A less good review...

[julesjones]

Mrs Giggles didn't like Lord and Master. On the other hand, she did give it a 68, and said that someone looking for a low-conflict romance might enjoy it, in a way that I don't think was pure snark.

This is the sort of thing I was talking about in my post last year on review writing. A good reviewer recognises that other people have different tastes, and says enough about why they liked or disliked a book for other readers to calibrate to their own taste. Yes, I'd much rather she loved the book, but this is still a helpful review, even if it stings.

Comments

[samcdermott65.livejournal.com]

I didn't get the impression that she was being snarky about the low-conflict romance remark. However, it was clear that this story is not the type of thing she personally enjoys. Hence the low rating. Everyone has their personal opinions and taste. Of course, I would expect someone who does reviews professionally to be more objective and not let their personal tastes get in the way. Is she a professional reviewer? Never heard of her so please excuse my ignorance.

I loved the story. I found it very entertaining. I loved the characters and the reverse stereotype.

shari

[hafren.livejournal.com]

Yes but... when she says " I find myself wondering whether I am the correct person to assess this book", on account of being a "doddering heterosexual woman" who doesn't find m/m very fascinating (strange, says this doddering heterosexual woman who can't get enough of it), I can't help feeling: well yes, you should actually have passed it on to someone else. I also think that when she complains of not enough conflict/issues to resolve she underestimates how much in the way of issues arises just from being gay in a straight world.

[niobedancing.livejournal.com]

Holy cow - that's one of the nicest reviews I've ever seen her write. And you have the Spotlight Review!!! Free publicity yay!

I do enjoy seeing Mrs. Giggles skewer some authors *cough cough*LaurellKHamilton*cough*. I haven't read Lord and Master so I can't say if I think she's smoking crack or what. I can understand that it stings - it sucks to hear her say that the characters you love and lived with for so long have no meaningful conflict - but it does feel like she tried really hard to point out the good things that she liked, and to admit that it might be just what some readers are looking for.

Here's hoping you don't take it too hard. :)