I’m going to have to spend some time planning some better blogs! But for today, I have a question.
Do you read reviews?
I just went to Amazon to glance at the reviews for JR Ward’s LOVER AVENGED. A friend and I were talking about the book, and I wanted to see if this one was more character driven than the last one since that’s the type of book I like to read.
Then I remembered that I really don’t like reading reviews before I read the book, so I didn’t really bother looking at them. I’ll wait for my friend’s verdict!
However…after I read a book, then I often like to go to the online bookstores and read the reviews to see if people agreed with me. I can spend a half hour looking at reviews then. But I’ve already bought and read the book!
Is that weird?
Has anyone read LOVER AVENGED yet?
April 30th, 2009 at 2:56 am · Link
I scan reviews before I read a book and then read them after I’ve finished just like you said to see if the readers felt the same way I did with the story.
April 30th, 2009 at 6:07 am · Link
Nope, haven’t read it. I don’t read reviews for books or movies. It’s just one person’s opinion and I’ve seen some fancy backpedaling by reviewers when they tanked a book or movie and it hit the big time–Crocodile Dundee is the one that leaps to mind.
April 30th, 2009 at 7:50 am · Link
Don’t really read reviews. But I LOVE JR Ward and can’t wait for this one to come out. I will probably buy it the day it comes out.
But she’s an auto buy for me, just like Sherrilyn Kenyon.
April 30th, 2009 at 7:58 am · Link
I read it and if you like the other books in the series you will love this one.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:52 am · Link
I tend to pick up a book because of “word of mouth” advertising rather than reviews. Though…I guess technically, those reviews are word of mouth… *blink* I need coffee. Stat!
As a writer, I’m terrified of reviews. I won’t have any nails left when Faerie Fate comes out. Will it be reviewed? Will they like it? Will it get panned? *runs and hides in a corner*
I’ve only read one J.R.Ward – upon recoomendations from you, Jen, and a few other witches
and liked it. I’ll eventually get the others read, working my way up to this one. I’ll let you know what I think then. *nods* Okay. Coffee and final looksee on The Book(tm) before sending it off. Later, witches!
April 30th, 2009 at 9:05 am · Link
I’ll usually go on the recommendation of friends… although there has been at least ONE time ::cough, cough:: where you and I have had a difference in opinion about a certain book. LOL! That is rare, though. And wow, where have I been that I didn’t realize this newest JR Ward was hitting the shelves?! I’m going to have to check it out!
Like you, I’ll read the reviews later… after I’ve made up my own mind.
April 30th, 2009 at 10:06 am · Link
Dru, cool, I’m not alone
April 30th, 2009 at 10:08 am · Link
Margaret, isn’t that the truth! I’ve seen reviewers do that. Although I know some very classy reviewers (I consider Wendy the Super Librarian a classy reviewer) would never do that. She would shrug and say, “Different tastes.”
April 30th, 2009 at 10:11 am · Link
Ashlynn, her book just came out this week. It’s in hardback. I love readers who know what they like and don’t care what anyone else says!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:12 am · Link
Kami, thank you! That’s exactly the kind of info that helps me decide.
April 30th, 2009 at 10:14 am · Link
Silver, I thought of you when I wrote this blog, I knew you were going to get knots in your stomach thinking about reviews. Just remember, FRIENDS and APPLETINIS will get you through it! And I will be first in line to buy your book!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:17 am · Link
Michele, all I’m saying is that I DON’T WANT A GHOST DOING SURGERY ON ME!
Okay, I feel better
I love the books you recommend like the Christina Dodd werewolf series. Loved those.
April 30th, 2009 at 2:20 pm · Link
APPLETINIS FOR ALL!!! The “check is in the mail!” So to speak. Time to relax and turn up the heat on the creative juices that simmered on the back burner way too long!
April 30th, 2009 at 4:35 pm · Link
WOO HOO Silver! A big toast to you and your success!
April 30th, 2009 at 5:18 pm · Link
I’m taking tomorrow off to bid on lots of goodies at Brenda Novak’s auction and then it’s back to work on Waltzing Matilda. Has Phoenix decided to play nice yet?
April 30th, 2009 at 5:30 pm · Link
Silver, I think he’s doing better. Or I’m lying to myself. Hard to tell which.
Have fun bidding on the auction! Then get back to work on WM for sure!
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:31 pm · Link
Just finished the book and really enjoyed it. Like curling up with a friend. I’m very ‘author specific’. If I find an author whose voice I like I will read anything they write-including grocery lists! If I am thinking about picking up a new author and can’t make up my mind I check to see if any of my favorite authors have a comment that’s printed on the book itself. If so, I’ll give it a try. Bad reviews on books just make me curious!
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 pm · Link
oh and hey, the whole reason I dropped by-read Blood Magic last week. Great story! Now on my ‘must read authors’ list. Thanks for such a good story.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm · Link
Hi Tammy! Thanks so much for dropping by! I’m thrilled that you liked BLOOD MAGIC!
I have to admit, bad reviews can make me curious too!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:16 am · Link
oh hell yes that book was HOT!! I love rehvenge! That book was so sexy! I’m reading again!
May 5th, 2009 at 10:51 am · Link
I thought the book was really good. Sexy! a little more to it than some of the others. But I just read Blood magic it was really good can’t wate to read the next.