Star Ratings on Reviews

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. So many authors out there seem to think if a reader gives a book anything less than 5 stars, it's a bad review. I don't get that AT ALL.

Let's look at how Goodreads describes each star rating:

5- It was amazing
4- Really liked it
3- Liked it
2- It was ok
1- Did not like it

And here is Amazon's:

5- I love it
4- I like it
3- It's okay
2- I don't like it
1- I hate it

So...what's so wrong with a 4? And on Goodreads, a 3 is lovely too. I only review on Goodreads, so I see nothing wrong with 4s and 3s. Amazon's system is a little different, so a 3 isn't really ideal there, but it's still not horrid.

Let's face it, I do not adore every book I read. No one does. If they gave every book a 5 they'd be lying. If I see a book listed on Amazon or Goodreads with all 5's, I am pretty positive the reviews are all friends and family. And we all know mommy isn't gonna give her baby's book a 1 or 2.

So if I give a book a 4, or even a 3, why is that so bad? A 4 is still really good. It means I really liked the book and had a lovely time reading it, even though I didn't want to kiss every word. And a 3 is pretty good too. It says that I liked it. Which is a hell of a lot better than not liking it. Maybe it just didn't give me quite as many warm fuzzies as other books have. Not every book will.

Very rarely do I even find a book so amazing it deserves the highest rating. Usually there has to be crying involved, either happy or sad. It has to leave me completely breathless and wanting to read again. I did a quick scroll through my Read folder on GR and there are 24 out of 141 with 5 star ratings. But some of those I know are not true 5s. They are authors I know and I was afraid they'd be mad if I gave a 4.

Of course I want good reviews of my books, but I never expect people to adore every word I write. And I sure don't want fake reviews. I've read it's actually far better for a review to have mixed star ratings, as long as there aren't many 1 and 2's.

I have always rated books on Goodreads with star ratings and a text review. I used to write my negative thoughts as well as positive, but once I became a published author, stopped the negative stuff. It's not my place to point that stuff out. So I would type a lovely review focusing only on the good things in the book, but the general star rating would reflect my overall thoughts. And 9 times out of 10, it was a 3 or higher. If I really didn't like something, I usually left the star rating blank and tried to write at least one positive thing in the text portion of the review. But now...after hearing how so many other writers think anything less than a 5 is horrid, I am afraid to give star ratings. I don't want my writer friends to think I hated their book because I gave it a 3 or 4. That is soooooo not the truth. So I guess I will go forward and leave the star ratings off.

This has been said So. Many. Times. But it needs repeating. This business is SO SUBJECTIVE! All art is, whether it be paintings, sculptures, music, movies, even fashion. People have different thoughts and opinions on all these things. And no two people will get the same thing out of the same book. And nobody's opinion is wrong.

Speaking out on reviews????

Since before I even published my first book, it's been branded on my brain that it is taboo for authors to respond to reviewers. Many won't even read their reviews. I think thats smart to some degree, but I do read all of mine. I like to know what people think. If it's something I completely disagree with, I let it go. But if it's a valid point, I learn from it.

For the most part, my reviews have been positive. I've yet to receive a really awful review. There was one pretty negative review a while back, but it was obvious to me that the reader rarely read romance. They just didn't understand the fantasy aspect of the genre.

I used to thank people for their kind reviews, but then I learned even that was kinda taboo. Reviewers and readers, especially on sites like Goodreads, want the ability to talk about books without the intrusion of the author....whether good or bad. Now I know things can get really nasty on Amazon...like really bad, all out scathing reviews. And for an author, it can be devastating. We put so much blood, sweat, and tears into our books...they're our babies. It hurts to hear they're not liked. Or despised...or compared to the contents of a litter box.

Recently a very popular author made some comments about a negative review she received on Amazon...or rather her husband did. Whatever. This isn't new. It happens every so often. Some author flips out and chaos ensues. Her reactions after it all went down were less than favorable. And they make all authors look bad. This is a subjective business. Everyone will have their opinion, and not all of them will be nice. You have to grow a thick skin and put on your big girl panties if you want to survive this business. And keep your mouth shut. And make sure your husband keeps his mouth shut too.

***Chick Lit Challenge Review***

I finished my second book for the Chick Lit Challenge last night. Unfortunately, ti took a while. My reading time has been kinda limited lately :(

Unscripted by Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz

Click here for the Goodreads listing.

I liked getting an insider's view of the reality TV world. I don't watch a ton of reality TV, but this end of it is definitely interesting. Proves that they do steer the shows to portray what they want, not necessarily what is "real."

Anyway, I did like the main character, Abby. She's very sarcastic and some of the thoughts in her head are really funny, if you like that kind of humor :)

My latest review for Karma Kameleon!

This review totally made my year....and it's still pretty early in 2012! Check it out here!

The part that really made me happy...didn't even so much refer to Karma Kameleon, but my writing in general. It is SOOOOOOOO what I'm trying to achieve with my career. Take a look at this quote:

I have to give 4 stars because this chick-lit novel is probably one of the best I've read. Most languish in the old format but this novel gives me hope better things are to come from this genre and this author.


And this one:

This author has serious talent and fans of chick lit will fall in love with her work. 

Like I said....totally made my year! Let's hope the rest of 2012 is just as great, if not better!! :)

I have tough skin...but sometimes......

In the book business...you have to develop a tough skin. Everything is so subjective. One person could love your book and want to read it a million times. Others just can't understand it and barely read a chapter. I've built my tough skin over the last few years. With agents and publishers, I've been rejected a zillion times and the one yes completely erased all that hurt.

But now that my books are out there for the world, the tough skin is even more necessary. Now there are reviews. I have gotten some not so great reviews and I honestly do use them as motivation to keep working hard. I don't take them all too seriously because I know I can't please everyone and would never ever even try.

The other day though....one extremely harsh review really stung. Not because of what was said...I expect it....but because of who wrote it. It was someone I know. A friend I made online several years ago on a message board community.

Now I NEVER expect my friends to adore my writing. I know it's not for everyone. I am always completely grateful when someone I know reads my books. Honestly, I am super nervous too. If they don't really like it, then I feel like I need to refund their money or something! LOL! But even my mom didn't love my first book. It was a little too steamy for her liking. I understand that. I get that.

What I don't get is why a "friend" would write a completely harsh review on a public forum. I expect it from strangers. I don't expect "friends" to put out negativity on my career. I would never ever expect a friend to lie and say they loved my book if they didn't, but if they really did hate it, as a friend, shouldn't the proper thing be to do nothing at all???

It just did not need to be said. And the more I thought about it and the things they had been said, I don't think they even read romance. If they did, they would understand the genre and understand that it is not odd for characters in a romance novel to fall in love after only four encounters. (And BTW...this was a romance novella...it was only 40 pages....so yeah...the people had to fall in love fast!) But the soft porn comment got my blood boiling a bit. And the review hadn't mentioned one good thing at all. Even if this "friend" hated my book, shouldn't they still want to see me succeed?

I know many writers do not read reviews at all...for this very reason. And I did not engage with the person. But I do like to read reviews. I can't help it...the good reviews are like crack and keep me motivated...confirming that I am right to be pursuing this dream.

I don't want to discourage people from sharing their true feelings, but there are right and wrong ways to do it.

Should authors review books?

I have always been a reader. Ever since I was a kid in my tiny bedroom lounging on my hot pink vinyl beanbag chair. My love of books and great stories is what encouraged me to write my own. Once I became a writer and then a published author did not mean I stopped reading.

After I started writing, but before I became published, I joined Goodreads. I thought it was great! I love organization and having this great website to keep track of the books I read and what I thought of them was so so cool! I wrote honest reviews, but was never rude or nasty. Just not my style.

But then my book was published and things shifted. I was now on the other side. Now not only was I giving reviews, I was receiving them. Luckily, I've yet to get a really bad review (knocking on wood really hard!!!) But I started to wonder if it was really appropriate for me to give negative reviews of fellow authors' work. I didn't feel it right to lie and give glowing reviews for books I did not think that of. But was it really proper to point out a book's flaws???

I still wish I had an answer to that. I ended up removing anything negative from the reviews I had written. I focused on the positives. But my star rating still reflected my true feelings.

As an author, it is extremely hard to read a book and completely turn off the editor inside my head. I am more critical than the average reader. I notice things readers might not notice. Sometimes it is really hard for me to completely lose myself in a book like I used to. I just can't...I'm too distracted. If the editing is bad, or there is head-hopping, it completely distracts me. I have to force myself through and really search out the story and I don't enjoy myself.

Also today, I am guest posting over at Flutey Words, Aubrie Dionne's blog, about my writing process! Check it out!

This totally made my day!!!

Friend of mine from high school posted on my FB wall the other day:

"I finished your book and loved it! What talent! I hope this doesn't sound silly but I'm so proud and happy for you...amazing. I got my sister to use it for her little book club/drinking parties and have 3 friends here in stl reading it. I'm starting your other book tonite....Thanks for writing a great book.....I'm a huge fan!"

Warms my heart and sends fuzzies all through my body!! :)

I heart reviews!

Especially good ones!! :)

Here are two new reviews for Soap Dreams!!

Romance Book Scene

Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

It's release day for Soap Dreams!!!!!!!

So so excited!!!!! Today is the official release day for my new novella, Soap Dreams!

It’s never too late to start over.

Robyn Miller is perfectly happy in her immaculate home, playing stay-at-home mom and
devoted wife. That is, until she's channel surfing one day and sees her high school sweetheart
Derek, acting in a lead role in her favorite old soap. Watching Derek's show becomes her secret pleasure...and brings back memories best forgotten. When Derek's mother throws him a big celebration in town, Robyn tries to avoid seeing him, but ends up in his arms for a dance.

Derek has finally hit the big-time, but he hasn't found happiness. He regrets losing Robyn,
and his show's ratings are falling. He longs to get her back in his life--both personally, and as a
writer on the show. Those love scenes she used to dream up were Emmy material. Knowing her marriage is a sham, can he convince her to follow her dreams and give the show--and him--a shot?

This is a great little romantic read! Buy at Lyrical's site, Amazon, or most other ebook sites!

I have my first ever review for Soap Dreams at Brianna's Blog, Girl Seeks Place! Check it out!!

Wednesday starts my first ever blog tour!!!! Check back every day for the tour stop link!

Do you think authors can be vindictive?

I know some authors choose not to read reviews of their work. I thrive on them...probably because they've all been good. But I know a bad review will come and it will probably sting, but I am mature enough to understand that not every story is for everyone.

My debut, A Bitch Named Karma, has a pretty good rating on Goodreads, about 4-1/4 stars. Most rate it 3, 4, or 5. I know not every book can appeal to every person and I am completely open to critisism. I expect bad ratings now and again. But it irks me when someone gives it a low rating and no explanation.

There is one particular rating- only one star. The reader is a fellow author. Today I was on Goodreads and for the heck of it, checked when she had given me the rating. Yep...it was after I read and rated her short story. I did not enjoy it, it had almost no plot, and it just didn't make much sense to me. But in my review, I tried to be as courteous as possible.

Do you think she could have read the review and without even reading my story, gave it a bad review?? I know bad reviews sting, but should an author be vindictive like that?? I have no way of knowing if my theory is correct...she could have read my book, disliked it, and then rated it poorly. But she gave no reason as to why there was such a low rating.

I have since deleted my review of her book, but I may go back in and write something to explain my reason for the low rating. And BTW, the book has only a 2-1/2 star rating overall...so I'm not the only one who didn't like it.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this???

Do you love me???

As much as I love it, today I'm not talking about this iconic teach-Baby-to-dance scene from Dirty Dancing!


Today I'm talking about author and book love.

When you read an awesome book...it takes your breath away, makes you cry and laugh...or if mysteries are your thing, keeps you stumped til the end then blows your mind when you find out who did it. Books often have a profound affect on us...sometimes we can't get them out of our heads and think about them for days and weeks afterward. We can't wait until the author releases the next book in the series or releases anything else in general.

But what do you do after that?? Do you show the author your love???

Many authors have email address for readers to contact them at. Many have blogs and Facebook pages, they Twitter or use whatever type of media they like most. But how many fans actually show tell them how much they adored their book??

Let me tell you, we LOVE it!! NOTHING brightens my day more then hearing that someone loved my book and can't wait for my next one. It reassures me that I am actually doing the right thing here by continuing to pursue this dream.

Wanna show your favorite author even more love?? Pop over to Goodreads, Shelfari, and Amazon. You can leave a comment/review for every book listed. Great reviews help more than you can ever imagine!

I *Heart* Reviews!

I am always SOOOOOOO appreciative when someone reads my book and posts a raving review online!!! It totally makes my day!!!

Thank You Lisa @ Raven and the Writing Desk!

Please check it out and give them some bloggy love!!

"Mom, if you haven't noticed...."

"...I am a 33-year old grown woman."

That's what I had to say to my mom yesterday. She'd just finished reading A Bitch Named Karma. She said she loved it, it was a really good story....."but".

Don't ya just love a "but"????? She said she had a hard time with the sex scenes.

Now I know for a fact that my mom reads all kinds of romance...and the scenes in my book are very glazed over. Yes, there's some colorful language...my MC Lexi is pretty sassy and says exactly what she's thinking. It's first person, so of course the sex scenes are described using her language.

"But you're my daughter...and you wrote that..."

I get that...but I think she needs to separate herself and just read the book like any other book. Maybe that's easier said than done....

I guess it kinda hurt me a little. I think we sometimes expect glorious praise from certain people and when it's not given, it's a little heart-breaking.

My first book review! Cinders!

This is my first book review ever!! YAY!!!

A few months back, fellow blogger Michelle Davidson Argyle had asked for reviewers for her soon to be published novella, Cinders. I jumped at the chance. After having been a follower of Michelle's Blog/Website and The Literary Lab for some time now, I knew Michelle was fantastic!! So I jumped on this opportunity.

I've never read a fantasy type story before, but this one intrigued me right from the start. I am such a huge lover of fairy tales, and I was very interested to know what happens after the fairy tale ends...if the "happily-ever-after" really happens. For Cinderella...it had all been such a whirlwind and once the dust settled...she wasn't exactly sure she liked what she had been given.

In Cinderella's new word, everything is blanketed in magic. How can she know if her prince really loves her? And can she live the rest of her life never knowing the answer?

In Cinders, Cinderella decides that she can't live her life that way. And if that isn't bad enough, her fairy Godmother has been imprisoned for black magic. Cinderella secretly visits her and with her help, she now has a spell to break the other spell.

Michelle is such a great writer...she knows how to pull a reader in and creates such a vivid world for them. And I think for this genre, it's even more important. In all honesty, I am not real up on my history of that time period and I don't read much historical fiction, but that didn't matter. Michelle's descriptions gave me no trouble in imagining the world she'd created.

I don't want to give the story away, so I won't say much more, but you should definitely check out Cinders and Michelle Davidson Argyle!

Check out the book trailer:



Click here to view a list of options for purchase!

And another thing that makes Michelle and Cinders so interesting, she self published the book, promoted it...even photographed the cover, all on her own. The model is a friend of hers who created the gown herself!

I'm speechless.........a fantastic review.

I read this review and I was really left speechless. So many times I've been asked why I write...why I do what I do..what inspires me. This review is exactly why. This feeling is so amazing... I think back to when I first started A Bitch Named Karma...it was supposed to be funny and spoofy and in the very beginning it wasn't meant to be a real story. But then I got into it and this amazing story developed. It became so much more than I'd ever imagined.

Check it out at My Inner Fairy. Summer won my 150 follower giveaway and read the book with lightning speed. Give her lots of blog love!!

I want reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so so desperate for some book reviews of A Bitch Named Karma!!!

My publisher, Lyrical Press, Inc, sent my book out to several review sites, but so far, only one of those has actually posted a review. (A fabulous review, BTW! Check my Reviews Page to read it and a review from a friend of a friend!!) And nearly every day, I read on the Lyrical Press yahoo group, that lots of other people's books are getting great reviews!! I want some of that!! I am so so jealous!!

I know they will come in time, but as my problem has always been...I am not fond of waiting!

Another review!!!!!!! Hooray!!

Please stop by Kristie's blog- Family, Scrapbooks, and Coffee! Great blogger!!!!! She just finished A Bitch Named Karma and wrote a glowing review about it!

Thanks so much, Kristie!!

5 Diamond Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am beyond ecstatic right now!!!!!! My first review on A Bitch Named Karma came in!!!

Check it out on Got Erotic Romance?

I love my story...my friends love my story....my editor and publisher love my story.....but strangers???? Readers who are just out there somewhere?????

They like me...they really like me!

"That's Too Much!"

While reading an excerpt from an erotic romance the other day, I was reminded of the game on The Price is Right called "That's Too Much". The prize for the game is usually soemthing big, like a car, and prices are revealed one at a time. When the player thinks the price is too much, they have to yell "That's Too Much!" and if the actual price is in between the price they chose and the one before it, they win. As I was reading the erotic excerpt, I found myself yelling "That's Too Much" when I had reached a certain point.

Now, I do not consider myself a prude at all. It did take me some time to feel comfortable writing sex scenes and find the balance in terminology between clinical and corny. I don't shy away from erotic novels that I read for myself either. BUT I do have a line and this excerpt crossed it.

The line is one tiny little word...only 4 letters in length. I can't even type the word and I have never ever said it in my life. All I'll give you is: See You Next Tuesday. You should have gotten it by now.

Language normally does not bother me...my novel is titled A Bitch Named Karma...and karma isn't a female dog. My MC uses the f-word numerous times. Sometimes there are just situations where that 4-letter word is needed, at least with this character and her personality.

But in the sample excerpt, as soon as I read that word, I lost any and all respect I had for this book. That word just gets me...that is my line...that is when I say "That's Too Much!"

So....is there anything that turns you off from a book??? Any genre, not just romance.

Is absolute truth always the best policy???

I'm referring to book reviews today.

I belong to Goodreads and really enjoy keeping track of books I've read and sharing my thoughts, reading what others have to say and see who agrees with me and who doesn't. I used to be brutally honest....no point in sugar-coating stuff like that. And as a reader, I think that is necessary. Writers need that stuff...they learn from it...well...at least I do.

But as a writer??? Hmmm.......is honestly really the best policy??

Someday my books will be out there for the world to enjoy and scrutinize and I know not everyone will adore my stuff, I know bad reviews will happen. Can't please everyone....and this business is more subjective than any out there.

But what if other writers see me on Goodreads and read my reviews and OMG what if they see I wrote a not so pleasant review of their book??? Or just in general....should a writer be saying negative things about other writers' work??

Here is where I struggle once again between being a plain Jane reader and a writer. The reader in me wants to be honest, the writer wants to be pleasant.