December 26 - January 5, 2024

 Last big push for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge #CMCon25 

Beauty and the Curse by K.M. Fawcett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love great adaptations of well known fairytales. It was great to see Chase finally understand his grandma. I felt so bad for Anabel. The ending was great. Even though this story is short it was a lot of fun. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story focuses on the relationship between Naomi and Wes. It also takes us through the first skirmishes between different supernaturals. I love the way Naomi went from fear, to disbelief, to acceptance, and finally embracing all the aspects of her new knowledge. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Southern Bound by Stuart Jaffe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Max and his wife Sandra are trying to make a fresh start. New job, new city and unfortunately new troubles. Max’s office is haunted by a 40’s private eye and that’s the easy part. What follows is danger both physical and magical. They work to unravel why Max has actually been hired and to help their office ghost. Great beginning to the series. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Southern Charm by Stuart Jaffe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Max, Sandra and their ghost Drummond are on another case. I didn’t like this story quite as much and the first book. It just felt like the violence was more graphic. There are some really intense scenes. But again this is a wonderful well written story with wonderful characters. There are also unbelievable encounters. It is one part mystery and one part horror. I give it 3.5 but round up to 4.0 for the review. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Southern Belle by Stuart Jaffe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this third story in the series we learn more of Drummond’s back story. Max and Sandra are again trying to figure out how the different things going on go together. Modesto is causing more trouble. I really like the part Drummond plays in this story. Maybe someday Max and Sandra can retire but today isn’t the day. #CMCon25

View all my reviews A Drop of Magic by L.R. Braden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alex’s world is shattered at the death of her close friend. But what follows lead her through a web of lies and half truths. Secrets are revealed but she also gets to see she has some real friends. The book ends with a solution to the initial problem but it is clear that this is just the beginning of her journey. There is great world building and wonderful characters. I enjoyed the audio version. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Sabotage Operation: A Thrilling K-9 Romantic Suspense Book by Caridad Piñeiro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Teresa is in real trouble but she has friends to watch her back. Matt and his dog Butter become a part of this team. This story is full of suspense and danger. But there is a growing romance between Matt and Teresa as well. And Butter does his best to be the “star” of this story. There are wonderful characters and the pacing of the story had be on the edge of my seat. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Escape the Everglades: A Thrilling K-9 Romantic Suspense Book by Caridad Piñeiro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carlos and his son are adjusting to life after Carlos lost his wife. But during a relaxing moment with his son they run straight into trouble. Natalie and her dog Missy come to provide protection for the two of them. There was a lot of action and danger in this story. I love the great character development. Romance and intrigue for the win. I loved the audio version as well. #CMCon25

View all my reviewsMagnet to the Magnate by Charli Rahe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great little romance. Gunner and Presley are both in trouble in different ways. But helping each other helps them both become more. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Immortal Descent by Carolyn Cross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While well written I found it was a bit too dark and violent for me. There are numerous threads that tie all the characters to their past and to each other. The story ends with even more questions as the saga is continuing in the next books. If you enjoy dark and mystical intrigue I think you would really enjoy this book. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Mark of the Necromancer by Tamsin L. Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sabrina is having a bad day and then it gets worse. As they story unfolds you find out more has happened to her over the years. Alex also has to reexam his feelings in light of new information that is revealed. This story is full of magic and mayhem. And while not my normal jam the humor in the story really helped me enjoy the story and kept it from feeling so dark. #CMCon25

View all my reviewsSipping & Swooning by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Alice and Janelle’s meet cute. And the plot bunny that brought them back together was really creative. Janelle’s sister Kelly is really a wonderful sister. This is a sweet Valentine’s romance that was fun to read. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsThe Maharaja's Daughters by Celeste Barclay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has a bit of angst as the three couples seek to have a life together. There are also some really dramatic moments as well. This is a heart warming story of 3 couples finding love despite their cultural difference. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsTaking the Leap: An Arachnid Files Novella by Nancy Northcott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For Hays it seemed everything was at stake. You see him get pulled between relationship and work issues. I love how Cori admitted her feelings but was firm about what she needed. This is a 2nd chance romance with a bit of suspense and action on the side. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsYoung Buck by Kilby Blades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are lots of layers to the story. Loretta is helping women find truth and safe spaces. Buck is new to town and living his life. There worlds intersect and there is so much more in store for both of them. This was more a meet painful. What brings them together is what almost causes them to blow apart. The characters in this book are so rich I really enjoyed this story. #CMCon25

View all my reviewsHeartbeats in a Haunted House by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this final book in the series blew me away. There are so many strong emotions and you can feel their struggle as their story overlaps the other 3 books. There are a few tense moments as well. To really enjoy this book you really need to read the first three books of the series in order. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsEggnog, Extortion, & Evergreens by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story opens with a dramatic scene. Mae is in the hospital and you would think these was the mystery to be solved. But not so quick. Even unconscious she still gets involved in yet another murder. I was really surprised at who the murder turned out to actually be. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mae is back home to find out the truth about her family. This story has a different vibe because it’s personal. But we have all our favorite people to be there for Mae. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsFake Date Flip-Flop by Hank Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this story. It is a sweet low angst story. Both men just hit it off so well. They made reasonable plans for the future and followed through. This was a fun story. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsBroadway Butchery by C.S. Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again Larkin is drawn in by notes. With Doyle’s help they get closer to the center. We also see Larkin trying to handle things in a better way. This is another emotional ride as we learn more about both men and the deaths they work to solve. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsThe Little Matchboy by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Roddy has so much he is facing. Sean is there at just the right time. There are a lot of dramatic moments. But in the end you see that both Roddy and Sean are taking care of each other. Love should never be one sided. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsAgain by Morgan Brice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story really kept me on the edge of my seat. On the top layer Drew and Noah are mates but they are taking things slowly. Then they discover there is so much more to it. Then layer in danger on more than one front. It is a race to the end to make sure Drew and Noah have the life they deserve. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsA Little Christmas 3: Jasha by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jasha is in a tough spot. He goes with Kaleb to save his dad but he is also interested in him. Then there is more to his dad’s trouble then he understands. Kaleb is kind and he is meeting new people. There is so much for him to decide.

 

View all my reviewsSnowbody Loves Me by Jacki James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emerson makes an impulsive decision when pushed by friends. When that plan goes south he makes another impulsive choice. I really enjoyed the sweet easy feel to the Christmas Falls book. I love Arlo riding to the rescue more than once. Great Christmas listen.

View all my reviewsVan: Dr. Richards' Littles® 32 by Pepper North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked the way that these three people fit together. I alos like that Ford and Collette were supporting Van’s dreams as well. I felt a bit sorry for Reggie and hope he finds his HEA someday.

 

View all my reviewsReady, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Felix lives up to his last name of Joy. Bruce is an adorable grumpy bear. But together they balance each other. This was a great Christmas grumpy/sunny story.

View all my reviews