Dear Book Reviewer

This may seem a weird blog post but I've decided, as an author who is constantly directly messaged and emailed on a regular basis on this subject, that I would share my thoughts to new writers/authors out there. Just in case you're not really sure on this subject. 

As a writer/author we do not pay for book reviews. 

It's bad enough we don't get paid that much in royalties really - the average author doesn't earn enough to live off. Unless we're selling books in the hundreds of thousands... we don't earn a lot for a year's work (or longer). 

If a "book reviewer" messages you about reviewing your book, you say, "Thank you very much, I would love you to review my book. Here are the places you can buy it. It's only 99p on Amazon!" (Or words to that effect.)

My understanding is that these people just want free books. And then want to be paid to give an "honest" review. But how honest is it if you've given them the book for free and paid them to write a review? 

And quite frankly, if I've given them my book and PAID for a review, it better be FIVE STARS! 

And you have to think, am I going to earn that fee back in royalties? Probably not. 

If a book reviewer wants free books, this is what NetGalley is for - and I have my gripes about NetGalley too, but I won't go into that here. 

I'm really sorry, dear book reviewer, but genuine book reviewers are readers. 

taken from The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

If you read a book and you enjoy it, you leave a review. Some like to rip it to shreds too. Us authors would prefer they kept those comments to themselves, as we are human and usually blood, sweat and tears has gone into writing our books. 

And if it's traditionally published, therefore gone through editors and a publisher feels it's good enough to invest in, then I believe there is no such thing as a bad book. It just wasn't a book for you. (I agree with Phin in The Family Upstairs.) 

I know for some writers, me included, this may mean that reviews can be few and far between. But dear author, please do not pay for reviews!

Wisteria Season

I love this time of year. Spring bulbs and flowers, all bursting out and making us forget the winter dreariness. (I should really share the photos of our visit to Knightshayes in the Easter holidays... the flowers!)

And the birds are nesting and feeding their young like crazy. I'm such a twitcher!

I'm so excited, because for the first time this year, I have birds nesting in one of the bird boxes the gardener, aka Dad, has put in the garden. I thought it was Sparrows, but they are Great Tits. (I know, I know, the jokes I get...)

It's also that time of year again, where the Wisteria is out in full bloom. Unfortunately I don't have this growing in my garden though.

I was driving from Knaphill to Egham at the weekend, and I just wished I could have stopped the car and taken some photos of some beautiful buildings covered in Wisteria.

The flower is one of my favourite colours, and the house I grew up in was called Wisteria. Even though we didn't have the plant growing up it, I imagine once upon a time in its era, it would have done.

But its name was the inspiration behind calling the cottage in my book, Wisteria.

Anyway, this time of year reminds me Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage was launched. Two years old now... but still a great summer read.

I have 98 reviews on Amazon... could just do with a couple more!

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage:

"Picture perfect scenery, a self-possessed and feisty heroine and a brooding, handsome hero in the form of one Harry Tudor all combine to make this the perfect holiday read."

Amazon UK Ebook / Amazon UK paperback

The Goodreads Review That Got Away

Firstly, can I say that this blog post is not because I'm a jealous writer. I am all for writers selling books - that's how they make money. In fact, generally, writers are very supportive of one another. I have nothing against self-published authors either. However, as a parent, I was angered how this author targeted his books at children in their primary school. I found it inappropriate.

Maybe I wouldn't have minded if it had been a better book... but it wasn't. My book review below, which was approved by my (now) eleven-year-old, tells it all.

I can't remember if I did post this review on my blog previously, however, as the full review got taken down from Goodreads, probably by the request of the author, I am reposting it here.

I wrote this review because I felt that if schools were allowing this author in to talk to their children, and actually did some research on him (unlike my sons' school... grrrrr....), then hopefully this will be the view of an informative parent.

This is my full review for Bradley Baker and The Curse of Pathylon by David Lawrence Jones:

Finally my son (who is 10, nearly 11) has finished reading this book, having bought it from school in June 2015.

I am not overly impressed how the author sold these books within school – and I stressed this at the time with the staff at the school. He went in “free of charge” to talk about writing, reading, and his books to all the pupils. He basically used targeted marketing on school children. We all know how children work; with a bit of peer pressure from their friends, they all want one. He could have gone in selling a cheap plastic toy – they all would have wanted it!

Based on a school of 400 pupils, if every child bought one book from him that day, he made good sales. I can only hope that this author at least provided the school with a free set of these books for their library so that every child could read them if they chose, for those parents who can’t afford to adhere to this kind of pressure. (But I don’t think he did – even the school had to purchase them.)

My son came out of school that day wanting all four books. As a single mum, I couldn’t justify £28. I told him he could buy one. Thank God I did, because (recently) when I asked my son how he felt about the book, he said, “It’s not as good as he made out, Mummy. It’s a lot slower, and in fact quite boring in places.”

Angered with the pressure put upon me by my son, I did my research prior to allowing my son to buy this book – to be honest, the reason I let him buy it was because I wanted to see the quality of it for myself. I only wish I’d done this research before the school had let the author do his talk.

Please be aware Avocado Publishing has been set up by the author to make it look as if his books are by a publisher. They are not. They are self-published. I even emailed Avocado Publishing to see who their other authors were. I never got a reply.
I have nothing against self-published authors, however in children’s fiction, I do wonder if there is a certain criteria books must meet to get published. And do these particular books meet it?

Looking through this book when my son brought it home, I instantly could see the unprofessionalism of this book. The easiest way is to notice the avoidance of the word “said”.

The characters in Bradley Baker never say anything, they reply, confirm, mumble, exclaim, growl, etc.

This book may have a good story within it. But unfortunately it needs a good edit. It’s 342 pages. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is 224 pages. (Well, my paperback copy is).

My son is an avid reader and loves all the David Walliams books, and I’ve encouraged him to read J K Rowling’s Harry Potter series now. With this book, I’ve had to nag him to finish it. As my son did not enjoy this book, we will not be purchasing another Bradley Baker novel.

By the way, I'm still waiting for a reply from Avocado Publishing....

#HIFortnight - Do You Remember? by Mandy Baggot

Recently I finished reading Mandy Baggot's Do You Remember? And so for part of the #HIFortnight I thought I would give Mandy Baggot a HarperImpulse Author Spotlight post.

Do You Remember? - First Love. First Loss. Last chance?

2005 was the most traumatic year of Emma Barron's life. It was the year her mother died and the year she met Guy Duval. Eight years on, she's an English teacher with a doting boyfriend and a young son. Life's been hard but now it's comfortable. She's settled and content...so why would she risk it all for another chance with the man that broke her heart?

Guy's an international renowned footballer newly signed to a top UK team. But behind the confident facade is a man determined to drown the horrors from his childhood with fame, success and money.

Unable to confide in her best friend, Ally, Emma tries to hold her life together as her heart is pulled apart. Did she turn her back on love too soon? Neither of them know what really happened on 5 September 2005 and as events are slowly revealed can anyone cope with the truth?

My short and sweet review - 5 stars! 

What a gem of a read with some lovely twists. :)

I loved the past and present stories of Emma and Guy entwined. This worked really well in my opinion. Easy, enjoyable read.

About:

Mandy Baggot is a romantic fiction author. In 2012 she won the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance. Her self-published title, Strings Attached was also short-listed for the Best Author Published Read award.

Also in 2012 she signed with American publishing house, Sapphire Star Publishing, who produced her novels, Taking Charge and romantic suspense, Security.

In June 2013 she signed a two book deal with Harper Collins' digital first romance imprint, Harper Impulse.

She is a regular contributor to writing blogs and on-line magazine, Loveahappyending Lifestyle http://www.loveahappyending.com/.

Mandy loves mashed potato, white wine, country music, World’s Strongest Man, travel and handbags. She has appeared on ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and auditioned for The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband, two daughters and cats, Kravitz and Springsteen.

Website: www.mandybaggot.com

Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/sjq4v

Amazon US: http://ow.ly/sjqbM

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mandybaggot

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mandybaggotauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2968625.Mandy_Baggot

Loveahappyending Bookshelf: http://loveahappyending.org/mandy-baggot/

HarperImpulse Fortnight Has Begun!

I'm a bit late to the party, but HarperImpulse fortnight started yesterday, and as the clue is in the title, it is running for a fortnight - that's two whole weeks! Lots of bloggers and HarperImpulse authors are getting involved.

You'll find me over on IHeartChickLit this week where I'm giving away a paperback copy of One Fine Day. 

And then I'm on Comet Babe's Books blog the 6th May.

If you're on Twitter, follow the hashtag #HIFortnight

Kate Beeden has been the general organiser of this fortnight, and you can follow her blog Books With Bunny daily.

So if you want to win some awesome books, and read about us fabulous HarperImpulse authors follow #HIFortnight!

War Horse

Last night, Mr Aquarius, my eldest son and I went to see War Horse at the Bristol Hippodrome. It was really lovely to be doing something different like going to the theatre.

After reading the book last year, when Ben was in Year 4, and discussing his reading with his teacher, she told me about the production coming to Bristol. I looked it up and booked the tickets way back in July. How fast did January turn up!?

In the meantime, we watched the film. (I have made my son do this with a lot of films... read the book first, then watch the film... All the Harry Potter's, The Hobbit, Matilda... He's already appreciating why I do this.)

The film was good, and brought a more visual horror of the war and what the horses would have endured than the book could maybe conjure. (This is probably more for my son's imagination than mine as he hasn't seen the same level of war movies etc. as I have and it is a children's book after all.) However, there are differences in the book to the film, and we also saw this on the stage too.

I don't wish to be negative in any way about the theatre production. It is amazing. Three people hold the horse puppet, but you really do take no notice of them after a while. The horses look incredibly life like, constantly moving, even when in the background, like a real horse would do. There is good amount of humour throughout the show too. And Ben and I jumped (quite) a few times with the gun shots and bangs - but luckily so did the whole theatre. Of course, it's to simulate the 1st World War, there are going to be canons and gun fire!

I was advised to take tissues. I don't know if it's because I've read the book and I knew there would be a happy ending, but although moved by the performance (I got goosebumps at times and a small lump in my throat) I didn't need the tissues. (Probably a good job really, because when I cry, I really do like let it all out and have a good bawl. It would have been highly embarrassing.)

Unfortunately, what the film and the stage lack is that the story is told from Joey's point of view; that he misses his mother; he learns to trust Albert more than anyone, (and Zoe (which rhymes with Joey - hence his name) the old mare on the farm who teaches him to plough the fields); Topthorn is his friend, that they teach each other, and in the end Joey doesn't want to leave his dead friend but is forced to, and after all he's been through, Joey had to survive Tetanus.

The way I look at this, and how I try to accept all films "based" on a (favourite) book, is to see how the writers will take the story and use what they can to make a great film or theatre show, and "adapt" some parts of it, because they feel this will work better (maybe?) for the film/show. Maybe some things work in a book, that won't in a film/show? Who am I to know...? I need to remember they are adaptations...

All I do know is, I'm glad I read the book first. It gave me a much bigger insight into the film and the show.

As we left, I heard someone saying, "the film was better." I had to mumble, "Actually, the book was better."

But you know, you can't beat a live performance, so if War Horse comes to your town/city... go see it! You will not be disappointed.

Book Review: Confessions of a Chalet Girl by Lorraine Wilson

Confessions of a Chalet Girl by Lorraine   Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a lovely, sexy and gentle humoured read.

Scott and Holly spark straight away! Unfortunately, Scott doesn't date the staff... but luckily for Holly he decides to make an exception.

You can't help but like Holly. She proves she's clever from the start. And, well, Scott... you're going to have to read for yourself!


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Book Review: Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, much better than the previous book. I loved being back inside Sookie's head. Lots of action and humour.

Sometimes I do wonder if Charlaine Harris introduces too many characters, because you do have to remember who they all are. But this being her last book in the series, I suppose she wanted to give all her favourite characters a mention.

I don't really want to say too much about this book, in case I leave a spoiler, but this book finished Sookie's story how I wanted it to. So it left me feeling happy and contented. I won't say why... you'll have to read it for yourself.

These books have been perfect brain candy. Light and dark. Sexy and fun. I've enjoyed the series thoroughly.

I have to share this from the book - this is the kind of humour I like, with the characters in grave danger...

"She [Amelia] wondered if she could cast a stunning spell without any herbs or preparation. It wasn't like in the Harry Potter books, though she and every other witch of her acquaintance had often wished it were."

I'm tempted to give this five stars just because Charlaine Harris didn't disappoint me with her ending.


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Book Review: Dream A Little Dream by Sue Moorcroft

Dream a Little Dream by Sue Moorcroft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the front cover, Katie Fforde says, "I love all of Sue Moorcroft's books." Can I ditto that?

I've read all of Sue's Choc Lit novels and although this may not be quite my favourite - still in love with Ratty in Starting Over - this book doesn't disappoint.

Dominic Christy is a very strong, sexy male, and determined to get what he wants, including Liza Reece.

Liza has a warm heart, but Dominic needs to break through the tough shield she's put around her, a fear that she's not good in relationships.

Don't like to say too much as I don't want to give away spoilers. But if you're looking for a fresh voice, and a bit of romance, I recommend this book. Sue has a great way of making her characters feel very real, giving them plenty of ups and downs to tackle.


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Book Review: P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

Yes, I know, it's been a very long time since I did a book review. This is the second book I have finished this year.... it is shameful!

P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was given to me so it wasn't something I picked off the shelf myself.

Although I did like the writer's voice, because it felt modern and very 'today' (gives me hope as a fellow wannabe writer), some of the plot irked me. Or maybe it was some of the characters. Some felt stereotypical to suit the plot's needs. And some of the plot did feel predictable, though the ending surprised me nicely.

Obviously, I am not to judge, it's been made into a motion picture, which I would like to see, to view the director's interpretation. I did like the overall idea of this story.

I liked Holly, and I felt for her. She'd lost her husband and she was devastated. I did have a lump in my throat at times reading this book, and a tear, and it also made me laugh. But unfortunately there were parts of the plot I wasn't so sure about, hence it got three stars from me, rather than four.

Once again, I will say though, I did like the writer's voice.


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Book Review: The Last Woman He'd Ever Date by Liz Fielding

The Last Woman He'd Ever Date by Liz Fielding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Real life really has got in the way with my reading, and hence I took much longer to read this than I should have.

It was a little slower at the beginning (or that could have been me), and I wouldn't say it's 'beaten' my favourite of Liz Fielding's novels, however, still a good read. Liz does have a way of making the characters sizzle together, which I always enjoy.


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Sorry - short (but sweet I hope!) book review.

Book Review: Darcie's Dilemma by Sue Moorcroft

Darcie's Dilemma by Sue Moorcroft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable short story. I love Sue's writing, and this didn't disappoint either.

Darcie's wrapped up in Ross, her younger brother, who she is guardian for. Does she have time for romance? And will her perfect date understand her commitments to her brother?

It's just as much Ross's story, with his troubles and seeking revenge, as it is Darcie's.

I liked - a lot. The only reason it took me so long to read is because I've been failing lately to make myself sit down and read. The pace is good. It was me, not the book.


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I really am going to fail this year in reading forty books! I promise next year I'll get back on it. 

Book Review and 50,000 Stuff

Thought I would just do this quickly before I headed off to bed, and saw that I've hit over 50,000 page views. OMG!

Anyway, here is the book review below. Not really an interesting one, but as I like to share them on my blog, this one might as well be posted too.

The Nanny and the CEO by Rebecca Winters

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Maybe I should have given up on this book. It wasn't really my kind of story. I think I am getting bored of these sorts of novels. Some Mills and Boon grab me, and I can't put them down, others feel very samey. This was one of them.

I also felt that this story was 'told' too much, and the romance was not 'shown'.



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I'm so behind on my reading. Right off to bed. And p.s. this is not the half written blog post that I haven't finished, as per my Tweet. I will do that tomorrow - hopefully.

Book Review: Uphill All The Way by Sue Moorcroft

Uphill All The Way by Sue Moorcroft

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have read all of Sue Moorcroft's books so far, and have enjoyed all of them.

I was given this book, as a gift, from Sue at the RNA Conference (2011), as it is out of print. And have finally got around to reading it.

I've thoroughly enjoyed it, too!

Sue writes such delicious heroes, and heroines you can empathise with.

Judith has a rough journey ahead of her, after losing her lover, Giorgio, in Malta. She returns home to Northamptonshire, and has other battles and problems to face, no one considering she needs to grieve.

Adam becomes her friend, and lover, and gives her the patience and support she needs. But is her heart still in Malta? Ha! You'll have to read!

Definitely needs to come back into print. Lovely story. Thank you, Sue for sharing with me.

(I would have read this book so much quicker, but I'm also reading to my son the Harry Potter series.)



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Book Review: Higher Ground by Becky Black

Higher Ground by Becky Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is my favourite of Becky Black's books so far!

I really like Adam. Really like him. Damn shame he's gay! There really is a sense of opposites attract with this couple. Laid back charmer Adam vs. impatient Zach.

Zach and Adam dream of a future together, but do they have one if they don't get rescued? I just loved the concept of the race against time, and everything to lose, including lives.

There's a good level of humour, conflict and tension in this book, plus m/m sex - of course!



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Book Review: Breaking The Ice by Mandy Baggot

Breaking the Ice by Mandy Baggot

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The hero of this book is mouth wateringly warm, even if he is on ice. The heroine is a bit scatty actually. And although it did add to the humour, and I would empathise with her, at times I did get annoyed with her too. 

As a self-published book, this story could have done with a better edit. There were some grammatical errors and the avoidance of the word 'said', plus too much dialogue tagging in places, which slowed the pace down. This is the reason I've given it three stars. However, as I got more into the book, the author has a fun voice, shares witty humour, and I did really enjoy the tone of the story.





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Book Review: Living Dangerously by Katie Fforde

Living Dangerously by Katie Fforde

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm torn between giving this three and four stars. I did enjoy reading this book, but for me, there probably wasn't enough of the hero on the page. And when he was on the page, albeit it was from Polly's POV, I was never sure if he was "attractive" enough - he did have his moments when he was though.

I suppose this book didn't grab me like some others have, and I'm thinking about the characters even when I'm not reading it. However, it delivers the HEA ending we all want in a romance, and I did empathise with Polly throughout the story.

It's riddled with witty humour, which gave me laugh out loud moments, so definitely an enjoyable read.



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As you can see, I'm back from my hols! I will give you an update and share some pictures on my blog soon.

Book Review: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is certainly not the best book of the series. It's probably closer to 2 and a half stars from me. The murder doesn't happen until chapter three! The pacing was slow in places, and the author does have a habit of providing so many character names you can lose track. I think some characters can remain nameless - really they can!

However, the ending did redeem itself, and I do enjoy Sookie's thoughts. This book is brain candy like all the rest. I just wonder if Charlaine Harris has tried too hard to please the readers by stretching it out too much - this book is like some of the others, a filler.

And there certainly isn't the same level of sex. (This may disappoint some).


However...

I love that Bill loves her no matter what - and yet would never ever convert her to a vampire (not that she would beg for it). Have I said before how much I LOVE Bill?

But I also love Sam, too. Just because he's a good guy and he's a breather.

I am hoping Sookie gets her wish, and will get married and have children, and lead a normal-ish life. She will get her happy ever after basically. I'm hoping this will be with Sam. If book 13 doesn't deliver this, I will be disappointed. lol!

I'm all for the romance and happy ever afters me.



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Book Review: Flirting With Italian by Liz Fielding

Flirting With Italian by Liz Fielding

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


As per usual, Liz Fielding does not disappoint. Engaging, charming characters with a flavour of Italy.

Even without the sex on the page, this sweet romance has sizzle factor. A sensual, flirty and fun read. There is a gentle comic element that Liz does so well - there is some great dialogue between her two characters.

Liz manages to get the emotions and passion and all those tingly feelings that go with romance and love amazingly on to the page.



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Next book!? I'm afraid Charlaine Harris' Deadlocked is going to have to jump the to-be-read queue!

Book Reviews And Their Benefits

I'm going to tie in two blog posts into one! Mainly, because I've finished the book I was reading last night, and although it was a good book; a Mills and Boon Blaze - an enjoyable hot read. There's not much else to say about it.

Becky Black covered on her blog once about authors thanking for reviews left for their books, etc. (Gosh, I'm mentioning Becky a lot lately :D). And it gets into a bit of a discussion, are you leaving a review as a reader or writer.

I always leave a review on Goodreads, for me as a reader than anything else, and for other readers too. And because it has the handy widget I transfer over to my blog, giving my blog posts different content from time to time.

I have occasionally transferred these reviews to the Mills and Boon site, and Choc Lit, and even Amazon, but it's rare, because it's just time consuming!

Hot fighter pilot cover!

Well, I received an email from Mills and Boon the other day asking if they could use part of a review I'd left on their site for a RIVA book, on the author's new book. It will get edited down to fit their requirements, but my name will be put on her book! Hundreds and thousands of books! (Depending how well it sells I suppose). They will send me a copy of the book as a thank you - I love free books! - so don't fear, I'll be posting pictures when it arrives! Plus, it means I get another RIVA to read and review!

So, below is the book review for my last book (I'll be honest, because of time, and I didn't really have that much to say about the book, it's short and sweet this time).

Oh, and this is the actual cover... can't seem to find it anywhere to get my librarian friend on Goodreads to change it. 

Think I'll pick up Liz Fielding's Flirting With Italian next.

The Daredevil. Kira Sinclair by Kira Sinclair

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a Mills and Boon Blaze, and it is HOT!



It's an enjoyable read, and interesting that it's the hero who's having to convince the heroine that they're meant to be together.



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