Review: What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston

What Happens in Scotland
Author: Jennifer McQuiston
Historical Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Lady Georgette Thorold has always been wary of marriage, so when she wakes up next to an attractive Scotsman with a wedding ring on her finger, it’s easy to understand why she panics and flees. Convinced that Georgette is a thief, her may-be husband, James McKenzie, searches for her. As both try to recall what happened that fateful night, they begin to realize that their attraction and desire for each other is undeniable. But is it enough?

Fans of Sarah MacLean and Mary Balogh will enjoy this utterly charming historical romance from award-winning author Jennifer McQuiston that features unforgettable characters and a satisfying mix of adventure and passion.

MY THOUGHTS

I picked this book up because someone on Twitter recommended it to me.  I was looking for a lighthearted and fun read that fell in the Historical Genre.  What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston fit this theme perfectly.  I couldn't stop laughing throughout this book.  From the moment Georgette hits James with the chamber pot upside the head, all the way to where they are bickering about the money bag he has lost.  These two make for an interesting and fun couple.

When they both wake up next to each other in bed naked, neither one of them can remember what happened the night before.  Before they can talk about things, she hits him with the chamber pot and runs.  The room is trashed and everyone in town is giving her bits and pieces of info to fill in the blanks.  The same is happening with James.  He is trying to retrace his steps and find out what the heck happened.  Come to find out that they are legally married now. I knew from the beginning who was going to be behind it and what caused their memory relapse.  The bad guy definitely gets caught and receives his punishment as well.

Overall this was a light, fun, and quick read that will make you want to learn more about the couple and side characters.  I do hope that James brother William will get his own story as well.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Taking A Shot by Jaci Burton

Taking A Shot
Series: Play by Play #3
Author: Jaci Burton

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


If you want to score, you have to get in the game... 

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

MY THOUGHTS

Taking A Shot is the third book in the Play by Play series by author Jaci Burton.  The main characters for this book are Jenna Riley and Ty Anderson.

Read one page then close the book. Swoon over the cover and imagine licking every drop off that cover models chest. Repeat.  Yep that is about how it went while I read this book.  Then I realized that if I ever wanted to enjoy the story I would have to actually read instead of drooling.

Jenna Riley is the youngest Riley child.  She is sister to the previous books characters, Mick and Gavin.  She is busy running the family owned sports bar after their father had a major heart attack.  While she enjoys her job at times, running a sports bar was never her dream.  After being surrounded by sports all of her life, the last thing she wants is to date anyone who is a sports fan.

Enter Ty Anderson.  We got to meet Ty in the second book in the series and I was glad to see him featured in Taking A Shot.  He is a pro hockey player and is attracted to Jenna.  He finds her piercings, tattoos and attitude sexy and wants to get know her better.  Unfortunately, since he is a pro hockey player, he gets shot down before he can even melt the ice around her heart.

I have to say that this was my least favorite book in the series even though I was anxious about Ty's story.  I loved Ty and everything about him.  I think the main problem I had with this book was Jenna.  I wasn't a fan of her.  What man isn't going to at least like one sport? I am sure they are out there, but I have never met one single guy who hasn't at least enjoyed on sort of sport -- even if it is just one game a year.  I also didn't like how she kept thinking she had to put her dreams on hold and run the Sports Bar.  She had good management in place and the means to open up a separate business of a music bar.  The hold up was thinking she had to give up everything just to do this.  I also didn't like her being so back and forth with her feelings for Ty.

I will say this though--
Sex.
On ice.
Standing up.
On ice skates!

Whew! I wasn't sure if the ice was going to break beneath them because that scene was HOT.  I still enjoyed the book as a whole, but I wish the main character of Jenna could have been better. Ty deserved more than what Jenna gave him.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
Author: J.R. Ward

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

MY THOUGHTS

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!! You have been warned!

Lover At Last is the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward.  The main characters are Qhuinn and Blaylock with previous characters in the series make appearance's.

Holy. Freaking. HECK!  I would have cursed with that last statement, but I think I used all of them up in the course of reading this novel.  Instead of a basic review like I usually do, I am going to mix it up and discuss the different story lines that are featured in this book.

BLAY / QHUINN

I don't even know where to start with these two characters.  After everything they have gone through, I knew we were still going to be dragged through the angst filled river before these two would hook up.  I laughed. I cried. I was frustrated with actions and words.  I was eager for the sexy times.  Qhuinn had some major sucking up to do (no pun intended) and can I say that this man can grovel. Blay even grew in this book for me.  His backbone and strength were in your face and I loved that he was so Alpha like in this book.  With that being said though, I still wanted to throttle Blay at times when he wouldn't accept our emo Qhuinn and 'get it on' sooner!  Their sex was hot, but their ending to me was a little cheesy. I can't decide if I am in love with that last line of the book or if I want to roll my eyes. I also keeping thinking about that lamp and the couch.

Even though there was no eye contact between them, Qhuinn felt compelled to say something.
"What's..." He didn't finish the "doing" part of the sentence.  Why bother?  The guy stalked past him like he wasn't there.  "I'm great," Qhuinn muttered as he resumed trudging through the ice pack. "Doin' awesome, thanks for asking -- oh, you having probs with Saxton?  Really?  How'd you like to go out and get a drink and talk about it? Yeah?  Perfect.  I'll be your after-diner mint--"

“You are perfect the way you are." Blay's voice was strong. "There is nothing wrong with who and what you have always been.I'm proud of you. And I love you. Now... and always."

LAYLA

The girl grew a spine people! I can honestly say that Layla has became a character I am thrilled to read about. Verily.
Before, I couldn't stand her. Now she is one who deserves a happily ever after.  I really would love to see her with Xcor!  That car scene near the end of the book had me swooning.

“He was the father of my young, and he will be accorded all the rights and privileges of that station.”  “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep.  I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”

XCOR / BAND OF BASTARDS

I am begging and groveling that this male will be redeemed and get his HEA.  He is the bad guy that makes you feel so good.  Not only can he lead a bunch of bastards, but he can spout sweet words to his Chosen. Even if his book isn't next --because it may be too soon for it -- but I can still hope and pray it is soon. Plus I would love some more page time with Throe!

“You are in my dreams,” he murmured.  “Every day, you haunt me.  Your scent, your voice, your eyes…this mouth.”
“I cannae believe you let me touch you.”  His voice grew hoarse.  “I shall remember this for all my nights.”

TREZ / iAM

Many people haven't been a huge supporter of this story.  I can agree when it comes to Trez.  That Shadow is just plain boring and selfish.  But I will jump up and say that I am all for learning more about iAm.  When that man finally cracked and made his first joke, I laughed and instantly wanted to read more of him.  He is trying to guide Trez and protect him at the same time. Please Ms.Ward, bring me more of him!

ASSAIL / SOLA (Marisol)

I am in the opposite camp as most people on this one as well.  I wasn't a huge fan of Rhev, so it is no surprise that I wasn't a big fan of Assail.  Yes he has some sex appeal and there is chemistry between him and Sola, but I have only a slight interest in their story.  Plus, does anyone else think that Benloise is the one who kidnapped her? I think Benloise has a deeper story in this one.

MISC

I really hope that Ward will bring us a story for Saxton and give Lassiter one as well.  Saxton really grew on me with this book and he deserves a male of worth as well. There is also some pining for a young by Beth in this book -- especially with it playing a HUGE role in Xcor's revenge plans.  I also loved how the previous brothers were included in this book.  While I wish they could have been featured just a wee bit more, I understand that they had their time in previous books.  This just gives me an excuse to reread them again.

Z's voice was a surprise.  And so was the Brother's arm shooting up and shoving Rhage to the side.
"Will you get off me!"
"But I'm giving you CPR--"
"I will die before kissing you Hollywood." Z tried to sit up, his breathing heavy. "Don't even think about it."

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Shhh...I'm Reading

Discussion: The Labeling of Mommy Porn

I have been sitting on this topic for hours. Earlier this morning, Mandi from Smexy Books shared this link with others. I was disgusted and I was upset. This post is going to be brief because I am still a little shocked and upset by all of it. First lets take a look at the video.

Did he really just say that this woman (and a well known author) should be at home knitting? Yes, she is a Grandmother. Yes, she is a mother. Does this mean she shouldn't write hot and sexy books for readers?

So I went online to find the definition of "Mommy Porn" or "Mummy Porn".

noun - Socially acceptable erotic fiction, written for a female readership. www.collinsdictionary.com

There are so many things that are offensive and wrong in these two things combined that I want to share with everyone.  These are my opinions, but I think I am not the only one who feels this way.

1. Since when is sex only appropriate for certain age groups?  Just because you are in your seventies and/or a Grandma doesn't mean your sex fantasies just disappear.

2.  What is so wrong with reading about romance?  When her family states that she writes porn that is a disgrace to the romance genre.  Yes there are smut books out there, but hey we were all brought into this world with that single act of sex. If you have kids, then GASP! you have had your fair share of some romance and hubba-hubba time.

3. Why the "Mommy" in the definition? I was reading romance when I was a teenager and way before I was joining in on the sex.  Why label it? I am sure there are men out there who have also read these types of books.

Another comment on Mandi's post drove it home. And yes it was from a male point of view.  I applaud this man for saying it because it is the truth.

The difference between mommy and daddy porn is the ratio of words vs pictures. The mommy porn has a photo on the cover and words inside. The daddy porn had a title on the cover, and no words inside.

Well, all I can say is this to the labels and the haters of sexual romance in books:

At least we are reading in a world where books have become lost in the digital world of movies and other forms of entertainment.

Review: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton

Changing the Game
Series: Play by Play #2
Author: Jaci Burton

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people....

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

MY THOUGHTS

Changing the Game by author Jaci Burton is the second book in the Play by Play series.  The main characters are Gavin and Liz (Elizabeth).

This author has been blessed by the Cover Gods above for this series.  Seriously, even if I wasn't a fan of the plot or author, I would purchase this series just to drool over the covers. After each chapter I would flip the book closed just so I could enjoy the view of that fine male specimen.

I was a little scared about reading this story though.  I wasn't a huge fan of Liz and her actions in the first book.  I didn't know how the author was going to change my view of her and was a little hesitant on her starting a relationship with Gavin.  I understand that Liz made a mistake and tried to atone for her that big blunder, but I still couldn't form an alliance with her.  Gavin was the player of the family.  He didn't have a shortage of women before and he didn't do relationships.  So when these characters entered into a relationship of sorts, I was curious to see how it would evolve.

Mick was a pain in the butt in this book.  I loved him in The Perfect Play, but this man can hold a grudge! Dang, there were times I wanted to slap that man silly and tell him to mind his own dang business.  I might have shouted at his attitude several times while reading this story and my family kept giving me funny looks.  I did enjoy how the author was able to redeem Liz though.  By the end I didn't loathe her character as much as I did before reading Changing the Game.  Gavin was oh so sexy, but even though he was the main character of this book, I felt that Liz was the one who shined the most.

This series is one that keeps getting better with each new character.  We were introduced to future characters and plot lines for future books which makes the reader even more anxious to get their hands on the next book.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

The Weekly Wrap Up (8)

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)

*****

Well hello lovelies!  Another week has passed which means it is time for The Weekly Wrap Up!  Let me tell you, the schools are trying to run this momma into the ground.  I have had to help with the youngest daughters Easter Egg Hunt, Award photos and now she is on Spring Break for a week.  I might survive.  Then my middle daughter just had to go and turn Sweet Sixteen today so we are drowning our troubles in sweet cake, ice cream and tons of tears. My middle baby is getting so big!  At least I was able to sneak in some book reviews! Thank goodness for having those posts pre-written and just waiting to be posted! On to the Wrap Up!

REVIEWS

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (5 Martini) 

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk (4 Martini)

Demon's Curse by Alexa Egan (3 Martini)

Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas (4 Martini)

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire (4 Martini)

Review: Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Walking Disaster
Series: Beautiful #2
Author: Jamie McGuire

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Can you love someone too much?
Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

MY THOUGHTS

Walking Disaster is the second book in the Beautiful series by author Jamie McGuire.  This book is almost a mirror image of Beautiful Disaster except it is from the point of view of Travis.  I admit that the first book was not a favorite of mine.  I thought Travis was a man who abused Abby mentally and verbally.  Instead of rehashing all of my feelings from the first book, I will just let you read my previous review found HERE.

Now do I still feel the same way after finishing it from Travis's POV? Well, I still consider Travis a beautiful disaster.  The only difference is now we get pieces of his past that help us to understand why he is so possessive.  I won't excuse his behavior with that last line, but it does give us insight on how he was shaped into the man he is now. We also get to read about how insecure Travis really is deep down.  On the outside he is the man every girl wants.  What we get to read about though is how Travis is struggling about how he doesn't feel good enough to be with Abby.  He considers himself a failure and a loser.

Abby is still Abby in this book.  I still want to know how she walks straight without a backbone.  This girl needs to find one stat. I was willing to overlook the lack of backbone this time around though since we knew this would be about Travis.

Can I also mention that cover? The previous book had a ho-hum cover that really didn't capture my interest. This cover screams SEXY and is perfect for Travis's story to be wrapped up in.  Kudos to the cover art department on this one.

Overall, this installment in the series was much better than the first.  I am still not a fan of the relationship between Abby and Travis.  They had a hard road that had way too many bumps that were borderline psychotic.  I will mention that the epilogue of this story though was sweet and gave us a peek into the future. While I still wouldn't go all out and say it was a beautiful disaster of a book, it was one that made you walk a mile in the other persons shoes to see what is really going on inside their mind.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

*Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley.  I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Review: Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas

Chance of a Lifetime
Series: Harmony #5
Author: Jodi Thomas

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony's library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.

Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adam. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before...  

MY THOUGHTS

Chance of a Lifetime is the fifth book in the Harmony series by author Jodi Thomas.

I have never read any books by this author before this one, so I had no idea what the writing style would be like.  I love to find new-to-me authors to add to my ever growing list. I honestly can say that author Jodi Thomas is now on that list. Her writing was sweet and flowed at a perfect pace.  The characters were believable and were enjoyable to read about.  I loved the author's voice.  The writing felt natural with sweet southern charm. While there were some tense moments in the book involving all of the characters, the author did a wonderful job in keeping each character strong as a separate story.  I didn't feel like everyone was spread out all over the place and I could connect with each one on a different level.

While this was my first book by author Jodi Thomas, this is definitely not going to be my last.  I can't wait to read the first four books in this series and the books she will bring us in the future!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Demon's Curse by Alexa Egan

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!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

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!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

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!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

The Weekly Wrap (7)

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

Special Reads With Special Needs

SHARING SOME NEWS FROM AROUND THE BLOGS

- Anna @ Anna's Book Blog is giving away one copy of Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

- Looking for a new blog reader subscription for WordPress?

Fiction Vixen listed some ideas over at her blog!

- Pages of Forbidden Love is looking for Associate Reviewers

Discussion: Special Reads with Special Needs

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

Review: All In by Raine Miller

All In
Series: The Blackstone Affair #2
Author: Raine Miller

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The second part in The Blackstone Affair series! Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.

Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.

Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.

MY THOUGHTS

All In by Raine Miller is the second book in The Blackstone Affair series.  It is told from Ethan's POV this time around instead of Brynne's.

After the last book in the series left me with mixed feelings, I was a little scared to read from Ethan's POV.  While we are reading from his head this time around, it starts where we left off with Naked.  I will admit that Ethan was the main reason I continued -- besides the story needing some answers from the previous book -- and was worried that the author was going to let us down. Well, I was right unfortunately.

For a man who was suppose to be so Dominant, protective and sexy, Ethan came across as a pansy who needed a dose of man-the-hell-up and grow-some-balls medicine.  What happened to the man I enjoyed from the previous book? Why did the author turn him into a drama-king with no backbone?

When it came to Brynne, I wasn't as shocked to discover he dark past but I was shocked that the author went there with some of it.  I will warn readers that it does involve serious issues that may be uncomfortable for some people.  It is just mentioned briefly, but it is one thing that some people may be shocked or offended to read.

Overall, I became bored with the repetitive sex between the two that seemed to happen every chapter that it was hard to focus on the relationship itself.  By the time I got to the 75% mark, I was skimming those scenes and trying to get to the serious parts. After finishing up this read,  I don't think I will be continuing on in the journey of The Blackstone Affair.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON