Widower’s Aura 5 Star Review

So EVERY review I’ve received, good or bad, matters to me. For one it means someone took the time to read what I wrote, and secondly they took the time to WRITE a review. I wanted to share this particular review by the One Nerdy Girl and Her books blog.

Widower’s Aura by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Epic Love Story

A couple of things before I start.

The storyline was 10/5. seriously. I loved the way the story progressed – smoothly and enticingly.

Characters were awesome. They grew with the story and developed with each plot twist.
The only thing I had an issue with was all the touchy feely stuff. Like, kissing in public all the time. I dunno, to me that’s a little weird that they did that while out with people. But then again, I’ve never been with someone that I can’t keep my hands off, so I could be bitter!

As for the book itself, and my review, I really enjoyed the book as a whole. The characters interacted well with each other, and I super related to Sofia with her mortification regarding the Lindsey incident. Seriously, that was way on the money. Then, to top it off, Marc gets in on it and is just plain awesome. I think he’s my favourite character, just by the way he teases Sofia and Noah.

The author obviously expressed her own sense of humor when developing the discourse of Marc throughout the book, and has a great grasp of his and Noah’s friendship. I also want to point out that while Noah is a little possessive (just enough to be delicious), the author didn’t take it so far as to make the relationship vaguely abusive. Believe me, that can happen.

You’ll want to read this book because of the storyline (a girl moves to a new town, meets a guy thats still dealing with heartbreak and wants nothing to do with her, but she’s been forced into his life through circumstance), but you’ll keep reading for the characters that will make your heart ache for even a little of what they offer. You’ll keep reading for the humor that the author has interspersed throughout the book, and then, like me, you’ll be heartbroken that the next book isn’t out yet. You’ll cross ever appendage you have, and use all your willpower to not threaten and force the book to come out earlier.

It won’t help, though

Thank you Erin for taking a moment to not only read my baby but share with the world what you thought!

Please go check out her blog and see what other book recommendations she has for you!

-xo

AJ

 

Reviews Removed

You excitedly finish a novel and can’t wait to sing its praises (or the desire to warn others to avoid it, save their money and even suggest a different author to read.) You decide this one is worth your time to review. Now you’ve put together what you deem is a wonderful review, summarizing the novel, the pro’s and con’s and any constructive criticism so others will know your opinion. You submit it to Amazon and move on with your life. Or so you think.

There have been numerous complaints of Amazon rejecting reviews. Receiving a message similar to this: “We removed your Customer Reviews because you know the author personally.”

Okay on the one hand, I understand and respect Amazon for making sure items, in this example-books, are not being bloated with 5 star reviews by well meaning family and friends. On the other hand, if the individual has submitted a well thought out review I think it’s unfair of Amazon to remove it.

Why can’t a family or friend be a genuine fan? I won’t even get into the how Amazon has linked the two. Talk about big brother conspiracy like theories. Incredibly creepy.

As I get closer to Widower’s Aura becoming live I worry about losing well thought reviews to Amazon’s scrutinization of my relationship with my first readers. Reviews are necessary in the writing community especially for Independent Authors like myself.

Personally, I don’t care for any dishonest reviews. I understand and accept that my novel will not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s ok. If you don’t like my novel and want to tell others not to read it, well that’s your choice. I’ll just go find a corner and rock myself. No really, write it. I just hope you can do it in a respectful manner. There’s no need to be mean just to be cruel.

If you haven’t heard about this, ask around. See if any of your go to authors have experienced this. If you are lucky enough to create an online or real life friendship with one of your favorite authors, know that your new friendship may block future reviews without further explanation.

Have any of you experienced this? Has your review been deemed too close to the source?