Sunday, June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025 - ARC - Rules of Play Hayden Hall

 I have really enjoyed this series so far.  This is the 3rd book with at least one more planned.  

Rules of Play (The Saints of Westmont U #3)Rules of Play by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You start knowing that Shane has a crush on Patrick. But what I loved was seeing Patrick in a whole new way. While you could read this book as a stand alone it is better to read the whole series. Patrick has grown from a background character to a fully developed character. Shane too is allowed to grow as a character as he comes to a better understanding of himself. A lot of what develops really took me by surprise. While there is a less drama in this story it is still a great addition to the Westmont University family. Received an ARC for an honest review.

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Sunday, June 15, 2025

June 8-15, 2025

 Another batch of Coastal Magic Reading Challenge books.  #CMCon26



Southern Magic (Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries, #1)Southern Magic by Amy Boyles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pepper is in for a lot of surprises. Everything seems to be falling apart and suddenly there is a mysterous package and a cat. All of this sets Pepper in motion. I loved the way there are so many new surprises in her life. And of course a murder to solve. Witches and cozy mystery is a great combo. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews The Love ConThe Love Con by Seressia Glass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all the themes running through this story. There is a wit and humor that add to the story line. It was nail biting to know what each of them feeling but yet neither one was speaking up. And man Kenya’s parents are something else. Luckily Kenya has good friends. I loved seeing love and strength for the win. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Decoy Training (K-9s on Patrol #1)Decoy Training by Caridad Piñeiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shane is learning a new skill with Decoy as he rebuilds his life. But both Shane and Piper are also learning about letting going and finding connections. In the background is the lurking danger. But Shane and Decoy are ready for action. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Original Sinner (Original Sinners, #1)Original Sinner by Kait Ballenger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is full of darkness but it also explores the idea that evil isn’t always as it seems. Charlotte has escaped so much and where she lands seems to be a contradiction. This story is very original and not my usual pick so I was surprised about how much I liked the story. Despite the darkness there is an unexpected light. #CMCon25

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I have started a book journal as of June 1st.   Here are a couple of the pages of completed so far.  




Sunday, June 8, 2025

June 1 - 8, 2025

 Getting a start on the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  I'm so excited for the list of author for this year.  Click List to see all the featured authors.  Click here to find out more about the reading challenge and attending the convention.  #CMCon26




String BoysString Boys by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how to review this book without giving any spoilers. This story spans years of the MC’s lives from childhood to adulthood. There is so much pain and suffering but there is also so much love that makes it bearable. Guilt and fear can be such a powerful thing. Family can be made but there is also the bond of blood that can’t always be dismissed. This is a powerful story and the ending makes all the dark paths worth the journey. #CMCon26

View all my reviews In Safe Hands (Heroes and Babies, #1)In Safe Hands by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deacan has had so many set backs in his life. He feels he’s in danger and maybe like he doesn’t deserve better. Mav has hit rock bottom and this job is his second chance. The road to the truth leads through a lot. This book is full of drama and danger. Great pacing between the action and the relationship building. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Pretty Pretty Boys (Hazard and Somerset, #1)Pretty Pretty Boys by Gregory Ashe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hazard has a lot about his past that is unresolved. So he comes home with an agenda. Things go sideways from the moment he’s assigned his partner. Somerset is a blast from that past. And now there is a murder to solve. It was interesting to watch both men deal with their past and present as they do their jobs. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Single Malt (Agents Irish and Whiskey #1)Single Malt by Layla Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am finally starting this series after several recommendations. I love the suspense and the push and pull between the main characters. I like that the immediate problem is solved but you see the emerging layers buried deep. I am looking forward to more in this series. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Friend Zone (Friend Zone, #1)Friend Zone by Nicole Blanchard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The causal way things started seemed to fit their long time friendship. I got a bit frustrated with both of them because they both should understand that it was a time of transition for both of them. They needed to communicate a bit more. I do like the wrap up at the end of the story to give you a clear idea of how things worked out. #CMCon26

View all my reviews To Buy a VowTo Buy a Vow by Chencia C. Higgins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great example of an. own voice story. I like how Nedra is giving some bad news. She works through her emotions and understands what she wants going forward. Jermaine sees her and is immediately drawn to Nedra. It takes her a bit to understand how she felt about it. I love the sweet ending of the story. #CMCon26

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

May 21 - 31, 2025

 Well here is the last of my pre Coastal Magic Reading Challenge reviews.  I'm so excited to get started on the challenge on June 1, 2025.  If you want to join the fun click Reading Challenge.  Watch this space for all the review fun.  

So here are the last of May's reviews.  


Display Me (Bears-4-U)Display Me by Kota Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jamie and Kingston have had this on going love/hate relationship. I love the way their feelings got tangled between IRL and on the app. The resolution was very satisfying.


 

View all my reviews Dragon's Stand (Irresistible Dragons #5)Dragon's Stand by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is great to see all there of these men begin to build their lives together on their own terms. Fallon is so much more than what is seen on the surface. And in the background all the mysteries continue to unravel.

 

View all my reviews How to Catch the Boss  (Chester Falls #4.5)How to Catch the Boss by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These two have had feeling for a long time. Poor Ryan has been afraid to even thing about Luca. This was a fun Christmas romance between some long term friends.


 

View all my reviews Alone in a Hotel Room (The Lactin Brotherhood #1)Alone in a Hotel Room by Alex Blaine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Timmy is out of his comfort zone. Jax is exploring other way to express himself. They are brought together at the perfect tense for both of them.


 

View all my reviews The Silent Mountain Man (Movin' to the Mountains #1)The Silent Mountain Man by Casey Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a dramatic life or death situation. I like the way they are drawn to each other in the here and now. It is so sad that parental choices can leave such changes in other future.



View all my reviews Delivering Dante (Made Marian, #6)Delivering Dante by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dante’s story was very moving. It was interesting to see AJ’s struggle with coming clean with Dante. And wow the way this story wraps up is amazing. Such a great show of growth, bravery, and justice.

 

View all my reviews Hanging With Daddy (Pride Pet Play)Hanging With Daddy by J.P. Sayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gaines and Austin have a meet up when both of them are working. It seems like a great coincidence doesn’t it. But they both have great friends. I appreciate there are no 3rd act break up. Both of these men expressed their concerns and work to find solutions that worked.
 

View all my reviews Undone (Vino & Veritas #18)Undone by Leslie McAdam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murph decides he will be flirty with his new landlord/roommate. Jason keeps complaining about the men Murph is seeing. They both have a lot to discover about each other. It was fun to watch thing develop.

View all my reviewsPoor Parrish was burned so badly. But a random encounter at the courthouse brings him back into another situation. But Parrish’s decision to help morph into so much more. With pressure form all sides the race is on to a happy ending. Of Paper and WoodOf Paper and Wood by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story really has webs of layers and connections between all of the characters. Park makes a decision in desperation which leads to another. Troy is facing a life he doesn’t want. they come together for a time. In the background though things are set in motion which will change the lives of not just themselves but of all those those around them.

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