Week 39, 2023

Penne Dreadful by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not a romance story but a story of Tessa navigating a bigger and bigger mystery after the death of her husband. This story is full of twists and unexpected developments. This story was very entertaining. I listened to the audio and it was very well done. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a wonderful rap up to the Takoda outreach as the final founders finds his happily ever after. I like how you see the ebb and flow as they develop a relationship that shifts over the years.

 

View all my reviews Motorcycles & Teddy Bears by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for Judson to find his own happily ever after. It was wonderful to see how Austin really embraced the whole family. He also never made Judson feel less. Sweet story of love and family.

 

View all my reviews Geeks & Guitars by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quick little peak at more love at the outreach center. This is a short bonus story.

 

View all my reviews Land of Enchantment by Jodi Payne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way that Mason’s story isn’t all told at the beginning of the story. As he opens up and shares with Levi we learn along with him. We also see the things that Levi has to decide about as well. I love see both of these men build a dream together.

 

View all my reviews Honey from the Lion by Jackie North
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great story. This is the second book in this series and I love how it was a completely unique story from the first book. The story if very moving. The development is slow as would be natural for the time. There was also a moment that the tears were flowing. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done. #CMCon24

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

There were so many heartbreaking and dramatic moments in the story. Dallas really messed up but sometimes I felt like Banks was being harder than he had to be. But I really love how this story finally worked out. I listened to the audio copy and really enjoyed it.


View all my reviews Pure by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Callum is starting a new adventure so he isn’t ready for a relationship. But Lee catches his eye and seems to need some help. There was a lot of back and forth with their feelings with a big side of drama. You are drawn into the story. The ending is a great view of how their life is turning out. #CMCon24

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Week 38, 2023

 I had a wonderful time this weekend at Books on the Beach.  I am also working on my reading challenge for Coastal Magic Convention 2024.  

A Father's Dream: True Blue Dad by Sharon Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read any other books in this series but I still enjoyed the story and had not problem understanding the relationships. There is a lot of intrigue and dramatic moments. I enjoyed the story although I wanted to know the answer to some unanswered questions. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Heroes for Ghosts by Jackie North
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just wow. I had decided to try this series out after finding out the connect of the 2nd book in the series to Farmingdale Ranch and I wanted to do them order. I’m not sure what I expected but It beat all expectations. I really love the story and the tense moments waiting to see what would happen next. Even if historical or time travel isn’t you go to give this book a chance. I listened to the audio version that was very well down. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Loathed: Lagan by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great enemies to lovers story. I also like that they way the hate starts isn’t even recognized by both me. I like the fact that as Killian gets to know the real Logan he is willing to change his feelings and move forward. I listened to the audio version and it was well done.

View all my reviews Honeymoon Bite by Sharon Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will start that this story is well written and is full of drama. It hasn’t been my favorite book that I’ve read for the challenge but that is because I’m just not a vamp fan but I do try them every once in while. But if you a vamp fan I think you would love this book. There are lots of different threads of action running through the story. And the drama continues to almost the last page. I listened to the audio copy and the accent of the voices was very well done. So if you are looking for a new vampire series I think you would enjoy this one. #CMCon24

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Week 37, 2023

 Another week and a few more books.  An advantage to heading over to the theme parks for the evenings for Haunted events is I have more time in the morning for reading.  Of course I'm still working on my Coastal Magic Reading Challenge mixed in with all those other books sitting on the TBR pile.  

Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am normally not a fan of historical romance but decided to read this story for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge. I really enjoyed this story very much. You are allowed to see a strong female character with a quick mind and a caring spirit in Ella. In Cain we see a man who is willing to examine his own motivations. I love how you see both characters grow throughout the story. There are also some different twists that keeps you guessing until the end of the story. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Foxy Heart by Rhys Lawless
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has been renamed to Cursed Mates and that is the version I read.
This story is a short introduction to the Cursed Heart series. It sets up the world where witches and shifters are real and there are people out to get them. There is plenty of drama in the story and it leaves you wanted to see what happens next. #CMCon24

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

In this story it seems like the more Sebastian tries to do the right thing the more messed up things become. I love all the layers we get to see to Jacob’s personality. There is so much that is about them but also how all the parts around them also come together. I really enjoyed this next installment in the series. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done. #CMCon24

View all my reviews The No Strings Theory by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the idea of Dallas and Kai have a history that makes it seem unlikely that anything could happen between them. These two are just so much fun as they both seem to be headed to the same conclusion and they just have to realize what the other one is thinking. Another great addition to the College Boys series.

 

View all my reviews Biker Daddy by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not always a fan of books that have me care about a main character that is sketchy in some way but this book breaks that mold for me. I came to care about both men so much. I appreciate the fact that Grimm makes sure to do everything to not be taking advantage of Jamie. And Jamie is just one determined man. It serves him not just in relationships but also in his schooling and career choice. There is lots of action and some really surprising twists. There will be moments when you well need to grab a tissue as well.

View all my reviews The Earl's Hired Bride: A Half Moon House Novella by Deb Marlowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is fun and lighthearted. Both Emily and Hart have their reason for agreeing to working together. I like how they are both surprised in how they change there minds about the arrangement. Love the way everything works out for both of them. #CMCon24

View all my reviews As It Should Have Been by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the fun way that these two meet again. This story is short but very sweet. A great 2nd chance book.

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Week 35 and 36, 2023

I have gotten a very slow start to reading for September.  I am still trying to keep up my reading for the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge.  It has been fun to challenge myself to try new authors and genre.  Of course I'm still trying to work on my very big TBR pile.  

So if you want to know more about Coastal Magic Convention or the Reading Challenge check out their website Coastal Magic Convention.  #CMCon24 #CMCon24ReadingChallenge. 

And now on with my very small number of reviews for two weeks of effort.  

Relay by Layla Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a lot of drama around Alex and Dane. It was interesting to see how their past comes slamming into them. I also love how you really get to know their families both the good and the bad. I love the way the suspense is built as well. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Cover Up by K.C. Burn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The big theme in this story is secrets. It all starts with Ivan’s boss who sends him uncover with no support. Of course things get complicated when feelings start to get involved. This story keeps you wondering how things could possibly work out until the very end. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Praising Haru by Colette Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love the slow build up between Kyle and Haru starting with the online interaction. I love how Haru is very honest with Kyle about what he likes and the effort the Kyle puts into figuring out how to meet Haru’s needs. I also love how support Kyle’s friend is as well. I love the final chapter it is a great wrap to the story.

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Week 34, 2023

Another week.  Again not as many books because work has been really busy.  Thanks goodness for audio books on morning walks.  I'm also working my way through more Coastal Magic Reading Challenge books as well.  #CMCon24 #CMCon24Readingchallenge

And now onto the reviews:

Perchance to Dream by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story is an interesting journey. I’m not sure what category I would place it in. We follow Emma into her dreams and find out the relationship between dreams and real life. This is a short story that introduces the rest of the series. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Well Played by Jen DeLuca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has a romcom vibe that was very enjoyable. It has a bit of mistaken identity. I’ll be honest I guessed from the start who was really behind the email but it was still tons of fun to see their communications through out the year. And see how it all works out make it a great romance. This was a new author for me but I really enjoyed the book. I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t normally go for science fiction based stories but I’m working on the reading challenge so I decided to give it a try. I was draw into the story from the very beginning. It is a very captivating story line. It is a great mix of a spouses done wrong that could be set in any genre with the addition of some very amazing abilities that add to the drama. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Casey by Shaw Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for the series to continue on audio. I am so excited to see it now. I love Casey’s story. I like how you get a look back at the process that brings him to the place at the beginning of the story. Casey is so sweet and his interaction with the other guys is so much fun. I also like the way Preston gives him the space to be ready for each step of their growing relationship. The audio was also well done.

 

View all my reviews Unexpected by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way this story starts out. I also like the way that Finn is there for Ryland and is willing to push him a bit. I love the carrying that Holden shows Ryland from the beginning. I also like how well they fit together. This is a great start to another series.



View all my reviews Dragon's Secret by J.D. Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a twist on a shifter story where one person doesn’t know about their identity. And of course there is a the normal ups and downs of a new relationship. There is a lot to work but there are benefits to knowing more about your past. #CMCon24

 

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

This is another great installment in the The Power of Three Love series. This one has a bit of twist when the Clara is moving on after her divorce from Bodhi. But things quickly get complicated as there are feelings all around. Also, there are other issues that need to be overcome on their way to their HEA. I absolutely loved the all the bonus epilogues.

I listened to the audio version and it was so well done.

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Week 32 - 33, 2023

 It has been another busy couple of weeks.  Participated in the first pre-Halloween event with Taste of Terror at Universal Orlando.  Two weeks to the start of Haunted House time.  This week I even manage a short Halloween story.  Still working on my Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  Look for the reviews that include #CMCon24 to find book by authors who will be at the Convention this February. 

Deadbeat Druid by David R. Slayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started this series I wasn’t sure it would be my jam but this whole series was such a wonderful surprise. I love the development of all the characters through out the series. This final story of the trilogy goes such a great job of rapping up the over arcing story. I love how Adam is true to himself. Don’t want to say more because I don’t want to give anything away. I listened to the audio version and it really drew me in.

#CMCon24

View all my reviews Destination Bedding by Allison Temple


Kate’s little sister is getting married and that is causing some upset for her. Piper is a friend of her Kate’s sister who has come for the wedding. Kate quickly realizes Piper is all grown up. While Kate deals with some many conflicting emotions. Piper tries to help Kate get through the wedding. I like the relationship they are starting to develop. This is a great story of changing feelings. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews SEAL Of Time by Sharon Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has a very unique look at romance and the gods. Tay is not just half god but he is a man that cares about others. His encounter with Macey starts a series of events. I love the unique ending to this story. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews The Creek by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August is starting over with his son in his old home town. Clint was his best friend back then. I love how they quickly rekindled that friendship. The interaction between them and others in the area is entertaining. I also like how we get to see how strong Clint’s feelings become. Great story of section changes and making choices. I listened to the audio and it was very well done.

View all my reviews Teach for Treat by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story that introduces you to the A Proper Education series. I have already read the rest of the series but I still enjoyed this little peak at how it all started. It is a classic student/professor crush story but it a fun story and a great way to kick off the coming Halloween season. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Bound to You by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You see early on that Xavier and Sophie have more in common that they would think on the surface. Xavier is clear about what he doesn’t want. But of course things change through the course of the story. This story was full of heat and the ending was very satisfying. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Heartscape by Garrett Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You start the story with seeing just the surface of both the MC. But as they get to know each other we get to know them and the things in their past that shape who they are now. They slowly build a relationship with each other. There a few moments of drama but it gives you chance to see the characters grow. Overall a very enjoyable story and great addition to this series. I listened to the audio and enjoyed it very much.

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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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