Week 50, 2023

 

Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this final book in the Christmas Falls series. I think Joel and Hayden have a great meet cute. It was also interesting to see Hayden’s thought process and he really begins to examine what his dreams and goals really are. And to see Joel making sure he has a plan was very sweet. I also love solving the mural mystery that has run throughout the series. I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

View all my reviews Ally's Christmas Daddy by Kate Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel like Luke finds Ally at just the right time. She is at a low spot and he is there to help her through but she also finally ready to look at her feelings. This is a sweet daddy.girl story and a fun holiday read.

 

View all my reviews The 12 Kittens of Christmas by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun and whimsical holiday story with a not such a meet cute as I will just be part of your life now moment. It was fun to see Killian just get moved along with all the drama. I also like all the wonderful people that are a part of their lives that make sorting out kittens so much easier. If you need some humor with just a few moments were you might get upset at bad people being mean to animals this is the Christmas read for you. #CMCon24

View all my reviews A Little Christmas: Ozzy's Secret by Wendy Rathbone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story starts with a dramatic beginning. Trent must come to the rescue of a boy in trouble. It seems it is all about the rescue but as this story progresses it becomes clear that they are both being rescued in their own ways.

 

View all my reviews Christmas in His Arms by Cynthia D'Alba
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a second chance romance. Years ago Rock did what he thought was best. Now come chance encounters give them a push. It becomes clear that both of Rock and Mae have come to some incorrect assumptions based on their own life views. This story was a great little Christmas story. I listened to the audio version which was nicely done.

View all my reviews Fillion: A Daddy Boys Story by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need friends to make things happen. In this short story Rome shows up just in time to give Fillion more than a massage.

 

View all my reviews Christmas Secret by Violet Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are several surprises in this installment in the series. I love the surprises that both Robert and Maddie have. There is also other secret revealed that is a real life change. Another special Christmas story. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Mission: Nutcracker by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this up because of the Christmas theme. I hadn’t read the first book in the series so even though I didn’t understand a few things with the past reference it was easy to follow the plot in this story. There was so much action and surprises. I love how Fiona is allowed to be a strong character and you can see how smart she is. If you love steampunk with mystery and adventure this book would be a good choice to add to your holiday book pile. I listened to the audio copy and it was well done.

View all my reviews A Little Christmas! Blaine's Secret by Brina Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story that features not one but two couples. Best friends are looking for boys at the same time two friends are looking for daddies. It is a perfect match. This story also features some surprises. This story is a very special story of four men getting just what they need. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

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So far this month I've really been enjoying Christmas stories.  I have been happy to do more ARC's for Neon Rainbow.  I've also been working on trying to earn more points for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  #CMCon24. #CMCon24ReadingChallenge.  I can't believe we are only two months away from the Convention.  

It has been so much fun to be part of the Coastal Magic Convention Community.  They have a news report every Monday.  They also have different videos to help you get to know some of the authors.  There is also a month group read.  In fact tonight I'll get to chat with Amy Lane about The 12 Kittens of Christmas.  I've also been lucky enough to win different items like ebooks.  This week I recieved a Tower of Chocolate from Cathryn Marr.  

Week 49, 2023

This was a mixed week of holiday reads, ARC's, and more Coastal Magic Reading Challenge stories.  Since I've been reading so many holiday stories especially a series of ARC's from Neon Rainbow so I've been utilizing audio books for my Coastal Magic needs.  

No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This time the bad guy is the hometown guy and the newcomer is the one who wants to save the local business. It is a fun twist on a common holiday theme. I love the interaction between Ezra and James. This story really keeps you waiting for the resolution until the very end. I really enjoyed this story and it was a great addition to the Christmas Falls family. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews Wesley by Shaw Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so glad the Wesley gets his chance for a HEA. I felt so bad for him after Tyler finished his photo shoot. I also like how Tyler took responsibility for not checking in. This was a really sweet story with a lot less crazy. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

 

View all my reviews It Started with Fruitcake by Sean Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very sweet story. I like the way that relationship builds as they share time together. This was a fun little holiday story.

 

View all my reviews Mistletoe Memories by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way this story moves back and forth from the past to the present. I also love that these two are dancing around each other. Communication is the key to a 2nd change. I listened to the audio and it was very well done. #CMCon24

 

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

I love the interaction between these two men from the start. As the story unfolds you are pulled into the action. There are close calls and time for reflection . This story is action pack and full of romance. I listened to audio version and really enjoyed it. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Boogie Beach: The Record, Book 1 by Winnie Winkle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. There is a lot of action and the story takes some unexpected twists. Patra is such a strong woman and loved her unravel the truth. A great fantasy story will all the magics. #CMCon24

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Week 48, 2023

This one is coming to you from my hotel.  We are spending the weekend celebrating the holidays and my 2nd oldest’s birthday.  We are enjoying Universal and even scored tickets to an after hours party.  

This week I got one ARC finished and it was a really fun coming home again Christmas story.  I also crossed two more books from my audio listening pile (TBL).  I was disappointed I didn’t find as much that was a good enough deal on Audible this week but since I’m still working my way through the more than $100 I spent on the last sale I think I will be just fine.  😃

Under The Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What’s not to love about this story. It has sweet men, a bookstore, an adorable kid, and a town called Christmas Falls. A great Christmas time read. I loved the way that Trevor recognized how that Christmas Falls really held a special place in his heart before he even returned. Trey’s family is just the greatest in how they just embrace Trevor and Holly. And of course all the side characters around town are always fun to see. This story has all the warm fuzzy holiday feels. I really enjoyed it very much. I received in ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

I was working through my audio to be listened to pile and was surprised that the next book was also a Christmas story. Poor Gideon just isn’t a Christmas person surrounded by a bunch of Santa want to bes. And then there is Liam the one that ran away. But O’Leary isn’t letting them go that easily. From one strange occurrence to the next time is helping to let both men’s rethink a lot of things. Another great book in the Love in O’Leary series.

View all my reviews Undercover by Eliot Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how each author in this series puts their own spin on the theme. Here you have Gabe who feels like his life got off track and is trying to figure out how to make it work out. Along come Alec who says all the right things but is a bit of an unknown. What follows is some caring words, necessary lies, and danger. I love the way the story plot is woven together to get to the wrap up at the end.

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Week 47, 2023

 I have fully embraced the holiday reading.  I've been lucky to get some ARC's to review and early access to other stories that I got early access to through Ream and Patreon memberships.  I have also been finding ways to combine holiday reading and Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge for maximum fun.  I can't believe there is only 3 more months until Coastal Magic.  There's still time to sign up for both the Convention and the Reading Challenge.  Coastal Magic Convention. 

Late for Christmas by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not prepared for how many feels this story has. There is also the fun light hearted Christmas moments as well. This is a wonderful story but have your tissues read for those sadder moments. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Buttons: A Daddy for Christmas by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is a common theme but done is a really refreshing way. You have both a daddy and boy without experience who are figuring things out together. Also there are lots of things to work out. This is a great story with a very wonderful holiday ending. #CMCon24


View all my reviews The Christmas Veto by Keira Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great addition to this annual fake relationship series. Reid is in a tight spot and Connor is in the right place at the right time. Of course secret crushes can make things a bit more tricky. I love the way their relationship develops. Another fun holiday read.

 

View all my reviews His Boy to Adore: A Gay Virgin Daddy Romance by G.R. Lyons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love this couple. Theo has some real trauma that has effect his life. Haven is just such a sweetie. He is also a really great friend as well. Both men deserve the very best in life. This was a wonderful story of learning to navigate not only the holidays but your past as well.

 

View all my reviews Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another story set in the Christmas Falls. Brant has a had a long running crush on his best friend’s dad. Hig has been surprised before but when he get’s surprised again well things start to happen. The physical starts quick but the rest of it follows like a holiday story should. I received an ARC of this story in return for an honest review.

 

View all my reviews Subbing for Christmas by G.R. Lyons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the peek of the upcoming story in His Boy To Adore and I really enjoyed this one as well. It was so sad to see how much misunderstandings had occurred with one incident. If nothing else they at least got to talk some of that out. This story is just the beginning of their relationship and I can’t wait for the other book to come out this spring.

View all my reviews Christmas Peace by Violet Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved seeing Maddie and Robert building their relationship and have a grand adventure. Robert is so caring and willing to set his own happiness aside to meet Maddie’s needs. A fun holiday adventure. #CMCon24

 

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

This is such a heart warming holiday story. I love that you start with the relationship between Andy and Eli but you also get flashbacks to see how they got where they are. I loved all the wonderful people from Andy’s hometown that really come to the rescue. The ending is so full of feels. #CMCon24

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Week 46, 2023

 Holiday reviews are in full gear now.  I will also be working on my Coastal Magic Reading  Challenge by finding some of the author's holiday stories.  I have also got to do some ARC book reviews this holiday season which has been a lot of fun.  

The Right One by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both of these main characters bring out the best in each other. Each man has reasons for not looking for a relationship but they fit. Also, each one can see the strength the other one possesses. What was great to see was each man seeing their strength.

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

I like the fact that these two main characters had developed some feelings without even knowing everything about each other. I have been waiting for Garrison to have his chance at love and this story didn’t disappoint. I love how caring Lennon is. The last few chapters contains some wonderful and dramatic scenes. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews A Daddy for Christmas: Daniel by Brina Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was full of surprises. As I started this story I got the vibe that this would be a very dark, mafia story. I envisioned rougher treatment of Daniel. But then the story takes another turn and you see a man that is much more caring than expected. While this won’t be your typical sweet holiday story this book has some really unexpected things and worth the read. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful holiday second chance sort of romance. Murphy and Jem had been friends up until high school and then they drifted apart. Reasons are explained in the story. But Jem is back facing a bit of a crisis point in his life. I love the developing of their relationship from beginning to end. Christmas Falls is a great place to visit for the holidays. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Week 45, 2023

Forever Asher by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with an audio book. What a great way to start a story. Asher has learned to let his feelings for his best friend go but strange things on a long road trip. Add in a mystery to solve and you just might be on the road to happiness. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews North on Drummond by K.C. Burn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the way these two men just get put together. There are so many elements in this story with Drew and Cliff’s history in Sandy Bottom. Cliff really has to learn to trust what is happening around him and not let past feelings cloud his judgement. The whole set of characters in this story add to the fun and richness of the story. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it. #CMCon24

View all my reviews The Geeky Jock Paradox by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way that these two are drawn together. Isaac has been holding on to a dream but there are some cracks showing. I love the dramatic way they end up together just when you think things might not work out. This was a fun and enjoyable read.

 

View all my reviews Hot Chocolate Kisses by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story seems to start very slowly as compared with other holiday romance stories. But as you get to really know and understand the characters you understand they way the relationship is building. This is one of those stories that on the surface is two mismatched men but it is wonderful how other people’s jagged edges fit with yours. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story with an older main character. It is part of a multi-author series but you can read and enjoy this story without having read the other books. The message to me is that sometimes you just find someone even if you are not looking. And you need to be willing to embrace it when it comes. #CMCon24

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This week I have started my holiday reading and also got several books read for the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge.  #CMCon24. 

Week 43 - 44, 2023

 I'm getting excited to start my holiday reading.  But here is the way I've started fall.  

Wicked by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for the audio release of Wicked and it was so worth the wait. I love they way that they are drawn to each other right away but how to make it work is the struggle and sacrifice they both need to make. This story is full of feels. There was one statement near that really resonated to me as Manny was reflecting on life but no spoilers so I can’t share but I’m sure I won’t be alone. Such a wonderful addition to the series.

View all my reviews Singapore Fling by Maida Malby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was reading this book for the Coastal Magic Challenge and picked it based on it’s location. I have traveled through Singapore and it is a place I would like to go back to and spend some time. At the beginning of the book I wasn’t sure how much I like it. But the the story takes a big twist that really pulled me. Overall I really enjoyed this story and can easily give it a 4.0 #CMCon24

View all my reviews Recalling My Demon by Colette Davison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book as part of my Patreon membership and would be one I would have picked on my own based on the title. But wow this book is so full of so much love. The struggle of holding on to love was real. There were some dramatic moments and the story really pulls on the heart string. I would say don’t let the title put you off. This is a wonderful love story.

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

There is a whole lot of humor with Gates and Tallahassee’s path forward. There is a lot of distrust on Tallahassee’s part based on past Gates. Current Gates is working on himself. But along the way there is plenty of aggravation between them along the way. The audio was fun to listen to.

View all my reviews Moving On by Felice Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Close proximity is always like a fun trope and this story does it really well. Sean’s life if literally falling caving in on him. His sister has a solution but of course her husband had the same solution for a a co-worker. Of course that is the start of building feelings. I listened to the audio version of this story and enjoyed it very much.

View all my reviews Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter (Mason Dixon, #1) by Eric R. Asher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was a big surprise. I received as a give away as part of the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge. This story starts out with a very dramatic moment that made me questioning my choice of a listen. But the rest of the story is filled with a mix of mystery and humor. The premise is a fun look at a life with cryptids. This story leaves you with laughs and gasps. I listened to the audio version and it was a lot of fun. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Grinch Kisses by D.J. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This books was so much fun to read and great way to kick off my personal holiday reading season. Both MC were a lot of fun. This book is full of humor and is an easy read. Griff is seen as the local Grinch and has some reason to feel that way. Logan comes as this sister’s fake boyfriend. Logan has to room at Griff’s house and that leads to so much more. I really like the epilogue at the end of the story to see where everyone ended up. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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