June 9 - 14, 2026

 Well we are finally in the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge Season.  I can't wait for another great few months of reading a variety of new books.  As always there are some new to me authors, some old favorites, and some that I wouldn't ordinarily read but I'll give them a try.   The convention will be held in Daytona Beach in February 2027.  If you would like to join me for the convention or give the reading challenge a try check out click this link to check out Coastal Magic Convention.  Watch for the #CMCon27 in my reviews for books that are part of the reading challenge.  

And now for the reviews:

Once Upon a Midnight Clear: A Cinderella Retelling by Michelle Miles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This twist to the Cinderella story has a bit of Christmas magic and some fairytale mash-ups. Ella meets her fairy godmother but there is more to her under the surface. Nick is a perfect prince who is keeping his own secrets. When you mix in a Christmas star, kidnapped girl, magic mirror, and a band of pirates you get a great action story along with your romance. This was a great fairytale remake where the princess is just as strong, brave, and determined as any prince could hope to be. I really enjoyed this story. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Tallahassee's Manual on Arcane Artifacts by Kevin A. Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kristen is continuing her work with the DRC but there always seems to be more to learn. In the meantime there are problems in Tallahassee that need the team to solve. Things seem to get out of hand but in the end Kristen’s skill set seems to save the day. There was lots of danger, death, and disarray to get to the bottom of this case. #CMCon27

View all my reviews XOXO, Vaughn by A.W. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We finally get to the mysterious Vaughn. He’s been at the edge of the group for a while. We’ve had time to speculate what he does for a living and why he’s the way he is. Lyric has his own back story that led to a different kind of connection with Vaughn that has feelings building up that could not be expressed. Both are caught off guard when they are suddenly in the same IRL space. Most of the story is building tension between them until finally it’s time. I love the sweetness of their relationship once they acknowledge the truth.

View all my reviews Slaying at the Saloon by Beth Dolgner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how this episode Olivia is settled into her life in Nightmare but a new murder puts the whole sanctuary on high alert. I like the way the story weaves us between different characters as Olivia looks for motives and leads. I also enjoyed seeing more of Damien and what deeper mysteries await. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Cups of You by Karmen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amber has to come help her aunt but she also needs time to reassess some things about her life. She stops for coffee and something about owner Benjamin catches her attention. I like watching Amber work through her thoughts and feelings. I also appreciate how Benjamin knew when to move forward and when to step back.. This is a great small town romance. #CMCon27

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May 12 - June 8, 2026

 Yes that's a whole lot of time between posts.  But May was crazy busy.  Hoping to stay caught up from here on out as we are starting the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge as of June 1st.  More details in my next set of reviews.  

Feline the Love by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really adorable plot twist where the shifter is just a house cat. I also like that while the main focus is the developing relationship between Leo and Ron there is also the drama with the sheriff and stuff found in Leo’s house. Funniest part of the story is Leo having to have “pet sitter.”

 

View all my reviews Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like so many cozy mysteries it takes a village to create the story. The cast of characters is rich and entertaining. I like the way all the people including Tess get to reveal things about themselves. Tess’ daughter is a great addition to the story and I’ll be honest I never saw the ending coming. I was completely surprised.


View all my reviews Dress Me by K.D. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story involves three very different and distinct personalities. I like that as the story unfolds you see the strands start to twist together: Kane and his obsession with Wyatt, Wyatt and Max, and the more surprising building feelings between Kane and Max. It was interesting to see how it plays out as the strands wrap around each other. A solid 3.5 for me because I found Kane at the beginning to be pretty creepy but in a way that ends up saving the day.

View all my reviews Denim by K.C. Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harry sees himself one way which leave him closed off to the idea of a relationship. I like Tony’s gentle persuasion. They are such a great couple.

 

View all my reviews The Cowboy's Texan by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nathan had some bad luck and the ranch is a good place to rebuild. Ames comes as a surprise. I love how Sophie is an integral part of the story. The ending is sweet and beautiful.

 

View all my reviews A Foreign Range by Andrew Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wilson is seeking something different for his life. Steve is looking for a new start. When Wilson finds him at the ranch is a surprise. I loved the way they story develops as each man deals with personal decisions even as they build a relationship.

 

View all my reviews Devil's Own by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story where Raven finds his love. Angel and Devil are a great couple but it was clear that Raven could fit in. We get to see all of them work through their feelings. Loved visiting Palm Island.

 

View all my reviews No Surrender by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blake is overcoming so much. He feels like he hit rock bottom but then things sink lower. Wander is there to mentor but wants to figure things out. It was great to see Blake come to conclusions about himself but you also see Wander grow in new ways. And in the middle of all that is the danger and intrigue that comes with Wander’s job.

 

View all my reviews Ace's Place by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Derek is new in town so he stops by the local bar. He finds out he had made some very bad assumptions about small town living. He also enjoys time with the bar tender. We see him again jump to conclusions. But he gives everything a chance. Because of that he makes new friends, discovers who Aces is and finds a wonderful life.



View all my reviews Color Chameleon by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Darcy comes to the rescue of a helpless animal. He ends up with a big surprise. Charma and Darcy hit things off immediately. I loved the way Charma’s family is all in. The story takes a dramatic turn on the way to a HEA.

 

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

Riggs is trying to get back in his boss' good graces so he has to take a job that he isn’t that excited about. Carter is trying to figure out how he fits into his own life. Because of Carter’s grandfather they end up together on a medical mission in South America. And somehow they get caught into something so much more. I love the story of their adventure as well as their budding relationship.

View all my reviews Do-over by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engall can’t seem to get it right. He tries to get to a party to see his crush (Chandler) and well things go badly. But an angel with his own issues keeps trying until things seem to come together for everyone.

 

View all my reviews The New Hire by Allie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aiden and Miguel meet by chance and have a wonderful night with a connection. Both are surprised when they end up in the same work place. I like how there wasn’t a lot of angst about the job and that they work so well together.

 

View all my reviews Unmanageable by Leslie McAdam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scott’s life seems out of control but Luke’s life is also a mess just in a different way. Together they bring out the better qualities of each other. Addy is an adorable part of the story. I love watching them grow as people so they are ready to be a couple.

 

View all my reviews The Aster Valley Collection: Volume 1 by

  Lucy Lennox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter Waites - I love the object of what caused Gentry’s injury shows up at the door to help him heal. They both are ready to start building something pretty quickly. I like seeing how two people from very different worlds can build something together.

Right as Raine - Mike has been really living a half life under the thumb of his father and his world of football. Raine lives and breaths football. So it is surprising that five years later Mike is still Raine’s chef. But of course something happens that jump starts the next stage of their life.

Sweet as Honey - Truman is such a sweet young man but has been facing danger. Sam is on his way for a visit and comes to Truman’s rescue. This seems to open up even more trouble. Some of the ways this story works out was a real surprise.

Water Boy - What is a better way to keep your relationship alive. Tiller gets a big surprise at the game is very sweet.

View all my reviews Demon Marked by Sara Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just be warned this story ends on a cliff hanger. I knew that going in so I wasn’t surprised by it. I also feel like the brake work for the story. Georgia survives something that should have killed her but it unleashes a host of evil. Her past trauma causes her additional trauma because she’s not sure who she can trust. Carter and team trying to guide her but some missteps on their part only increase the threat. There is a lot of action and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. #CMcon27

View all my reviews One Good Turn by Sarah Wallace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the first book of this series so I was excited to listen to this next book. I loved this one just as much although it is much different. It takes place in the gritty historical alleys. Nell is strong and determined to create a better life for herself. She is an amazing character and a great bridge between different worlds. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews A Deal with a Rake by Cecilia Rene
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was so much fun to read. It makes good use of humor in the interaction with the characters while still giving you some drama and spice. You start with a brute of a man who fights for a living. Then you have a widowed Duchess that doesn’t fit the mold of what society expects. Together Florentia and Tavish ignite a spark that ends up being the best for both of them. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Heirlooms, Junk, and Christmas Luck by K.C. Burn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story with just a bit of family drama. Cody and Adrian are both at a crossroads in their lives for different reasons. Adrian rescues Cody but a chance meeting later sets off a chain reaction that leads to wonderful things for both men. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews The Mystery of the Moving Image by C.S. Poe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seb and Calvin are settling into their life together so of course something new and unusual needs to pop up. I like the different characters that are introduced that keeps us guessing as to who the bad guys are. There are so many cool historical items that are part of this story. #CMCon27

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XOXO, Neil by A.W. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Neil’s story. I have been waiting to see how Keller and Oscar would work out their differences. I also love the surprise all their friends when they figured things out. There are also some teasers for other characters as well.

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