June 8-15, 2025

 Another batch of Coastal Magic Reading Challenge books.  #CMCon26

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 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 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 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

View all my reviews

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

View all my reviews

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

View all my reviews

May 12 - 21, 2025

 

How to Catch a Bookworm by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ben and Tristan meet up and have a good time but that seemed to be it. But with the help of meddling friends they reconnect. This is a short story with a very sweet ending.

 

View all my reviews Sugar Bunny by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The causal start to the relationship makes what builds between them even sweeter. I also like how Colton and Ford support Oscar with his mom. I’m glad we get to see how things work out for Oscar and I loved the bonus chapter.

 

View all my reviewsCrash-Landed in Love by Piper Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story. I was really impressed with the great mix of humor and deep feelings. It was interesting to have both Al and Jude dealing with the same feelings with their families and lives despite all the things that set them apart for each other. I also love Jude’s friends and their different reactions as the find and what’s happening. I love the way things worked but for both of them. I can’t wait for the next book.

View all my reviewsGot Me Talking by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor Jeremy is filling really down on himself. He got talked into a specific hook up and that seems to be a great idea. Right up until Monty walks in the bakery. It takes a while to get past it. I love the epilogue which gives you full view of their future.

 

View all my reviews Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great haunted tale. I like how all the regular town folk just take it all in stride. It was also a bit of trusting yourself as well. Loved the mystery of what was happening with the house.

 

View all my reviews Taken by Storm by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun to watch Storm and Hennesy sort of fall into each other. The fake boyfriend troupe is always so much fun to watch. Glad everything got sorted out for them.

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

Indy and Tate seem to not only seem unlikely pair. But neither is really in the market for more at the time. But there is a connection almost immediately. Of course there is all manner of obstacle for these two men. But Tom is there to help out. I also love Indy’s special gifts from his family.

 

View all my reviews Off Key by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story starts out a little bitter sweet as we can see that there have been feelings on both sides for years. But there are layers of well meaning lies that have really created so much hurt. I like the use of a “kidnap” van was the vehicle to begin healing.

View all my reviews

Drake and the Dragon - Victoria Sue - 4.0 

Drake’s whole life has been a shadow and filled with misery. But Keegan is ready to help him find the truth. I liked how even a small kindness from Keegan starts make Drake’s life better.

Reviews - May 2 - 11, 2025

 

Painted Love by Layla Dorine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cas Knows what he wants and is trying the best he can to achieve it. But not everyone is kind and he’s very shy. Along come Garret and Mouse who draw Cas into their family. I love the way they all fit together. There is some danger from the outside but this just helps them bond even more. This is a sweet pet triad that lets you see the love and respect they have each other.

View all my reviews Duty & Devotion by Tere Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan and Matt both need to work through the individual issues while also moving forward in their relationship. It was also fun to see Griffin and Jim as well. It was nice to watch Evan work through his issues in big and small ways.

 

View all my reviews Cowboy Haven by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kilts dealing with the way his life will look without the rodeo. Heath has had his whole life turned upside down in every way possible. When Kolt rides to Heath’s rescue it give both men something different to focus on. I like how much Kolt lifted Heath up and encourage him. And I love the whole band of Kolt’s family. There is some drama from outside but the building relationship is the main focus of this book.

View all my reviews Working For The Summer by Nicole Dykes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short story of two men finding each other working together for the summer. Blake and Clayton are great people and a perfect couple. The story really ends with the beginning of their future.



View all my reviews Bookish Bits & Bites by Tawdra Kandle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great collection of short stories of some of Coastal Magic 2021 authors. I love the fun stories and the little peeks at the authors. The recipes are a fun addition.

View all my reviews

New Release - Cost of Redemption - Hayden Hall

 I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story could have been a victim loving his abuser but that isn’t the way this story plays out. There are many layers to both men. Both men have been asking in unhealthy ways as a means to cope with their own internal feelings. Elio is full of self-loathing and takes that out on others. But Jaxon is also chasing demons in the form of trying to outrun his brother’s bad choices. Both are broken in different ways. I like the epilogue that lets you see the healing in store for both of them. This is a very powerful story.

View all my reviews

April 13 - 29, 2025

 

Little Boy Mine by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the meet cute that starts the story. It was also funny that both get dragged there by their best friends. Their relationship builds gradually but it seems to work well for these two characters.

 

View all my reviews Step Daddy by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Step Daddy - Kit and Gareth - 5-37 - Kit is in trouble and seeks out his step brother. Gareth is a daddy and falls into that roll for Kit. They quickly develop into more. I love how Gareth is there to guide but still encourages Kit to make choices.

 

View all my reviews Diva Pop by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Diva Pop - Jett, Silas - 5-01 - What’s a diva to do. His band is a hot mess and now they have a new manager. Silas sees through Jet’s defenses. It takes work to over come the obstacles they face.

View all my reviews Pretty Puppy by Morticia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pretty Puppy - Lee, Ash - 4-17 - This is a wonderful second chance story. Ash was an impulsive kid who walked away from Lee. Years later both men have never gotten over each other. I like once the truth came out the work starts for a fresh start.

 

View all my reviews Charm Me by Beck Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ducan is the guy who doesn’t think he can have more. Bill is strong enough to go for what he wants. This is a quick story of two men deciding to try.

View all my reviews A Few Good Fish by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to see the growing relationship between Jackson and Ellery. They are both learning more about what each one has to offer. I love their interactions with Sonny and his crew. There is much action and danger of course to keep you on the edge of your seat.

View all my reviews Encouraging Little Everly by Meredith O'Reilly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute story of finding the right one for you. Everly has things that she must work through. Andrew and the rest of the Ranch family are there to give her the love and support she need to move on.

 
View all my reviews XOXO, Aster: A M/M Age Gap, Age Play Short Story by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute way to meet up. Both men have had to risk a bit to become part of the program. I love the way Aster and Charlie just mesh so well together.

 

View all my reviewsWanted: Tender Daddy by Sammi Cee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Archie and Hutch’s meet isn’t cute but it does give them a peek at each other. Archie’s whole family seem to be treating him like he can’t take care of himself. I loved how even though he is a great daddy he still understands that Archie should be seen as capable adult that he is.

 

View all my reviewsIn Wulf's Clothing by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story opens with a very dramatic scene that sets the stage for the rest of the story. Trey aka Wulf is such a strong man who has built a wonderful life. But coming home is stirring up a lot of things from the past. Corey also has some tough choices to make. Loved all the the interactions between the characters.

 

View all my reviewsShowstopper by Regina Kyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the humor that you find in this story from start to finish. Both men have great whit and fun personalities. This story is a little bit of everything from long lost relatives to sport scandals. This story was a wonderful listen after a really hard day.

View all my reviewsMoving Maverick by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was interesting to watch Maverick work his way through all the feelings. Rabbit Island brings forth. I loved the connection from these two men who were friends as kids and now meeting as men. Finding out the whole story was a bittersweet. But the love of the Marion family just keeps stretching.

View all my reviews

March 31 - April 12, 2025

 

The Cowboy Contract by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ryder is mad and decides to just hire a fake husband and be done. But his old friend Kase needs help and offers to help right back. I like how Kase decided he wanted all in from the very beginning. As a couple there isn’t much angst or a break-up/make-up. All the fun comes from deciding to open up to love not just with each other but to fill the whole house with love.

View all my reviews Best Served Cold by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was hard to put down. You are pulled into the world of Jackson and Annix from the beginning. Throughout the book you get glimpses of the past. There are several unexpected twists and turns. I love the powerful ending of this story.

 

View all my reviews Unforgettable by Marley Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reeve and Oz really fit even on a one night stand. The fake relationship gave the reader time to really learn more about both men. It was an interesting same but different scenario. There is of course some drama but I loved the ending of the story.

View all my reviews Born Daddy by Morticia Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In “Born Daddy” Rogan and Tate share the same connection of knowing a serial killer. Their relationship was different one being a long time friend and the other as a sub. Both are dealing with the issue of what did I miss. But they form a bond that quickly brings them together. They are trying to make a new life together. The is some drama with others of course that they must deal with.

View all my reviews His Middle by Morticia Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

n “His Middle” Noah is dealing with loss and trying to run a business he has had no training for.. Spencer rides to the rescue as he deals with his own feelings of losing his best friend. They both feel a pull that is not new to either of them. It was fun to see Spencer deal with his worries about Noah’s dad. And I like as Noah became more comfortable he really started to show his true self.

View all my reviews Painting Together a Family by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced love story. Dev and Bry are brought together over a shared misfortune. But they also feel an instant attraction. The kids are a fun addition to the story. Drama may be what starts the ball rolling but true feelings really develop.

 

View all my reviews Grounding Griffin by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun to see the way Sam and Griff meet at the bar. This misunderstanding is a good way to make a connection. As a reader we know there is the potential for one hiccup once the truth comes out so we are waiting for that. Of course the whole Marian Clan is ready to “help” out. I also loved the way everything works out in the end.

View all my reviews Perfect Ten by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how these characters are really very different from each other yet the have more in common than they realize. I also like the way their relationship grows even as both of them try to guard their hearts. It was wonderful to see Ten find a way to stay together yet still have their dreams. I also love the magic of love element as part of the island’s lore. The nicknames and the stories behind them also adds to the telling of the story.

View all my reviewsLove & Loyalty by Tere Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved Griffin’s character. He has so much trust and loyality to the people he cares about and doing the right thing. Jim is a hard nosed cop but things just seem to mesh with them. I really hated to see Griff deal with such betrayal. It was a long road to the finish but worth the journey.

 

View all my reviewsSnowed In: An MM Romance Charity Anthology by Kiki Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am reviewing as a collection not on each individual story. This was a great collection of holiday stories with the same troupe to bind them together. It is always fun to see a group of authors take the same theme and approach it from so many different ways. Of course there are plenty of other troupes thrown in for fun.

View all my reviews