Enchanting Ella: 5 Star reviews, Real....or Fake?

The first thing I learned as a blogger for romance novels was how to provide reviews for all the books that I read.  Some books from purchase and some books from authors called "ARCs" or Advance Read Copies.  This step is key for any author published by companies or self published.  

However, lately I'm seeing nothing but 5 star reviews.  I know I've been guilty of this myself.  I have been finding some great reads.  But in my reflection of the reviews, I'm now questioning how many are truly 5 star and what does 5 star mean?    

Here is how we rate our books on Ravishing Romances:  

1/5 stars: Couldn't finish it
2/5 stars: Finished it.
3/5 stars: Liked it.
4/5 stars: Really liked it.
5/5 stars: Loved it.

So I start looking back on the past reviews I've done.  Did I love them all?  Or did I Really like it?  Is it offensive to the author if I only give it 3 or 4 stars?  And if it is offensive, do I care?  Of course I care if anyone is offended by my book review.  But I'm supposed to be objective and non biased right?  So my reviews should be honest and constructive.  

I wouldn't change any of my past reviews because the 5 star books that I have read and completed, are books I'd read over and over again.  I take pride in my 4 star reviews just as much as my 5 star.  I hope the authors appreciate those as well because it's still saying that the book kicks ass.  Hell, even a 3 star is a book I'd recommend to a friend.  

How do you determine your review rating?

Are you rating books on content or editing or both?  

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What Do You Look for in a Review?

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Book reviews are everywhere, but they are - frankly - more about the reviewer receiving free books than offering detailed and informative book facts. Reading Romances has asked book bloggers to tell them exactly what they look for in a book review.  So here's that list:

When and where the heck is it?

Historicals aren't all set in 1309 and not all contemporaries are based in Chicago.

Some readers want to read books from certain time periods and locations - so give them that information.

There is a difference between Regency, Georgian and Edwardian era - learn it.

You say it's too short/too long, does this publisher have a word count?

Yes, publishers and their imprints have word count requirements and reviewers would do well to mention it.

Who's the publisher and imprint?

As a reader, if I love everything from imprint Brazen from publisher Entangled - I'm going to read more of that.

Define "refreshing read."

Refreshing why?  Or better yet, remove that word from your reviews all together.

If the Book Blurb is lacking, please create a summary of your own

It's more work, but if the publisher doesn't do it for you please do it yourself.
How's the sex? We read romance and sex happens in almost every one.  Please explain if their is adultery, menage, strictly missionary scenes, against the wall sex, public sex, penis going where it doesn't fit sex and all things sex. Readers have different thresholds and we'd do well to advise them.
How's the story lines? Sometimes the sex is dull and the story is great and vice versa.  Sometimes there's only one plot, or so many plots you can't keep track.
Would you read it again and why? If the reader values your opinion this may be all they need to know.
Is this a series and where can the others be found for purchase? Not every author has an excellent website.  Link to Amazon and/or Goodreads if you must.
Can this fourth book in the series be read as a stand-alone? If you've read the entire series and don't mention it can be, many assume it can't.
Exactly what did you like/not like without spoilers. This is hard, but can be done.  If you dislike a book because you read the hero sleeping with six women and then was introduced to the heroine, say you weren't fond of witnessing his active sex life even if it is pre-heroine.
RESPECT Authors spend months and sometimes years working on their novel.   At most, reviewers spend hours. Be respectful.  You hate it?  Give exact reasons why.  They're interested. You love it?  Give reasons why.  They need praise just as much as you do. Thanks for Visiting Ravishing Romances! Comment below and follow this blog  to be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

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