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: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

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For the Love of a Goblin Warrior
Series: Shadowlands #3
Author: Shona Husk

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Centuries ago, Meryn was thought to be utterly lost–all traces of his soul given up to the ravening goblin horde. But with the curse that enslaved him now broken, he must once again learn to walk in the realm of men.

Nurse Nadine Gilbert likes working the night shift to avoid her disturbing dreams, but her mysterious new patient looks hauntingly familiar. Meryn knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance, but Nadine brings out his long-buried human side. Telling her the truth about his violent past could destroy their fragile trust. Could she ever believe in the love of a Goblin Warrior?

MY THOUGHTS

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior is the third book in the Shadowlands series by author Shona Husk.  If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, it should still be no problem to follow along.  While I recommend you read the previous books, it is not necessary to read them first.  The main characters are Meryn and Nadine.

While this book was good and kept me reading straight through until the end, it wasn’t a book that I would say I fell in love with.  The story was a little choppy at times and it kind of threw me off while reading it.  Once I recognized the pace of the book though, I started to enjoy the plot.  This book had it all. It had loss, love, obstacles and redemption. I really enjoyed the characters and they actually felt right together.  While this book fits into the paranormal romance genre, I loved how it incorporated the fantasy elements as well.  I haven’t read much about Goblin’s, but I found it is a story line element that I could enjoy in future books – especially if written by this author.

Again, it can be read as a stand alone novel, but reading the previous books in the series will just make the world the author created richer and better detailed in your mind.  I can’t wait to see what the author will come up with next!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

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Pushing the Limits
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Author: Katie McGarry

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

MY THOUGHTS

Pushing the Limits is the first book in the Pushing the Limits series by author Katie McGarry.  The main characters in this book are Echo Emerson and Noah Hutchins.

You see that boot over there?  That would be the boot that left the red mark on my behind for waiting so long to read this book. What was the matter with me?  I had heard great things about this book, but for some reason I had waited to start it.  I am so glad I finally got to sit down and read Echo and Noah’s story.

Echo was attacked by her mother and left with scars on the outside. Mentally, she has the incident blocked and can’t remember what exactly happened that fateful night that changed her life entirely.  She had recently lost her brother while fighting in the Marines, and then her mother does the unthinkable to her.  Afterwards, she saw a therapist who pushed her mind too fast to remember that night.  She ends up having a nervous breakdown from it.  When she starts school again, she is now the outsider. She used to be one of the most popular girls in school, but now she finds herself withdrawn and hiding from everyone.  The kids at school call her freak and have basically cast her aside from their social circles.  Not only has she lost family, but now she must cope with being a freak with no friends.

Enter Noah Hutchins. Noah, the sexiest stoner in school who is also known as a ladies man that pleases the women and then leaves the women when he is done with them.  When Echo finds herself tutoring Noah, they both find an attraction that shouldn’t be there.  Noah lost his parents in a house fire.  He saved his two younger brothers from the fire, but they were eventually torn apart in the foster system.  His main goal is to get his brothers back and make them a family again.  To increase visitation with his brothers, he must apply himself to school work and be tutored by Echo.

I loved the character of Noah.  I really liked how he was willing to put everything before himself.  He wanted his brothers back and was willing to give up college and his dreams to raise them.  He was also willing to help Echo with her problem of rediscovering that lost night that ruined her life.  Echo seemed a little self absorbed and whiny at times, but overall it wasn’t too bad.  Luke — Echo’s ex-boyfriend — was a jerk and I couldn’t stand him when he was given page time.  Grace — Echo’s ex-best friend — was also one I wish we could have erased from the story.  I didn’t like how her reputation of being the popular girl was more important than her friendship with Echo.  She treated Echo horribly and was glad that she wasn’t featured as much as I thought she would be.  The rest of side characters were great.  I loved Isiah, Beth and Lila. I loved the bickering and the wit each of them showed.  They were engaging characters that really helped move the book forward.  I am looking forward to reading more about those side characters in future books.

Again, I wish I had read this book sooner.  I am still going to be kicking myself in the pants for a few days while thinking about Noah and Echo’s story.  I can’t wait to start the next book in the series! An engaging read that will keep you up all night reading!

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

The Weekly Wrap (7)

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It’s time for the Weekly Wrap Up!
What did you miss this week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf?  Find out below!
(inspired by Smexy Books)

*****
Finally my toothache has subsided! R-E-L-I-E-F!!
Now I can get back to reading, blogging and basically life instead of crying in pain.  The only downside is I can’t seem to find the time to actually read.  Raise your hand if you are ready for Spring Break (if you have kids) so you can relax a bit. Between school pictures, end of quarter testing including AR Reading, class parties for birthdays and holidays, fundraisers and awards assemblies for three kids — and the toothache last week — I am ready for some down time to just enjoy family and a good book.  Of course, I will be locked away from everyone on release day for Lover At Last by J.R. Ward that week as well!
REVIEWS
Heat of the Moment by Elle Kennedy (3 Martini)
Naked by Raine Miller (3 Martini)
All In by Raine Miller (1 Martini)
DISCUSSION POST
SHARING SOME NEWS FROM AROUND THE BLOGS
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Discussion: Special Reads with Special Needs

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Lately all the romance books I have been reading have had strong and sexy alpha males that lead dangerous lives.  While I find this to be exciting and definitely a popular trend, every once in awhile I like a down home sweet romance.  The ones with some humor on the side with a small town feel to it.  When an author brings in a character with a disability, it makes it an even better read for me usually. The characters seem to capture my interest and my heart before I even get halfway through the book.

I have found though that it can be a little difficult in finding these types of books. I did stumble across a post at Dear Author that helped me in finding a few. It seems that authors are either hesitant on writing their characters with a disability or they just aren’t as popular as they should be.

I have reviewed two though that I can recommend if you are looking for a few reads with sexy and special as well. If anyone has any suggestions for me in this area of reading, please let me know in the comments. I would love to find more to add to my pile!

HEALING LUKE by Beth Cornelison

She Can’t Escape Her Past…

Occupational therapist Abby Stanford is on vacation alone, haunted by sharp memories of her fiances betrayal, her self-confidence shattered. Romance is the last thing on Abby’s mind – until she meets the brooding and enigmatic Luke…

He Won’t Face His Future…

Scarred by a horrific accident, former heartthrob Luke Morgan is certain his best days are behind him. Spunky and attractive, Abby knows how to help him recover, but Luke is sure his powerful attraction to her will only serve as a harsh reminder to him of the man he used to be.

Abby is Luke’s first glimmer of hope since the accident, but can she heal his heart before Luke breaks hers?

Goodreads / My Review / Amazon

THE WRITE MAN FOR HER by Christie Walker Bos

Work, work, work. That’s how Jessica Anne Singer has dealt with the loneliness since her divorce. Except for her squawky cockatiel, Merlin, Jessica hasn’t had a date in years, but all that’s about to end. Jessica’s best friend, Cath, has decided that Jessica needs to meet her dreamy online professor, Brant Wilson. 

Creative writing professor Brant Wilson is intrigued by one of his online students, Jessica Singer. She seems more worldly than most of his students and has a penchant for arguing with him over just about everything, which he finds oddly enjoyable. But when she asks to meet with him in person to discuss her grades he immediately refuses. He never meets with his students face-to-face. Never. Undeterred, Cath hatches a harebrained plan to find the reclusive professor. When the plan actually works, Jessica uncovers the real reason the professor doesn’t meet with his students.

Stunned by her discovery, Jessica must decide if she’ll listen to her head or her heart when it comes to determining if Professor Brant Wilson is the right man for her.

Goodreads / My Review / Amazon