Tag: Book Review

Why It Matters How You Write Reviews.

There are so many ways that people write reviews, and it differs from product to product. Since I’m a book influencer/reviewer, 95% of the reviews I write are about books. So of course, this post will be geared towards that.

The way you write a review changes the more you do it. The more practice you get, the easier it becomes. For example, when I first began writing my reviews, I made what I now feel is the biggest mistake. I pretty much wrote what the book was all about. So anyone who read my review was left thinking: that sounds like a great book, but Kris already told us everything. Now tell me, why should they buy the book and enjoy the actual story? I took all the fun out of reading the twists and turns, the ups and downs. They already know what happens. I didn’t realize this for a while when I was first blogging. Mind you, my blog isn’t huge, so who even knows how many people read my earlier blog posts. 

Now when I review, I am more mindful of what I put into my posts. I no longer talk much about what the book is about. Why? I put the synopsis for each book in my post. This tells the reader everything about the book that they need to know–what the author wanted them to know. I don’t need to give spoilers or retell the whole book for them.

What I make sure to do though is explain how the book affected me. When writing my reviews, I put in the emotions it evoked in me, my overall impressions. I can hear y’all asking, “What do you do when you dislike a book?” For me, that’s simple. I go technical. How is the world building? Did it flow well? Did it make sense? 

When it comes to saying a book sucks, well, you just won’t find that on this blog. There are many reasons for this. What I may not enjoy, maybe someone else loves and adores. I don’t want people thinking I am slamming their taste in reading material. It just is not my cup of tea. I try to put it that way too. 

How about those books where I can’t even find the good technical bits? I am going to be honest on this. I have yet to come across a book where I couldn’t find any good at all in it. I do have a system in place though, just in case. If I’m signed up for the review, I would contact the author or tour company. Tell them what my problem is and see how they would like me to continue. If it’s not for a review tour, I honestly wouldn’t write the review. 

Being a reviewer comes with some responsibility. We have a platform and a voice that can help build a following or tear one apart. I personally remind myself of that. How would I feel if someone decided they didn’t like MBB and gave it a bad review without commenting anything good? I, more than likely, would start wondering why I even attempt to do what I love. No one should ever crush someone else’s passion just because they don’t care for it.  It takes so much courage to put your words, your voice, your heart and soul out for the world to see. 

While there are so many reasons why how you write a review matters, those are mine. Tell me yours in the comments. 

 

Posted September 9, 2022 by Riley in Book Bliss / 0 Comments

Asher by Livell James

Asher by Livell James

I’m not new to the Rogue Enforcer world but with each new author that writes in the series my favorite author list grows. Livell James is no exception to that. James has grown the RE world to include Asher, a man who doesn’t think love exists for him. A man who never seems to be on top even though he has untapped abilities. He’s stuck in a pack whose Alpha is corrupt. The plot line keeps you turning the pages. […]

Posted July 15, 2022
Book Reviews, Paranormal, Romance

Look out for Phantom by RJ ..

Look out for Phantom by RJ Gray

I was suggested Phantom by a trusted friend. Having never read RJ Gray before I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. First, this is a series based on a community of ex military men. So I expected a lot of action. What I did not expect was the steam! And oh lawdy did Gray bring the heat in Phantom.   Phantom is the first in the series and what a way to start off. The storyline appealed to me within […]

Posted July 13, 2022
Book Reviews, Indie, Romance

The Watcher Girl by Minka K..

The Watcher Girl by Minka Kent

The Watcher Girl had me all over the place. Kent seems to be a master at leading you to one conclusion just to slip in another direction with no way to tell. I could see all the situations through all three of the main characters eyes. I’m starting to swear that Kent is the queen of twists. She never seems to fail to blindside me. Which I truly enjoy.  The Watcher Girl is a situation that some of us may […]

Posted January 14, 2022
Book Reviews, Thriller/Horror

Unmissing by Minka Kent

Unmissing by Minka Kent

The Unmissing was a book that kept me on my toes. Minka Kent once again brought the roller coaster to the party and anyone who reads this gets a free ride. I wasn’t able to guess what was going to happen in this story. As a reader be prepared for thinking you know what is going on just to be sideswiped by the reality. Kent makes you feel for all the characters. You have empathy for them and the situation. […]

Posted January 13, 2022
Book Reviews, New Release, Thriller/Horror

The Stillwater Girls by Min..

The Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

Omg! Omg! The Stillwater Girls has totally blown me away. Minka Kent has written a story full of twists and turns. The minute you think you know it all is shortly followed by you realizing you know nothing. This book kept me on my toes and totally engrossed in Wren and Nicolette. I felt a wave full of emotions. I cried and I laughed. The Stillwater Girls is probably one of the best thrillers I have ever read. It is […]

Posted January 9, 2022
Book Reviews, Thriller/Horror

Under His Guidance by Stacy..

Under His Guidance by Stacy Von Haegert

Once again Stacy Von Haegert has written a historical romance that kept my attention. This follows the life of Edward and Morgan. I am seeing a preference in how Von Haegert writes her female characters, strong and independent. Just the way I like the women in a story. I love how (so far) none of her females feel as though they have to follow society norms in the time period of the stories. Morgan is a little bit more compliant, […]

Posted January 8, 2022
Book Reviews, Indie, Romance

Under His Protection by Sta..

Under His Protection by Stacy Von Haegert

I’m going to be very honest here. I do not usually read Historical Romance. It’s just not my cup of tea. So to say Under His Protection by Stacy Von Haegert caught me by surprise is an understatement. Von Haegert brought to life a beautifully written story. I loved her main characters and side characters. Greyland, the female main character, is unlike most historical females. She is free spirited, intelligent, outspoken, and quite the handful. I fell in love with […]

Posted January 7, 2022
Book Reviews, Indie, Romance

My thoughts on Estuary by R..

My thoughts on Estuary by Rachel Blake & Amilia Quinn

Estuary is the third book in The Derivation Series. First let me tell you that this series is amazing and must be read in order to understand the full story. Estuary brings in more characters that I feel are going to be extremely important to the whole story. I can’t express how amazing the world building and character growth is in this series. There is heartache, love, loss, magic, and so much more to devour. I am willing to admit […]

Review: Need by Mandy L Woo..

Review: Need by Mandy L Woodall

Need is the book I didn’t know I needed. This book is smoking hot. Like call the fire dept cause it is going to burn your house down hot. Woodall holds no punches back with her first scene. So be prepared that you will need a few minutes to cool off. How this book escaped my attention in 2017 boggles my mind! Ryker and Bailey are two relatable characters who grab at your heartstrings.  They are exquisitely written, well developed […]

Posted October 25, 2021
Book Reviews, Indie, New Adult