We decided to try something new. Not new, really. We've been avid readers for as long as we can remember. As we work on our respective writing projects, we continue to read both inside the genre and outside. One thing has remained constant - our collective frustration about the seeming unwillingness of some reviewers to write and post honest reviews of romance books. Now, we're not talking about the Smart Bitches or Rosario or even Mrs. Giggles. These ladies say what they think and while we don't always agree with them, we do admire them. There are others, too, but there just aren't enough voices.
We complained for awhile on our individual blogs about how even slight criticism of a romance novel touched off rants from everyone in the community because you just don't speak ill of romance novels and ruin the united front. We should all agree that's ridiculous. Reading romance doesn't mean you leave common sense and good taste aside. Then, we had an idea (Wendy had the idea, actually) - why not give it a try. Show that we can write reviews about romance books that are aimed at informing readers as well as giving constructive feedback to authors. Are we always right? Well, no. These things are subjective. These are our opinions and, frankly, there will be times when we don't agree with each other.
If there are books you want us to review, let us know. If you disagree or agree with what we say, or just want to chat about a book, leave a comment. We don't shy away from controversy or a good conversation. Some people might get mad. Some folks might be hurt. But, remember, we're reviewing books, not people. We vow not to get personal and to always approach the reviews from the angle that we love the genre and want to do what we can to make it better. And, to prove no one is immune, HelenKay is ready to have her 2006 releases reviewed, with the help of a guest reviewer, of course.
So, starting tomorrow we're up and running. We hope you'll stop by and join in the discussion.
Wendy & HelenKay
Comments (17)
Ooooh, I'm so excited! I LOVE real and honest book discussions! I actually have one going up myself soon. *g* Bookmarking Papberback Reader ...
Posted by Alison Kent | June 12, 2005 7:25 AM
Posted on June 12, 2005 07:25
Excellent. :)
I don't read Mrs. Giggles any more, I'm not sure why. I like the Smart Bitches and Rosario's Reading Journal I'm saving for a rainy day blog hop.
Bookmarking now...
Posted by D. Angel | June 12, 2005 10:19 AM
Posted on June 12, 2005 10:19
I'm bookmarking, too. I'm a big fan of real discussions about books. The more dialogue the better.
Posted by Jo | June 12, 2005 10:48 AM
Posted on June 12, 2005 10:48
The more reader blogs, the better, I say. I look forward to reading your opinion of Bet Me, which I have in my TBR pile.
By the way, I love the color scheme you've used.
:)
Alyssa
Posted by Alyssa | June 12, 2005 11:02 AM
Posted on June 12, 2005 11:02
Very cool. I love review sites and I can't think of two better people to start one. I look forward to the reviews.
Posted by Sybil | June 12, 2005 11:08 AM
Posted on June 12, 2005 11:08
Any room for, uh, non-romance novels? Just curious.
Posted by Tod Goldberg | June 12, 2005 2:03 PM
Posted on June 12, 2005 14:03
Hi folks - we're excited too. If excited and terrified mean the same thing....
Alyssa - Wendy gets all the credit for the set-up. She did a great job so that I could sit back and take advantage of her efforts.
Tod - As you know, Wendy & I read a lot of stuff other than romance. The idea was to stick to romance to start. We do plan to review some oldies and favorites. We'll probably mix in some non-romance, too. We're still working on the details. Unless, of course, you are talking about a particular short story collection to be released in September '05. I'm saving that for a special 8-part series on my blog. An Ode To Tod type of thing.
Posted by HelenKay | June 12, 2005 5:20 PM
Posted on June 12, 2005 17:20
Excited, terrified, yeah those both sum up how I'm feeling.
Alison, D. Angel, Jo, Alyssa & Sybil--thanks for the kind words.
HK-there will be no odes to Tod. Remember the goal is to keep his ego in check, help me out a little.
Posted by Wendy Duren | June 12, 2005 7:16 PM
Posted on June 12, 2005 19:16
Rock ON! This is too cool.
I'm so gonna pimp this at Smart Bitches. Wheee!
Posted by Candy | June 12, 2005 7:33 PM
Posted on June 12, 2005 19:33
Hey, this is very cool! But, um, may I offer a suggestion? Change the look of this to dark text on a light background? Pretty please? It'd be SO much easier to read. *ahem*
Posted by Emma | June 12, 2005 8:45 PM
Posted on June 12, 2005 20:45
Yay!! The more honest reviews, the better. And I really liked your Bet Me review, both the content and the format, so I can't wait to read more. Off I go to bookmark this site!
Rosario, tickled to have been named with the Smart Bitches and Mrs. Giggles! ;-)
Posted by Rosario | June 13, 2005 9:19 AM
Posted on June 13, 2005 09:19
Candy--passing a little Krunk Juice your way.
Emma--I'm sure the look of things here will evolve. Be patient.
Rosario--Thank you but, we take our hats off to you.
Posted by Wendy Duren | June 13, 2005 11:01 AM
Posted on June 13, 2005 11:01
I'm so excited to see this, HelenKay and Wendy! I think this is exactly what the world needs - more people willing to be honest and offer reviews that tell it like it is. I've got you bookmarked and will point people this way.
I have only one teeny, tiny, itsy bitsy complaint - the white type on black background is killer to read (I've ranted about this before in my blog, so I'm not picking on you guys specifically). If you ever think of changing, I'd be happy to see this style go. Just my two cents.
Good Luck! I'll be reading.
Posted by Lynn M | June 13, 2005 1:34 PM
Posted on June 13, 2005 13:34
It's always great to see another site offering thoughtful reviews of romance novels. Do you take ebook editions for review?
Posted by Darlene Marshall | June 14, 2005 5:39 PM
Posted on June 14, 2005 17:39
Yes Darlene we do. There will be an ebook reviewed in this space early next week and HelenKay and I are on the look out for more. Send us an email if you're interested.
Posted by Wendy Duren | June 14, 2005 5:49 PM
Posted on June 14, 2005 17:49
I'll echo Wendy's comments. We're open to all suggestions. Now, remember, we can only read so fast and the husbands like attention now and then, but the goal is to have something new every 4-5 days. If you want us to review something, send the email and we'll do what we can to fit it in.
Posted by HelenKay | June 14, 2005 6:00 PM
Posted on June 14, 2005 18:00
I have to agree with Emma. If you'd consider black print on a white background, my eyes would be most appreciative.
Posted by sara | June 14, 2005 9:35 PM
Posted on June 14, 2005 21:35