First, it’s been a while, and I apologize. My kid’s graduating on the 8th, my parents are the reincarnation of the senior WWE, and I’ve been on deadline, AND I’ve been busy with a proposal that needed writing. I’ll be back on Tuesday w/ a major contest hosted by Bitten By Books and some other stuff

However, I just had to post this

So yesterday I got word that Azteclady had reviewed Kiss and Hell–it’s due out on Tuesday, and well, I’m, as always, as nervous as an atheist at a Billy Graham telethon when I have a release. Snort.

I don’t normally post reviews because, I dunno, I just don’t. But I was prolly prouder of this one than most because I know Ms. Azteclady, and I know that while a fair reviewer, she’s also one tough broad who writes insightful, but honest reviews, and she’s not afraid to tell you if she hated it. Now this review in no way denotes other reviewers. I don’t know many of them who’re active online the way I know AztecLady. So just know I value your ops, too–and I’ve sent off many an email to a reviewer (ask errantdreams) even when they didn’t like my book because the review “showed” me something I might not have otherwise seen.

Anyway, when she said she’d reviewed Kiss and Hell I trembled, people. You all know me well enough to know that I’m fine with a crappy review–I’m fine with people’s opinions–the only thing that makes my gullet snap, crackle and pop is a spoiler without the courtesy of at least some white space. It makes me want to go to the reviewers house, find the biggest secret they have and post it on a billboard. However, I then realize spoiling my books won’t ruin my life–spewing the fact that you slept with your husband’s brother just might…

So even then, I usually get over my pissed off in like 2 minutes. Okay, three–whatever, point is, even if we’re friends, blog acquaintances, BFFS, I’m not afraid of your opinion. In fact, when I’m critiqued, I wanna be HURT. And still, anyone who writes books has to know that no matter how much you tweak, fix, plot, and re-tweak, not everyone’s gonna love you–even if, personally they dig you.

And there’s never been a time in my career where I haven’t been fully aware of that. As long as you’re not threatening my life, my kids or my parents (wait, if you threaten my parents lives you’d better come through! No. I’m totally joking–totally. Swear it), you can say whateverthehell you want about my characters, my plots, me, my hair, my ass. Well, be easy on the ass part. I’m old. Cut me some slack, ‘k? LOL 

So point is–Azteclady reviewed me. Her review meant a lot because while sure, I wanted her to like it, if she didn’t, I knew she’d still come here and post on my blog, and I hope she knew, I’d nevah grudge if she hated it. When I opened that review I saw stars, streaks of light, at least ten of my past lives flash before my eyes. But guess what? Look!!!

Here’s a snippet–I am finding it difficult to do justice to the novel in a mere review. It is funny, in very much a laugh out loud way, but it’s also heartfelt. There is a definite poignancy to the relationship that develops between Clyde and Delaney. After all, it’s not as if a person can have a decent romantic relationship with someone who is either bound to Hell or on his way to Heaven, right?

…Delaney is a wonderful character, and Clyde-geeky, insatiably curious, honorable yet devious Clyde-is her perfect match. Now all that is needed is a little divine intervention…

Kiss & Hell gets 8 out of 10 from me, and Ms Cassidy will now be on the receiving end of my nagging (Marcella! Kellen! Marcella! Kellen!  ) You can see the whole deal here–http://karenknowsbest.com/

Soooooo thank you, thank you, thank you! I so value this not because she did like it (though that felt damned good), but because I know (trust me, I’ve seen) she wouldn’t have been afraid to beat me down had she not. And I want you all to know, if she posts another review for a book of mine and she doesn’t like it, I’ll post that, too.

So muchas gracias! This book was prolly one of the more twisty, turny books I’ve written, and I had askairt that I sucked at twisty, turny But at least one person doesn’t think so

I’ll check ya all next week–don’t forget about the big contest for Kiss and Hell either–I’m giving away some serious boot-ay!

DC