October 3 - 21, 2025

 This month is a mix of Coastal Magic reviews and some of the other books that I have been reading this month.  

Happy Pride by R.A. Frick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story really packs an emotional punch. You meet Z who is a sweet man who loves corgis. But you find out he is in a horrible situation. Meeting Christian at corgis get together sets things in motion toward a better life. I love that there is justice in the end.

 

View all my reviews Puppy for a Day by Della Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked the way both men felt an instant attraction . They were also realistic and take things slowly since they aren’t sure their kinks line up. I loved that both were willing to try the other’s idea of fun. Nelson and Guy found the perfect blend for their lives.

 

View all my reviews Daddy's Dragon by Joe Satoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story of finding the one that is the best match for you. Harvey has been keeping to himself and just enjoying letting his inner dragon out. Mitchell is working on his first novel with a dragon theme. They are brought together over some stolen treats. They just click together. I love the way their life just works.

 

View all my reviews The Omega Thief by Victoria Sue
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story kept me on the edge of my seat. There is great world building in this fantasy novel. Things move fast and there is lots of threads that seem separate but begin to pull together as you move from the story. I think the grandma is actually my favorite character. I did feel the very dramatic moment of the story seem to be a bit of the rush but it did fit into the overall story. It will be interesting to see how some of the other characters develop in the next books of the series. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The Mystery of the Morelock Motel by Hank Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This episode in the Critter Catcher universe focuses on Oliver and Dave to start with. They are checking out a haunted motel and things go horribly wrong. Demi and Cody come to help but that just adds to the problem. As they work together to solve this new problem lots of feelings get examined. Another great mystery. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Banded Together by K.C. Burn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have had this book on the shelf for a while and so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was really drawn into the story and you see Devlin dealing or not dealing with his grief. Jack has his own back story. I love the way their lives had intertwined in the past and present. I love the way the story brings us through their journey to understanding both themselves and each other. I really loved the epilogue that shows resolution and healing. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Foxy and Flirty by Kota Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story. is low angst and very cute. Jules seems to be a mess as he just lost his roommate and he has to figure out how to pay for everything. But you get to see he is much more than his mess. Cal is there at the right time. There is a little bump at the beginning but then things seem to move forward.

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September 3 - October 2, 2025

 Here is another great month of reading for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge.  

If you would like to learn more about the reading challenge or attending the Coastal Magic Convention held in Dayton Beach in February.  Click HERE to join the fun.  #CMCon26

Lilac and Cherry Tarts: Nettles B&B Paracozy by Chrissy Chicory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the sweet older couple on a road trip. They are ready for a great adventure. They decide to check out some reported strange lights. They find two boys in need of rescuing and things really get strange. The boys are adorable. There are so many great mysterious elements to this story. A fun fantasy read. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Syrup to No Good by Catherine Bruns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again Leila is caught up in solving a murder. If it can’t be solved her best friend’s dream wedding is canceled. Then there is another murder and her own life is at risk Leila won’t give up. I really loved how she was watching “Murder She Wrote” for inspiration to solve her case. Another great cozy mystery. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Awakened: Part 2 of the Sinking Man Series by Justin Leslie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ben continues to plan a way to get back to his wife. We get to see more of his resourcefulness. Their band of survives is also growing. We also see Sarah is working on her own plan as well. Once again the story ends at a dramatic point. It continues to be an interesting look at what a world in chaos look like. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Nevermore Bookstore by Kerrigan Byrne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story builds up slowly with a lot of little incidents. The end of the book is a fast paced meeting that reveals so much. Cady is between a rock and a hard place but she does her best to keep going. Fox is a haunted man. I liked the way this story brings together two people who feel broken and unworthy together. Through the story each of them both looked for ways to make things better for the other one. #CMCon26

View all my reviews There's a New Witch in Town by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abby has lost her mother and is trying to cope with her loss but strange things are starting to happen. She gets a big surprise to find she has powers she didn’t even know were possible. Then there is a murder and things really get wild. I love that her cat was her familiar because who doesn’t love a sassy cat. I thought the fact that she wrote cozy paranormal mysteries was such a funny plot point. This look like a fun series and plan to read more. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids by Kevin A. Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kristen is starting a new job with the FBI or is she. She finds herself in a totally different squad. I will be honest when I saw cryptids in the title I was thinking moth man or a skunk ape but these cryptids are from a different dimension. We see Kristen working to get herself caught up to speed with her unit. They have a lot of challenges but Kristen is pulling her own weight. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The Marshall Drummond Case Files: Cabinet 1 by Stuart Jaffe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed getting to know Marshall Drummond in his living years. It explains so much about how he can help Max Porter in that series. Also if you’ve read max Porter you might see connections between cases of old and modern. Great set of paranormal short stories. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsLights, Camera, Action by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Catherine’s no nonsense attitude to life. She is settling into her new life in a new town. The fact that there is more to the town than can be seen on the surface just makes it more interesting. It was fun to watch her and Alex try to solve the crime. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Screams of the Season by Hank Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Going to spend Christmas with Cody’s family can stir up a whole lot including their relationship. But a missing dad seems to be at the top of the to do list. Cody’s family is interesting to say the least. But Demi and Cody are in a great place with each other so they can deal with all the rest. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsHorror at Hideaway Cove by Hank Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cody and Demi have a special wedding and head off for the honeymoon. Of course it’s them so things start going wrong from the start. Strange things are happening. There is a fight between ignoring or investigating. But sometimes you can’t let things be. I loved seeing their relationship deepen. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsDread of Night by Hank Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the most intense story yet. There were thrills, tears and a runaway teenager. There was a little bit of foreshadowing at the end of the last book. Once they figure out what is happening the race is on to figure out how to stop it before it is too late. So many people are effect by the whole thing and so much is going on. It was also fun to see Roman’s daughter and have her part of the story. This one really kept me on the edge of my seat. #CMCon26

View all my reviews A Game of Hearts: A February Indulgence by Tigris Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zori is so set on what she thinks she needs. Matteo is tired of waiting. A reservation with no refund puts things into motion. I love the way things were arranged on the island for people to realize what they really wanted and need. This is a short read but a lot of fun. #CMCon26

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More Breaking News - Price of Victory by Hayden Hall

Price of Victory by Hayden Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhett and Aiden are both great characters. They are driven and determined young men. While they come from similar backgrounds their lifestyles are really different. We see where family drama have made them enemies. Rhett has a life and hockey dreams and it gets uprooted when Aiden transferred to his school and team. You can feel the tension between the two of them from the beginning. I like the slow way their relationship developed. They had so much to overcome both internally and externally. I really love the wrap you get from the epilogue. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I have really enjoyed this whole series.  Edgy, college age, hockey great combination.  

Breaking News - New Release - Nora Phoenix - Prince Material

Prince Material by Nora Phoenix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since I haven’t read the first book of this series yet I can say that this story can be read as a stand alone. It focuses on Floris a Dutch prince who wants to live an ordinary life. He meets his new roommate Orson. On the surface you would think they wouldn’t have much in common. Orson is very driven and serious about his studies. You get to know both men as their friendship develops. At some point it starts to be more. There is a lot to consider given all the facts. I did love how Floris was so quick to be there for Orson when needed. I also love how the end of the books really gives you a chance to see how things turn out. I received an ARC of the book but ended up purchasing the audio copy. I felt the audio with dual narration was well done and made sure you knew who was telling their part of the story as you listened to the book.

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August 16 - September 3, 2025

 Once again all of my reviews are for the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge.  Discovering lots of new to me authors.  Also discovering I kind of like Paranormal Cozy Mysteries.  If you want to discover new authors or attend a great convention with lots of interaction with authors and readers click HERE.  #CMCon26 

After the Happily Ever After Vol. 1: Paranormal Romance & Fantasy Short Story Collection by Lisa Kessler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great collection of short stories based on books in Lisa Kessler’s worlds. It was great to have a revisit from characters I remember. But I even enjoyed the stories from books I haven’t read yet because it gave me a taste of what those series are about as well. #CMCon26


View all my reviews Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first time Donavan and Jada is adorable with her complaints. Their second meet up was quite the surprise for both of them. I like the development of their relationship throughout the story. I also like seeing how much Donavan loved and accepted her just as she was. Really loved the way things play out for both of them. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Bernadette and her strength to push through. It illustrates that working together for a cause can also strengthen individual changes. Romance is not at the center of this story but I do like the addition of Graham to Bernadette's life and to the overall story to highlight all men weren’t/aren’t the same. Since I was born in the early 60’s to a mother who had been a secretary I understood many of the era references. And Frank well he’s such a great character and I loved his chapters. #CMCon26

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

I really love Karnak. He has had so much control to stay away from Jess because it felt it was best for her. I also like how we get to see his artistic side. Jess is a woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to put in the work. I also like how the town’s people not only accept but show support. And Mrs. McGhee is a hoot. #CMCon26

View all my reviews I Think We're Alone Now by Dahlia Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great happy read. Dr. Ray comes because he is forced to. But Westerly has other ideas. The ideas that the town is making people fall in love is a great plot line especially when neither person believes in it. Add in Fayth’s family and the humor level increases. I can’t wait to find out what couple will be next. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Letters to Half Moon Street by Sarah Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the unique way this story was told through a series of letters. I also like the little dash of magic that made this an accepting historical romance. All of the characters were well described and it was easy to picture each of them. I really enjoyed this book. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsCast Off by K.C. Burn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian and Rick are both players for different reasons. Ian is finally being honest with his family that changes his ideas about relationships but Rick still has reservation. There is a lot of back and forth as both men learn more about each other. Outside drama also causes complications. These are two strong men who have a lot of things that they need to learn to work through. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Jonah and the Narwhal by Vinni George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved how without much contact Jonah and Edwin had been bonding. I also like that for most of the story both men are working on building up their relationship since they got together so quickly. Also there is no break up - make up. Both men face all of the challenges head on. They are also willing to stand up for themselves and each other. I also like how they were building their family with the friendship they come to the relationship with. This book has been sitting on my shelf for a while and I’m so glad I finally got it read. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Better Than Gelato by Libby Tanner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had mixed feelings about this story which probably had a lot to due with being so much older than the main character and never having had any kind of similar situation. This story is well written and the background of Italy as well as the characters are really well described. I felt like we really got to know Juliet and all her new friends. There are some moments of tears which is well written if bittersweet. I did wonder how a nanny got so much time off though. The ending gave you a peek what some of them were up to a few years later. There was also a big surprise but I think I would have like one more chapter that brought people together for something like a 10 year reunion. #CMCon26

View all my reviewsRunning Scared by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful addition to the worlds of Amy Lane. And is often the case we have a little meet up with friends from the Search and Rescue series. Bailey is an ER doctor that is trying to get through each day after COVID. Suddenly one of the Royal’s shows up in the ER and it really stirs up his life. Dean has a knack for trying to keep his family safe and getting himself and his partner Marcus into and out of situations. And when all of these worlds collide it takes a family the size of a village to unravel the whole thing. I really love this 2nd book in the series. I can’t wait to find out whose next on the matchmaker’s list. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Homicide at the Haunted House by Beth Dolgner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have decided I am really becoming a fan of cozy paranormal mysteries and this one only reenforces that. Poor Olivia has hit a rough patch in her life. Then her car breaks down in a town called Nightmare. Even though Olivia plans to leave she starts to settle in and make friends. Of course there is a murder to solve but there is lots of fun along the way to the answer. #CMCon26

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July 23 - August 15, 2025

 Working really hard to work my way through the Coastal Magic Author List.  I read at least one book from each author last year.  Will I make it this year.  This entry will bring me just under half way through.  

You're Dead to Me by Amy Christine Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not really a horror fan so I wasn’t sure about this book but I needed to read this author for the Coastal Magic Reading Challenge. I was surprised by how much I was drawn into this story. While Ruby is central to the story her friends are an important part of the story. The story takes so many twists and turns. The Mystery isn’t over until the very end. If you like YA Horror I’m sure you will love this book. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think the overall theme for Road Trip Rivalry is about taking a chance. Both Poorvi and Kavan have pushed themselves out of their work ruts and putting up with the push of others. I love the forced proximity that brings them together especially with Ba there to push them along. As they both take charge of their lives it seems love is lost but you can’t rule out the work of a sneaky Ba. The epilogue made the story even sweeter. Included in the audio was Detour to the Gingerbread Inn which looks at second chances and how what we are feeling inside can effect how we see the world around us. There is a lot of depth to this short story. #CMCon26

View all my reviews The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a heart warming story. Much of the book focuses on two strong women. There is Mauve the older widow who gives advice and Amanda the young widow. There is also Paul who is a veteran. These three strands tie together as the ideas of living, love, and moving on are explored. Amanda has children which is another layer that helps move the story along. A great story that looks at all the ways we can love and how we show that to others. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Bitten By Deceit by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma is in trouble and needs the help of Kyle. Kyle was feeling betrayed by her. The danger they face is real and it will take them both to solve the issue. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Bitten by Treachery by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charly is being sent to again move against the town of Hadley. We see her struggling with understanding what she should do. Trenton get’s pulled into the drama. But there was more at foot then either of them realize. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Bitten by Vengeance by Shawntelle Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this final Hadley story so many more layers are added to the story. We now have the werewolves, witches, and demons. There is even more drama in this story. The race to saving everyone kept me on the edge of my seat. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviews Rogue Community College by David R. Slayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful story full of choices and sacrifice. Vran understands more than he reveals and we must move through the story along with the characters to see where his journey goes. Isaac is sure of his path until he’s not. Choices and more choices. And sometimes you are surprised by who is doing the choosing. #CMCon26

 

View all my reviewsA Billion Christmas Wishes: Christmas Cove Book 1 by Ellie Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes it's fun to enjoy a Christmas story in the heat of summer. I love the little Florida town. Amelia is strong and determined. She does have great marketing ideas. Nick is conflicted pretty much throughout the story trying to balance new feelings with strong business minded ideas. This was a sweet read with a great ending. #CMCon26

View all my reviews New Dragon City by Mari Mancusi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an engaging YA apocalyptic story. Not my usual go to but I was drawn into the story from the beginning to the very end. There the message who is the monster and how getting to know about something can counteract fear. There is lots of action and twists with surprises. If you want to see New York City in a whole new way you will enjoy this story. #CMCom26

View all my reviewsOzmosis by Dakota Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This young adult story is much fun. Once again we are in Wonderland with Hatter and Henry. But from there the story takes a new twist when the pair embark on a whole new adventure. It’s fun to visit a book setting you know but are seeing it in a completely different way. This story was so much fun. #CmCon26

 

View all my reviewsThe Mussorgsky Riddle by Darin Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anthony appears to be locked in his own mind and Mira hopes to have the key. What follows is a strange and dangerous journey through his mind. It also becomes apparent what the trigger point might be. There are mysteries of the mind and an actual mystery to be solved. This story seems to examine how we effect each other. What role does music play in our psyche? And can we die in our dreams. This story is intense and will leave you on the edge of your seat. #CMCon26

View all my reviews Must Love Moss and Moonshine: A Cozy Fantasy Romance by Maisy Magill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Both Tansy and Kellen had been content with their lives. But at the same time they feel a pull for something more or different. Fate or naughty Brownies bring them together in an unique way. Now they must unravel the past to find a future. I love the light whimsical feel of this story. It is a great relaxing read. #CMCon26

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23 July 2025, ARC Review Depths of Desire - Hayden Hall

 

Depths of Desire by Hayden Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both Oliver and Lennox are intense and driven to excel in their sports. Their world’s collide and it sends them both spinning. I like the way they sort of fell into a relationship. I got a little frustrated at Lennox because he seemed to be making things all about him. Of course, maybe, Lena is the real hero for setting everything in motion in the first place. This was a great story and I really enjoyed it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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