“Okay, I wasn’t going to say anything. But your posts are coming up on my newsfeed, so I feel I now have to defend myself. (Something which an author should never make their reader feel they have to do, by the way- we are still allowed freedom of thought in this day and age) I don’t feel I should have to be grateful that you aren’t “naming and shaming me” all over the boards, but you know what? this kind of feels like you are having a temper tantrum because you didn’t get the desired review you wanted.

Our “Agreement” was that yes, I was interested in the book, and yes I wanted to read it and as part of this, I would review it quite happily. This was my first time reviewing an author’s book for them personally *and* you stated very clearly you wanted an “honest” review. Not a “Good” or “Gentle” or “kind” review. But an Honest one.
and that is exactly what you got. I gave you two stars, not zero. I didn’t submit nil words on the review, I actually gave, what I considered, a decent length review.

I am under NO obligation to finish anyone’s book. I have a very busy life, balancing part time work, full time studies and voluntary work on a weekly basis. I have so many books I want to read, I simply don’t see the point in struggling through for hours on end with a book I’m simply not sucked in to.
Your book is not going to be everybody’s cup of tea. Just like everybody may not adore Jane Eyre, some people loathe Jane Austen and some won’t even think about going near the Great Gatsby. Personally, I’d think every author would recognise that, regardless of what genre or target audience they have.

As that guy “J” said “My point is, don’t ask for reviews if you can’t face them. A bad review isn’t the end of the world. I know they hurt, believe me, but that’s a writer’s life”. And he is right. Like I even said to you in our following awkward messages after I submitted my review, I realise this was the first negative review for your book and I’d be worried if you didn’t get defensive- after all, your book is like your baby!- but that is no reason to go throwing a strop because you got what you asked for- an honest review. At least I left a review at all, looking at that board, many authors never seem to get reviews for their giveaways (which is something I’d never do, I don’t believe in getting something “just because it’s free”).

I’m going to be deleting you off my goodreads friends now, because you simply aren’t being very mature about this. Once again, I truly thank you for letting me read your book, and I’m sorry I didn’t enjoy it more- but these things cannot be forced, and there will probably be more negative reviews in the future, like there is for every book in the world.”

So I reviewed that book for the author, wasn’t impressed with the book, didn’t finish it. Gave it two stars and a honest, critical but not horrible review because she explicitly asked me for an “honest” review.

well, she’s only gone and badmouthed me all over the author boards on goodreads! How fucking mature. Way to put me off reading anything of yours in future! What a Dick move.

Sent her a message defending myself (something a reader should never have to do to an author, we’re still allowed freedom of thought, last time I checked) and deleted her off goodreads, cos I cba watching her badmouth me over the boards anymore

The goodreads board in question: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1331673-goodreads-reviewers#comment_id_74450985

I’m sorry but why, to other people;has my life’s “standard of quality” seemed to have revolved around whether I have a boyfriend or not, for the last 10 years?