TTT: Low Rated Reviews

Recently NRR has started to post reviews that are rated under 3 hoots,which was not a delicate decision and came to result after much thought. Previously we thought that it was "cruel" to write a review on
a book we found not up to par and would just notify the publisher that there would be no review on the title due to a low rating. However,since we moved to our new blog we figured it was time for changes and one of them would be in lower rated reviews to be posted.


One of the strongest reasonings for this was NRR felt we owed it to our viewer's who come here looking for our recommendations and thoughts on books. We showcase the latest and anticipated titles and weither it be a 5 or a 1 hoot rating they deserve the honesty. Some viewer's follow
a certain reviewer since they have the "same taste" in genre's and author's but just because a reviewer did not care for a certain book our audience may feel differently.


When it comes to reviewing a low rated book we would never disrespect a author or their work, no matter how opinionated we are. Writer's are human beings with emotion's and just because someone may not like their work does not mean you have to be rude and class-less as we have seen
on some of the popular websites pertaining to books and reader's thoughts. NRR strives to be a fun and informative blog and that's the way we plan to stay!


Leave us a comment below. What are your thoughts on lower rated reviews?

TTT: Are reviewer's really aspiring authors?

Over the past few months there has been some discussion/comments pertaining to reviewers. One that I find interesting is - are we just aspiring author's who are trying to make connections in the publishing world. Many feel this is true so I wanted to take a moment and share my thoughts and personal story as to why I review.

A few years back a friend of mine recommended a book, and I was curious since she made it sound so fascinating. Upon taking her advice I found something in myself I never knew existed! I loved to
read..who knew! I sure as hell was surprised as one book led to another, and I was always looking for the next great book which led me to blogs on the the Internet. I would try discussing with my friends and customers about this great book I was reading, and if I said the word Paranormal I would get alot of scrunching noses and looks  like I had 5 heads. I was dying to talk to people who shared my same taste in books and one day I stumble across a website that was looking for reviewer's, Paranormal Romance Junkies, that was owned by Lenore. She started letting me review, and I enjoyed it immensely; we are now partners here! Not only do I get to read and share what I love but have met great friends along the way and, I plan to do it for many years to come.

Am I an aspiring author? Umm..Hell no! I am a reader plain and simple and I give the viewer's my honest opinion on a book. I wish I had the creativity and intelligence in writing that authors do, but
unfortunately I do not. However, I have met many reviewer's who are in the process of writing their first novel, and they are not looking for a "in" to the publishing world. Authors are always recommending to aspiring writers to " read and read some more" so why not review what you read.


Leave us a comment with your thoughts. If you a reviewer, why do you do it?

Brandi

TTT: ARC Distribution

For those of you not in the blogging world, have you ever wondered why some of your favorite blogs get certain Advanced Reader Copies and some do not? Reviewers, have you ever wondered the same thing? Many publishers are now requiring a certain time of operation before they will even consider sending a ARC even if that blog has 200 followers. Last I heard, a blog had to be in operation for 6 months to a year roughly to be considered. On another note, before NRR switched to Blogger, we were told we had to have 300+ "followers" to even be put in the pot to draw from for a Rachel Caine ARC. However, some publisher work primarily off a first come first serve basis as long as you are an established reviewer. So to those of you who may or may not blog, which do you think is more fair?

From a new bloggers point of view, I see how 6 months- 1 year or 300+ followers could seem intimidating and so far off. You might think, "How am I supposed to get 300 + followers without reviewing good book?" This is true. The more ARCs of popular books you get, the more likely you are to gain followers. However, this does not mean you cannot get ARCs. If you are a new blogger looking to branch out to the review copy world, try eBook publishers. Ellora's Cave, Liquid Silver, and Evernight are great places to start. You can even try NetGalley, but there are a lot of picky publishers there as well.

For those of you who, say, have 1,000+ followers and have been blogging for 2 years the process of first come first serve probably seems unfair. NRR has just recently crossed over that straddle. About 2 months ago, we began to see a significant difference in what publishers would send books (for the better). But I still remember those days, about a year ago, when we were struggling to get copies of print books from any publisher. Sure, like I said, we could get eBooks from pure eBook publishers, but could not seem to break down the wall to larger publishers. So those that sent out copies first come first serve seemed like the best thing ever. However, becoming a more established book blog, I can see where that outlook was not quite fair or realistic. The blogs that you see getting copies of books like Insurgent (There is a huge faction party going on right now. I am SOO jealous!) by Veronica Roth have worked long and hard for many years to become that popular. Book blogging and reviewing is a ton of fun, don't get me wrong, but for those readers who think it is all fun and games... well it is hard work. Long hours some days.

So, this all sums up to I think that publishers who are a little more choosy with distribution are doing things the most fair way. Some are too choosy, mind you, but those who are considerate of newer blogs while still catering to the long time favorites have found that perfect medium.

What do you think? Do you agree with the way some publisher distribute ARCs? What are some ARC distribution issues you have had in the past?

Thanks for reading this TTT,
Lenore

TTT: Are E-Books too expensive?

During the past few years E-Books have been on the rise with the public since technology has grown. Be it a computer,tablet or cell phones people are now enjoying the leisure of downloading a book by the touch of a finger and reading in a moments notice. Gradually more publishers joined in the ranks and now you can buy almost any book in different file formats and loan from a friend or library.

At first the pricing on E-Books were very reasonable as many consumers expected since you were not actually buying a book...and saving a tree (wink) but as the popularity grew we started to see an increase in pricing and that gave readers a pause. Some E-Books are only a dollar or so cheaper or if not the same price as a book. So of course the complaining started and finger pointing began with blame put on publisher's and the distributor's. Regardless as who is to blame there have been a few fallouts between certain distributors and the Big 6 in publishing, even to the point were their books were yanked from E-Book stores and continuing legal battles.As for most author's they actually like to keep the pricing low so they are able to sell more books and many are very vocal about it. Jeaniene Frost just recently had a discussion on her blog about trying to get her E-Books pricing lowered.
http://jeanienefrost.com/2012/04/ebook-news/


In my opinion I do feel that some E-Books are overly expensive,however this does not turn me away from buying the book especially when it's a favorite author of mine. I love the convience and it saves me a trip to the bookstore!


Tell us your thoughts below! Do you think E-Books are too expensive?

TTT: Is it appropriate for YA novels to contain sexual situations?

Young Adult novels are quite a hot commodity over the recent years.Contemporary, Sci-Fi and historical tales for the young readers have maintained a permanent part on best-sellers list along with being bought for film rights. These books are for readers ranging from the ages of 12-16 but attrack the attention of the 20 plus crowd as well. One of the reasons seems to be the sexual tension that can be found in their storyline's. So, this brings out the question... Is it appropriate for YA novels to have sexual situations?

Many readers find it unexceptable for YA novels to contain sex since it is targeted towards a teenage audience but let's face it, we live in a world where sex is everywhere. TV, music,magazines and of course the Internet, so why should it not be found in these novels as well. I am a 33 year old woman who adores the YA genre for many reasons and one of them is the sexual build up that some of these novels contain. I see no harm for this element being in YA books as long as its age appropriate and comes with a mature audience warning.

What are your thoughts? Leave us a comment below if you agree or disagree with sexual situations in YA novels.

TTT: Qhuinn & Blay's full length novel is confirmed!

On Saturday at the book signing for Lover Reborn it was announced Qhuinn and Blay will indeed get their own full length novel and it will be the next in the BDB series! Many fans are beside themselves with enthusiasm over this latest news that recently has been stirring up the Internet. We had been lead to believe that the only chance of seeing these two get their HEA would be in a novella. In previous Q&A's the Warden has explained that it's tricky in the publishing world to sell a M/M romance to Ward's audience. She was afraid many of her readers would not buy a full length novel on Qhuinn and Blay and then end up missing out on the side stories that come in her books, therefore getting lost in the BDB series and giving it up all together. As for what has changed the mind of Ward and/or the publisher is not a known fact but I would believe it would be the fans since many have vocalized their thoughts on the matter.Personally, I am not a reader of M/M romances but I have been a fan of the BDB since book 1. I have devoured the strong chemistry between Qhuinn and Blay along with anxiously awaiting for their time to shine in their own book. If there is anyone who can write a epic love story between 2 male characters that would be the Warden and she will do it with a class that will have the readers admiring her like no other! So Warden, 2013 can not come fast enough and you have moved up to the highest level of awesomeness on my radar for giving the readers what they want and having the courage to do it! Leave us a comment sharing your thoughts on Qhuinn and Blay's upcoming novel!Will you buy or skip it?

TTT: Blay and Qhuinn Book or Novella

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Since the characters were first introduced as sidekicks of the famous JM, Blay and Qhuinn have stolen readers hearts and consumed their thoughts. I for one, was ecstatic with the news that Blay and Qhuinn would be each others HEA. But soon following that news were the rumors that they would not get their HEA in the form of a full length book. Instead the Warden decided that Qhuay would need to come in the form of a novella. Why you ask? Because she was afraid of the sales and what her readers would think of an M/M novel. With that news came the rampage of fans who want the full story behind Qhuinn and Blay's HEA. Even posters popped up about the two together.

Those readers and fans of the relationship who do not normally vote a guy on guy relationship are flocking toward team Qhuay. When you Google Blay and Qhuinn and anything about the two together, dozens of pro relationship posts pop up. The Warden's forum is full of people wanting all of Qhuay.

The Warden is planning on a novella because of possible reader reactions, but the internet speaks for itself. The vast majority of fans of the series want a full length book. JR Ward has already introduced the characters as perfect for one another and stated they will be each others HEA. So why all the fear?

She has even already experimented with the whole guy/guy love thing through V and Butch. A large part of the back story introducing Lover Unbound was the V and Butch relationship. The two guys had a deep connection that was hinted several times as being a lustful/ romantic one. Sure some disliked V/Butch but as a whole fans did not shy away from the series over it.

Even if some readers have a strong reaction to the V/ Butch and Qhuay relationship, isn't that what an author is usually looking for? This late in the game (we are on what book 10?) I highly doubt Ward's fears are justified. Readers that have been involved with the series this long are not just going to stop reading because of one relationship. They may skip that book sure, but they will come back.

JR Ward's main reason for a novella instead of a full book is the fear of what her fans will think. So would you, long time fans of the series, no longer read just because the book's HEA was Blay and Qhuinn? Are you for Qhuay full length or novella?