July 23 - August 15, 2025

 Working really hard to work my way through the Coastal Magic Author List.  I read at least one book from each author last year.  Will I make it this year.  This entry will bring me just under half way through.  

You're Dead to Me by Amy Christine Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not really a horror fan so I wasn’t sure about this book but I needed to read this author for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge. I was surprised by how much I was drawn into this story. While Ruby is central to the story her friends are an important part of the story. The story takes so many twists and turns. The Mystery isn’t over until the very end. If you like YA Horror I’m sure you will love this book. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think the overall theme for Road Trip Rivalry is about taking a chance. Both Poorvi and Kavan have pushed themselves out of their work ruts and putting up with the push of others. I love the forced proximity that brings them together especially with Ba there to push them along. As they both take charge of their lives it seems love is lost but you can’t rule out the work of a sneaky Ba. The epilogue made the story even sweeter. Included in the audio was Detour to the Gingerbread Inn which looks at second chances and how what we are feeling inside can effect how we see the world around us. There is a lot of depth to this short story. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a heart warming story. Much of the book focuses on two strong women. There is Mauve the older widow who gives advice and Amanda the young widow. There is also Paul who is a veteran. These three strands tie together as the ideas of living, love, and moving on are explored. Amanda has children which is another layer that helps move the story along. A great story that looks at all the ways we can love and how we show that to others. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Bitten By Deceit by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma is in trouble and needs the help of Kyle. Kyle was feeling betrayed by her. The danger they face is real and it will take them both to solve the issue. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Bitten by Treachery by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charly is being sent to again move against the town of Hadley. We see her struggling with understanding what she should do. Trenton get’s pulled into the drama. But there was more at foot then either of them realize. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Bitten by Vengeance by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this final Hadley story so many more layers are added to the story. We now have the werewolves, witches, and demons. There is even more drama in this story. The race to saving everyone kept me on the edge of my seat. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Rogue Community College by David R. Slayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful story full of choices and sacrifice. Vran understands more than he reveals and we must move through the story along with the characters to see where his journey goes. Isaac is sure of his path until he’s not. Choices and more choices. And sometimes you are surprised by who is doing the choosing. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsA Billion Christmas Wishes: Christmas Cove Book 1 by Ellie Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes it's fun to enjoy a Christmas story in the heat of summer. I love the little Florida town. Amelia is strong and determined. She does have great marketing ideas. Nick is conflicted pretty much throughout the story trying to balance new feelings with strong business minded ideas. This was a sweet read with a great ending. #CMCon26

View all my reviews New Dragon City by Mari Mancusi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an engaging YA apocalyptic story. Not my usual go to but I was drawn into the story from the beginning to the very end. There the message who is the monster and how getting to know about something can counteract fear. There is lots of action and twists with surprises. If you want to see New York City in a whole new way you will enjoy this story. #CMCom26

View all my reviewsOzmosis by Dakota Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This young adult story is much fun. Once again we are in Wonderland with Hatter and Henry. But from there the story takes a new twist when the pair embark on a whole new adventure. It’s fun to visit a book setting you know but are seeing it in a completely different way. This story was so much fun. #CmCon26

 

View all my reviewsThe Mussorgsky Riddle by Darin Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anthony appears to be locked in his own mind and Mira hopes to have the key. What follows is a strange and dangerous journey through his mind. It also becomes apparent what the trigger point might be. There are mysteries of the mind and an actual mystery to be solved. This story seems to examine how we effect each other. What role does music play in our psyche? And can we die in our dreams. This story is intense and will leave you on the edge of your seat. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Must Love Moss and Moonshine: A Cozy Fantasy Romance by Maisy Magill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Both Tansy and Kellen had been content with their lives. But at the same time they feel a pull for something more or different. Fate or naughty Brownies bring them together in an unique way. Now they must unravel the past to find a future. I love the light whimsical feel of this story. It is a great relaxing read. #CMCon26

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