March 2018 Book Reviews

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!

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.

Banged by Brill Harper

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.

Reader Magnets by Nick Stephenson

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.