A book review

First let me say that I'm not a professional reviewer.  I'm a reader who loves books, loves finding new and interesting authors and stories to read.  Once in awhile I'll review a book and post it on Amazon...especially if I love it.

Do I recommend books to my friends to read?  Of course!  Its part of being a lover of books...you are compelled to share with others all the great and amazing stories you find!

A few weeks ago I was given an Advanced Readers Copy (also known as an ARC) for an anthology put together by 9 indie authors sharing stories in several different genres that was being released on July 30th.  In exchange for the ARC I was asked to give my honest review of the project and to post that review on e-retailer sites.  I thought that I'd share it here with the followers of my blog.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hot Summer Nights Anthology Review – 4 stars

I actually love the whole idea behind this book.  The group of authors involved have created an island paradise that includes a swanky resort, rainforest, an ancient mystery and lots of romance.  All the stories feature elements of the island and resort that these ladies have dreamed into existence. Please note that these stories contain language and sexual situations-some implied, others in detail.

Beauty and the Brain:  I have to say I disliked both the female and male main characters.  Chloe is a spoiled, rich brat; and Chase is a know-it-all who actually doesn't have much of a clue.  I found it hard to picture them as a couple.  I was actually more interested in one of the other characters Kinsley and would have loved to seen more of her.  2 stars

Laws of Attraction:  Jared comes to Dasia Island to work.  He’s not interested in the scenery or the resort; well at least not until he meets his temp Monica that is.  I enjoyed the way the characters developed and it was interesting to see Jared’s view of not only his work but the way he was living his life change.  4 stars

The Art of Losing Inhibition:  This is labeled a female-female contemporary romance.  I didn't find much of a romance in it.  Actually I didn't find much of a story here; unless you want to consider sexual encounters the story.  1 star

His Island Paradise:  This is a contemporary male-male romance.  Let me say upfront; don’t skip this one just because it’s in the same genre as the previous one…its nothing like it.  Gar is dragged to Dasia by his sister so that he could get over ‘the jackass’.  He doesn’t want to be there; until a chance encounter with Miko changes his mind.  Will he get his HEA or will the fickle hand of fate snatch happiness away?  4 stars

Life after Death:  Broken-hearted, pulled apart by the tragedy of their son’s death; Victoria and Jameson travel to Dasia Island with friends not knowing the other is also there.  A chance encounter on the beach will bring them back into each other’s lives and provide a way to healing.  Make sure to have a box of tissues nearby.  4 stars

Layover:  Michael and Gemma have eyed each other across the plane as they travel with their boss around the world.  Gemma’s ‘no dating co-worker’ policy has been the only thing holding Michael back from asking her out.  When an unexpected layover on Dasia forces them to share the last room available will they finally act on those long-held fantasies?  3 stars

Woman in the Mist: Poppy Drummond disappears in the mist near the ancient ruins on Dasia in 1965…. Present day: Kai is the heir to the Euthykhia Hotel and has befriended Poppy’s mother who has told him all about her daughter.  As Kai explores near the old ruins, suddenly the mist appears and he finds himself facing an impossible vision.  3 stars

Guide Me Gently:  This is a story about finding who you are and following the path of your choice not the one that someone else has laid out for you.  Alyssa is a highly regarded photographer-mainly of celebrities and the wealthy.  She dreams of exploring exotic locations; when an assignment finds her on Dasia she sets off with Ben, the only local tour guide who will take her into the rainforest.  Will they both find the freedom and love they look for?  4 stars

City of Sin:  This story follows River and Haven as they journey to the forbidden city as a major storm moves onto the island.  These 2 have a history that they’ll need to tap into if they want to make it out of the ruins.  3 stars

Overall, a good selection of stories and well worth your time to read.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This anthology is available on all e-retailer sites and is currently just .99 cents!

So, the question for this week is: have you ever reviewed a book and posted it in a public forum like Amazon or Barnes & Noble or Goodreads?  If so, did you find it easy to do or difficult.  If you haven't, why not?

Sure, its scary to put your thoughts out there in the universe knowing that there is always gonna be someone who doesn't agree with you or your opinion.  But so what?  You most likely have read reviews and disagreed with the reviewer.  Take a chance and review a book.  Its a trip to get that notification from Amazon "a customer just told us your review helped them make a buying decision".  The first time I got one of those I was like 'Oh WOW!  Really?  How cool is that?'  And let me just say that for indie authors reviews are extremely important as it helps get the word out to others about their work.

Let me leave you with this challenge.  Take a book that you absolutely loved reading and think about why that was; now write your thoughts down; go to Amazon (or B&N or somewhere else); pull up that books page and leave a review, make sure you rate it (most use a 5-star system); and now post it.  And then come back here and leave a comment on what you reviewed and where so I can go check it out.  And who knows maybe you'll help me make a buying decision for a book I haven't yet read and you'll be the one getting that notification!

For now I'm going to go pour a fresh glass of sweet tea, and dive into one of the 6 new books I've got waiting in the to be read pile!
Thanks for stopping by and we'll chat again soon - Robyn