Love this Book - ARC Review When We Meet Again by Hayden Hall

 

When We Meet Again by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story really blew me away. I wasn’t expecting so many feels. There are moments that seemed bittersweet and hopeless. But there is always hope. Raphel and Luke both change and age but some things are made to last. I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

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June 24 - July 5, 2024

 

Mystery Magnet by Gregory Ashe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great mystery story. It kept me guessing until the end. I loved the whole ensemble cast. They had a rich layer to the story. This is a great cozy mystery. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Snowflakes and Song Lyrics by Hank Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is very much a Christmas rom-com. Will just wants to help out his favorite singer but he gets very self-conscious. Meantime, Rex wants to track him down. You have small town magic and a wicked snow storm. What a great way to get things moving. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like they was we see Kat’s feelings evolve during the story. The action had me on the edge of my seat. While the story ends with a move to the next book it also felt like this chapter was wrapped up. The full cast narration was so much fun to listen to. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Bitter by Tigris Eden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I struggled with this story and review. It is much darker than I usually read. The story seems to be going in one direction and then takes an abrupt and sudden turn. There is a lot of violence in this story. If you are looking for a dark, revenge story then you would probably enjoy this one. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews It's a Wonderful Midlife Crisis by Robyn Peterman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just a warning this book does end with a cliff hanger. The story drew me in. I like stories with older main characters. Daisy is turning 40 and things are changing. There are a lot of plot twists to this story. There are also some really special moments as well. The audio version was very entertaining. #CMCon25

View all my reviews It Cannoli Be Murder by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to have another visit with Tessa. I was glad to see her moving on in getting ready to open her restaurant. But of course when something goes wrong in her cousin Gabbi’s store. Tessa can’t help but get involved. It was fun to see old characters and the introduction of new ones. Good food with a side of mystery this book is delightful. The audio was well done and fun to listen to. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Long, Lean, and Lethal by Heather Graham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is a bit closer to Law and Order than Murder She Wrote with a bit more graphic murder scenes. But the story is intriguing and really draws you in. There is a whole cast of characters. So many with the means to commit the crimes. I did guess the killer but the why was a surprise. And it was kind of fun having guessed right. The audio book was very well done. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Naughty Little Wishes by Nina Crespo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Drew and Tabitha seem an unlikely pair. It appears as if they really rub each other the wrong way and don’t agree on anything. When Tabitha decides to help Drew things really heat up. This story is a lot of fun and very sexy. The audio version is a fun listen. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Game On by Tracy Solheim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both Carly and Shane have baggage from their childhoods. Both of the childhoods that were tragic in different ways. Shane seems to be afraid of a relationship of any kind. Carly has been building family with her sister. There are some tough moments to get Shane to reevaluate his life and priorities. I really liked the audio version. #CMCon25

View all my reviews The Faery Queen's Daughter by Melissa Marr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a lively tale of bravery and strength. It explores what it means to be loyal to the truest cause. I love the arc of Jack Merry’s story. I also enjoyed seeing the other folk who learned to work together for what is right and good. There is indeed power in words. Listening to an audio was a great way to enjoy this story. #CMCon25

View all my reviewsUnlovable by Cynthia St. Aubin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story that is a lot of fun. Matilda has built her life and practice. But one morning she finds Cupid as a patient. This leads to all kinds of wild adventures. #CMCon25

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June 14 - 23, 2024

Swipe Left, Power Down, Look Up by Amy Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet story that starts with a meet cute. Trey and Dewey just seem to fit together despite their differences. I also loved their friends and family. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviewsThe Ghost in the Curve by Violet Howe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Sloane is a woman at the crossroads in so many ways. I also love how she was always creating headlines for her life. Tristan is a man that is restarting his life. Their budding relationship on its own would make a great story but when you add in Chelsea’s story and it takes this book to a whole new level. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Blind Items by Kate McMurray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a slow burn with some angsty moments. It also made me think about how hard it must be to be the family of a politician with views that don’t match your own. I really loved the dramatic flair that happens at the end of the book which like it should have the beginning instead of the end. #CMCon25

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I have been busy working on the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge for 2025.  There are 71 authors and tons of books to choose from.  And the best part is I will actually get to meet this authors in February.  For more information on both the Coastal Magic Convention and the Reading Challenge click HERE. #CMCon25

June 1 - 14, 2024

 So excited the 2025 Coastal Magic Reading Challenge has begun.  I had a great vacation and got a lot of reading and audio books listened to while I was gone.  

How to Save an Undead Life by Hailey Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a bit confused at the start of the story even stopping to check I was reading book 1 in the series. But as the story unfolds you realize that Grier herself was also confused about what had and was happening to her. There seem to be so many people trying to manipulate Grier for their own purposes. I like that see seems to be developing her own strength. It will be interesting to see what happens in Grier’s future. I listened to the audio which was a great way to meet a new author in a genre I don’t often read. #CMCon25

View all my reviews My Orc Bodyguard by Veronika Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was such a fun little romp of a reconnection. While finding a lost love ina visit to a small town but with a twist. “Monsters”!. I really enjoyed this cute little romance and will return to the island for more. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the whole cast of characters from Normal, KY. Mae West is stronger than she thinks. I also liked that even when she wanted to sell off the grounds she still wanted to leave the campground and the town a better place. The ending was a total surprise. I listened to the audio and it sounded great. #CMCon25


View all my reviews The Dream Keeper's Daughter by Emily Colin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was drawn in from the beginning of the story where you feel the coming a mystery. I like how Finn is a part of the story. The drama of the past is so striking and dramatic. But my feelings were mixed at the ending of the story. There were questions that I felt went unresolved. I don’t want to same more because I don’t want to give spoilers but I wasn’t completely happy with the way things turned out. #CMCon25

View all my reviews Stalking Buffalo Bill by J. Leigh Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Donnie has a crush and is finally ready to make his move. It doesn’t go as smoothly as he wants but he still has hope. Then enter the bad guys. What follows is a series of mishaps and drama as each man does his best to protect the other. There is a lot of frustration and some rash choices on the way to the happy ending. I enjoyed this new author to me. #CMCon25

 

View all my reviews Nutty For You by Morgan Brice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story of finding the person who really sees you and still wants you. It was also a great way to kick off the first read of the 24-25 Reading Challenge. This story has lots of humor and some tension. I love when Elias mentions the squirrel giving him gifts. #CMCon25


View all my reviews Last Chances by M.A. Grant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think the theme of this story could be just be honest about your feelings. There was drama that was because people didn’t state their real reasons. Also, Cat’s brother was such a hypocrite. This was a story story that does make it a HEA. #CMCon25

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Quick post for Hayden Hall’s New Release

 I’m on vacation and reading up a storm but I wanted to get this review out of Hayden Hall’s latest release Coaching Prince Charming.  

Coaching Prince Charming by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This final book in the Titan series has a different vibe because it takes us away from the team house. Carter has dreams that he hasn’t been able to pursue. Nate is adjusting to life off the ice. The drama with Carter’s dad takes a the story to a whole new level. Both Carter and Nate have to evaluate what they want. The epilogue is a nice wrap up. I received and ARC in exchange for a honest review.

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May 19- 31, 2024

 Finishing the school year and getting ready for vacation.  Looking forward to tomorrow and the start of the 2025 Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  

Stuff Me by Joe Satoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how there was an immediate connection yet they failed to share details. The way they reconnected was cute. This is a quick story of finding someone who fits and then working out the details.

 

View all my reviews Practice for Toby by Amy Bellows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While there are some dramatic moments in the story the love really shines through. It isn’t just the love between Toby and Felix but the whole community that comes together to embrace this couple. Another wonderful addition to the Pebble Gifters and a great audio version.

 

View all my reviews Breakthrough by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I appreciate that both men have things in their past. I was cheering for Milo the while time. While these two men find love, they also connected with a wider community.

 

View all my reviews Find the Jinn by Maz Maddox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dallas is just trying to live his best fish training, vampire slaying life when it all falls apart. It starts with a rough take down and spirals out from there. This story is complete but their are elements to the story which will leave you wondering what is next for Dallas. I enjoyed the sound of the audio book very much.

 

View all my reviews A Puppy for His Little by Della Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the first in a series of three about the same group of men. It is a gentle story with very little angst. All three are wonderful men and seem to fit together well.

View all my reviews On the Run by May Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was exciting to see Beale get his story. I love the way Toby sees him for more than most people in town. The big lie makes sense when it is to protect someone else. I hated the breakup that didn’t seem to need to happen but was so excited to see them work out as they both decide to fight for what they want. They audio was a fun listen.

 

View all my reviewsWritten in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the idea of the way this story develops. Things start out so badly. Darci and El also seem like they are very unmatched. It was great the way Darci stood up for El with her family even when she thought it was all fake. There are some really moments of drama as both women need to come to understand their own wants and need. I listen to the audio which was very well done.

View all my reviewsGot Me Looking by Casey Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the vibe of this story. We’ve seen Gus as a side character in the first two books and I was looking forward to his story. On the surface Tate seems an unlikely partner for Gus. But as the two build a friendship and then fake boyfriends it was great to see the build up to their happy ending. Listening to the audio version was fun and enjoyable.

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May 5 - 19, 2024

 

Out on the Seas by Sheri Lyn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short story of finding love on the high seas. I like how so many different kinds of people are represented on the ship. There is a break-up moment but I really love the way things work out in the end.

 

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

It was interesting to see Lane and Shaw have a tight relationship but both feel something special when they meet Keagan. I like the feel of how their relationship grows. The later section of the book is full of drama. The epilogues are also interesting. The audio was fun to listen to.

 

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

Maddox and Bryan have taken steps to secure their own future. They are learning how to make connections that work for them. Loved the chance to see them getting settled.

 

View all my reviews Dresses and Cuts by Gianni Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short peek into a special moment between Grimm and Jamie. It was nice getting to see Grimm going out of his way to treat Jamie to something extra.

 

View all my reviews Leashes, Ball Gags, and Daddies by M.A. Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great peek at many of my favorite couples enjoying their Christmas holidays. There is humor, naughty moments, and surprises along the way.

 

View all my reviews Stubborn Boys by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We’ve seen these three men in the background of the first two stories. All three were dancing around each other. I was so relieved to see a way through for all of them. I loved that no man gets left behind. The building of their relationship was beautiful to see. The audio was well done with the variety of narrators.

 

View all my reviews The Redemption of River by Eli Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brent and River are very different people and seem like they are in very different places in their lives. Brent does have an open mind that leads him to healing. I like how it isn’t until they meet again that things start to develop. We also get to examined the idea that words said over and over seem to become your internalized truth. It sometimes take a jolt to shift your thinking. This story has a great slow burn. I enjoyed listening to the audio very much.

View all my reviews Antagonist by Ana Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think it’s funny how these two men just seem to rub each other the wrong way to start out. Both Fletcher and Harrison have things to work out in their own lives. There are some dramatic moments but alls well that ends well. I listened to the audio which was easy to listen too.

 

View all my reviewsInsatiable by Rhys Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Logan sort of sees himself almost as a character and frankly at the beginning of the book I didn’t like him very much. But as he begins to help Brody for the sake of really helping and not just to win a bet I began to see him in a new light. I loved the ways he stepped in and helped Brody see his own potential. I was so upset at the “third act break-up”. I like the way things are resolved in the end. The narrator did a wonderful job voicing both characters.

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I'm so excited.  We are only a couple of weeks away from the start of the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  I can't wait to find out which authors are included.  It is a great way to met authors before the convention.  Click HERE for more information.