AAR

[LouiseAAR]

[Kristie(J)]

[LouiseAAR]

[Eliza]

I thought Louise's review was fair, particularly because she was careful to note she had not read the previous books, AND she noted her personal criteria for what she herself enjoys, IOW where she is coming from. I particularly appreciated her summation of the quality of the writing, the amount of detail and how the book is set up to reveal it, while being thoughtful and aware of Mackenzie fans at the same time.

"Fans will undoubtedly like it and that is why I am giving it a grade based on the writing and the story rather than just my personal enjoyment. The author deserves the credit for strong writing and for clearly being an expert at her craft. But for me, reading should be fun, not a chore. If an author wants me to pay attention to every detail, they need to make me care about the characters. "

I thought this was as fair as a reviewer can be, but then I always think that about her reviews. And her responses on this thread show her usual class and grace.

I also can understand various POVs on this thread: Mackenzie fans wanting some connections, those who would like the whole series read before reviews, and those with the stand alone book perspective. I found them insightful too.

So I guess my points are that besides being an avid MacKenzie fan, I'm also a Louise fan, and an Ashley fan whose work draws such interesting discussions, and that I also really appreciated the various thoughtful, respectful posts.

All this makes me think of a different personal reference I have regarding reviews: that reviewers stay away from the authors noted in their profiles as "no goes." I'm not saying only fans of certain authors should review those books--that would be unbalanced too from the other side. It's just if a lower grade is given to a "no go" author, the objectivity of the review may not come across as strong. And I have seen that and assumed a scheduling problem? Or is it of a case of if a non-liked author can change the reviewer's mind.......?

But I understand that scheduling reviews according to everyone's preference would be something more than a nightmare. If they all are as balanced, objective and aware as Louise's current one, then I'm content.

[LouiseAAR]

[Eliza]

Louise, I thought your respect for the author and for the readers of the review came through loud and clear.

I've thought this over for a little while now, and then gone back to re-read everything here once more, and decided that on basic principle alone, I come down in favor of reviewing a book as a stand alone. This book is being released apart for the others so its review matches that. And, the review itself indicates it is based on the story of this particular couple in this particular book.

I could see there being a review on the series as a whole as a special feature, OR if all the books had been initially released together; otherwise, it seems standard practice to me.

I think the real issue for rabid Mackenzie fans like me is that the anticipation for this particular book on Hart is so high that nothing but reading the actual book itself could possibly be satisfying enough. Come on April 3!!! Even if several questions that were raised here had been addressed, probably six more could easily have popped up. And for perspective, this is coming from a reader (me!) who liked Mac and Cam's stories far, far more than most others did, even other Mackenzie fans. In fact, even in discussions of books 2 and 3, Hart, Hart, Hart was brought up time after time again. I just think this is Ashley genius at building anticipation. . .and maybe a little torture too? LOL

I do think it's fair game to ask for a series to be reviewed by the same person. Absolutely. But by the same token, AAR maybe could have made it easier on themselves by holding back the review until the book's release date too. Then, they would be dealing with only the Mackenzie enthusiasm factor but not the anticipation part. I think releasing early on Hart's story was brave for such a high visibility series.

[LouiseAAR]

For what it is worth, I have finished Mac's story and am going to move onto Cam's soon. One thing that Ashley did with Mac and Isabella's story was have the couple remember their past history from the very beginning of the novel. That makes a big difference. Another thing I noticed is that...Eleanor and Hart's past isn't really backstory, is it...? She isn't in the series much and Hart wasn't in Mac's book much at all. That sort of supports my review. Even if I had read the previous books, I still would have felt the same about the way the author only dribs and drabs out the past between Eleanor and Hart. I can't say for sure, because Cam's book may include Hart and Eleanor interacting. But so far, reading the back story hasn't changed my opinion of what the book was missing.

Also, the main reason that I didn't say anything about Hart's sexual preferences was because I didn't realize that it was something that was hinted at for all these books and that it would be this important. BUT, even if I had, I still wouldn't have said anything. If you expect to open the book up and find out all about Hart in chapter one, that isn't how it will go! That would have been a BIG spoiler - even more so since it has been hinted at for so many books!!! Having read the previous books and the backstory, I would've said exactly what I did say and kept you on tenderhooks all the same.

But, it has helped me to fall in love with the Mackenzie boys and I can certainly see why you are all anticipating Hart's book so much!

[Eliza]

[LouiseAAR]

Without having read book 4, I assumed that, yes, Eleanor and Hart's backstory would be revealed within that book. If I read your review correctly, I understood that the major thing that did not take your fancy in book 4 was how it was "parceled out in dribs and drabs." And how I took that was Ashley used a technique or style that didn't work for you (as a back and forth movement in time maybe? isn't a style that everyone enjoys); so for me, knowing I'm reading the book anyway, come hell or high water, I would wait to see how I myself responded to that strategy, and how it worked overall within the book for my own taste.


Yes. It is revealed within TDPW and what I took for information that was in previous books apparently wasn't. That actually makes parts of it worse in a way. If the readers of the previous books didn't know Eleanor before this book, it took so long for me to understand her in this one, that I had trouble connecting with her. I much prefer the way that Ashley worked the backstory into Mac and Isabella's book where through their memories you got caught up pretty quickly and knew how the two felt right from the start. By the time I understood Eleanor, it was too late to like her. Does that make sense? That has nothing to do with it being a part of a series, but with the way the character is written in this book.

Ashley has teased us about Hart all the way, so from what you just now said, it sounds like she continues on longer with the teasing, even in book 4, right? Wouldn't surprise me a bit.

And I thought when someone raised the point earlier about Hart's sex life, that anything said might likely be spoiler territory as that has been a big part of the build up to his book.

Yes, exactly. Though there are clues from the get go and I figured it out much sooner even without reading the other books, but confirmation would have been a spoiler.

[nic919]

Maybe once you finish Cam's book you can provide an update to the original review. I would be interested in learning if your views changed in any way.

[LouiseAAR]

[LouiseAAR]

Update!!

Ok, Cam's book down, and I am totally sticking to the review! Though, the only difference is that the "back story" I thought was in the previous books really isn't there either. The concern remains the same. By the time I understood Eleanor, I didn't like her or want to care for her. That is the root of my problem with the book. Now, having read the other books, I am ok that Hart may not be fully explained here - he is the recurring character that some affinity for can be assumed as it is a series. And honestly, I liked him from the start of Book 4. But Eleanor doesn't have that advantage and I still can't get over some of her actions. I am rereading The Duke's Perfect Wife and I will be eager to discuss with you all when you get your copies!

[JudyZ6666]

[LouiseAAR]

[Kristie(J)]

I'm delighted that you went back and read the whole series and have enjoyed them - enough so that you are rereading TDPW * g*. And I do find it interesting (in a good way) that your original thought and grade are still the same. And I'm also interested that it's Eleanor that you didn't like. Now that you have a fuller picture of Hart, what are your thought on him? I can't wait to read this book, though I guess I have no choice