If I never read in the genres I edit, I’d be missing out on reams of hidden tips and nuanced lessons. Authors are savvy. You know your stuff. And we can all learn from one another. So reading is an integral part of my job, and something I couldn’t stop myself from doing even if I tried.
My name is Sue, and I’m an addict.
I especially love romantic fiction in all its forms—tight, heartwarming HEAs are my kryptonite—and reviewing books was how I got my start in editing. After my first blog became a full-time job (without the actual full-time pay), I thought I’d try podcasting for a lighter approach.
Soooo, it turns out podcasting is not simpler than blogging, and that became laborious too. Both sites still exist, and who knows, I might pick up Infatuated again in the future. But I still crave reviewing books.
I love editing, but I miss the reader community.
So, in a second attempt at a healthy reviewing/working life balance, I’m going to post some reviews here. I’ll probably only feature books I’m passionate about (for better or worse), and I may only update this page sporadically.
Please don’t ask me to review your book. Upkeeping this blog (and my corresponding Patreon business) is now a true full-time job, so these reviews are for fun and stress relief. I’d love to hear your recommendations, though, so feel free to leave me a comment telling me why you think I’d like something specific.
On to the good stuff!
Psst! More reviews coming soon. Here’s a few new reviews and a couple from waaaay back to get you started. =)
Book reviews
Book review: Jace by Sasha Summers Right from the start, this story resonates with the frustrations, contradictions, and change energy of the #metoo era. (This story should really come with …
There’s something special about the friends to lovers trope, a wistful happiness that draws me in. Maybe that’s because my romantic partner is my best friend, or maybe it’s because …
I can’t really speak to how this story fits into the larger YA genre, but I did enjoy the hell out of it.
If this jaded, adult-romance-loving editor can fall in love with Kevin van Whye’s debut story, you probably can too. Read on to find out why it’s worth your time.
In this book review for Kit Rocha’s Deal with the Devil, find out why the first book in the new Mercenary Librarians series is exactly what you expected but still fresh enough to pierce any urban fantasy lover’s heart.
Indie author Elicia Hyder on good guys who kill and personal trauma that motivates #AuthorInterview
Today I’m hosting romantic suspense author Elicia Hyder. I met Elicia at a recent conference and she gave me a copy of The Soul Summoner…which I sped through in less than a day. So I’m excited to welcome Elicia here to let me pick her brain about her fantastic debut novel. The Soul Summoner has more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon (1,800 on GoodReads!) with a solid 4.5 star rating. Keep reading for the interview!
I’m a big fan of Cline Winery. It was one of the first I became a member of when I moved to California in 2014, and their wines are consistently …