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March 2018 Book Reviews

3/28/2018

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I got some reading done in March -- probably because I spent a three weeks of it sick. The sinus infection from H.E.L.L. is what I had. But who cares? Right? That's not why you're here. Let's get to the books!
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The Sacrifice by Elicia Hyder

The Sacrifice

This is the fifth book in the Soul Summoner series. It's also, kind of, the end of the series ... at least as far as this storyline goes. I do think Elicia has plenty of options if she wants to continue the series, just not from the perspective of Sloan Jordan.

What I can say, without giving away any spoilers, is that Elicia does an excellent job of keeping the tension high as a very pregnant Sloan tries to save her best friend, her unborn child, and the world. It's a tall order to weave so many ends together into a satisfying conclusion and Elicia nails it.

My favorite part was the ultrasound appointment that Sloan's very proud father -- the granddaddy-to-be -- attended. Not sure why, but that's it.
The Soul Summoner series is one I recommend to anyone who likes angels and demons plus a dose of romance with some magical realism tossed in. This series is, quite honestly, wonderful and on the sweeter side. Barely ever a bad word and lots of patches (it makes sense if you read the stories).

Am I sad to see the series end? Yes, but I'm also really interested in the new stories Elicia has coming soon. This was a good read -- like I got annoyed when I had to put it down and do something in real life, like make dinner or help my kids. It is, more importantly, a solid ending to a series. One that leaves you MOSTLY satisfied.

​Ok, I'll be honest, I really want a series following the character of Fury now -- and, yes, I have put that request in with Elicia!

Banged

This is a fast read -- I managed it in a number of hours. It's steamier than what I would usually pick but I loved the story. I could do without the fairly explicit sex -- four scenes -- but that's my thing. I also go for the conversation and this story had some really funny exchanges.

Basically, a hardened cop meets a younger girl/woman who reminds him that people can be amazing and wonderful. He falls like a rock. Too bad she's already pregnant...

It's just good and, as long as you're cool with some detailed sex scenes, you should get it.
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Banged by Brill Harper
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Austenland by Shannon Hale

Austenland

I don't know if I should recommend the book or the movie -- they are both awesome! I found the movie first and proceeded to watch it three days in a row. (Yes, I can be that lame and obsessive, especially when sick or when I find something i truly like. Don't judge.)

Jane Hayes is in love with Mr. Darcy -- the one played by Colin Firth (because his is the best version). It's messed with her ability to have a real relationship with, ahem, a real man. So, she goes to England for an immersion into all things Regency era. Once there, it's up to her to find her own happily-ever-after.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the movie and the book. I recommend them both. Neither actually takes away from the other -- which is rare. 
FYI: in hunting the links for Austenland down I learned there is a second book in the series: Midnight in Austenland. I'm going to have to get my hands on a copy of this story pronto!

Reader Magnets

Reader Magnets is one of the primary sources of information for any author looking to build a following. I recommend it for the ideas it shares. It does, however, feel like several of the methods are outdated -- which isn't hard given how fast things change in the independent publishing world. On the upside, it is FREE.
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Reader Magnets by Nick Stephenson
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Gotta Read It by Libbie Hawker

Gotta Read It

This book has been recommended a number of times for how it presents the art of writing a blurb. Gotta be honest, it's helped me quite a bit as I rework the blurbs for my own books.

It is a fast read. I managed it mostly on a plane and waiting in an airport -- I even did the bare bones version for 5 stories!

If you're a writer and want to write better blurbs, this book will help you along the way.
That's it for March 2018. This month has been a doozy health-wise but great for me reading-wise (and to an extent writing -- at least in terms of planning stuff).

All cover images were sourced from Amazon. The links are for Amazon. Definitely try to get stuff at the library though -- you're already paying for it with your tax dollars so use it!

As always, the links are Amazon Affiliate links, so here is my legally required notice (and remember that you might have other means of acquiring these items -- like at a library):
​We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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What I'm Reading To My Kids

3/7/2018

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February was a slim month. It's not that we didn't read. We are reading. The kindergartner is reading to us -- 1 to 2 books a night. And, well, my child is not a fast reader -- especially if tired, uninterested, or if the pictures in the book have NOTHING to do with the words on the page. I have checked for a number of the books that kiddo has read to us and most do not show up, but a selection of the ones that do are below.

Bob Books

Top among the books that come home are from the Bob Books series. Now, I've heard that these are great for teaching kids to read. My experience with them (and I'm assuming these are older editions) ia not stellar.

Biggest complaint: pictures are out of touch with the words shown.
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BUT, and its a big but, that IS NOT true for every book in the series. Some of the books are great, others just miss the boat. I simply never which version, good or bad, is coming home. When the pictures are spot on, my kid reads easier -- visual learner.
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Bob Books K Sight Words Cover, Source: Amazon
I don't want to dissuade anyone from trying Bob Books. I'm seriously considering getting this particular set "Sight Words Kindergarten" for us to have over the summer for continued practice.

Maybe, quite possibly, it is the amount of time I devote to teaching my own kid outside of school what school is there to teach that I resent. Truly, I do. I want to send my kid to school and just know that kid will come home well learned. Life is not like that. There are days when I'm not a fan of this aspect of life.

Little Critter Books by Mercer Meyer

If you haven't read Mercer Meyer's Little Critter books before, please let me suggest you start with ME TOO. It's so fun and easy. In fact, this is one of the books that my eldest will attempt to read without getting upset. Kid is really good at knowing when to yell, "Me too!"

You can guess from the title and cover what the story is about. I'm still pleased with how much both of my kids relate to Little Critter. Another of our favorites, including the learning-to-read child, is I WAS SO MAD. Twenty-seven times through and I still smile... Just for honesty, these are our books. We have a healthy collection. It all started with I WAS SO MAD. Consider yourself forewarned.
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Me Too! by Mercer Meyer, Source: Amazon
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I Was So Mad Cover, Source: Amazon
I'm certain we read other books. Absolutely certain, but I can't find most of them to provide a link. Hopefully March will result in more reading and better options for reporting that reading. Until then... have a fun time reading to yourself and/or your kids. It's one of the best things we can do together.
Links are almost always Amazon Affiliate links. As such, here is my legal notice about them (which you can also see on the sidebar):
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Unexpected Chemistry is LIVE

3/6/2018

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Ever failed at love?

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Unexpected Chemistry Cover
Watzi Singh has a line of bad relationships behind her. Enter Leland Daniels, a hot young lawyer. Sure she’s just his cleaning lady, but she’s not going to let scrubbing toilets hold her back.

As new love begins to heal old wounds, someone’s need for revenge threatens Watzi with more than another failed relationship.

Can Watzi overcome her own past to love the one man who truly sees her?

Unexpected Chemistry is the final book in the Smith and Guy University series. It’s time to unmask the blackmailing hacker intent on destroying the lives of both Edee and Watzi.
College is way more than just studying. Pick up your copy today.
Get Unexpected Chemistry
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