August 16 - September 3, 2025

 Once again all of my reviews are for the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge.  Discovering lots of new to me authors.  Also discovering I kind of like Paranormal Cozy Mysteries.  If you want to discover new authors or attend a great convention with lots of interaction with authors and readers click HERE.  #CMCon26 

After the Happily Ever After Vol. 1: Paranormal Romance & Fantasy Short Story Collection by Lisa Kessler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great collection of short stories based on books in Lisa Kessler’s worlds. It was great to have a revisit from characters I remember. But I even enjoyed the stories from books I haven’t read yet because it gave me a taste of what those series are about as well. #CMCon26


View all my reviews Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first time Donavan and Jada is adorable with her complaints. Their second meet up was quite the surprise for both of them. I like the development of their relationship throughout the story. I also like seeing how much Donavan loved and accepted her just as she was. Really loved the way things play out for both of them. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Bernadette and her strength to push through. It illustrates that working together for a cause can also strengthen individual changes. Romance is not at the center of this story but I do like the addition of Graham to Bernadette's life and to the overall story to highlight all men weren’t/aren’t the same. Since I was born in the early 60’s to a mother who had been a secretary I understood many of the era references. And Frank well he’s such a great character and I loved his chapters. #CMCon26

View all my reviews My Orc Next Door by Veronika Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love Karnak. He has had so much control to stay away from Jess because it felt it was best for her. I also like how we get to see his artistic side. Jess is a woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to put in the work. I also like how the town’s people not only accept but show support. And Mrs. McGhee is a hoot. #CMCon26

View all my reviews I Think We're Alone Now by Dahlia Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great happy read. Dr. Ray comes because he is forced to. But Westerly has other ideas. The ideas that the town is making people fall in love is a great plot line especially when neither person believes in it. Add in Fayth’s family and the humor level increases. I can’t wait to find out what couple will be next. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Letters to Half Moon Street by Sarah Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the unique way this story was told through a series of letters. I also like the little dash of magic that made this an accepting historical romance. All of the characters were well described and it was easy to picture each of them. I really enjoyed this book. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsCast Off by K.C. Burn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian and Rick are both players for different reasons. Ian is finally being honest with his family that changes his ideas about relationships but Rick still has reservation. There is a lot of back and forth as both men learn more about each other. Outside drama also causes complications. These are two strong men who have a lot of things that they need to learn to work through. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Jonah and the Narwhal by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved how without much contact Jonah and Edwin had been bonding. I also like that for most of the story both men are working on building up their relationship since they got together so quickly. Also there is no break up - make up. Both men face all of the challenges head on. They are also willing to stand up for themselves and each other. I also like how they were building their family with the friendship they come to the relationship with. This book has been sitting on my shelf for a while and I’m so glad I finally got it read. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Better Than Gelato by Libby Tanner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had mixed feelings about this story which probably had a lot to due with being so much older than the main character and never having had any kind of similar situation. This story is well written and the background of Italy as well as the characters are really well described. I felt like we really got to know Juliet and all her new friends. There are some moments of tears which is well written if bittersweet. I did wonder how a nanny got so much time off though. The ending gave you a peek what some of them were up to a few years later. There was also a big surprise but I think I would have like one more chapter that brought people together for something like a 10 year reunion. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsRunning Scared by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful addition to the worlds of Amy Lane. And is often the case we have a little meet up with friends from the Search and Rescue series. Bailey is an ER doctor that is trying to get through each day after COVID. Suddenly one of the Royal’s shows up in the ER and it really stirs up his life. Dean has a knack for trying to keep his family safe and getting himself and his partner Marcus into and out of situations. And when all of these worlds collide it takes a family the size of a village to unravel the whole thing. I really love this 2nd book in the series. I can’t wait to find out whose next on the matchmaker’s list. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Homicide at the Haunted House by Beth Dolgner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have decided I am really becoming a fan of cozy paranormal mysteries and this one only reenforces that. Poor Olivia has hit a rough patch in her life. Then her car breaks down in a town called Nightmare. Even though Olivia plans to leave she starts to settle in and make friends. Of course there is a murder to solve but there is lots of fun along the way to the answer. #CMCon26

View all my reviews