I am a book lover. I have been described as a book 'devourer'. I was encouraged to create a blog on something that I have a deep-seated affection for. I am passionate about reading. What you will find here are my thoughts on all things in literary world. I love discussion about reading, what you're reading and the emotions it invokes. Please join the conversation.
This will be probably one of my shorter posts. I am well known for rambling. To be honest, since this news piece aired, I've questioned it.
I went to reviewmeta.com and checked them out. I looked at how they 'analyzed' data.
And here's what is troubling...
Book Friends pay careful attention.
The criteria on ReviewMeta for grading a review as "Fail" or "Warn" can be influenced by the percentage of verified purchases. Verified purchases being those items bought then reviewed.
In full disclosure, I do buy the majority of ARCs I receive, BUT NOT SOLELY ON AMAZON. There are other eRetailers I purchase from such as iBooks, Nook and Kobo. I'm am - or was - allowed to leave these editorial reviews on Amazon. Not now...
But Karen you say, Amazon according to Community Standards says:
"Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review."
Well, check my email and bank account. Because not ONCE has someone paid me or used any other influence to make my review what it is. I am a PICKY consumer and that includes Advanced Reader Copies. I know what I like, and sorry Amazon, I will be review what I like to read.
Based on Amazon's Community Standards, these 'free' copies of ARCs are allowed.
Now I bring into question Amazon's polices and policing that disallow or remove reviewers based on 'analytics' from companies such as ReviewMeta that CLEARLY do not account for this standard.
Am I wrong? Right now where I am standing, no.
Did I jump to conclusions? Possibly. But when Amazon REFUSES to support their reasons with clear transparency, I am allowed my jump.
Snowy days, steamy nights.
The Walshes are home for the holidays.
Title: Thresholds
Series: The Walsh
Series #8
Author:
Kate
Canterbary
Release Date: December 14, 2017
Blurb
'Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the North End
Not a Walsh had his life together, not even his friends;
The parties were planned by the foodies with care,
In hopes that Wes and Erin would soon find their way there;
The men were stressing over last minute shopping lists and plans,
While the ladies were busy with work and nesting and finding the right paella pans;
When out in the dining room there arose such a clatter,
The Halsted dogs sprang from their beds to see what was the matter;
They whistled and shouted and called each other names,
While the secrets and announcements and surprises quickly came;
So onto another adventure they flew
With the sleigh full of Walshes, and the Commodore too—
As they continued arguing and clamoring around,
Down the road an unexpected visitor came with a bound;
But it wasn't long until couples were all nestled snug in their beds,
With new memories of steamy holiday nights dancing in their heads.
Review
The words escape me to do the book justice to tell readers why you MUST read this holiday addition to the series. Just read the book. So, there my work is done.
BAHAHAHAHAHA
YOU SERIOUSLY DID NOT THINK THIS OBNOXIOUS FANGIRL WAS STOPPING THERE, DID YOU?
First up, you cannot read this book without reading the first seven books in the series. Yes, I'm a series nazi but you will do yourself an immense disservice if you think this is just another holiday story so can get the jest of the characters and storyline. No, just no. Kate Canterbary treats the reader to POVs from all the beloved characters from the previous books. You will be lost, not understand the subtle nuances and turn of phrase that each character delivers. Do yourself a favor and you've not read the series, dust off Underneath It All and get with the Kate fan wagon.
Okay fandom, what do I have to say about this book. This book. Damn, this book is all the things. Ms. Canterbary gives us each a look into the POV of everyone and then adds in POV from secondary characters we didn't know we needed. Poor Kate was subjected to my reading stream of consciousness (read as word vomit) in her reader group. To see what and how I felt as I read along, join here because I'm not a spoiler.
What possibly can I say about why I so loved this book?
Gift shopping with Matthew, Patrick and Sam: who knew it could be the equivalent of thwarting a terrorist plot. Will couldn't have done better with besting the enemy.
Caveman tactics: they abound. Like everywhere. Showering, holiday parties, grandparent wrangling, etc. You name it - those growly boys showed up and their women did the best to tame them. (See my fan made teaser below). Have I convinced you yet that this book of the series needs to grace your eReader? I give you two compelling reasons:
I insisted with the Brain Trust it be included in this BuzzFeed list edition. And yes, I said nice things there too.
My beloved book pimp and who I aspire to be as a reviewer someday, Beth with Panda & Boodle, wrote THE BEST review EVER. So go read it here.
What is left to say? It's a 5+ star review. Its amazing. Its sexy. Its sweet. But most of all it is the Walshes at the holidays in the most amazing gift to readers.
Kate Canterbary doesn’t have it all figured out, but
this is what she knows for sure: spicy-ass salsa and tequila solve most
problems, living on the ocean–Pacific or Atlantic–is the closest place to
perfection, and writing smart, smutty stories is a better than any amount of
chocolate. She started out reporting for an indie arts and entertainment
newspaper back when people still read newspapers, and she has been writing and
surreptitiously interviewing people—be careful sitting down next to her on an airplane—ever
since.
Kate lives on the water in New England with Mr.
Canterbary and the Little Baby Canterbary, and when she isn’t writing sexy
architects, she’s scheduling her days around the region’s best food trucks.
SNEAK PEEK of When We Touch, an all-new sexy, second chance standalone from Tia Louise is coming September 5th!
Excerpt:
~ Jackson ~
Faint light flickers from her windows, and I
see the long curtains moving in the breeze. She sleeps with those balcony
French doors open. The scaffolding stands beside it like a temptation, daring
me to resist.
“Ember,” I say in a voice just louder than
normal.
I’m on fire, driven by lust, desire, need. My
heart is beating so fast, I couldn’t leave if I wanted to.
“Ember Rose,” I say a touch louder.
Shadows move in the windows above. A lone
figure catches the moving curtains and holds them apart. My chest tightens, and
I’m sure it’s her. She holds the long sheer in her hand, tight against her side
and steps into the window. She’s not on the balcony, but she’s there in the
shadows looking down on me.
I’m standing in the street looking up at her,
my chest rising and falling fast, waiting for one word.
“What do you want, Jackson?” Her voice is
hushed, but loud enough for me to hear clearly.
“Tell me to come up,” I say in the same tone.
My muscles strain for her. I don’t know if
anyone is around. I don’t think they are as most of the residents live further
north in the old neighborhood part of town. It’s just like Ember to choose this
place to live. She’s always been just outside their rules.
“No,” she says, but I hear the waver in her
voice. “Go home.”
“You are my home.”
She’s quiet, but she doesn’t go away. She
doesn’t close the doors and shut me out. It’s a start—a tiny one, but one I’ll
take.
Without hesitation, I go to the scaffolding
and climb. I’m on her balcony in seconds. Standing on the balcony, I’m feverish
with anticipation of what might happen next.
She’s just inside the room watching me through
the open door.
“Come to me,” I say in a low voice.
It’s quieter with her so close, but the hush
only makes it more intimate. A cloud moves across the moon, and the world goes
dark. She’s lit from behind, and I see she’s only wearing a thin white tank and
panties.
I’m consumed with longing. My cock twitches in
the darkness, and I want to bury it deep in her clenching heat. I want to kiss
her pussy and make her come. I want to hear the moans that have haunted me for
a decade.
The cloud slides away and she disappears in
the moonlight.
“Ember,” my voice cracks. “Please. Let me
touch you.”
A quiet noise, a hesitation.
Suspense is a painful knot in my throat.
The slightest movement, and she steps forward into the silvery light. Her shirt is thin, and I can just make out the dark tips of her nipples, beaded and pointing at me. I life my hand, holding it palm up to her. It feels like an eternity, but she slowly places her hand in mine.
Synopsis:
From international bestselling author Tia Louise comes a new STAND-ALONE second-chance romance…
Ember Rose was spicy-sweet seduction.
My biggest temptation.
My biggest regret.
I thought she’d always be waiting for me.
I was wrong.
Now I’m back in Oceanside searching for peace, hoping to escape what my life has become.
She isn’t supposed to be here…
Dark hair blowing in the ocean breeze,
Luscious curves barely hidden by thin cotton.
I didn’t come back for her.
But when we touch, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine…
★ Pre-Order WHEN WE TOUCH at the special 99 CENT price NOW:
Tia Louise is the award-winning, international bestselling author of the ONE TO HOLD and DIRTY PLAYERS series and co-author of the #4 Amazon bestseller THE LAST GUY.From “Readers’ Choice” nominations, to USA Today “Happily Ever After” nods, to winning the 2015 “Favorite Erotica Author” and the 2014 “Lady Boner Award” (LOL!), nothing makes her happier than communicating with fans and weaving new tales into the Alexander-Knight world of stories.A former journalist, Louise lives in the center of the USA with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations...
The last thing Brighton Starling needed on one of the most humiliating days of her life was to run into her ex…
Naturally, she did. And two years after he walked away, leaving her hurt and broke, he somehow managed to look better than ever. Of course.
She didn’t want to see him, let alone speak to him, but apparently, he wasn’t going to give her a choice.
All Sebastian Figures wanted was to talk to the one that got away…
No, scratch that. The one he drove away with poor decisions and lies, big and small.
She might have been having a bad day, but she was still the bright, beautiful girl he’d been missing for far too long. His brightest star. Still the only girl he’d ever want. If only he could convince her of that.
Is it too late to say sorry?
Sebastian wants a chance to win back Brighton’s trust—and her future. Brighton wants to be able to move on from the past, once and for all.
But neither of them want to say one final goodbye…
What happens when the man who took a gamble with your heart shows up at your Panera? The imprint he left on your heart still bears the very sharp grooves caused by his abrupt departure. Do you forgive him? Or shove that Italian down his throat?
That my reading buddies is what you get when you enter the world of Sebastian and Brighton in The Brightest Star. Second chance romance is my favorite trope, and from reading the synopsis I was 'all in'. Ms. Cranford keeps the reader engaged with all the necessary ingredients for a fabulous novel. It's clever combination of a little bit sad, sprinkled with outrage, just enough spice, a hefty serving of humor, and a ginormous portion of love. Often times with debut authors, I give them the widest berth to find their voice in storytelling. Never have I been so enchanted from the start and willing to devour a tale in an afternoon. The characters had me rooting for each one separately for different reasons. At times I hoped that Brighton would yell and scream at him for what he deserved after two years. Then Sebastian would seem genuinely sorry - I mean I KNEW he was so sorry and just wanted hug him. And tell Bright to give him a break. Until no - you encouraged her to stand firm - make him prove he is the right choice. And that my friends - all those emotions - B. Cranford can evoke from you as you read is why you want to consume this story, and ask for more.
Which is where I ask B. Cranford for Declan and Jade's story. Because come ON there is a story there dying to be told.
I am often shrewd with my reviews on debut books. There is place for improvement. This story I just can't find flaw. 🌟 It's beautiful. 🌟 It's brilliant. If you love contemporary romance as much as I do, you'll fly your fingers to click on this fabulous story. 5 out of 5 stars
Author Bio
B. Cranford is a proud Australian living in the USA, a lover of books, breadsticks and bed, and the mother of two children who are far too similar to their father for her liking. A lifelong reader, she dove into the romance genre on the recommendation of her best friend and hasn’t looked back since. After three years as a blogger, she decided it was high time she finally finished one of the 12,002 books she’d started writing, and the end result was The Brightest Star.
Let me get this out there first: I rather sighed a huge breath of relief when I figured out my time was up for a large review team.
I meet a lot of bookish type people. Yeah, yeah I know - that was rather the point of this blog.
*eyeroll* << you saw that coming
However, one of the topics of what I call 'social media newbies' ask me is how to get on ARC review teams, beta read, etc. Well, to be honest...they find me. I don't go seeking this out. (More on this subject later). To continue with this thread of honesty, I have rules to abide by if I do join an ARC team.
Wait? There are rules? No, these are my personal rules that I feel that readers should abide by when agreeing to the commitment. Emphasizing the commitment.
Rules According to Yours Truly:
You read ARCs first: That means whatever you have on your TBR or in the middle of gets dropped like a hot potato. You said you'd read it - now do it.
You complete your review on Goodreads/Blog/Reader Group ASAP: Now, eRetailers do not always allow you to post right away. Authors depend on early feedback for exposure. Do your due diligence by reviewing where able promptly.
Write a positive but honest review: Okay this is tricky. Not every story is for every reader. However there is ways to draft a review without crucifying the author. If you can't give more than 3 stars, contact the author with constructive comments privately.
Buy the book: Yes, you buy the book or gift the book. You were gifted the early review privilege. The authors have to eat. You love it and I'm guessing you would have purchased it so keep them writing.
Complete your review forms for the authors promptly: Do not be a douche and have them track you down.
Post your reviews to all social media outlets:
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
iBooks
Google Play
Reference your Goodreads review on:
Pinterest
Google +
Tumblr
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Email
See number 5? Yes, every review - every time. I may copy and paste my original, but its part of the privilege to early reading. You may not be technology savvy or want to have your Aunt Mae knowing your social media interactions. Do what you can and where - but let the author know you do have limitations on commitment.
And to be honest, for a multiple author review team, well...
It is a lot of scheduling and organizational skills to keep up where, when and how. So, why yes, I did duplicates, but overkill is better than not at all. Not everyone follows similar rules and for that ugly truth I'm sad. Some people have less than genuine reasons for wanting to be a part of review teams or receive ARCs. They give those of us a bad name, but it is what it is. My final thought: Don't be a douche if you can't commit to the time to read and review.
Okay that's a bit creepy meme. But seriously the look on my face when an author approaches me to provide an ARC review.
Yes, you read it. I have themapproach me.
This isn't a popularity contest. And you saw the rules. The rules that I need to commit to in order to give back to the author. That's why I don't enter every contest for every ARC or even sign up for review teams. The task is a time commitment and I want to give 100 percent. There are lots of individuals who are committed to the process as I am (and gladly call friends). If I can't give 100 percent, then I don't want to take up a spot that someone is deserving.
Now my time is over, now what?
I have time to read what I want. Did you see rule 1? Yes, the responsibility of putting the ARC review team first meant I had to swap out the time for my personal purchases. Don't get me wrong - the opportunity to do this for the last year was interesting. I got to read some books I might not otherwise have chosen on my own. Now I can spend my time on those books I want to purchase myself. Kinda sounds a bit selfish. But in keeping it real, when you join a review team, you lose some of that right to choose. And I'm giddy that I have my personal time back to dedicate to those I want to rather than need to.
There you have it. Do you have more questions? Hit me up in the comments.
I'm sorry for
your loss.
Why do people say that?
When someone you love is taken from you, when a part of you dies along with
them, you haven't lost them like you would your car keys or mobile phone. They
aren't stuck down the side of the sofa or left in the ignition of your car for
you to find later. You haven't absentmindedly put them somewhere and forgotten.
You will never lose them because they live in you.
The soul crushing hurt that burns your lungs with every breath you take comes
from knowing where they are and not being with them.
The ugly and real definition of grief is being left behind.
I'm sorry they left you.
I'm sorry you are alone.
I'm sorry it hurts to breathe.
Loss; it doesn't even compare.
She was my first love.
She is my last love.
I am an empty husk who pretends to be filled with enough love for those of us
she left behind.
Our little girl and newborn son need me.
I am both mother and father now.
I am hollow and empty.
I am a shell.
So why does the girl with the face of an angel and eyes that mirror my
emptiness, look at me like I'm her everything?
*Book
#6 in the 'Love by Numbers' series. Can be read as a standalone.*
Review
Grief is a difficult. Often in romance, the reader usually is at the tail-end of the timeline. Eight does not address the topic but immersing us into one man's journey of loss. I will not spare you; it's realistically painful. You witness the collateral damage to everyone in and out of the family. But is this only what the story delivers? No, more. So much more.
ES Carter gives in Eight all the feels. We are on a journey of how one young single father comes out the other side of grief. What happens when he meets a woman who reflects the same pain he has back at him? Maybe they can find a way to a new happy. Josh and Halle are written so relatable and want to get to know them with every page turn. All my favorite LBN characters make an appearance -what is a LBN book without Mrs Fox? Amazingly, you not only get to know Josh and Halle as primary characters, but Ivy-bell steals the scenes every time she emerges. As always, Ms Carter balances her storytelling with just the right amount of humor in the right moments to allow you to catch your breath.
So break out the Kleenex readers, you are going to need them. There is no doubt based on the PM photos I'm getting from fellow readers. But in the end you will be graced with a beautiful story that makes you believe once and for all, everyone has the chance for a HEA if they see it. Although Eight can be read as a standalone, this reader HIGHLY recommends you read One, Love by Numbers #5, first to get into the backstory. However, if same sex storyline is not your 'thing', you can read this as a standalone. Definitely a top 2017 read for me. 5++ stars out of 5 stars.
“Halle, have you fallen asleep in there?”
I crack open my eyes and my arm gives an involuntary twitch in the now cool water, splashing some over the edge of the full tub.
“No,” I answer croakily. “I mean, yes, I was, but I’m awake now. I must’ve nodded off.”
It’s a good thing he can’t see me because I swear my face is glowing red with embarrassment.
I hear him chuckle, followed by, “You’ll end up all wrinkly, and I’m not snuggling with a prune.”
“You have something against prunes?” I call out, my voice a little stronger, my smile trying to break free at his teasing.
“Nope. Nothing against dried fruit, it keeps me regular, but I’d rather snuggle with you.”
At that, I snort. Only Josh could make a joke about bowel movements and still have me wanting to do more than snuggle with him.
“You’re a goof.”
“And you’re beautiful,” he calls back through the closed door.
The smile on my face creeps even bigger and by the time I’ve dried off and slipped on my shirt, not bothering with my bra, knickers or jeans, my smile is so big it almost breaks my face.
“Is it safe to come out?” I ask through a crack in the door, the light from the bathroom sending a shard of brightness across the dim room beyond.
Josh looks up from his place on the bed where he’s propped himself up. His back leans against the headboard, his sexy, dark framed glasses slip down his nose and a book lays open on his lap. Is there anything more attractive than a handsome man who reads?
Standing here admiring Josh as he does just that, I can safely admit that, for me at least, there is nothing sexier to me than this man who reads.
Also
Available in the Love by Numbers series
*NB: Books one
and two are a duet, and should be read in order. All other books in the Love by
Numbers series can be read standalone.
ES Carter
lives in Cardiff, South Wales. The home of castles, dragons and folklore.
Her family joke that she was born with a book in her hand, and the urge to
write stories soon followed.
At eleven, she won her school's literary prize. At ages fourteen to sixteen -
her poetry phase after falling in love with Dylan Thomas and e.e. cummings -
she had a few poems published, but life, love and family overtook her dreams,
and she was in her thirties when she began the scary journey of
self-publishing.
Her debut and internationally best-selling series, 'Love by Numbers', are a set
of interconnected stand alone romances, all with varying themes of love. From
second-chance to romantic comedy and M/M romance. These stories do not need to
be read in order, in fact, she is often guilty of advising readers to start at
the last book and work their way back through.
Contemporary romance is not the only genre she writes, her second series, 'The
Red Order', is as dark and twisted as you can get, but there is beauty there
too if you can open your eyes and look.
With many more stories bursting to be set free, she hopes you stay along for
the ride.
She loves to connect with readers, so please feel free to friend/follow her on
Facebook, IG and Twitter or join her reader's group, E's Elite <3
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