The Two Star Review

Genre: paranormal romance
Published by: Pocket Star Books
The Romance Author's Verdict: 2/5 Stars

I recently read a book -- no, let me rephrase that. I recently started a book, that was so full of cliches, I couldn't get past page 80. The only person I'm naming and shaming in this case is the publisher, because I honestly believe the author must want to do better than the drivel I read.
Now, you may think it unfair to post an anonymous review, to not say what this book was and name the author responsible so others can avoid reading the book. But I for one, would not want to see a one or two star review for my own books, so I am not willing to say such about fellow authors. In the end, mine is only one opinion. I checked on Goodreads.com and some readers have loved this book.
Instead, I'm going to talk in general terms so other authors can take a lesson from this.
The book is a debut title in a new series by a new author. I truly felt like this had been written as a romantic suspense and then at some stage, some brilliant person (be it author, agent, or editor) said "I know, let's make the hero a vampire! Maybe people won't notice the glaring over-use of bad cliches and words used in incorrect context."
Okay, as a reader, maybe this book was pretty good. The idea was a bit different considering the hordes of vampire books on the market. But as a writer, I could see so many examples of why this manuscript wasn't ready for publication.
Many writers will have heard the expression "you're only as good as your last book." Readers can be unforgiving. Look, we all make mistakes, we're only human. I've found errors in my own books after they've gone to publication and cringed over every single one of them, waiting to be ripped to shreds by a reader on Goodreads.com, or Amazon, or by a negative reviewer (luckily it hasn't happened yet, though I have had some 3 star "meh, it was okay" reviews).
Here's a couple of easy lessons for wannabe writers.
For god's sake, don't use cliches. Ever. Well, unless your characters are making a joke out of the fact its a cliche. But don't use them seriously. And definitely don't use them on every other page. The last straw in this book? When the hero said "I'm your worst nightmare." And meant it.
Lesson number two from this book... make sure your words are being used in the right context. Some words have similar meanings, but subtle differences. Play around with your vocab, see if something fits better. Don't use something just because you saw it somewhere else and thought it sounded cool. Definitely don't use it if you're not one hundred percent certain you know what it means.
And the last lesson from this book? When in doubt, just use "he/she said." At the most, you could also use "reply." I don't want to see "rejoinder," "snarled," "retort," "riposte," (DEFINITELY not that one) and a million other things tacked onto the end of sentences that often do nothing for the character's speech. Be a stronger writer. If your character is "retorting" make his/her words short and sharp. Show through their actions that the comeback was snappy. When I see these now, it makes me think the writer lacks strength or couldn't be bothered coming up with anything different.
Because this was a debut author, I want to give her the benefit of doubt, I want her to improve and become a better author. But after my experience with this book, I might have to wait a couple of years before I can bring myself to read another one of her titles.

Review: Whisper No Lies by Cindy Gerard

Author: Cindy Gerard
Title: Whisper No Lies (3rd book in the BOIs series)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Pocket Star Books Romance (Imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc)
ISBN:978-1-4165-6675-5
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL...
When a high roller at the Vegas casino where Crystal Debrowski manages security makes a scandalous proposition, she flat-out refuses, especially given rumors of his shady overseas connections. But then counterfeit bills mysteriously flood the gaming tables, and her reputation — and her life — are on the line.
REVEALS A SIMMERING DESIRE...
Despite his big, flirty grin, Texas heartbreaker Johnny Duane Reed can't get sassy Crystal off his mind. When she is abducted by an international crime lord with a threatening obsession, Reed enlists his Black Ops, Inc. team to pursue a dangerous mission to rescue her.
...WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.
Between Crystal and Johnny burns a scorching flame, but as they battle her relentless abductor, they uncover a malicious arms trafficking and white slavery ring. Together, they must destroy the tyrant's wicked enterprises or face his reign of terror themselves....

I've got to be in the right mood to pick up a Cindy Gerard book. I know she's a New York Times Bestselling Author, but I've found her to be a bit hit and miss. I read the first book in the Black Ops Inc, or BOIs series, Show No Mercy, and thought "meh". It was okay, but wasn't going to make me rush out and read the next one. In fact I skipped the second one, Take No Prisoners, and went straight to this one for the simple fact that out of all the BOI team members, I really liked Johnny Reed and Whisper No Lies is his book.

This was a simple, quick read. The facts are straight forward, the characters easy to understand and there's enough action to keep you engaged. I think these elements are why Ms. Gerard is a NYT Bestseller. Johnny didn't disappoint. His journey of falling for Crystal and then coming to grips with it was very well done. Likewise, Crystal's own challenges, both physical and mental, made for a contrast at some points, but also sometimes mirrored Johnny's struggles. I don't remember reading another book where both characters were coming to terms with commitment issues for different reasons and Ms Gerard handled this really well.

So if you like an action packed romantic suspense and an easy read you don't have to put too much effort into thinking about, then Whisper No Lies hits all the right marks.