Tuesday, November 25, 2025

November 4 - 25, 2025

 A few more reviews for before this month draws to a close.  


A Home for BarneyA Home for Barney by Elouise East
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet love story. While both men have been hurt in the past this story focuses on them as a couple. Liam needs help to control his puppy. Troy has been watching and as soon as he gets a chance things take off. Great book of finding your perfect match.

View all my reviews Too Close to Risk (Loving #8)Too Close to Risk by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As both couples are secure in their relationships so there is room to grow more. All four men are exploring ways to make their built family stronger. Also you see their support system continues to expand and grow. It is also fun to watch what Kevin will come up with next.

View all my reviews Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3)Sleigh Bells and Second Chances by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both Ryan and Simeon have difficulties that feel get in the way of their futures. I really love the gentle way Simeon is there for Ryan even before they really knew each other. And while Simeon gives so much to Ryan; Ryan in his own way gives back. Simeon’s grandparents and the dog are also great side characters to the story.

View all my reviews Rayne's Return (Love in Mission City #4)Rayne's Return by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story caught me from the beginning and drew me in. I like how even as a reader we aren’t given all the information about Rayne until the end. It was also great to see the kind of man Everett is with his friends and his job. And Champ is a wonderful addition to the story.

View all my reviews Daddy's Little Wolf (Darkwood Daddies)Daddy's Little Wolf by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great story with lots of sweet love. There is also an element of danger that needs to be overcome. Davenport has found the perfect place to start a new life. And Master Clark is a very lucky man.

 

View all my reviews Marrying Maxim: A Matchmaker Romance (The Billionaire Experience Book 9)Marrying Maxim: A Matchmaker Romance by Tmonique Stephens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maxim and Giselle both have their issues from the past. You add in relatives who aren’t as helpful as they think and it gets really messy. Max needed to do a bit less lying even for a “good” reason. And Giselle needed to just communicate. They do work things out in the end but I was wondering if they would for a while. #CMCon26

View all my reviews A Little Christmas! Cole's SecretA Little Christmas! Cole's Secret by Sue Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cole’s dad excels him because he doesn’t like his lifestyle. He arrives at his Uncle’s house with no idea of what will be happening. But it soon becomes clear that there are all manner of secrets. Wyatt is a friend of Cole’s uncle and becomes a major part of all that’s revealed. I really loved the strength of all the characters at the end of the story.

View all my reviews Pick Us, DaddyPick Us, Daddy by T.L. Travis


Jonovan is a nice guy and is looking for something more. He sees something that catches his eye. Riya and Stefan have been watching out for themselves but they also need something more. I like that they were ready for each other at the same time. There is some drama with a past encounter that creates risks especially for Riya. I do love the way everything works out for them. And Jonovan has the best family ever.

View all my reviews Big DifferenceBig Difference by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet low angst love story. After a misunderstanding Aston and Seth ending up in a working relationship. This works out well for them.

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Monday, November 3, 2025

October 21 - November 3, 2025

 Here are the great books I read for Coastal Magic for my November points.  



Phantom Light: A Phantoms NovellaPhantom Light: A Phantoms Novella by Jessica Hawke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story opens on an accident scene. We are drawn into Valerie’s story as she comes to terms with her reality. It also deals with the choices we make and their consequences. This story is laying out the ground work for the rest of the series. The end of the book gives you a peak at what comes next where will see more of Valerie’s sister Bridget. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The City Beneath (Night Blood, #1)The City Beneath by Melody Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story introduces you to the underground world of vampires. There is a power grab within the coven. Cassidy is a reporter who gets caught up in the trouble. She has had to deal with Dominic the Vampire Master and Ian a vampire hunter. It felt like all of the main characters seemed to be using each other. This book does a great job of world building and setting you up for the rest of the series. But I will admit that I personally had a hard time with the is story which reflects my rating. I just didn’t do so well with the blood and gore. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews The Shoe Diaries (The Friendship Chronicles #1)The Shoe Diaries by Darby Baham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is much more the story of a woman’s journey than the romance story I was expecting. It really highlights the strengths and power of women’s friendships. I really enjoyed Reagan’s story and seeing her face difficult challenges. Be warned there are also moments in this book that will bring tears to your eyes. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Dark Hope (The Devil's Assistant, #1)Dark Hope by H.D. Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of dark stories with lots of layers this is the book for you. There is great world building and a whole host of paranormal characters that are all integral to the plot. Be warned the ending is really a cliff hanger. I had trouble with the way everyone is using Claire and finding was to make her life more miserable. There is a lot of nonconsensual touching which drives the storyline. It all got to be a bit much for my taste. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The Dream Heist (Dreamscape, #1)The Dream Heist by Christina Farley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The plot line of this story keeps you guessing as to what would happen next. While Aria is the center of the story there is a full cast of characters that create depth to this story. I like that the main plot of this story gets resolved. This story is a fast paced story through the world and dreams. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Cartel Cobra: (Esteban) (The Cartel Brotherhood Book 0.5; Morally Gray Kingpins)Cartel Cobra: (Esteban) by Sabine Barclay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Luciana lives a life surrounded by danger. She is being forced into a marriage that is good for the family. Esteban brings a new layer to her life. When things go down she has to rely on her instincts to know who to trust. I like the epilogue that gives a glimpse of the future. There is also a bonus scene link you can download. It takes place between the last chapter and the epilogue. It has answers and sexy times. Great addition to the story. #CMCon26

View all my reviews If I Love You (All About You, #1)If I Love You by Tmonique Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kensley has had a hard time of it after her public break up and losing her brother. She has plans but Noah appearance throws everything off. There are lots of action scenes built into the story. And the path to this a HEA is definitely bumpy. #CMCon26

 

When They Call: A Cassadaga Warriors Short StoryWhen They Call: A Cassadaga Warriors Short Story by L.E. Perez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sam survived a near death experience. Despite her miraculous recovery she has other issues to deal with. She comes searching for answers. Gabe becomes a new friend. I like the dramatic scene and the budding relationship between Gabe and Sam. This story is short but it has a great plot line. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Renovation Of Love (Love On Madison Island Book 1)Renovation Of Love by Meka James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I like this story with mature characters. Since this is a second chance romance there is baggage or old wounds that need to be addressed. But for the most part they communicated like adults and work on their issues. I felt bad for Marcel who felt abandon. But also liked the mature way they came to deal with the past and how things played out. Great characters. I look forward to the next book in the series. #CMCon26

View all my reviews View all my reviews The First Rule of Hook-Ups (Breakup Bash #1)The First Rule of Hook-Ups by Nina Crespo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexa is on the edge of a new life and having a good time. But things don’t work out as planned. She is working on reorganizing her life. Rafe has worked hard to make a good life for himself. Their worlds cross and it changes everything for both of them. I love the way things develop. The ending is sweet. #CMCon26

Trick or Treat Temptation (Williamsville Inn #6)Trick or Treat Temptation by Hank Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love being back at the Williamsburg Inn and just in time for my favorite holiday. Ivan gets included with his BFF’s family reunion. I like how both him and Sky were feeling drawn to each other. Family can make you crazy but getting together can be worth it. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Dominic and the Dolphin (Land and Sea #3)Dominic and the Dolphin by Vinni George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great example that there is a thin line between hate and love. Dante is a successful and busy omega. Dominic has formed a negative view of Dante. We get to see them as both men start to reevaluate what they think of each other. I loved the nesting story it was hilarious. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviews Silent Partner (Fox Hollow Zodiac #3)Silent Partner by Morgan Brice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Branden is sure he will be alone until he notices a beautiful scent. I like how both he and Riley were careful in trying not to push to know more. I appreciate the humor of Riley seeing people as their animal as he was trying to decide if shifters were real or not. There is drama but mostly unlikely pair finding each other. #CMCon26
 

View all my reviewsThis Wedding is Doomed!This Wedding is Doomed! by Stephanie Draven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love this collection of stories that take place on one day at the same wedding from many different view points.

The Wedding Planner: Flirting with Disaster - Amanda Berry - features Seth and Julie - I loved they way Seth slowly helps Julie have a fun time. There is a lot of humor as they countdown to the wedding approaches. I also like the way it all turns out.

The Maid of Honor: Love in Lockdown - Shawntelle Madison - features Renata and Max. Long time friends but Max has feelings. Renata doesn’t want a relationship. But there they are trapped with nothing but time and booze. This could be the start of something beautiful. #CMCon26

The Other Woman: Sex, Lies, and Karmic Catastrophe - Stephanie Draven - features Blake and Penny. Blake is having a hard time caught between an ex-girlfriend as his best friend who expects him to keep secrets. He had changed so much but Penny helps him find his was back to something better.

The Bride: Love on the Run - Jeannie Lin - features Tess and Andy. When a bride wants to steal your truck you just go with the flow. Andy is there to talk things out. But timing is everything.

We get to see a really busy day so we can only speculate what is to come for all these couples

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