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.

View all my reviews

Week 40- 42, 2023

 This time of year has been filled with lots of fun Haunted House fun.  I also spent a week in Virginia at the GRL Convention.  So much fun to finally meet so many of my favorite authors.  It was also fun to meet some of the authors that will be at Coastal Magic Convention in February 2024.  Been working on hard on working on my TBR pile plus new reads for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  Books for the challenge are marked with #CMCon24.  

Pure Indulgence by Victoria Sue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adam has been flirting with Joe but Joe is straight. But Joe is noticing Adam too. There are some dramatic moments but you get to see how strong Adam is. These two are great fit for each other. I really enjoyed this story. #CMCon24

 

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

The drama is over but the recovery is just beginning. It was great to see how caring Damon was. Oliver has to find his own strength but to also understand his needs. Both men have to learn to trust themselves and each other. This is a beautiful story of recovery. #CMCon24

 

View all my reviews Groomzilla & Groomzilla Does Vegas by Tere Michaels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is full of so much humor. As Daniel is helping his friend with his wedding things get so far out of hand as his best friend Ander decides to do the wedding on reality TV. As Daniel starts to work with Owen they really click. There is a lot of ups and down and some great surprises. The second story is the book is also a great wrap up for Owen and Daniel. #CMCon24

View all my reviews Headstrong by Eden Finley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story that is full of surprised for both the characters and the readers. I loved the way their developed their friendship and moved on from there.

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

It was great to finally get Jamie and Parker’s story. There seemed to be such a lack of communication that it is a wonder that they were able to figure things out. I listened to the audio and enjoyed it very much.

 

View all my reviews To Kill a Fae by Jamie A. Waters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are so many truths that get revealed in the this story of Sabina and the people who have been a part of her life. The story starts with an attack on Sabina’s life and the introduction of the ship’s captain. There is a lot of twists and turn. Be aware that the story ends with a a cliff hanger so be prepared to not have everything resolved by the end of the book. I listened to the audio version and it was very dramatic. #CMCon24

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

Spencer is so cute. He has been curious about the business on his delivery route. On one of his peaks he runs into Devon. Devon is attracted to Spencer. The rest is a fun series of events that brings these two together.

 

View all my reviews Nicked: Nordin by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Through this whole series we have seen Nordin do all he can to protect and provide for his brothers but his life has always been in the shadows. It was wonderful to finally get to his story. While his brothers have been finding the HEA we see Nordin as all alone but there has been something going on for years in the background. Through the whole story I worried about how there could be a happy ending for Nordin. I love the ending that Nora crafted for the final brother. I listened to the audio version which I enjoyed very much.

View all my reviews Bad Boy by Sammi Cee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way that Colby and Trickster meet up. I also like how Colby was willing to listen to Trickster and do some rethinking. This was a great introduction to the series and I can’t wait to read more.

View all my reviews

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

View all my reviews

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

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews