November 26 - December 2, 2025

 Wow another month.  There is so much going on.  I have a batch of more Coastal Magic Reading Challenge Books. Just look for the reviews with #CMCon26 to know which books are from the Coastal Magic Writers.   I also have had a chance to read some other the other books on my very tall To Be Read pile.  

A Kiss Before Christmas by A.E. Ryecart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rory is looking for some shelter from the storm. Jack is surprised when he finds out the pile of rubbish is alive. Stepping in to help out Jack gives Rory some time to recover begins to turn in so much more. A sweet story of finding love in unexpected places.


View all my reviews Asher's Answer by Anna Sparrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Asher is trying so hard to keep everything together but it is unraveling fast. Josh is the officer on duty and sees that Asher needs some special care. Josh enlists his brother Charlie. Charlie is able to provide so much for Asher. But Asher is also giving back. And when Charlie is hurt you see the whole family coming together and making things work. A great example of how no mater the dynamic you really just need to be there for each other.

View all my reviews Roommate by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kieran is a very private person with a whole lot of secrets. Roderick is drawn to Kieran but personally doesn’t want to deal with being someone’s secret. But a dramatic moment reveals so many things that there is a lot to sort and figure out.

 

View all my reviews Rescuing the Writer by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melburn’s life is going up in flames literally. Waylon is there and offers him a safe place to work while the RV gets fixed. It was fun to see them both take those first fun steps to a relationship.

 

View all my reviews The (Maybe) Murderer Who Knocked Me Up by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quin knows what he wants and goes for it. But choices have consequences. Life takes a terrible twist for both Slade and Quin in different ways. I like the fact that there was still a ghost of a connection. The ending is so beautiful and special. I’m really looking forward to more in this new series.


View all my reviews Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Felix who seems so calm compared to the rest of the Wildes. He has a love for beautiful glass. I loved his excitement at just being there. Running into Leo was a bonus. Leo has to come to terms with what is best for his country and himself. Meddling little sisters always add an element of fun. I also like the background love story surrounding the glass itself.

View all my reviews How to Catch a Biker by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love this Chester Falls episode. Slade has so much in his past and I like how his story slowly unfolds. Aiden has come to reset his life. As they get to know each other their past collides with their present. I like seeing how each man was there for the other as they dealt with what life is handing them.

 

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas 3: Felix by Victoria Sue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clayton’s life is falling apart and there is no one to care. Felix is drawn but doesn’t do relationships. But Felix is drawn to Clayton. As their relationship develops both men hav to examine what they really want and need. Some dramatic moments had me grabbing for tissues but the ending is beautiful. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Facing West by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nico left everything because he thought it was for the best. Weston is one of the golden one. Weston is a doctor and part of the huge and loving Wilde family. Death bring them together. My heart was breaking for Nico who was so misunderstood by everyone. It was also fun to get a little peek at the Marian family. I loved seeing both men explore their feelings. It took time to get things right. The story doesn’t rush their HEA.

View all my reviewsThe Christmas Rescue by V.L. Locey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful holiday story. Decker wants his dad’s approval and really thinks Acosta signing a contract will fix things for both of them. But time together turns things in a different direction as Acosta and his family become a part of Decker’s life. And you start to wonder who is rescuing who.

 

View all my reviews The Curious Mountain Man by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how both men were honest with each other. They each had something that made them feel like they were lacking in some way. I like how they compliment each other and support each other. I really loved the ending scene with Branum at the library with PJ. While fast paced because of the length of the book it was such a fun little love story.

View all my reviews Rayne Check: A Love in Mission City Short Story by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had already read Rayne’s Return but it was still a lot of fun to see how things began between them. It feels like they were destine to be together.

 

View all my reviews Slow Heat by Leta Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vale has been living his life unbonded. Jason was a typical college freshman. But discovering their bond upends both of their worlds. There is hurt and conflict along the way. I love how much Jason rises to each challenge. In an eerie reflection of current events we see the the effect of dangerous secrets people must keep because of political decisions. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Carol: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Darin Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always loved finding new adaptations of a Christmas Carol. This one will be among my favorites. I love the development of Carol as the center piece of the story. We see what things both real and her perception of events that shaped her. There are some very unique elements with the central figure being a teen. But the best parts of the beloved story are here, too. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Dessert is the Bomb by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great mystery. It was interesting to see all the twists and turns. There was so many dramatic moments. Sally’s family is a hoot and sometimes part of the problem. I love when I get surprised by a cozy mystery. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Scared Witchless by Amy Boyles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dylan and her sisters get some great publicity for their shops but that sets some not great things into motion. Their lives are turned upside down and they need to track a killer before they can kill again. I love the humor sprinkled into the story. I also love the way everything works out. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Pen Name - Doctor Chicken by K.C. Burn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet story. Both men have a lot going on in their lives. Vinni has been busy taking care of his family and guarding his heart. Stratford has been taking care of himself for a while. There is some conflict when Vinni tries to hard to help. I love the fact that despite problems they were able to work things out. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Charlie and the Panther by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Matteo has been through so much. He is strong and talented but he doesn’t see any of that. Charlie is drawn to the man but understands so he knows to move slowly. There is so much drama that moves them along. I love the sweet way things work out. I also loved the revisit with some of the other Land and Sea couples. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsEverett and the Wolf by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved Everett and Merritt’s story. Their trip was a very special experience I like how Everett admits he made a mistake about the plans for the trip. I also like the fact that Merritt was able to see that Everett did mean it for the best. The rescue scene is so beautiful and that is all I will say because I don’t want to spoil anything. I also like the peek at Dominic and can’t wait for his story. #CMCon26

View all my reviews A Snowbound Christmas Cowboy by Sasha Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My heart really goes out to Sterling he has faced so much in his life. He wants to make things right. Cassie also needs to understand her feelings in a grown up way. They talked about what was most important. I like the fact that both of them are action people. They are better at showing then telling. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Once Upon a Christmas Song by Mary Calmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chris has been caring for his bar and all the people that work there. He has also been trying to move beyond lost love. Dawson recognizes that he lost what matters the most in his pursuit of fame. But he has returned for a 2nd chance. I like that the story is really what can happen in one day. You see the hope to for all but especially Dawson and Chris despite work that still needs to be done. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think this was a fun book where one girls stayed and the other moved away. Grace’s return stirs up old feelings for Ava and their terrible boss just make things worse. They are making some progress. But Grace’s parents come to town and they are also horrible. I like that they are able to talk things out for themselves. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Vinni’s character. She is hard working and successful. Jessica seemed shallow for a lot of the book but points for being honest about what she expected. I like how Vinni stood up for herself with her sisters and Jessica. I also like how it ended with both women realizing things about themselves. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews My Orc [Fake] Boyfriend by Veronika Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always think fake dating as a troupe is so much fun especially when both people already have feelings. They both are great sticking up for each other. I like how Cairo helps Meli see her own worth. I also like learning more about Cairo and the other Orcs' back story. I always enjoy a visit to the island. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews You Fell First by R.L. Merrill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is the beginning of a sweet romance. Their meet up was pretty rough between crashing cars and falling trees. There is an attraction but Calvin is maintaining his sobriety and gets triggered. But once he is honest with Flor things can begin moving forward. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride by Rose Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wilhelmina has been put in a bad circumstanced through no fault of her own. But she takes control of her life and decides to head west as a mail order bride. Marcus is a bit rough around the edges but he is a good man. They have to learn how to be a couple but they do work on things together. I also like how much Wilhelmina was willing to work to learn about what she needed to do to be a homestead wife. This was a sweet winter romance. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Immortal Delirium: The Immortal Series, Book 2 by Carolyn Cross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are so many twists and turns in this story. There are also so many characters to keep track of. I needed to makes notes to keep up. With many of the characters including Tristan there seemed to be so many secret agendas and double crossing. Kate is a strong and determined woman who wants her brother back and is willing to go to any length to get him back. Ethan is man who has been changed in many ways that I don’t think he even understands himself. While this story is well written the level of violence was a bit much for me. Also the ending again levels you on the edge of a dark cliff. But if this type of fantasy is your jam you will really love this book. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Christmas at the Inn on Cloud Hill by Tina DeSalvo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For a short romance story there is a lot going on. Daniel and Aurora have a past only one of them seems to remember. There are some painful memories that are brought to light. All this creates problems for the couple. But a visitor to town holds the key to unlock the past so they can move forward. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsA Witch For Mr. Holiday by Deanna Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great holiday romance. Rex and Holly are hitting it off but there is an end date to their romance. It was bittersweet when Holly was seeing her vision and expecting the worse. It was so great when they communicate and both share everything. The ending was such a surprise and now I can’t wait for the next book in the series. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsA Yule to Remember: Haven Harbor 3 by Jeanne Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a small town Christmas romance with a twist. The town is full of magick and traditions to keep it safe. There is also an arsonist on the loose. In the midst of all this Reyn and Annie are drawn together. There is action and drama as well as a sweet romance. #CMCon26

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