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?  

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.

Author Interview: Bella Andre on her novel "Let Me Be The One," Sullivan Series #6

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Ravishing Romances welcomes New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre! How did this happen? I have no idea, but no one tip her off that this blog actually isn’t important.

Thanks for being here, Bella! I’m honored.

Q:     You write The Sullivan Series and have recently just released Let Me Be The One, Ryan Sullivan and Vicki Bennett’s story. The blurb says Vicki saved Ryan’s life as a teenager. Is that metaphorically speaking or did she do something heroic?

A:  Thank you so much for having me on Ravishing Romances, Sallie! When Ryan and Vicki were fifteen years old, she actually did save his life. I loved writing that scene where they met for the first time. Especially because it was one of the most important days of each of their lives.


Q:     Let Me Be The One is a friends to lovers story – which is always hot because as friends they tend to know just what the other wants when they…ahem. Have Vickie and Ryan shared their sexual stories? As in, do know how to make each other melt?

A:  Oh yes...they DEFINITELY know how to make each other melt. In fact, I think their book has some of my favorite Sullivan sexy times so far. :)


Q:     Anyone who’s heard of Bella Andre knows you write h-o-t love scenes. What’s the most risque thing readers are in for when reading Let Me Be The One?

A:  Reference my answer above! But seriously, I loved writing the scenes where they were talking or kissing or touching or....well, I'll let you read it in the book. :)

Q:     Hero Ryan Sullivan is a pro baseball player and swoops in to “rescue” heroine Vickie. Is he a protective alpha male?

A:  Of course he is – he's a Sullivan!


Q:     You’ve constantly said you can’t pick your favorite Sullivan. Can you pick your favorite Ryan Sullivan trait?

A:  I loved absolutely everything about Ryan, but I think what really made me happiest was realizing just how much love he had inside of him to give to the woman he loved.


Q:     How did you decide who Ryan’s heroine should be?

A:  Ryan and Vicki had been friends for fifteen years...and she was the only woman he could have ever ended up with.


Q:     This is book six. Are you definitely continuing the series past the eight siblings and moving on to cousins in Seattle and New York?

A:  Yes, I will definitely be continuing the Sullivans past the eight siblings. Rafe Sullivan in Seattle will be the hero of Book 9. We meet him for the first time in Let Me Be The One when he helps Ryan.


Q:     Do you plan to write a holiday book where readers can catch up with their favorite Sullivan couple?

A:  Hmmm...that's an interesting idea. We will see! :)


Q:     For readers who have not read The Sullivans – how do you describe your series to them?

A:  My Sullivans series is about a close-knit family who loves and supports and dreams big. And they're always there for each other, no matter what...especially as they fall in love, one after the other. When I sit down to write every day, I want to feel and laugh and love along with all of my characters. The best thing in the world is to know that people reading my books feel all those same things.


Q:     I swore I wouldn’t do this, but I am totally pulling the Twilight card. Your name is Bella and it was yours first, but has anyone asked you to say “Vampire.” Anyone?

A:  No. And I did have it first! :)   Thank you so much for having me here today!

Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they’ll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo. 

 Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine ”Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into nine languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post has called her “One of the top digital writers in America” and she has been featured by NPR, USA Today, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She has given the keynote speech at Book Expo America on her self-publishing success and has sold more than one million books.

Learn more about Bella Andre and her upcoming projects on her website, Facebook and Twitter!