Review Rating Scale
IT WAS AMAZING ~ I loved the book and could not put it down. It stayed with me long after I finished it and I will definitely re-read it at some stage. The writing style of the book is often another reason I would give such a high rating – I love books that have unique, consistent and well-developed writing styles.
REALLY REALLY LIKED IT ~ I really really liked the book but there was something about it that didn’t quite make it a 5 (e.g. grammar/editing mistakes that were numerous and distracting).
REALLY LIKED IT ~ I really liked the book and had a hard time putting it down but there was something missing that kept me from loving it or I didn’t feel that the story would stay with me.
LIKED IT ~ I thought the book was good but it was either somewhat predictable, I did not connect enough with the characters or something in the writing style bothered me. I did enjoy reading it though.
IT WAS OK ~ I had a hard time finishing the book and did not connect with the story or the characters for one reason or another.
DIDN’T LIKE IT ~ I will not generally review a book that I did not like. I will rarely even rate it as I don’t believe in criticizing someone’s work that way. However, if I had strong objections towards a book, then I might rate it as a 1 but still not review it.
I would like to point out that reviewing books is a subjective exercise and you will rarely find two people that will completely agree on a review. These ratings are arbitrary and as such should not be taken too seriously or personally. I love reading books, I love connecting with books and immersing myself in their storylines. The more amazing books I read the more my expectations change when I start a new one. When I finish reading a great book, I feel like I have just won the lottery as I know that I will carry that story with me for a long time.
I believe that all reviews are good reviews, as long as you are engaging the reader and provoking emotions from them. If you get your reader to actually spend half an hour writing about your book, engage with the storyline and the characters, you’ve done your job as a writer.
Advance Reading Copies
I sometimes receive Advance Reading Copies (ARC) of books for review prior to the publication date, either through NetGalley, Edelweiss or from the author. I will always give my honest and fair thoughts on those books and my reviews will always remain genuine regardless of where the books were sourced from. I do not charge for reviews, nor do I receive discounts, gifts or favours in exchange for a review. ARC reviews are labelled as such with an ‘ARC’ category. All other books are acquired by personal purchase.
To Book Authors
If you are an author and you would like me to read your book and review it, feel free to contact me by filling the form below or via my Goodreads profile. I am happy to review on demand BUT please please please read some of my reviews before you ask me to review your book. I am very outspoken, I don’t beat around the bush and I will write honestly about what I liked as well as what I did not like in your book. I cannot guarantee that the reviews will always be positive, but they will be honest and fair.
I receive numerous requests each week for indie book reviews, but unfortunately due to my review commitments I am unable to accept them all. Please note, I will only respond to those requests that I accept and acceptance of a book does not guarantee a review.
All reviews will be posted on this Blog, on Goodreads, on Facebook and at Amazon.com. If you would like my review posted somewhere else, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your request.
GENRE
My favourite genres are contemporary romance, erotic romance, new adult, young adult and even paranormal on very rare occasions. If your book does not fall into one of these categories, it is unlikely that I will accept to review it but I might consider it in some instances. I have no interest whatsoever in political, self-help, philosophical, theological or biographical titles. None whatsoever.
GIVEAWAYS
If you wish to do a paperback giveaway of your novel, please be aware that you will be responsible for sending a copy to the winner. All giveaways must be available internationally. I cannot accept US only competitions as many of my followers are not in the United States.
