Where I post: Once my review has been posted here, I also post to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookbub, Goodreads, Google Books, and if I really like it, I’ll post to my personal website. Thus a post here means multiple sites.
I have forty years of experience in the book business—from acquiring to selling, to editing and writing. I have a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in library science and spent several years as a reviewer for VOYA magazine as well as multiple online review sites. In addition I have thirty years of experience as an editor for various publishers and private clients doing non-fiction as well as fiction books and five years as an assistant manager of an independent bookstore. One thing I know is books—and I love to talk books any time you ask.
Other reviewers: At times, I have guest reviewers. All their posts are vetted by me before being published.
WHAT THE SPARKLERS MEAN:
1 Sparkler – I currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If I can’t finish it, I won’t review it.
2 Sparklers — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some editing glitches but not enough to stop me reading. Not trash, but nothing I’d re-read. If I recommended it, I’d send readers to the library, not the “buy me” button.
3 Sparklers — Okay. Mostly enjoyable. I made it through and didn’t consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw me back in . There’s a chance I’ll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn’t go on my keeper shelf.
4 Sparklers — Very Good. I’m glad I was the one who got to review the book. I would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to my friends. I liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.
5 Sparklers — Wow! I would run right out and buy this book in physical form (if available). I would recommend it to my friends. I really loved the characters and the plot and would look for other books by this author. Definitely a keeper.
WHAT THE HEAT LEVELS MEAN:
SWEET (1): no visual love scenes and no descriptive kissing. Basically a “G” rating
SENSUAL (2): Contains a high degree of sexual tension, steamy kisses and passionate clinches, but all fully consummated love scenes will be implied, not described, and with the bedroom door firmly closed. (PG)
SPICY (3): Contains actual love scenes and may include detailed descriptions of foreplay and consummation. (R)
HOT (4): Contains sizzling and very detailed love scenes throughout and graphic, explicit content which may be offensive to some. (X)
Sparkling Book Reviews 