Review: Demon’s Curse by Alexa Egan

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Demon’s Curse
Series: Imnada Brotherhood #1
Author: Alexa Egan

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

A fast-paced and captivating debut—the first in the dark and sexy Imnada Brotherhood series about shape shifters in Regency-era England.

A rising star on the Covent Garden stage, Bianca Parrino believes she has everything she wants. Independence. Wealth. And a life finally free of her violent, abusive husband. But when her close friend, Adam, is murdered, and Bianca is suspected in his death, she is unwittingly drawn into the search for his killer, and soon must question everything she believes—about her friend, about herself, and about a world she never knew existed.

A member of the mysterious race of shape-shifting Imnada and part of an elite military unit, Captain Mac Flannery gathered intelligence during the Napoleonic wars. As a result of a savage massacre, Mac and the men he served with are cursed. Now one of them has been found murdered, and Mac suspects the existence of the Imnada has been discovered at last. His only link to unearthing the truth is the beautiful actress who turns up unexpectedly at Adam’s funeral.

Before long, Mac has more to contend with than Bianca’s overt mistrust, his ill-fated attraction to the haughty and beautiful actress, and his ongoing search for an end to the curse. Because Adam’s killer is back, and Mac is next on his list.

MY THOUGHTS

Demon’s Curse is the first book in the Imnada Brotherhood series by author Alexa Egan.

I was a little hesitant in reading this book.  I haven’t read many paranormal romance books written in the Regency era.  If I am going to read a historical book, I usually want it to be pretty straight forward.  I have to say though that this book was pretty good.  While it was different in ways with shape-shifting in the historical world, it still had the basic structure of one without the shape-shifting. There was romance and suspense that kept me hooked from beginning to end.  I will admit that the first half of the book was a little bit confusing for me, but I think it was because I was trying to force my way of thinking.  I wanted it a certain way because it wasn’t what I was used to.  After I got over my expectations and that line of thinking, it kind of clicked in place for me and became and enjoyable read.

If you are willing to read the fantasy, romance and shape-shifting thrown into the Regency era, then this book will fit.  I will definitely keep an eye out for the next book in this series and will be adding this author to my watch list.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Review: A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick

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A Place Beyond Courage
Series: William Marshal #1
Author: Elizabeth Chadwick
Genre: Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper, and royal servant John FitzGilbert is one of them. But when the old king dies and his successor is appointed, John faces a terrible choice: he must join the rival faction-his enemies- or risk losing everything. His new wife helps him carry his burden, but his final choice will seal not only her fate, but those of his young children. 

As the fight for England’s crown enters a new phase, John may be forced to make a terrible sacrifice…

MY THOUGHTS

When I first started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect.  Others loved it and raved about it, but I was worried it wouldn’t be one I would enjoy.  Sadly, I was right in my feelings.  While I won’t say it was horrible, it wasn’t my cup of tea.

The writing was actually pretty good.  It had great building of imagery and the balance between dialogue and narration was done well.  I just couldn’t bring myself to really enjoy the characters or just enjoy the plot.  There wasn’t a spark of interest for me that everyone else seemed to have.  This is my first read by this author — and people have said it is a prequel of sorts to one titled The Greatest Knight — so maybe her other works would be better.

Again, I can’t say the exact reason why it didn’t click with me.  Maybe it is because Historical reads are a genre that I am very picky with.  Sad to say that this one didn’t work for me, but I am hoping the authors other works will be better for me in the future.

MY RATING

If the library doesn’t have it, don’t worry about reading it!

Review: The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

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The Raven Prince
Series: Princes Trilogy #1
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781455513581

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

There comes a time in a lady’s life…

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.

When she must do the unthinkable…

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

And find employment.

When Anna becomes the earl’s secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his “manly” needs. Well! Anna sees red—and decides to assuage her “womanly” desires…with the earl as her unknowing lover.

MY THOUGHTS

Even though Historical Romance is not a favorite of mine to read,  author Elizabeth Hoyt never fails to amaze me.  This author is one of my favorites in this genre and I have no idea why I have put off reading this series.

Edward is suppose to be some mean Earl that hardly anyone can tolerate.  I on the other hand, enjoyed his characters.  I don’t think he was unruly and temperamental as he was suppose to be.  I actually found him shy and at times a sweet man.  This is not to say he didn’t have his moments, but I liked him from the first time he entered the scene.

Anna I felt was the perfect counterpart for Edward.  She didn’t take his crap and she could dish out just as much as she was given.  I like how she didn’t care what others really thought about her and just went with what she felt was right for herself.

I think the only problem I had with this story was the over abundance of characters.  I felt like the reader was introduced to too many even though this is the first in series.  At times it felt like I would need a flow sheet to remember who everyone was.

A great romance to sweep you away and one that I enjoyed enough to recommend to fans of Historical Romance.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Guest Post with author Maya Rodale

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Seducing Mr. Knightly
by Maya Rodale
Genre: Historical Romance

SUMMARY

He’s the only man she’s ever loved…

For ages it seems advice columnist Annabelle Swift has loved Derek Knightly, editor-owner of The London Weekly from a distance. Determined to finally attract her employer’s attention, she seeks advice from her loyal readers—who offer Annabelle myriad suggestions…from lower-cut bodices (success!) and sultry gazes (disaster!) to a surprise midnight rendezvous (wicked!).

She’s the only woman he never noticed…

Derek never really took note of his shy, wallflower lady writer. But suddenly she’s exquisite…and he can’t get Annabelle out of his mind! She must be pursuing someone, but who? For some inexplicable reason, the thought of her with another man makes Knightly insanely jealous.

Will Dear Annabelle find her happy ending?

But Knightly’s scandalous periodical has been targeted for destruction by a vengeful Lord Marsden, and the beleaguered editor now faces a devastating choice: either marry Marsden’s sister to save his beloved newspaper…or follow his heart and wed his Writing Girl.

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A Special Letter featuring Annabelle!
Dear Annabelle,

I fell in love with a man who turned out to be a duke. Unfortunately, I don’t think I would make a good duchess! I don’t care for fashion, feel awkward in society, and prefer discussing business ledgers to gossiping about other people. What should I do?

Sincerely,

T. Neville from The Way to a Duke’s Heart by Caroline Linden

Dear T. Neville,

Most women are hardly vexed to discover their husband is a duke, but such are the problems romance heroines face. We care for kisses and conversation with handsome rogues and then discover that we must dazzle high society whilst running vast estates all in between those scorching kisses and sparring conversations.

I do empathize with you, T. Neville, as I have fallen in love with a man determined to conquer the Haute Ton. I am just not the right bride for such an endeavor! I haven’t the wardrobe required for impressing the ton gossips nor am I comfortable in society.

But I suspect all that matters are those kisses and conversation…that was certainly my favorite part of my love story and I’m sure it was the highlight of yours.

Yours,

Annabelle from Seducing Mr. Knightly

Reprinted with permission from The London Weekly

Question: Do you think you would make a good duchess? 
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.
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