September 9 - 12, 2026

 

Insects, Ivy, & Investigations by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another former foster daughter of Mary Elizabeth shows up in town in bad shape. Now her former boyfriend shows up dead. Mae goes all the way to prison to figure out who’s really responsible for the murder. The conclusion of the story was a real surprise. We also have to wonder would could be happening with Hank. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Outdoors, Oars, & Oaths by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More trouble from Mae’s past shows up in Normal. Next thing we have is a dead mobster. Poor Mae what she meant as a special gift for her brother and her friend turns out very badly. It was interesting to see Mae have a brush with her old life in New York City. But life is safe in Normal once again. #CMCon27

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August 27 - September 8, 2026

 Time to post my September Coastal Magic Reading Challenge Books. 

Well Met by Jen DeLuca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emily is spending time helping out her older sister after an accident. She gets roped in to helping with the local Ren Faire so her niece can take part. I loved how Emily took to her role. She even had great ideas to make things better. Things get complicated with a willy pirate. But Emily decides to make this her home no matter what which make the ending even sweeter. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Black & White by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nero is asked to do a bodyguard gig and he’s not sure he wants the job. But when he realizes that his job is also his fated mate he’s suddenly on board. Now they have to figure out where the threat against Felix is coming from. I love how Nero call Felix, “Lucky”. I also liked getting to know the rest of Nero’s family and Felix’s idea of them combining their talents. By the end of the story we know Nero and Felix have cemented their relationship but there is still a threat that is wider than they realized. #CMCon27

View all my reviews The Best Man's Problem: A Gay Romantic Comedy of Opposites Attract by Sera Taíno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rafe’s sister asks him to help out Etienne with best duties. Of course that one secret kiss in the past is creating a challenging situation. I felt like Rafe could have used some therapy to deal with his long term guilt as it really impacts how he sees himself and relationships. Etienne makes sure Rafael is treating him as a partner. I do love the sweet way this story ends. #CMCon27

View all my reviews The Wrong Cowboy by Sasha Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mabel is back home in Texas for a visit and to save the town tree. Mabel also has a crush on Jensen since they were kids. But their families have been feuding for generations. Throw in Jensen’s daughter who thinks Mabel is a real princess and things are getting complicated. I admired the fact that despite his own internal conflicted he never lets the hate effect his daughter. This is a great family feud over come by love story. Jensen’s daughter Samantha was such a great character to bring people together. #CMCon27

View all my reviews A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sunshine has been elected sheriff in her home town. A basket of muffins arrives in the office on her first day. It puts everyone on edge because it seems to set off a series of troubling events. I really loved Sunshine’s daughter who is very determined and clever. While the case comes to an end there are some unanswered questions. Can’t wait to see what could be next. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Ley Lines and Lemons by HD Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven was drawn to Lost Isle Key and feels like settling down but then one blood moon night everything seems to change. Shifters and witches are everywhere. And then dead bodies are stacking up. I loved watching Raven when she decides magic must really exist so she embraces it. She is willing to put herself at risk to help those around her. This story is full of mystery and intrigue. We see one young woman realize her potential and fully embrace it. There is just enough sprinkles of humor to lighten things up a bit here and there. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Finding Dolly: Sweet southern contemporary romance with humor, friendship & surprises by Becki Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

NOTE: I finished this book before Dolly’s passing. I think it makes this story even more special now. ---- Grace has lost her mother but a strange notes leads her on a journey to Nashville to find a list of people including Dolly. Carl who was on the list is a bit surprised to meet Grace. I was tearing up near the end of the book when Grace was reading over her journal. (Watch for it.) I was surprised how much I loved this story. I was really drawn into Grace’s journey of discovery. This combines light hearted moments along with some deeper ones that give the story a feeling of realness. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Trusting the Elements by Elle Keaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Otto is checking out a new town when he gets stuck in a ditch. Greg rescues him and later they run into each other and sparks fly. I liked the scene later in the book when it seems like everyone shows up at Greg’s house at the same time. This is a sweet romance with a bit of ex drama. These two men were so well suited for each other. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Paddlers, Promises & Poison by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mae is getting ready for another season at the campground. But then the realtor is found dead. In the middle of trying to solve the crime Mae is having her own relationship questions. With Mae’s help the crime is solved. Normal is growing so the area is starting to have more problems. #CMCon27

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August 27, 2026

 Quick post since I got one more book posted for Coastal Magic.

Detours by Tere Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Theo just needs one little signature to move forward and possible live his old dream. But seeing Finn stirs up all kinds of feelings. You realize that both men really need to work out some resolutions about the past. After the second book in the series I was really hoping that things could get better for both of these men. Penny the Cat is a great side character. I loved the way second chances can be successful if everyone is willing to put in the work to make it happen. #CMCon27

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Quick up date August 4 - 16, 2026

Halos and Heroes by Minerva Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saul has returned home with his young son. He has a plan and is reconnecting with his old friends. Mark who liked him before becomes a part of his circle. I like the way they just fit together so well. This story was a low angst story of two people building a wonderful life together.

 

View all my reviews Finding Home by Lizzie C. Koz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

East and Maddy have been friends forever. But Maddy needs space because he loves East. East is starting on his baseball career but misses his best friend. I like how Shane pushes East to do something. This is a sweet story where the ending is just the beginning.

 

View all my reviews Alpha Rising by Sara Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Axel is a werewolf breaking the rules by loving a witch. Lilith knows there a time limit but she’s going to enjoy what she has. You can really feel how much they truly love each other. I was really shocked by the ending of this book and it will be interesting to see what could be next. #CMCon 27

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July 3 - August 4, 2026

 Here we go with a few random reviews plus a batch of reading for the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge. 

The Models by Shaw Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this short little peeks at what the models and their partners are up to. We get to see them in sweet and sexy moments. This was a great way to wrap up a wonderful series.

 

View all my reviews When the Storm Comes by M.A. Innes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Circumstances place Donovan and Trey together in a race for safety. Add in Trey’s baby sister and things get more complicated. But at least a road trip gives them a chance to clear up some high school misconceptions about each other. I loved when the pieces click into place and Trey understands what Donovan needs most. These two compliment each other perfectly. It was also sweet to see the love and care for baby Sam.

View all my reviews Her UIt by Samantha Ann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of K-Pop or K-Drama you will love this story. Kat gets to meet Ji-Hien her idol in real life and boy does it get steamy. This short story has a sweet ending. Korean is also peppered through the out the story to help you learn a few phrases. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews In for a Penny by Kelsey Browning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the cast of older characters. They are all so full of life. Lillian is in trouble and her best friend Maggie wants to help. She is joined by other ladies that have shown up at Lillian’s home. As they dig into the matter they find out things go so much deeper. But through hard work and guts the ladies save the day. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews He Said, he said Volume 1 by Mary Calmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just a man with his blog. Jory along with help from Sam is answering questions and memories of family life. I loved when the kids filled in with their own crazy answers. This was a fun look into the ordinary life of two men working hard and caring for their family. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Aurora, A Romantic Bride by Hildie McQueen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aurora needs to get away from her intended. She follows the lead of her best friend Wilhelmina who has already gone west and found a husband. Aurora travels with Lucille as her companion. Both end up having to stay with the town doctor Evan because of a horrible snow storm. Fear of her past creates a sense of urgency and Aurora and Evan get married but there is still trouble and drama ahead. I do like the ending of this story and how their relationship works out. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this is not my usual reading choice but this book really captured my attention and kept me on the edge of my seat. Nick is a high school kid who struggles to stay of our trouble. His mom works hard to take care of him. But one bad choice leads him to suddenly do a good thing that nearly gets him killed. What happens next is a world where paranormal creatures are real and New Orleans is under attack. There are forces at work both working to influence Nick to either become a demon like his father or stop the destruction. This book was a great introduction to the series and there is more ahead. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Brewbies by Kerrigan Byrne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Darby just wants to run her coffee shop in peace. Ethan is still trying to move on from stuff that happened in the last book. And an anonymous encounter becomes awkward when you realized you live in the same town. The scene in her trailer was very funny. A great small town romance between the townie and the wacky new comer. Loved the way it all worked out. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Evil All Along by Gregory Ashe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dash and Bobby seem to have their act together but this time Keme is in trouble. Dash has to prove that Keme is innocent. It was interesting to get more of Keme’s back story. I love how he’s both Dash’s bully and little brother. Once again Dash saves the day with his usual grace. A great mystery with a side of danger and humor. #CMCon27

View all my reviews My Orc Roommate with Benefits by Veronika Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zoe is renting a room from Lux and it seems liked a few benefits wouldn’t do any harm. But both of them are feeling a bit strange. It was wild when Zoe is at the library and realizes what is really happening between her and Luxor. Another fun and sweet Orc romance. Add in a dramatic rescue scene and some adorable puppies to round things off. I always enjoy my visit to Eastshore Isle. #CMCon27


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Constantly Cotton by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason is saving the day and a busload of kids. But sacrifice comes with a price and Jason needs a secret place to heal. He is brought to the flophouse and Cotton starts to take care of him. I loved the way their bond forms. Each one looking to support and protect the other one. Jason’s sign to Cotton that he was okay was so sweet. This is an action packed romance involving two strong men finding their person in Amy Lane’s wonderful web of story families. The bonus material at the end of the book was wealth of more background material. #CMCon27

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June 14 - July 3, 2026

 Another set of books for the Reading Challenge.  

The Soldier's Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a heart warming story of second chances at love. Both Garrett and Anjelica carry both emotional and physical scars from past trauma. Each feels they are just fine. With the arrival of two children in need of love and care challenges both of them to look forward in new ways. I loved the way we see the Ortega family and the community shows up to support them on this journey. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Under the Maui Sky by Kellie Coates Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book examines the way a family reacts to the death of a love one. The story opens up with Ava getting ready for her husband’s funeral. As the story unfolds we see that there is more to the story. We become enmeshed in all the family drama. We also see one woman’s journey through her grief. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Crossing Paths by Violet Howe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is full of deep emotions and we get to see things unfold not just through the eyes of Cat and William but also others impacted by their story. The book also takes us back to the beginning of Willian and Catherine's relationship as we see everything that happened leading up to Caroline’s birth and Cat’s new life. I also like seeing them in the present as they navigate their feelings and the feelings of those around them. This is a beautiful second chance story. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Forever Mine by Monica Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book but it really captured my attention from the first chapter. This story contains so many elements that it should appeal to a wide audience. I love Nick and Victoria’s characters both in the past and present as we see them grow and develop. The end of the book includes a note by the author about the plot points she chose added even more depth to the story. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done. I highly recommend it. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Tell Me Something Good by Jamie Wesley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great enemies to lovers story. Tate is all about sports and keeping things loose. Noelle gives advice and knows that commitment is important. They get thrust together by the bosses and things don’t go to either of their plans. It was fun to see both of them try to justify what was happening as their relationship starts to grow. Noelle is strong enough to walk away. Tate has to find his own strength. And of course we see how things from your past have such an impact on your now. #CMCon27

View all my reviews The Queen's Faithful Companion: A Heartwarming Novel of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Beloved Corgi Susan, and the Royal Family by Eliza Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great lighthearted look at royal life from the perspective of a royal pet. Having watched other “royal” shows about Queen Elizabeth I could picture some of the scenes and situations but it was also unique view of these same events. Even though it is historical fiction it is still a peek at what royal life can be like. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Blue Plate Special by Layla Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We see Hudson a young man that feels he need to run for his life. We jump forward to Noah a man who loves his job and friends but feels he will have to move on soon. But another person from his past shows up in town and he isn’t sure what to do next. Ezra recognizes him Hudson but also see him differently now. Things come to a head and Noah has some important decisions to make. Great ending to their story. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Love, Die, Neighbor by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kiki is settling into her new home while caring for a toddler. Her husband wants her to make friends in the neighborhood. But everyone is a bit strange. Then her neighbor is dead, the police at her door, and she has to wonder what her husband is up too. It’s a lot to figure out while unpacking boxes. I really loved Kiki’s spirit as she figured a way through everything going on around her. This is a fun cozy mystery series. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Miss Thornfield's Daring Bargain by Addy Du Lac
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story opens where we meet three young school girls bonding over being “different”. We see Ada again as an adult. The action gets started when her brother is kidnapped the ladies are there for her. Her brother’s best friend shows up with more information and they hatch a plan that involves just a bit of marriage. What follows is much danger and intrigue as they work to rescue her brother but also get to the bottom of the event. Along the way Ada and Basil realize they may have feelings that they aren’t willing to voice. Things come to a head that is one of my favorite scenes in the book. While the main threat is dealt with in the book there is still a shadow in the background. This is the first book in a series and I look forward to finding out what happens to the other two friends.

View all my reviewsThe Four Seasons by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas Courtship - Henry & Johnson - Johnson takes a chance with the quiet man in the booth across from him. Letting Henry set the pace it’s the start of something beautiful.

Anything’s Possible - Carter, Byron - A fun grumpy/sunshine story where some adorable pups bring them together. While an unlikely pair they build a friendship that becomes more.

The Office Hotshot - Orlando, Knight - This is an office romance that’s really sweet. Both Orlando and Knight have been fighting their attraction to each other. But one night sparks things off with an HEA in their future.

Pumpkin Spicy - Clay, Ashton - Clay’s having a great sales weekend at the craft fair. Ashton is shy and uses pumpkin carving to start a conversation. Clay has to track him down later but things look good for them.

Returning to You - Gil, Cullen - This is sweet little story of reconnection when the time is right and finding a happy ever after.

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June 9 - 14, 2026

 Well we are finally in the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge Season.  I can't wait for another great few months of reading a variety of new books.  As always there are some new to me authors, some old favorites, and some that I wouldn't ordinarily read but I'll give them a try.   The convention will be held in Daytona Beach in February 2027.  If you would like to join me for the convention or give the reading challenge a try check out click this link to check out Coastal Magic Convention.  Watch for the #CMCon27 in my reviews for books that are part of the reading challenge.  

And now for the reviews:

Once Upon a Midnight Clear: A Cinderella Retelling by Michelle Miles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This twist to the Cinderella story has a bit of Christmas magic and some fairytale mash-ups. Ella meets her fairy godmother but there is more to her under the surface. Nick is a perfect prince who is keeping his own secrets. When you mix in a Christmas star, kidnapped girl, magic mirror, and a band of pirates you get a great action story along with your romance. This was a great fairytale remake where the princess is just as strong, brave, and determined as any prince could hope to be. I really enjoyed this story. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Tallahassee's Manual on Arcane Artifacts by Kevin A. Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kristen is continuing her work with the DRC but there always seems to be more to learn. In the meantime there are problems in Tallahassee that need the team to solve. Things seem to get out of hand but in the end Kristen’s skill set seems to save the day. There was lots of danger, death, and disarray to get to the bottom of this case. #CMCon27

View all my reviews XOXO, Vaughn by A.W. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We finally get to the mysterious Vaughn. He’s been at the edge of the group for a while. We’ve had time to speculate what he does for a living and why he’s the way he is. Lyric has his own back story that led to a different kind of connection with Vaughn that has feelings building up that could not be expressed. Both are caught off guard when they are suddenly in the same IRL space. Most of the story is building tension between them until finally it’s time. I love the sweetness of their relationship once they acknowledge the truth.

View all my reviews Slaying at the Saloon by Beth Dolgner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how this episode Olivia is settled into her life in Nightmare but a new murder puts the whole sanctuary on high alert. I like the way the story weaves us between different characters as Olivia looks for motives and leads. I also enjoyed seeing more of Damien and what deeper mysteries await. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Cups of You by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amber has to come help her aunt but she also needs time to reassess some things about her life. She stops for coffee and something about owner Benjamin catches her attention. I like watching Amber work through her thoughts and feelings. I also appreciate how Benjamin knew when to move forward and when to step back.. This is a great small town romance. #CMCon27

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