Week 31, 2023

 Well here we are at the end of the summer.  While I have been working all summer I will be spending next week getting my room set up and my new students start on Monday.  I ended the summer with a trip to Keel Farms for the tour of the Keel and Curley Winery.  They produce fruit based wines, ciders, and ales.  My daughter treated me to the tour.  This fun fruity flavors go great with a good book.  And I've been finding new authors this summer as part of the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge.  The convention will be held in Daytona Beach, February 22-25, 2024.  Get all the details at Coastal Magic Convention.com #CMCon24. #CMConreadingchallenge.  

I'm sporting my great Reading Challenge Tee

Tyler the Goat.  She got to big for goat yoga. 

And now on to this week's reviews:

#CMCon24 mark those by author that will be at Coastal Magic 24 

Huntsman by Morgan Brice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really so surprised by this story. This is a new to me author that I picked up at a book convention because I like supporting MM authors at main stream book cons. I wasn’t sure what to expected but I really loved this story. There is a lot of drama and a mystery that needs solving. It is very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more in this series. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Out of the Frying Pan by Elouise East
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like stories were the MC aren’t looking for love or a relationship and yet there they are trying to figure things out. There are a few bumps in the road but at the end they are both better men than when they started.

 

View all my reviews Famous by Leigh Lennon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great installment in the series. I love the way all the people in this story are interconnected with one another. I also like how you see the family they are building. There are lots of strong emotions and some crazy danger but a very satisfying story. The audio is very well done.

View all my reviews Love Me, Lord Tender by Deb Marlowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun little romp. Hope wants to make you own choices in her life. William has a reputation but you can tell Hope is drawn to him. You see both of them dance around their issues . As the reader we can see the possibility of where they are headed which adds to the fun. Historical is my usual go too but this story was a lot of fun. I listened to the audio and really enjoyed the voice actor. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Freestyle by Layla Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new to me author that I discovered as part of my Coastal Magic Book Convention reader challenge. I started with this short story. It is well written and a lot of fun. I know I will be going back and reading the first two stories that are part of this series. If you like sports stories you will really enjoy this story. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews The World by May Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short story in the O’Leary world. I like the connection to the town with these two men as they meet elsewhere. I like how they have such a different perspective on life. I like how they will be able to transform their lives to fit well together. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done.

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Week 30, 2023

 It has been a really hot week here in Florida so sitting inside and reading seems like a good idea.  If only I didn't have to go to work each day I would get so much more read.  I do enjoy listening to my audio books when taking my work in the morning before work or when driving alone.  I'm also still working on the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge. #CMCon24, #CMCon24Reading Challenge.  So here's what I accomplished this week.  

The Secret by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story were two people at the same time have a lot in common and no common ground. All of this leads to a lot of fun but also some touch moments as both men have to decide what their priorities are and what it means to be together. I found the conclusion of the story very satisfying. I listened to the audio version and it was really well done.

View all my reviews Snuggled Inn by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story packs so much into the covers. The burrowing season is different from beginning to end. We see them slowly building their relationship and just when things heat up they really heat up. The story moves quickly from there but it is very satisfying. I love the way their story concludes. I also feel like there is so more to come. I listened to the audio version and it is very well done.

View all my reviews The Foreman and the Drifter by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how you can see the growth in both of these men. I was so glad that we see that Jamie is honest from the very beginning. You can understand Leland’s feelings as he sorts through them. All of these really makes you feel invested in the budding relationship. Story was well done. Can’t wait to read more of this series. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Featherbed by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a lot of humor in this story starting with the meet cute of chickens gone astray. Both men start out thinking they have good reasons for not being in a relationship. But you get to see them deal with these reasons once they start to communicate. I listened to the audio version and it was well done.

 

View all my reviews Unscathed by Luna David
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is short but packs a lot in. Lachlan seems to be there at just the times Maddox needs him the most. Their relationship moves fast but their history makes it feel just fine.

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Weeks 28 and 29, 2023

 Another busy couple of weeks.  New duties a work and a visit with the grandchild so here we go. All reviews marked with #CMCon24 are authors I'm looking forward to see at Coastal Magic Convention in Daytona Beach, February 22-25, 2024.

Never Let Go by Jacki James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Donavan has been keeping to himself but he is slowly drawn into the life of River Gorge at just the time that Maverick is starting is starting to put down roots. As happens in small towns they cross paths and from there things start to form between them. They have some unexpected problems to solve but together they are building a cozy life.

View all my reviews Montana Inspired by Kim Law
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way that you can see Jewel’s passion about her work on the ranch. I also love how she encourage Bobby to not give up on his passion. This story is a sweet love discovered between the two of them. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Montana Bachelor by Hildie McQueen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is the perfect rom com. Amy is having a girls weekend and when everything goes wrong she decides to make the most of it. Trent has no real plans and strikes up a conversation. Because of the actions of another things get crazy from there. This story has lots of humor and a great HEA. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Snowmageddon by Tere Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is not a romance but a wonderful story of one man who is facing a life crisis and the events that shape his future. The stars of the are a group of theater students on a field trip gone wrong. I really love how everyone ends up helping each other out in the end. This story was so much fun. I really enjoyed it very much. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Firefly Lane by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved seeing these two kind and loving men find a way to love each other. The start out without a plan in mind but we get to see their relationship develop through the story. This is the first book in the series and the author does a good job introducing us to the community. I listened to audio recording and it was very well done.

 

View all my reviews Just Sign Here by Cara Dee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Edward is a man who’s life has a lot going on. He is need of some help and he suddenly has an idea. Peyton is more than he expected. They are drawn to each other but it takes some time to work it all out.

 

View all my reviews Trailer Park Trickster by David R. Slayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adam Binder’s journey continues in this second book of the trilogy. In this installment there are some shocking events and unexpected truths. You get pulled into the story from the first page until the last. I love how when you think you figure out where the story is headed you find out you were wrong. I listened to the audio version which I think increased the drama factor for me. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Playing With Spencer by Izaia Winter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the way these two connect before they even know anything about the other one. Of course what follows are those difficult discussion about what each one is looking for. It was great to see how these two fit from the very beginning.

 

View all my reviews Weirdos by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a light read with tons of humor then Weirdo is the book for you. Both men are so sweet and are a great match. The dogs add so much fun. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews The Note by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tyler makes a mistake that cost everyone involved. The note Tyler got really helped him feel better about himself which was good. BUT it resulted in a relationship built on a mistaken assumption. Because this story is short you don’t get a lot of detail but I feel like Alex had to figure things out since he handed the note to Tyler in the first place. But things are finally getting sorted even if it’s a little late.

View all my reviews Sundae's Best by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this gentle story between Deacon and Grady. They just seem to need each other and fix. There is so much caring. I like the look at what it means to be family and what it means to embrace change. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done.

View all my reviews Clean Slade by Rhys Everly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series but I was able to catch on to the basic idea of the things that had been happening in Mayberry Holmes. This story focuses on King who has been living on the island but has been keeping some really big secrets. Slade is an exSEAL who wants to be there for King and his daughter. What follows are lots of drama. This story keeps you on your toes until the end. The twists and turns in the story gives you plenty of unexpected moments. I really enjoyed this story and will be going back and reading more. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review. #CMCon24

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Week 27, 2023

 I am half way through a week off from work so trying to get plenty of reading done.  Also, I am continuing to mix in Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge books with other things in my TBR pile.  Those reviews are marked with #CMCon24.  

Goated by the Gods by Sheri Lyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being a goat shifter isn’t bad enough now gods are trying to find mates for the brothers. Zach has his reasons for not trusting the “help” but Gareth has his own issues. Both of these men just need a chance to talk it out but that isn’t as easy as it sounds. This is a cute story of what can happen when dieties thing you need their help.

View all my reviews The Rebel Cowboy's Baby by Sasha Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The surprise baby is not a new premise but this story has a new twist to this trope. It explores what happens when two people find themselves having to share the duties of caring for a baby. I like how it explores that both main characters have some room for growth in different ways. Also, there isn’t insta love as the relationship is brand new and takes time to build. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Better Together Universe Books 1-3 by B.L. Maxwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so glad I listened to this box set because you get the whole story of Rio and Caden. It is wonderful to see how their life brings them together. You also get to see the reality of hard choices circumstances might bring you to. Their story continues to turn more and more positive as you move through the stories. Listened to the audio and it was well done.

View all my reviews A Whipped Cream Kind of Day by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this sweet story. Remy is so calm against Skyler’s antics. Brook shows up to check on Remy after a work incident and from there things get very sweet. I like how they make their own path together and don’t let themselves get pushed by well meaning friends.

 

View all my reviews Fahrenheit by Leigh Lennon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the story starts I was worried it was going to be a bit much with a busy bedroom scene. But I kept going and I’m so glad I did. The story of the developing relationship between Scarlett and the two men she cares about isn’t an easy or straight line. There are many difficult moments and some very dramatic moments in this story. I listened to the audio version of the story and it was well done.

View all my reviews Pack by Jeaniene Frost
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story is short but it packs some series drama. Marlee’s very life is in danger and even when she’s rescue it isn’t over. We really get to feel what Marlee is feeling. Thankfully, we get to see a ending that has promise of better things. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Formals, Fortune Cookies & Fraud by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is the set of for a whole mystery story series. We get to see the main character faced with both a mystery and a choice. The next book in the series starts out letting you know how those choices played out. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Just One Night by Caridad Piñeiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun story about two people who finally find the courage to take a chance. I thought it was funny that they thought they were sneaking. It was a sweet start to a new relationship. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Candy Kisses by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was a lot of fun. You have Tabitha that is making chocolate for all those special moments inspired by love that she doesn’t even believe in. Enter Preston who would like to change her mind. There were moments where you really worried that things could work that gave a nice level of tension. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is high angst and there were moments that I was frustrated with both main characters because of the lack of actually talking things out. But then I started to really think about the situation these men find themselves in. Neither has any experience with the same sex and they both come from a law enforcement background. So not good communicators really is who these men are. Their path is full of some very hard patches and there is much to overcome. We also get to see how fear can really effect you ability to trust your own feelings. In the end I really enjoyed this emotional story. I listened to the audio version and it was well done.

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Week 22 - 25, 2023

 The last few weeks have been really busy with big changes at work and a trip to Space Coast Book Lover's Conference.  So trying to get all caught up.  

I am also starting to work on the Reader's Challenge for Coastal Magic Convention in February 2024. #CMCon24

The Greek Word for Love by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet young adult story. Ren comes from a different world and Jimmy is there to show him around. Ren is used to being himself and as feelings start to develop you see Jimmy having decisions he has to make. Like many things growing up isn’t always easy. I love the way that Rhys lets these men have a HEA which would be much harder in real life. A great read and an interesting looking into live in another part of the world.  #CMCon24

View all my reviews Arctic Sun by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Griffin seems to be closed off but River is able to make a connection. They both have things from their past that gives them a shared connection. What seems like a holiday romance has a the potential for more. It takes a lot of figuring things out and working on self but they are headed in the right direction.

 

View all my reviews Snowflake Kisses by Jacki James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great addition to the series. I like how their needs and talents work so well together. It also always fun when you have a child involved in the story with their own input. I like their family is expanding and River Gorge has more wonderful things becoming part of the community.

 

View all my reviews The Sweetest Ache by Bretton Sans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Life doesn’t always move in a linear way. Travis ran away from from his feelings. Spencer has moved on with his life but there is always that hold on unfinished business. With Travis back in town we see these two men move forward to finish that business. I like the journey that these men take and also seeing how their path also has effects on others around them.

View all my reviews The Next Competitor by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Next Competitor is an interesting look into the world of figure skating. Competitors really are sacrificing so much to reach that top level. Alex is driven and people see him one way. He also has ideas about the other skaters around him. But when a dramatic event occurs it seems to change everything. Suddenly, Matt is becoming part of Alex’s life. We get to see these changes and how it changes both men.

View all my reviews Cold War by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cold War - Two men who know who they are but aren’t willing to be very public about it. Also, people have their ideas about the men including their own views of the other. And yet there we are seeing them drawn to each other and all the complications that brings. It was great to see these two men find a way to live their life.

 

View all my reviews Secrets & Badges by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love hearing Fisher’s back story and it makes his dedication make so much sense. Also, we get to learn more about Miss Emma and her boys. Fisher meets Marcus at what seems to be bad timing. Marcus turns out to really be one of the good guys and it is wonderful to see their lives merge.

 

View all my reviews What Lies Beneath by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow I picked this story up and then decided to grab the audio copy. This story is packed with so much. Just the people themselves are complicated and carrying their own luggage. All of this would make a rich and deep story. But you add to that what is happening in this community and you are taken to a whole new level. The over arching story of the story ends with a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to listened to the next book. The narration is well done and very enjoyable.

View all my reviews Strike Three by Avery Flynn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short but sweet story of what happens when someone is afraid of accepting what what they want. It was fun to see Jace help Aria find a way to make their lives work together.

 

View all my reviews First Impressions by Jay Hogan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the start Josh and Michael are drawn to each other yet have so many misunderstandings, miscommunication, and uncertainty. They really struggle through most of the story. There is also crime drama that adds even more to everything more complicated. This story has a lot of drama and while it takes to almost the end of the book this couple finds a way to an HEA.

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

This story is as sweet story of two men with a meet cute that just gets cuter. They mesh well together. There are also adorable kids that add to the fun of the story. This is a great feel good love story.

 

View all my reviews White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked this book up for one of my kids at last years Coastal Magic Book Convention. They picked up the audio copy so I decided to give it a try even though it isn’t a genre I usually read. All I can say is wow this book was so good. I love the plot from start to finish. I also like the fact there is an ongoing saga that will be carried on in the other books of the series. I was really surprised how well I liked and look forward to enjoying the rest of the series. #CMCon24
I listened to the audio copy and it was well done and very enjoyable.

View all my reviews The Asshole Next Door by Emma Alcott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When you sandals go missing you are never sure what it will lead to. This is a sweet new adult story that share the story of two young men moving toward each other.

 

View all my reviews The Neighborly Thing by Allison Temple
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short but very sweet story of how a misdelivered package leads to so much more. The thin walls of the apartment building also seem to be a contributing factor. This happy for now seems to be the start of a new relationship. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Cop Out by K.C. Burn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After Kurt's partner is killed in the line of duty he finds out about Ben's double life and what he finds out upsets him because he's found out he had a life partner that he was treating really crappy. Kurt decides to help Davy out and a friendship begins to grow between the men. I really like how the author allowed the friendship and the help that came with it develop in a natural way. Poor Kurt gets confused when his feelings seem to become something more for Davy and he must battle with himself because no matter what he wants the best for Davy.  #CMCon24

Listed to this book recently so that I could go back and listen to the whole series. Kurt loses his work partner in a horrific moment in a bust gone bad. As he tries to deal with his lost he discovers his partner’s secret life. He is drawn to Davy and wants to help him out. This leads to a whole new life for both men.

I listened to the audio copy and it was well done.

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All books marked with #CMCon24 are books that I am reading for the Coastal Magic Convention Reader's Challenge. I had a blast last year and I'm looking forward to go again this year. Participating in the challenge helps me to be involved while I'm waiting.

It is scheduled for February 22 - 25, 2024 in Daytona Beach. Check their website for more information.

https://coastalmagicconvention.com