Reading Reviews #IWSG #readers #bookreviews

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially 

Insecure Writer's Support Group day.

The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

IWSG Asks: Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you? 

I don't like to admit this, but I'm such an insecure writer that any reader who responds with a positive review surprises me! I have such a bad case of imposter syndrome, I think with each book I publish readers will see what a horrible writer I am and call me out. With every 4 & 5 star review my books receive, I breathe a huge sigh of relief.

I was surprised by my first one-star review. Not because I received it, I had fully expected to find one with my debut book. That first one-star review arrived with my third book. 

I was surprised by my response to it. I had been fearful of the complete and utter devastation I would inevitably feel. I was afraid I would never want to publish my books ever again because of some scathing remark from some faceless reader.

Instead, I laughed.

Yes, I laughed at my first one-star review. And surprisingly still, I continue to laugh at the critical reviews I receive. Not because I'm some diva writer who laughs in the face of adversity, but because I am so much more critical of myself. These one-star reviews can never compare to the criticism I give to myself.

Sometimes, I agree with the reviewer. They make valid points that I did not see. Yes, maybe that character wasn't as heroic as I intended. Maybe that scene did not fit the storyline. Good point. Thank you for responding.

Good reviews are great for stroking a writer's ego, but sometimes the bad reviews give a writer more insight.

Another surprise I received from a reader was when they labeled my steamy romance as sweet and wholesome in a review.

But, my paranormal romance was filled with sex scenes, hot and sensual, definitely with the bedroom door held wide open. Not what I would ever classify as a sweet romance. When I think of sweet romance, that bedroom door is held firmly closed.

I was puzzled. It took me some time to figure that one out. That's when I started discovering other books labeled as steamy sweet. It's not exactly the sex scenes that are the issue here. 

The love shared between the characters is sweet, tender and wholesome. The romance where they fall in love is sweet.

But the characters also share sexy times, too!

Sweet and steamy!

Yes, I got it! That's totally what I write! It took a reader's review to make me look at my own writing in a new way.

Be safe! Stay healthy! And keep writing!

~ Tricia 

Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Looking for a little escape? Check out this book!

books2read.com/AlienEmbrace/

5-Star Reviews for Loving Boone! #bookreview #pnr #shifters

I'm so pleased that people are enjoying the first book in the Cougar Series! This book means so much to me. I can't tell you how grateful I am that readers are reviewing their thoughts and feelings about the book. It seriously brings tears to my eyes. I've spent hours writing about Boone and Beth-Ann. Sometimes agonizing over whether I can finish or is it worth writing? It amazes me that all those hours can mean so much to so many people.





To all the reviewers out there, everywhere, I want to say thank you! When you take the time to write book reviews, you're helping authors in more way than just one. Your words can make an author smile and let them know that all those hours of writing were well-spent. 

Thank you so much!

Look at what these reviewers are saying about Loving Boone!

"I couldn't put this book down! Right from the beginning I was hooked, the suspense, the action, the romance, this book had it all. Highly recommended." ~Goodreads reviewer

"This book has elements of romance, suspense and paranormal, and there are enough twists and turns to keep your attention. Definitely a HEA ending." ~Amazon Reviewer

"This book pulled me in and kept me entranced till the end. The feelings of love, hate, and pain coming out in waves making you want to cry while you read. This was such a beautiful book! I loved the characters wholesomeness!" ~Amazon Reviewer

"This is a great shifter story. Imagine being the daughter of a survivalist and being in love with a shapeshifter. People are killed. Shapeshifters are disappearing. There is a mystery to be solved. The characters are great and the story is good. I enjoyed this book very much and would highly recommend it." ~Amazon Reviewer

"I totally loved this book, Loving Boone the 1st book in the Cougar Shifter Series. I have bought this book to read again. Action from beginning to end. I love the shifters, and there are mysteries to be solved. If you love shifter series with stand alone books you will love these. HEA with a continuing story. Could not put down once started." ~Goodreads Reviewer

"This is a really entertaining shifter romance. The story is engrossing and has a fantastic storyline. This is a beautiful story in regards of Beth-Ann and Boone's romance and is exciting in regards of the mystery, suspense, and action. This captured my attention from the very beginning." ~Amazon Reviewer

About Loving Boone...

Beth-Ann Miller returns to her Tennessee mountain home to find chaos erupting between her survivalist family and their shape-shifting neighbors. Her father is convinced the were-cougar clan is responsible for the murders occurring in their area and interrogates one of the shifters, Boone Evans, her childhood sweetheart. When Boone declares several members of his shifter family have gone missing including his little brother, Beth-Ann suspects someone else is behind both the murders and abductions.

Boone never expected to see Beth-Ann again. When she frees him from her father's cabin and promises to help find his brother, Boone doesn't plan on rekindling their passionate love affair or facing the pain of past mistakes. Nor does he plan on coming face to face with the man responsible for altering his family's life forever.

With men hunting the were-cougars, can Beth-Ann and Boone risk all to have a future together? Or is loving Boone too high a price to pay?

AMAZON

#BlackFriday #BookSale! All Genres - All Books Only #99cents 11/29 - 12/1

Need some new books to read? Check out this book fair for some incredible savings! These books are all discounted to 99 cents for a limited time only! Hurry and grab some books to read! Or maybe buy some for a friend!

Fire & Ice is included in this book sale. If you love paranormal and fantasy romance, then you're sure to find something in this collection of books by several bestselling authors. 

Fire and Ice...they are two of the most powerful elements known to man.

From the tiniest sparks to a blazing inferno, fire is an intense energy that can consume anything in its path.

Ice is it's unrelenting and frigid counterpart that can startle your senses and make you shiver. When put together, you'll find a force that is stronger than anything you'll ever encounter.

If you love the paranormal and can't get enough of romance, then this set is exactly what you need in your library.

While you're shopping for books, remember that many of these authors rely on the income from their book sales to support their families. After you buy the book and read it, do a good deed and write a short review for the book. It doesn't have to be long, just a short note that you enjoyed the book. Reviews are important and help authors sell more which will help them put food on the table for their kids. Trust me, it makes a difference! So if you want to send some good positive vibes into the Universe, write a review for an author. They'll appreciate it more than you know!

Also, if you want to learn more about good vibes, check out the post I wrote for Sweet 'N Sexy Divas about being thankful and grateful and discovering how helpful a gratitude journal has been for me.

I hope you find something that entertains you! 

Happy reading and happy shopping this weekend!

~Tricia

You can Follow me on ...

Newsletter

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest  | Instagram

Holiday Romance Reading List - Winter Blog Hop

Author Marin McGinnis has invited several authors and bloggers to participate in her 

Winter Blog Hop. Check out her blog to read more!

 
Starting at the end of November, I set aside most of the books on my TBR pile and pull out the holiday-themed titles. It just doesn't feel right reading a Christmas romance at any other time of year, so I read as much as I can since each year my TBR pile grows and grows!

The unfortunate truth, however, is that as fast as I can read, I'll probably not get all of these books read this year. The ones that I don't read this December, I'll save until next year. Some of these are brand new books just released this year, some of these are books I've had on my list from previous years.

Today, I'd like to share my list with you. This is by no means a complete list. I have many, many books on my shelf just waiting for me to pick them up to read, but these are the titles in particular that I'd like to read this year. If you'd like to add a title to my list, go right ahead in the comments. I'm an avid reader who loves recommendations from readers!

My holiday reading list this month contains:

Holly and Hopeful Hearts: A Bluestocking Belles Collection (currently reading)

When the Duchess of Haverford sends out invitations to a Yuletide house party and a New Year’s Eve ball at her country estate, Hollystone Hall, those who respond know that Her Grace intends to raise money for her favorite cause and promote whatever marriages she can. Eight assorted heroes and heroines set out with their pocketbooks firmly clutched and hearts in protective custody. Or are they?









Hey, Santa by Jessica E. Subject (Read my Review)

She doesn’t want a lot for Christmas…

Claire Otton dreads spending another holiday alone. When her best friend convinces her to approach the sexy mall Santa, she takes the chance and asks him out, hoping for so much more.

He’s waiting under the mistletoe…

Although Andreas Castellanos blends in on Earth, he knows he will never belong. But when the gorgeous woman he’d been staring at invites him to dinner, he has a hard time saying no.

All they’re asking for…

Can these two lonely souls find magic together or will their secrets steal their chance of a happy Christmas?

A Grosvenor Square Christmas by Anna Campbell, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly, and Kate Noble

Enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Four short tales.

Mistletoe, Stakes and Yuletide Cheer by Karen Michelle Nutt

What’s a hunter to do when she’s fallen for the vampire she’s been sent to stake? Cassandra Hayes has been dating Tremayne Graystone, the vampire she’s been sent to eliminate.

To stake or not to stake is the least of their problems when masked men kidnap them and hold them hostage. They realize all they want for Christmas is a chance to make their relationship work. Kisses under the mistletoe may not make this holiday merry, but they’re willing to give it a shot.

A Regency Christmas by Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly, and Gail Ranstrom

 “Scarlet Ribbons” by Lyn Stone

Captain Alexander Napier is battle scarred—from war and from life. For him, Yuletide is just a reminder of all that he’s lost. Can enchanting Amalie Harlowe restore light into the festive season…and reignite the passion in his heart?

“Christmas Promise” by Carla Kelly

Now that peace has broken out, Captain Jeremiah Faulk is at odds over what to do this Christmas, let alone with his life. Until a simple act of charity reunites him with his lost love—Ianthe Mears.

“A Little Christmas” by Gail Ranstrom

Tending to a houseful of grieving relatives isn’t Viscount Selwick’s idea of a merry Christmas. But one stolen kiss under the mistletoe with spirited Sophia Pettibone is about to change everything!

Christmas in Transylvania by Sandra Hill

For the first time ever, the leader of the Viking Vampire Angels, Vikar Sigurdsson, has been talked into celebrating a traditional Christmas! The tree has been decorated, the gifts have been wrapped, and the stockings have been hung. And that's mistletoe, not cobwebs, hanging from the ceiling of the creepy castle full of vangels … really!

The icing on the vampire cookie comes when vangel Karl Mortensen rescues Faith Larson, a battered young waitress, from her abusive boyfriend and hides her in the castle amidst the Christmas chaos. But what Karl thought was a frail young teenager is actually a very tempting woman. And she thinks his fangs are sexy!

But a strange "Christmas visitor" at the castle and demon vampires up to their old tricks could threaten the budding romance between Karl and Faith. It's an impossible match—a human and a vangel—but Christmas is a time for magic.

Karl and Faith don't stand a chance …

Christmas Spirits by Jane Charles

Mary Soares was supposed to spend Christmas, nice and warm on her family’s estate in Falkirk, Scotland, tending to their whisky business. However, the English have made smuggling almost impossible, and so order after order is waiting at the distillery until it’s safe enough to continue shipments. Most customers understand this. Most customers are reasonable. The Duke of Danby is not most customers. So after a number of demands from His Grace, insisting upon his order, Mary decides to deliver the whisky herself since no one else is available.

Benjamin Storm, Earl of Kenley, breathes a sigh of relief when his summons from the Duke of Danby has nothing to do with matrimony or a stack of special licenses. Instead, his uncle just needs Benjamin to travel to Scotland and procure his missing whisky shipment in time for his holiday festivities. The chore sounds easy enough, at least until he encounters a most unusual smuggler on her way to Danby Castle. Benjamin’s life may never be the same.