December 23 - 31, 2025

 Well here is the last post of 2025.  I can't believe it's the end of another month and another year.  Looking forward to continuing creating my book journal in 2026.  I have one more months worth of books for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge to post in the coming week.  

Always You by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a lot to this story. Jazz is dealing with PTSD and living rough. You could just feel his despair at the opening of the story. But Alex has his own demons from the past that he has overcome. It was interesting to see them navigate things from their past as well. There are some dramatic moments during the story as well. This is a well written story that examines some tough topics.

View all my reviews Love You So Hard by Tara Lain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Craig has noticed a young man that is like his lucky charm but then things seem to fall apart. But after actually meeting Jessie he learns to see his own value and turns his life around.

 

View all my reviews His Little Winter Wonderland: An M/M Christmas Romance by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tanner is in a bad head space so he heads to the ranch. Simon is there to help right away. I love the way their bond forms between them from the beginning. The ranch is such a special place.

 

View all my reviews The Christmas Bachelor by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Samir has been true to himself but hasn’t gotten very far. Cole is caught up in his past. These two are drawn together in a magical way. There are some missteps but for the most part a sweet holiday story of finding love.

 

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas 3: Rowan by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way Rowan just bursts into Damon’s life. He brings so much Christmas cheer. The start of their relationship may have been a bit dramatic but it seems to have worked out well for both of them.

 

View all my reviews Lace by K.C. Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What’s better than finding out your crush is bi. Learning that he might fancy you too is the icing on the cake. There is a moment or two as they work things but overall a story of being loved for you and what you enjoy.

 

View all my reviews Matteo's Mettle by Anna Sparrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matteo is ready to give up on his lifestyle. But an incident at the club gets London’s s attention. London hasn’t thought about being a daddy but he does feel a connection to Matteo. With communication they are able to build a life together.

 

View all my reviews Coming Out on Top by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My heart really broke for Augustus (Mac) in so many ways everything has been striped from him including his name. Suddenly Quentin is there but he is not without his baggage. But they fit together beautifully. Don’t want to give anything away but I was really cheering for them both at the end of the story.

 

If Only in My Dreams by Keira Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlie is such a special guy with so much love for his sister that he'll do just about anything to keep a promise. We get to see both him and Charlie struggle with the past. They need to continue to unravel misunderstandings past and present. Now they may be regaining something special.

Really enjoyed listening to this story using Audible. Still a wonderful Christmas story 10 years latter.

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

Trick is frustrated that Boston doesn’t remember him. So he starts a campaign to keep everyone else away. Except it only makes Boston madder. It was funny to see how Trick’s idea to get attention is both a huge mistake and possibly brilliant at the same time.

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December 3 - December 22 2025

 We are well into the holiday season and I'm mixing up regular books from my TBR pile and great holiday stories.  

You Otter Know by Minerva Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bodie and River both want a break from family and book a Christmas get away. But the hotel has double booked their room so now they have to share. Of course they get together. But Bodie isn’t sure he’s enough. But they finally work things out. Great bit of Christmas magic.

 

View all my reviews Playing Games by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was interesting to watch both characters go from people that weren’t really so likable in ways to great, rich characters. Brax and Tyson turned their hate to sex but that’s all. But as both men realizes that what they thought was true maybe wasn’t. As their friendship builds so do deeper feelings. I love how their support of each other made their lives better.

View all my reviews Archer's Awakening: A Love in Mission City Short Story by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A divorcee attorney who ends up with a divorcee of his own he has to exam his life. He’s having a second house built to retreat to, check. Explore his bisexuality, check. He has an app for that but the guy that shows up doesn’t match the conversation. Now there are problems with the build so he’s off to straighten things out.

View all my reviews The Art of Husbandry by Jay Hogan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Be prepared with tissues. This story has more than one emotional punch. Gil lost his daughter in a car accident while he was driving . His PTSD had tanked his life. So coming to cook on the sheep ranch seems like a safe place to reset. Holden is facing running the place on his own after his grandfather’s dementia cost them an important contract. And it doesn’t help that the same grandfather calls on the regular just to tell him how worthless he is. But through all this these two men connect on a deep level. But it isn’t just these two who make the story so rich. There are plenty of secondary characters who have their own stories and pieces of these stories are allowed to build in this book. Love the depth of this story.

View all my reviews Wanted: Boss Daddy by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All the boys at The Tap have been finding their matches. But now it’s time for Christian to get his turn with Levi. Levi has a lot on his plate but a Boss Daddy knows just what to do. Love the fact that both of these men get the happily ever after.

 

View all my reviews 12 Gays of Christmas by D.K. Sutton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Christmas and his birthday approaching Gil wants to change things about his life. He makes a list to work through and asks his roommate to help him to do well these dates. But what was obvious to their friends they each are crushing on the other. This story is full of humor and holiday fun.


View all my reviews A Very Marian Christmas by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Noah is new in town and staying with his brother’s friend. He lines up a temp job that turns out very different from what he expected. This bring him to the whirlwind that his the Marian family. They decide to help him find a boyfriend. Including his crush Luke the family friend. Of course things get wacky because Marians but things also have a way of coming out right because well the Marians.

View all my reviews Made Marian Shorts by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We’ve seen that Tilly and her crew “helping” all the Marian men find love but in this collection they are branching out two more times and taking their act on the road. First in Brad and Miles story in Vegas and then Keller and Eli at the retreat. Beck is on his own when he hooks with Quinn. My favorite was Josh’s story where his past becomes his present and his future with Cyrus.

View all my reviews Their Omega Partridge in a Pear Tree by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pax and Chane have a full and complete life until… I love the way Beacon comes into their lives. Their reactions were great. This is a wonderful no angst Christmas story with lots of love and a happy ending.

 

View all my reviews The Anti-Wingman by Saxon James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story that was a lighthearted story of something being right under your nose. Kai keeps ending up in relationship without meaning too. Ryland is going to help him avoid that trap again. But of course best laid plans… I love how their friendship develops first. I also like that Kai has plans to help Ryland with his house no matter what happened.

View all my reviews Dragon's Surprise by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book splits between the confusing relationship Adar, Oliver, and Delton. I’m not sure how this will play out in the next book but I want Delton to feel love and included. In the mean time Erwan and Rhene are attending the dragon council. I know things would not go well but I was not prepared for how crazy things really got. And the cliff hangers with Rhene really has me anxious for the next book.

View all my reviewsThe Little Who Stole Christmas (And Daddy's Heart): An MM Age Play Holiday Romance by Joe Satoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teddy is so cute. He seems like a mess but he has a good heart and lots of love to give. Penn is living a safe life but when Teddy falls at his feet he starts to think about other possibilities. I love the way their relationship develops. The final chapter is a great way to wrap up the book.

View all my reviews Marrying the Guide by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Onno is visiting his family and trying to rebuild his life after divorce. Howell is the outdoor guy and through events Onno signed up for they get to know each other. This is a instant love but they don’t have much time. Love the sweet ending.

 

View all my reviews How to Catch a Vet by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way that these two men just seem to be made for each other. Santi is quick to defend Micah. And Micah is there for Santi with his quiet strength. And all the wonderful pets are just a fun bonus. I also like the fact that both are vets in their own way.

 

View all my reviewsA Daddy for Christmas 3: August by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet Christmas story Auggi is working hard to care for himself. Thor gives him a chance. Of course feelings develop. And they get the best Christmas gift, each other.

 

View all my reviews Karma Kitty Christmas by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isaac’s life is dull as in everything is in shades of tan. He’s lost his husband but it runs deeper. Luca speaks to him when he sees him looking upset. What starts as a friendship that will change their lives and lives around them. As their relationship grows so does the family they are make. Amy Lane is wonderful at showcasing the strength found in the family you make and it shows up so well in this story. It also shows taking a few small steps to engage with another person can change so much around you; the man next door who looks sad to the co-worker who you really don’t like. There’s also the reminder to not judge if you don’t have all the facts. This is a wonderful blend of a great story that both entertains and makes you think. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsHiding the Moon by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is about people who don’t seem to fit. WE are also seeing a very dramatic moment from “A Few Good Fish” from a completely different prospective. And things that happened before that moment.

Ernie was making some risky choices to deal with the the impressions he hears in his head. Burt is on a mission to clear up loose ends to protect his team.

Their coming together changes both of their lives and sets so much more in motion.

It also gets them involved with Jackson and Ellery. The operation they are involved in looks so different from their perspective. I really love how Ernie shines. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Two Daddies for Henry: An MMM Age Play Romance by T.L. Travis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was wonderful to see all three of these men find each other at just the right time. Jensen has held his feelings for a while but was ready to share them. Mitchell has some needs. Finding Henry when they did allowed them to figure out how they could fit with each other. A great story of finding love that fits together so beautifully.

View all my reviews Santa's Little Faker by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was a great twist on the secret daddy theme. Orlando knows what he wants but being sneaky seems like they way to go. He uses Bastian’s protective nature against him. Now its game on.

 

View all my reviews The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the way both men circled around each other. Luke seems to realize his feelings first so now comes the hard part. Zach seems to need some convincing but he’s also still dealing with a lot. I love the way both men support the other as they build their own futures.

 

View all my reviews Wolf's Instinct by Elva Birch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a lot happening in this story. Part of it may be the world building as this is the first story in the series. We have the shifter preschool which has lots of security to keep others out because shifters are a secret with a few human exceptions. There is a threat from the landlord who is buying everything up and raising prices. Then there is the romance between Abby and Roderick. The Roderick’s ex shows up. Then there is a mysterious woman. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt ending but I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book.

View all my reviewsFools by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved watching these two keep missing the obvious to everyone else. Poor Dunn feels strongly about his friend and wants him to find happiness. Meanwhile Tucker thinks that’s impossible. At least they gave the Thicket some entertainment.

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November 26 - December 2, 2025

 Wow another month.  There is so much going on.  I have a batch of more Coastal Magic Reading Challenge Books. Just look for the reviews with #CMCon26 to know which books are from the Coastal Magic Writers.   I also have had a chance to read some other the other books on my very tall To Be Read pile.  

A Kiss Before Christmas by A.E. Ryecart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rory is looking for some shelter from the storm. Jack is surprised when he finds out the pile of rubbish is alive. Stepping in to help out Jack gives Rory some time to recover begins to turn in so much more. A sweet story of finding love in unexpected places.


View all my reviews Asher's Answer by Anna Sparrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Asher is trying so hard to keep everything together but it is unraveling fast. Josh is the officer on duty and sees that Asher needs some special care. Josh enlists his brother Charlie. Charlie is able to provide so much for Asher. But Asher is also giving back. And when Charlie is hurt you see the whole family coming together and making things work. A great example of how no mater the dynamic you really just need to be there for each other.

View all my reviews Roommate by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kieran is a very private person with a whole lot of secrets. Roderick is drawn to Kieran but personally doesn’t want to deal with being someone’s secret. But a dramatic moment reveals so many things that there is a lot to sort and figure out.

 

View all my reviews Rescuing the Writer by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melburn’s life is going up in flames literally. Waylon is there and offers him a safe place to work while the RV gets fixed. It was fun to see them both take those first fun steps to a relationship.

 

View all my reviews The (Maybe) Murderer Who Knocked Me Up by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quin knows what he wants and goes for it. But choices have consequences. Life takes a terrible twist for both Slade and Quin in different ways. I like the fact that there was still a ghost of a connection. The ending is so beautiful and special. I’m really looking forward to more in this new series.


View all my reviews Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Felix who seems so calm compared to the rest of the Wildes. He has a love for beautiful glass. I loved his excitement at just being there. Running into Leo was a bonus. Leo has to come to terms with what is best for his country and himself. Meddling little sisters always add an element of fun. I also like the background love story surrounding the glass itself.

View all my reviews How to Catch a Biker by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love this Chester Falls episode. Slade has so much in his past and I like how his story slowly unfolds. Aiden has come to reset his life. As they get to know each other their past collides with their present. I like seeing how each man was there for the other as they dealt with what life is handing them.

 

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas 3: Felix by Victoria Sue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clayton’s life is falling apart and there is no one to care. Felix is drawn but doesn’t do relationships. But Felix is drawn to Clayton. As their relationship develops both men hav to examine what they really want and need. Some dramatic moments had me grabbing for tissues but the ending is beautiful. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Facing West by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nico left everything because he thought it was for the best. Weston is one of the golden one. Weston is a doctor and part of the huge and loving Wilde family. Death bring them together. My heart was breaking for Nico who was so misunderstood by everyone. It was also fun to get a little peek at the Marian family. I loved seeing both men explore their feelings. It took time to get things right. The story doesn’t rush their HEA.

View all my reviewsThe Christmas Rescue by V.L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful holiday story. Decker wants his dad’s approval and really thinks Acosta signing a contract will fix things for both of them. But time together turns things in a different direction as Acosta and his family become a part of Decker’s life. And you start to wonder who is rescuing who.

 

View all my reviews The Curious Mountain Man by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how both men were honest with each other. They each had something that made them feel like they were lacking in some way. I like how they compliment each other and support each other. I really loved the ending scene with Branum at the library with PJ. While fast paced because of the length of the book it was such a fun little love story.

View all my reviews Rayne Check: A Love in Mission City Short Story by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had already read Rayne’s Return but it was still a lot of fun to see how things began between them. It feels like they were destine to be together.

 

View all my reviews Slow Heat by Leta Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vale has been living his life unbonded. Jason was a typical college freshman. But discovering their bond upends both of their worlds. There is hurt and conflict along the way. I love how much Jason rises to each challenge. In an eerie reflection of current events we see the the effect of dangerous secrets people must keep because of political decisions. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Carol: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Darin Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always loved finding new adaptations of a Christmas Carol. This one will be among my favorites. I love the development of Carol as the center piece of the story. We see what things both real and her perception of events that shaped her. There are some very unique elements with the central figure being a teen. But the best parts of the beloved story are here, too. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Dessert is the Bomb by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great mystery. It was interesting to see all the twists and turns. There was so many dramatic moments. Sally’s family is a hoot and sometimes part of the problem. I love when I get surprised by a cozy mystery. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Scared Witchless by Amy Boyles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dylan and her sisters get some great publicity for their shops but that sets some not great things into motion. Their lives are turned upside down and they need to track a killer before they can kill again. I love the humor sprinkled into the story. I also love the way everything works out. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Pen Name - Doctor Chicken by K.C. Burn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet story. Both men have a lot going on in their lives. Vinni has been busy taking care of his family and guarding his heart. Stratford has been taking care of himself for a while. There is some conflict when Vinni tries to hard to help. I love the fact that despite problems they were able to work things out. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Charlie and the Panther by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Matteo has been through so much. He is strong and talented but he doesn’t see any of that. Charlie is drawn to the man but understands so he knows to move slowly. There is so much drama that moves them along. I love the sweet way things work out. I also loved the revisit with some of the other Land and Sea couples. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsEverett and the Wolf by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved Everett and Merritt’s story. Their trip was a very special experience I like how Everett admits he made a mistake about the plans for the trip. I also like the fact that Merritt was able to see that Everett did mean it for the best. The rescue scene is so beautiful and that is all I will say because I don’t want to spoil anything. I also like the peek at Dominic and can’t wait for his story. #CMCon26

View all my reviews A Snowbound Christmas Cowboy by Sasha Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My heart really goes out to Sterling he has faced so much in his life. He wants to make things right. Cassie also needs to understand her feelings in a grown up way. They talked about what was most important. I like the fact that both of them are action people. They are better at showing then telling. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Once Upon a Christmas Song by Mary Calmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chris has been caring for his bar and all the people that work there. He has also been trying to move beyond lost love. Dawson recognizes that he lost what matters the most in his pursuit of fame. But he has returned for a 2nd chance. I like that the story is really what can happen in one day. You see the hope to for all but especially Dawson and Chris despite work that still needs to be done. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this was a fun book where one girls stayed and the other moved away. Grace’s return stirs up old feelings for Ava and their terrible boss just make things worse. They are making some progress. But Grace’s parents come to town and they are also horrible. I like that they are able to talk things out for themselves. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Vinni’s character. She is hard working and successful. Jessica seemed shallow for a lot of the book but points for being honest about what she expected. I like how Vinni stood up for herself with her sisters and Jessica. I also like how it ended with both women realizing things about themselves. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews My Orc [Fake] Boyfriend by Veronika Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always think fake dating as a troupe is so much fun especially when both people already have feelings. They both are great sticking up for each other. I like how Cairo helps Meli see her own worth. I also like learning more about Cairo and the other Orcs' back story. I always enjoy a visit to the island. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews You Fell First by R.L. Merrill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is the beginning of a sweet romance. Their meet up was pretty rough between crashing cars and falling trees. There is an attraction but Calvin is maintaining his sobriety and gets triggered. But once he is honest with Flor things can begin moving forward. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride by Rose Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wilhelmina has been put in a bad circumstanced through no fault of her own. But she takes control of her life and decides to head west as a mail order bride. Marcus is a bit rough around the edges but he is a good man. They have to learn how to be a couple but they do work on things together. I also like how much Wilhelmina was willing to work to learn about what she needed to do to be a homestead wife. This was a sweet winter romance. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Immortal Delirium: The Immortal Series, Book 2 by Carolyn Cross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are so many twists and turns in this story. There are also so many characters to keep track of. I needed to makes notes to keep up. With many of the characters including Tristan there seemed to be so many secret agendas and double crossing. Kate is a strong and determined woman who wants her brother back and is willing to go to any length to get him back. Ethan is man who has been changed in many ways that I don’t think he even understands himself. While this story is well written the level of violence was a bit much for me. Also the ending again levels you on the edge of a dark cliff. But if this type of fantasy is your jam you will really love this book. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Christmas at the Inn on Cloud Hill by Tina DeSalvo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For a short romance story there is a lot going on. Daniel and Aurora have a past only one of them seems to remember. There are some painful memories that are brought to light. All this creates problems for the couple. But a visitor to town holds the key to unlock the past so they can move forward. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsA Witch For Mr. Holiday by Deanna Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great holiday romance. Rex and Holly are hitting it off but there is an end date to their romance. It was bittersweet when Holly was seeing her vision and expecting the worse. It was so great when they communicate and both share everything. The ending was such a surprise and now I can’t wait for the next book in the series. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsA Yule to Remember: Haven Harbor 3 by Jeanne Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a small town Christmas romance with a twist. The town is full of magick and traditions to keep it safe. There is also an arsonist on the loose. In the midst of all this Reyn and Annie are drawn together. There is action and drama as well as a sweet romance. #CMCon26

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