January 1-2, 2026 - Happy New Year

 Here are my entries for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  I might get one or two more read but this should be the wrap up.  I read at least one book from each author that was registered to attend.  Lost count of how many individual titles.  I also started my book journal.  This has been so much fun so I plan to continue this new habit for 2026.  Here are a just a few of my pages.  #CMCon26 

And now on to the reviews:

The Mystery of the Curiosities by C.S. Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the way Seb and Calvin’s relationship is deepening. They have a lot to work through. This story was so interesting because it combined historical context with the modern day. The solution to the puzzle really surprised me. I also like the end because I think it shows growth on Calvin’s part. Another great mystery from CS Poe. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Pluck & Cover by J.D. Blackrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great story with murder, mayhem, and humor. Waylon is a zombie so when bodies show up with missing parts he is suspect #1. In trying to figure out what’s happening a whole lot of drama gets uncovered. The Sound Booth audio production was so much fun to listen to. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Furbidden Fatality by Deborah Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just want to say that I love Queenie the cat. I feel that there is more to her than meets the eye. She leads Kari into a whole lot of trouble. Kari makes one impulsive decision and then things really start going wrong. I love the full cast of characters and each of them adds a layer to this animal driven cozy mystery. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Serenade by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These two spend the first half of the book not having the deep conversations they need to have. But when danger and drama unfold, truths are revealed. You got to see both Eva and Kingsley learn to accept each other as they are. Sweet romance with a twist of danger. #CMCon26


View all my reviews The Roller Coaster at the End of the World by Eric R. Asher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great peek into the lives of those living at “The Theme Park at the End of the World”. I loved how this one not only showed us a new ride but also covered all of the seasons from before Mardi Gras right up to Haunt Season. Ellie and Cole’s friendship is continuing to grow. And you have to love those theme park vloggers. This book was so much fun to listen too. I highly recommend this series if you like humor, small scares, and theme parks. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsChasing Ava by Siera London
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how I feel about this story. I took a lot of notes. Both main characters are smart and dedicated to their work and care of others. Logan was there to help Ava durning a stressful situation. There are also lots of bad guys in their actions and attitudes. But I was a little uncomfortable with their relationship because both of them seem to have baggage that could benefit from some profession help. Ava seems to default to either denial or running away. Logan seems to default to distrust or anger. I think the part that really upset me the most was him getting upset at Ava because he didn’t know she could run and she decides to go home and he talks her into letting it go and stay. The ending does give hope that they are going to figure things out and have a chance. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Foolish Games by Tracy Solheim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed both Will and Julanne’s characters. I also like that while their relationship story is the main point there is also the tension that comes with a football scandal. They both bring childhood baggage which effect how they react to each other. It was also fun to get the bonus romance of Will’s mom. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsSmoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a lot of depth to this story. It explores loss, grief, and moving on. We also get to see inside both Christopher and Jesse’s family both the good and the bad. I like how they were drawn to each other. There is a lot for them to overcome both in their relationship with each other with outside elements. I really enjoyed this story and the deep emotions it stirred up. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Between You and Me by Gregory Ashe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great mystery with Dash bumbling his way through figuring out the clues. The rest of the Last Picks continue to be part of his home and life. But when it comes to relationship Das is his own worse enemy and things are looking great for him relationship wise. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Cherish & Blessed by Tere Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cherished - It is time for Thanksgiving. There is the drama expected around family and the holiday. But it gets even more interesting with Evan’s daughter brings home her boyfriend and his family. To make it worse she hasn’t given them any background information. Loved the idea that they were more upset by the cop thing than the fact that they were gay. But getting through the holiday might be a way for her relationship with Matt begin to improve.

Blessed - The second story takes us through some major events in the life of their extended family. We see the couples working on their relationships. We also see them building deeper friendships between the couples.

#CMCon26

View all my reviews Hide & Chic by J.D. Blackrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With Waylon’s intel they squad of military zombies start on a mission. There is danger at every turn. But woven through the danger is humor while working on a beauty pageant. Another great episode in the world of a zombie cosmologist. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Racing for the Sun by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am glad I final got around to Sonny and Ace’s story. Despite all the hard things they had seen or done they are caring people. They are drawing people to them who need people to watch out for them. I also love how no matter what they continue to work on their dream. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsTruth & Tenderness by Tere Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book seems like such a turn from the last book as life seems to be falling apart for all the couples. Jim’s obsession with justice creates drama in his relationship with Griffin. It even spills over into Evan and Matt’s life. In the meantime Evan and Matt’s life is getting more complicated as both of them advance career wise which disrupts the routine they had developed. It brings back some strong feelings on both sides. And in the background Daisy and Bennett’s life is imploding. The story takes us through the journey in trying to unravel all the problems. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Forever & Ever: A Collection of Stories by Tere Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful conclusion to the series. We get a chance to walk through so many wonderful life moments. There is so much humor in all of the characters reactions to the curve balls life throws at them. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsHeat for Sale by Blake Moreno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was interesting to see the way Heath processes and moves through all his emotions. He show lots of growth but still holds things back. Adrain has his own plans but is also thrown into other ideas. I also love Simon and his care for both men. There is some very dramatic action that brings everything to a head. I love the way this story concluded as I worried for a moment. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Who We Truly Are by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was a great story full of tension and drama. Talon is working on letting Finn just do his job and not give into his worries. They are soon part of an undercover operation that takes some dangerous turns for Finn. And in the background the Enhanced are discovering more things about themselves. There is a lot of danger but the good guys win. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Transposition by Gregory Ashe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanksgiving is coming and Hazard are grumpy. They have one case to check on but that leads to another. They stumble in on one of those murder mystery games that gets a bit real. Getting snowed in puts on the pressure. They finally solve the crime but other things end on a very sore note. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Paternity Case by Gregory Ashe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The case itself is full of so much that has to be sorted. Who did what and why. As the case unravels it becomes more and more complicated. But the past and present for Hazard and Sommerset is also taking on a hard edge. John Henry has some truths he needs to sort out. There is abuse discussed which was difficult to think about. But the story was riveting and kept me on the edge of my seat. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Bully for Sale by Leta Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is very powerful and really speaks to the idea that everyone deserves to choose their own path. Ned and Ezer both choose something because they want to prevent something worse but it leads to so much hurt and misunderstanding. I loved Ezer's strength to stand up for others even when he hadn’t been able to stand for himself. Ned for his part learned his lessons well and took to heart the need to grow up and choose a better life. And the ending is so sweet after so much pain. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Sweet on the Cowboy by Sasha Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gwen left home for more but she lost it all and come home. Lam also suffered loss and is dealing with grief. Together they build something better. The twins were so cute. If you want a sweet romance with a bit of spice and wonderful family you will really enjoy this book. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsShades of Henry by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had read the Johnnies series years ago. So ti was a nice visit to be back in that world. I also love the connection with the Fish world series that I started reading this year. When I started reading Amy Lane I didn’t realize the way all the books are knit together. This is another wonderful book set in these worlds. This one is more low angst since most of the action is off page. I love the way Lance and Henry fit together. I also like how they carve space for themselves while still keeping an eye out on the Flophouse boys. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Her Cowboy's Triplets by Sasha Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

India comes home because she didn’t feel she had a choice and she can’t wait to leave. Brody came back because it’s where he wanted to be. But love is building. I loved how steady Brody was in loving India and showing her in big and small ways that he was a man she could count on. #CMCon26

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December 23 - 31, 2025

 Well here is the last post of 2025.  I can't believe it's the end of another month and another year.  Looking forward to continuing creating my book journal in 2026.  I have one more months worth of books for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge to post in the coming week.  

Always You by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a lot to this story. Jazz is dealing with PTSD and living rough. You could just feel his despair at the opening of the story. But Alex has his own demons from the past that he has overcome. It was interesting to see them navigate things from their past as well. There are some dramatic moments during the story as well. This is a well written story that examines some tough topics.

View all my reviews Love You So Hard by Tara Lain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Craig has noticed a young man that is like his lucky charm but then things seem to fall apart. But after actually meeting Jessie he learns to see his own value and turns his life around.

 

View all my reviews His Little Winter Wonderland: An M/M Christmas Romance by A.W. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tanner is in a bad head space so he heads to the ranch. Simon is there to help right away. I love the way their bond forms between them from the beginning. The ranch is such a special place.

 

View all my reviews The Christmas Bachelor by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Samir has been true to himself but hasn’t gotten very far. Cole is caught up in his past. These two are drawn together in a magical way. There are some missteps but for the most part a sweet holiday story of finding love.

 

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas 3: Rowan by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way Rowan just bursts into Damon’s life. He brings so much Christmas cheer. The start of their relationship may have been a bit dramatic but it seems to have worked out well for both of them.

 

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

What’s better than finding out your crush is bi. Learning that he might fancy you too is the icing on the cake. There is a moment or two as they work things but overall a story of being loved for you and what you enjoy.

 

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

Matteo is ready to give up on his lifestyle. But an incident at the club gets London’s s attention. London hasn’t thought about being a daddy but he does feel a connection to Matteo. With communication they are able to build a life together.

 

View all my reviews Coming Out on Top by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My heart really broke for Augustus (Mac) in so many ways everything has been striped from him including his name. Suddenly Quentin is there but he is not without his baggage. But they fit together beautifully. Don’t want to give anything away but I was really cheering for them both at the end of the story.

 

If Only in My Dreams by Keira Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlie is such a special guy with so much love for his sister that he'll do just about anything to keep a promise. We get to see both him and Charlie struggle with the past. They need to continue to unravel misunderstandings past and present. Now they may be regaining something special.

Really enjoyed listening to this story using Audible. Still a wonderful Christmas story 10 years latter.

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

Trick is frustrated that Boston doesn’t remember him. So he starts a campaign to keep everyone else away. Except it only makes Boston madder. It was funny to see how Trick’s idea to get attention is both a huge mistake and possibly brilliant at the same time.

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December 3 - December 22 2025

 We are well into the holiday season and I'm mixing up regular books from my TBR pile and great holiday stories.  

You Otter Know by Minerva Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bodie and River both want a break from family and book a Christmas get away. But the hotel has double booked their room so now they have to share. Of course they get together. But Bodie isn’t sure he’s enough. But they finally work things out. Great bit of Christmas magic.

 

View all my reviews Playing Games by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was interesting to watch both characters go from people that weren’t really so likable in ways to great, rich characters. Brax and Tyson turned their hate to sex but that’s all. But as both men realizes that what they thought was true maybe wasn’t. As their friendship builds so do deeper feelings. I love how their support of each other made their lives better.

View all my reviews Archer's Awakening: A Love in Mission City Short Story by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A divorcee attorney who ends up with a divorcee of his own he has to exam his life. He’s having a second house built to retreat to, check. Explore his bisexuality, check. He has an app for that but the guy that shows up doesn’t match the conversation. Now there are problems with the build so he’s off to straighten things out.

View all my reviews The Art of Husbandry by Jay Hogan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Be prepared with tissues. This story has more than one emotional punch. Gil lost his daughter in a car accident while he was driving . His PTSD had tanked his life. So coming to cook on the sheep ranch seems like a safe place to reset. Holden is facing running the place on his own after his grandfather’s dementia cost them an important contract. And it doesn’t help that the same grandfather calls on the regular just to tell him how worthless he is. But through all this these two men connect on a deep level. But it isn’t just these two who make the story so rich. There are plenty of secondary characters who have their own stories and pieces of these stories are allowed to build in this book. Love the depth of this story.

View all my reviews Wanted: Boss Daddy by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All the boys at The Tap have been finding their matches. But now it’s time for Christian to get his turn with Levi. Levi has a lot on his plate but a Boss Daddy knows just what to do. Love the fact that both of these men get the happily ever after.

 

View all my reviews 12 Gays of Christmas by D.K. Sutton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Christmas and his birthday approaching Gil wants to change things about his life. He makes a list to work through and asks his roommate to help him to do well these dates. But what was obvious to their friends they each are crushing on the other. This story is full of humor and holiday fun.


View all my reviews A Very Marian Christmas by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Noah is new in town and staying with his brother’s friend. He lines up a temp job that turns out very different from what he expected. This bring him to the whirlwind that his the Marian family. They decide to help him find a boyfriend. Including his crush Luke the family friend. Of course things get wacky because Marians but things also have a way of coming out right because well the Marians.

View all my reviews Made Marian Shorts by Lucy Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We’ve seen that Tilly and her crew “helping” all the Marian men find love but in this collection they are branching out two more times and taking their act on the road. First in Brad and Miles story in Vegas and then Keller and Eli at the retreat. Beck is on his own when he hooks with Quinn. My favorite was Josh’s story where his past becomes his present and his future with Cyrus.

View all my reviews Their Omega Partridge in a Pear Tree by Lorelei M. Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pax and Chane have a full and complete life until… I love the way Beacon comes into their lives. Their reactions were great. This is a wonderful no angst Christmas story with lots of love and a happy ending.

 

View all my reviews The Anti-Wingman by Saxon James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story that was a lighthearted story of something being right under your nose. Kai keeps ending up in relationship without meaning too. Ryland is going to help him avoid that trap again. But of course best laid plans… I love how their friendship develops first. I also like that Kai has plans to help Ryland with his house no matter what happened.

View all my reviews Dragon's Surprise by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book splits between the confusing relationship Adar, Oliver, and Delton. I’m not sure how this will play out in the next book but I want Delton to feel love and included. In the mean time Erwan and Rhene are attending the dragon council. I know things would not go well but I was not prepared for how crazy things really got. And the cliff hangers with Rhene really has me anxious for the next book.

View all my reviewsThe Little Who Stole Christmas (And Daddy's Heart): An MM Age Play Holiday Romance by Joe Satoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teddy is so cute. He seems like a mess but he has a good heart and lots of love to give. Penn is living a safe life but when Teddy falls at his feet he starts to think about other possibilities. I love the way their relationship develops. The final chapter is a great way to wrap up the book.

View all my reviews Marrying the Guide by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Onno is visiting his family and trying to rebuild his life after divorce. Howell is the outdoor guy and through events Onno signed up for they get to know each other. This is a instant love but they don’t have much time. Love the sweet ending.

 

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

I love the way that these two men just seem to be made for each other. Santi is quick to defend Micah. And Micah is there for Santi with his quiet strength. And all the wonderful pets are just a fun bonus. I also like the fact that both are vets in their own way.

 

View all my reviewsA Daddy for Christmas 3: August by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet Christmas story Auggi is working hard to care for himself. Thor gives him a chance. Of course feelings develop. And they get the best Christmas gift, each other.

 

View all my reviews Karma Kitty Christmas by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isaac’s life is dull as in everything is in shades of tan. He’s lost his husband but it runs deeper. Luca speaks to him when he sees him looking upset. What starts as a friendship that will change their lives and lives around them. As their relationship grows so does the family they are make. Amy Lane is wonderful at showcasing the strength found in the family you make and it shows up so well in this story. It also shows taking a few small steps to engage with another person can change so much around you; the man next door who looks sad to the co-worker who you really don’t like. There’s also the reminder to not judge if you don’t have all the facts. This is a wonderful blend of a great story that both entertains and makes you think. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsHiding the Moon by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is about people who don’t seem to fit. WE are also seeing a very dramatic moment from “A Few Good Fish” from a completely different prospective. And things that happened before that moment.

Ernie was making some risky choices to deal with the the impressions he hears in his head. Burt is on a mission to clear up loose ends to protect his team.

Their coming together changes both of their lives and sets so much more in motion.

It also gets them involved with Jackson and Ellery. The operation they are involved in looks so different from their perspective. I really love how Ernie shines. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Two Daddies for Henry: An MMM Age Play Romance by T.L. Travis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was wonderful to see all three of these men find each other at just the right time. Jensen has held his feelings for a while but was ready to share them. Mitchell has some needs. Finding Henry when they did allowed them to figure out how they could fit with each other. A great story of finding love that fits together so beautifully.

View all my reviews Santa's Little Faker by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was a great twist on the secret daddy theme. Orlando knows what he wants but being sneaky seems like they way to go. He uses Bastian’s protective nature against him. Now its game on.

 

View all my reviews The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the way both men circled around each other. Luke seems to realize his feelings first so now comes the hard part. Zach seems to need some convincing but he’s also still dealing with a lot. I love the way both men support the other as they build their own futures.

 

View all my reviews Wolf's Instinct by Elva Birch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a lot happening in this story. Part of it may be the world building as this is the first story in the series. We have the shifter preschool which has lots of security to keep others out because shifters are a secret with a few human exceptions. There is a threat from the landlord who is buying everything up and raising prices. Then there is the romance between Abby and Roderick. The Roderick’s ex shows up. Then there is a mysterious woman. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt ending but I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book.

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

I loved watching these two keep missing the obvious to everyone else. Poor Dunn feels strongly about his friend and wants him to find happiness. Meanwhile Tucker thinks that’s impossible. At least they gave the Thicket some entertainment.

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