reason to feel that way. Logan comes as this sister’s fake boyfriend. Logan has to room at Griff’s house and that leads to so much more. I really like the epilogue at the end of the story to see where everyone ended up. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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