Recently in a literary group I am a part of on Facebook, an author shared how upset she was by a negative review.  It wasn't so much that the reader didn't like the piece - however it was apparent that they really hadn't read it, and furthermore declined to provide any sort of reasoning as to why the book was not one they'd recommend.  I saw the review, and it was a one line, childish statement by someone who I really thought should have kept that particular thought to themselves.

Remember when you're mother told you that if you didn't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all?  This was one of those moments. 

I would consider myself a fair reviewer - I read an entire book and will give you an honest response as to whether I liked it or not.  In both cases, I will tell you what I did/did not like about the piece and I do so in what I hope is a constructive manner.  Yes, I am a smartass sometimes - but I am never, ever needlessly or purposefully cruel.  I may have some expectations based on the blurb as to what the book is about and if they aren't met in my opinion, it's my job to relate why, but in a fashion that's constructive, not abusive.  If you think about it, reviewing a book is valuable for both the author AND the reader; it provides what you hope is good feedback to the author, and allows the reader to really define their tastes as well.  A good reviewer will want to get their point across in a professional manner; it reflects on themselves as well as any group they may be affiliated with.   A poorly constructed review is just as painful as a book that's not edited well - you lose the message among the delivery.  

I've seen where authors are so affected by such a review (or any negative review) that they make the mistake of engaging a reviewer in a "virtual shouting match".  This does neither party good but can certainly damage a reputation quickly and effectively.   I have also seen where a reader/reviewer has been asked to provide constructive criticism to the author as to what didn't work for them, which has in turn really worked towards the positive.  It allows the reader to provide insight as to what they felt could have been done differently which can be a very valuable took for the author.

Any type of creative endeavor is personal to the individual who's given it life and yes, there is a certain amount of sensitivity on their part when someone else's perspective doesn't align.  That being said, you know the old adage, "you can't please everyone all of the time" is really true.  You can't. Not ever.  So, over time you try to develop a thicker skin, and continue on doing what you love.  I believe that writing (as with any creative outlet) is an extension of self, and frankly, you should never apologize for being you.  Do you hope that an author continues to refine their craft as they progress in their career? Sure, so do they; otherwise they'll become stagnant and that's one thing they don't want to happen.  You hope as a reader, that you get to tag along with them for the amazing journey, and as a small measure of thanks let that person know how their story has affected you.  

 Book Name: Wicked Nights (Book One, Angels of the Dark)

 Author: Gena Showalter

 Publisher: Harlequin

 Date Published:  July 2012

ISBN: 9780373776986 

 Rating: 

 Author’s Page/Blog: http://members.genashowalter.com/

Zacharel is fierce enough to command the mightiest of the heavenly armies -  he has to be if he wants to keep his wings and those under his command in line.  He’s known for being dangerous and merciless to the extreme and is dedicated to the mission first and foremost.  A chance encounter with a defenseless human female entices him with a passion his icy heart has never known.

Annabelle Miller has been wrongfully accused in the murder of her parents and spent the last four years institutionalized in a facility for the criminally insane.  Demonic minions follow her continuously assessing and testing her, in anticipation of their king claiming her as his own.  Zacharel is the one angel that can move Heaven and Earth to save Annabelle - only if he’s willing to be her salvation instead of her damnation.

An offshoot of the wildly popular Lords of the Underworld series, Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter hits the ground running and never lets up.  Packed with heart pounding action, sheet scorching passion and subtle life lessons, Wicked shows us how two emotionally broken individuals can have their hearts healed and become more than they thought possible.  Zacharel - the angel that’s on his last chance with the Most High - has been charged with the command of an army of misfit angels who have each endured personal tragedy and as a result have little faith in their fellow heavenly beings or the humans they’re supposed to protect.  Throughout the tale we watch Zacharel come to the realization that his command is not a fluff assignment meant to punish him, but rather an opportunity from his divine maker to relearn compassion for those he’s assigned to serve.

Annabelle has been witness to a demon murdering her parents, marking her as “his” and because no one can verify her incredible story, accused of the crime herself.  Being remanded to an institution for the criminally insane she is forced to live her own personal hell 24/7 through abuse meted out by staff and the demon minions that constantly test her mettle.  Her initial meeting with Zacharel creates confusion for the cold hearted angel - he no longer cares about the humanity he’s entrusted to protect, but the little human piques his interest in surprising ways.  He consents to rescuing her from the institution and takes her to live in Heaven on his cloud until he can figure out what to do with her.

The ensuing journey is full of twists and turns - not only do they learn more about each other, they also gain a deeper understanding of themselves and where they need to make changes in order to live a more meaningful life.  Their passion is hot and messy - how can it not be with a virginal angel and a woman who’s only sexual contact over the previous four years was in the form of abuse from the facility staff?  Somehow, Ms. Showalter manages to make it a positive experience for both the characters and the reader - a testament to the depth of her character creation.  I thoroughly enjoyed Wicked Nights and would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romance with a bit of a twist - definitely one I’ll read again.