Saturday, August 25, 2018

Have Bloggers Lost the Ability to be Readers?

***Sigh***

Here we are again, me trying to explain to others my star rating system. Now, what spurred me on the defensive was this came from a fellow book blogger that explained I was 'devaluing' my spot in the book universe for always giving 4-5 stars.


I decided to give this statement some thought before I began finger punching the debate on the keyboard. I have been and always will be picky reader - of sorts. It has to be the author's storytelling that appeals to whatever invisible bar setting I have.  I will state that certain tropes appeal more so than others. But once I find an author that works for me, I stick with a good thing.  Tropes be damned. They write, I will read it.

In thinking about this further, I realize the competitive nature of blogging. Bloggers need to get more followers, keep more followers so that affiliate links get clicked and advertising space used.  It is a business. The unnamed gladiator battle beings by throwing our name in the ring to get advanced reader copies for largely followed authors or the next big thing to be read.

It becomes expected that bloggers will read and review these 'phenomenal' and 'amazing' books in order to stay relevant in a fierce space for followers.

Then there is me.


What I discovered is that I have two libraries. In library number one is the notable stuff.

I do read some of these 'phenomenal' and 'amazing' books. I will share my feelings about them if I feel the same. These will be books that I will write a well-thought out review, and spend time talking about it. These will be 4 to 5 star books that wowed me as a reader and deserve the high rating to spur on more readers to check out this (good god we bloggers need to find new words) 'phenomenal' and 'amazing' book.

But to be honest, I read for me.

In library number two is the Harlequin books.

Not literally. But bear with me.

And yet, 4-5 stars occupy these shelves too. These are the books that are not the P&A stories. These stories entertained me for a few hours. I got thoroughly lost. The stories gave me a HEA without making me analyze intention or originality.  In the sense for construction, they are well-edited, good cover, etc. in other words, no real fault there. The story may seem trite, predictable, or to some 'been there read that'. This reader was entertained.

If we took a time machine back to 2007 and reviewed my buying habits, you see that I had an affinity for One Click Buy: Harlequin Blaze. They supplied me with 4-6 hours of entertainment. I was a happy reader. I got a happily ever after, sexy men and the women they fell for hard. These books gave me:

Jill Shavis, Julie Kenner, Leslie Kelly, Brenda Jackson, and more.

So to find the defense in the argument why I give 4-5 stars to everything I read, it is because I recognize that I'm not an editorial reviewer. I read for entertainment. I pick the stories that I know from reading previous works that I will enjoy. Or a trusted friend will know "Karen will be entertained." So the stars don't represent - story construction, originality, heart stopping moments, emotional wrenching pages impact. Nope.

It is as simple as: This book engaged and entertained me 5 stars! This book entertained may have been a bit slow in parts but overall engaged 4 stars!

If you like what I like, well, go through my shelves and find an entertaining read.

As of recent, I have the opportunity to re-introduce stories I love to followers on Book+Main. I could take a more 'business' approach to building my following. If I'm totally honest, it gives me a venue for a traveling book club where I can chat endless about stories I've read, bites I find that lead to new books I will read, or serials I impatiently wait on.

And yes, they will all be 4-5 star reads.


Thursday, August 9, 2018

Surprise!!! New to YA but not New to Me Release & Review of A Date For Hannah by Callie Henry

A Date for Hannah is now live!


Special Release Day Pricing of Only $0.99!

Amazon (US): https://amzn.to/2MaZjoI
Amazon (UK): http://amzn.eu/1DkEegQ
Amazon (CA): http://a.co/hSOvujr
Amazon (AU): https://amzn.to/2KRwd8Z
iBooks: https://apple.co/2u1CIjb
Nook: https://bit.ly/2KWKfX4
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2udfpCj
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Hannah-Love-Everyone/dp/194481034X/
AudioBook: COMING SOON!
Website: http://katyregnery.com/love-is-for-everyone/

Early Reviewers are LOVING A Date for Hannah!

"A beautiful story that's universally relatable as well as irresistible."
"A Date for Hannah is the sweetest, most unique and bravest thing I’ve ever read."
"Don't hesitate to read this sweet story, you will love it too!!"
Details:
Series: Love is for Everyone
Genre: YA Romance
Fans of Hallmark movies and sweet stories of first love will adore Callie Henry's new series!
High-schooler, Hannah, has always been self-conscious about her weight, so when hottie swimmer, Liam, pays her extra attention at her sister's wedding, she has a hard time trusting his interest. Throughout the evening, Liam's charm wins her over, until they're falling hard for each other. But the next day, Hannah learns something that may ruin it all.
*****
All stories in the LIFE (Love is for Everyone) series portray true-to-life, teen-aged characters, with real personalities and common issues, who experience the lightning bolt of first love in their own, individual ways!


Amazon (US): https://amzn.to/2MaZjoI
Amazon (UK): http://amzn.eu/1DkEegQ
Amazon (CA): http://a.co/hSOvujr
Amazon (AU): https://amzn.to/2KRwd8Z
iBooks: https://apple.co/2u1CIjb
Nook: https://bit.ly/2KWKfX4
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2udfpCj


Do you have a teenager who loved watching the Kissing Booth but you'd never let them in your Kindle? You need to #1click on A Date For Hannah by Callie Henry.  It a perfect story that depicts all the insecurities and flutters of first love. 



#TrueStory I didn't sign up for review tour because YA. And we know I am the furthest thing from YA. But I read the synopsis and a few reviews. One review stuck with me as was in the same boat - older reader, not YA fan but love Katy Regnery’s stories. So I clicked it and read it. 

This is exactly as advertised - Katy speaks to that audience demographic (14-18) but she still talks to them not at them. Which when I was that that age, I wanted to be talked to like an adult. Ms. Regnery really captured that 'feeling' of not knowing what you are feeling (attraction) but liking it all the same. There are some struggles with self image that every teen can relate to. Am I cute enough? Smart enough? Not awkward or weird? As adults, we can reminisce about those times. Because the storytelling is delivered in such a way that teens won’t struggle with it being ‘high brow’ language and relatable to them. Adults will not find it juvenile or cheesy as I’ve found some YA delivering to adult audiences to be.  

I highly recommend it to anyone with teens wanting to read romance but never give them your Kindle password. For adults, if you want to find a trip down memory lane without feeling wrung out with drama, prepare to be entertained with Katy’s storytelling once again. 


About the Author


Callie Henry is the YA pen name of New York Times bestselling contemporary romance author, Katy Regnery
Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Keep in Touch

www.katyregnery.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatyRegnery
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KatyRegnery
Instagram: @katyregnery