READER INTERVIEWS ROUND 2

WELCOME READER DEBBIE!

Do you read the sex scenes first before reading the book?

No.

In your opinion, what are the most important elements in a good romance?

I think the characters really need to care about one another and try to do things to please/help the other. They might screw up (that’s part of the story, LOL) but they have to want to care for the other.

How soon is too soon to say, "I love you"?

Depends on the story. I think one person needs to know the other fairly well before the words are said. If there is a lot of action and the characters are thrown into situations where their personalities and good AND bad characteristics are quite obvious early in the story, then saying the words early in the story seems appropriate. If the story moves a bit more slowly (more typical dating is involved) then the characters should take longer to say the words.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe the POTENTIAL for love exists at first sight, but the full blown “I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you” takes at least a little time. I know people who have decided that by the end of the first date, but it took the whole date to reach that conclusion. First sight was more like “Wow, I really like this person!”

Should a romance be mostly about the relationship, or should there be an even mixture of romance and action?

I like action in most anything. How the person reacts to the action taking place tells you a lot about that person, and develops their character more fully.

What is something that will send you screaming out of a book?

When there really is no story. If there’s no plot, no character development. Maybe there’s a bunch of sex scenes strung together but that’s all.

How much is too much when it comes to BDSM?

I’m not into BDSM. A little spanking, maybe tying up, but that’s about it as far as I’m concerned. I’m just not into flogging or the whole “scene” thing. I will read books with BDSM if I like the characters, but I skip over and don’t read those pages.

What's the difference between a "bad" review and a "negative" review?

A “negative” review is where the reader doesn’t like the book for an actual reason or reasons. Characters are not fully developed perhaps, or there are illogical gaps or jumps in the storyline. A ”bad” review is when the reader doesn’t like the book for personal reasons, or no reason. For instance, the reviewer complains that the book was all about vampires, and the reviewer doesn’t like vampires. I would be a “bad” reviewer for a BDSM book, since I don’t really like that type.

Do you think authors overreact to harsh criticism?

Probably. Criticism is hard to take at any time, and when it’s about something you  created, it probably feels as though the critic is physically attacking you.

What is your favorite sex position?

Hmm, don’t know that I have a favorite. There are some that I don’t like/won’t do, mostly because they expect you to use muscles that were never meant to be used, but as long as something isn’t abysmally uncomfortable or requires me to stand on my head, it’s probably ok.

Is two better than one?

I’ve never had 2, but it sounds interesting!

How many is too many in a relationship?

Sorry, again no personal experience. Probably would depend on the characters involved. Look at people with kids. Some people can’t handle one, and some have no problems with a dozen. I think relationships might be similar.

Do you prefer internal (relationship) or external (fighting the bad guy) conflict?

External

Is there anything you won’t read?

Um, probably not. I’ll at least try it. I might not finish it.

Do you like long series? Or do you think more than six books is too much?

If I really like a character or characters, I want to be part of their lives. I love long series.

How many chances will you give a new-to-you author before you stop reading his/her books?

Depends. There has to be at least something I like for me to read a second book, but if the writer is good enough for two books, I will probably continue to read that author, at least occasionally.

What is your opinion on capture fantasy?

Not the first thing I’d pick to read, but I might read if I had nothing better.

Do you have a favorite type of M/M pairing? (two alphas, Dominant/submissive, alpha male with a smaller mate, etc.)

Probably alpha male with smaller mate.

What is your favorite sex toy?

Probably a dildo. I know, I know, that’s so BASIC, but that’s why it’s useful.

Is there anything you feel is being overdone right now?

BDSM? Not my favorite and seems to be at least a little in almost every book I pick up these days.

Is there anything you wish more authors wrote?

Not really. There are some things I like more than others, but I’d get bored if there was only one type of book.

How long do you like your books?

Going back to the series question, when I like the characters, I like to stay with them. I am disappointed when the book ends and wish it were longer. Not that I want it to be “Gone With the Wind” length, but most books these days seem to be in the 30 or 40 thousand range, and I’d really like another another 10 to 20 thousand words.

What is the one thing in a sex scene that will always get your motor running?

Nothing.

Does an author’s personal attitude affect if you will read his/her books?

Yes. If I like the person, I’m more likely to buy the books.

Is there anything else you want to say to authors?

Sometimes I wish authors developed or at least explained their concept of the story’s background a bit better. Especially necessary in paranormal or alternate universe stories. The “rules” for weres. vampires, fey, etc. depend entirely on each individual author, so it helps to know what parameters the author’s world has.

WELCOME READER BOBBIE!

Do you read the sex scenes first before reading the book?

NO. I just read the blurb and plow right through the book.

In your opinion, what are the most important elements in a good romance?

Believable characters with good chemistry. I want the story to grab me so hard that I can’t see “reality” anymore, just the world of the book. 

How soon is too soon to say, "I love you"?

Anything quicker than a week UNLESS it is lovers or people who knew each other and walked away and came back. I do believe in “Love at First Sight” but I don’t believe in Bam, Love, Fucking and you’re my husband/wife after ONE sex scene (and not even a good one at that. *shudders*)

Do you believe in love at first sight?

YES YES YES!!!!! =)

Should a romance be mostly about the relationship, or should there be an even mixture of romance and action?

Depends on if it is a single title or a series. Sometimes, with a series, you may get more action than romance or vice versa. If it is a single title, I prefer an even mix.

What is something that will send you screaming out of a book?

Unbelievable characters (in a contemporary/historical NOT paranormal or fantasy) ie being a homophobe then in less than 24 hours be gay, things that make me go EWWWW….. (see above answer in the ILY question. Really. One crappy sex scene and the “daddy” figure and the other person were referring to each other as spouse *shudders* it went downhill from there), the prevalent lack of lube/stretching in mm stories--unless it is a paranormal and there is an explanation.

How much is too much when it comes to BDSM?

Bathroom (potty play) Blood play *unless you are a vampire in a paranormal/fantasy* Needle play

What's the difference between a "bad" review and a "negative" review?

A bad review to me is one done out spite or one done because the person clearly did NOT read the labels/blurb/warning (whining about BDSM in a clearly BDSM book or bi/gay characters when it is CLEARLY SPELLED out in writing what the book contains). Snarky reviews can fall into this category. I do know some trade in the snaky but not every thing has to be torn into shreds because you absolutely hate the author/editor/publisher and you like being an evil person. A negative review is a true study of the book and the things lacking. It is constructive with out being truly spiteful/mean. Honest reviews mean so much more to me than reviews where the reviewer is taking their spleen out on the author or story. In this vein, I only write reviews for books I like/love. If I didn’t like it, it won’t be reviewed by me.

Do you think authors overreact to harsh criticism?

 sometimes. Depends on the circumstances. I have had my eyes opened in the past two years to a lot of monkey business that should NOT be going on but there are players on both sides of the fence. Going off the deep end because of ONE review---no unless the reviewer is clearly just being an evil asshole.

What is your favorite sex position?

Missionary with my legs over his arms. MMMMMM

Is two better than one?

In my dreams and in my books. LOL I truly believe a relationship can involve more than two people, but there must be work from ALL members in the relationship. Relationships are teamwork.

How many is too many in a relationship?

In real life, more than four. In a well written book, more than eight.

Do you prefer internal (relationship) or external (fighting the bad guy) conflict?

Do I have to choose??? Really??? I like both. Really.

Is there anything you won’t read?

I really don’t like f/f and EXTREME BDSM. If the title or the blurb gives me the willies, yeah, sooo not reading it. I prefer romances, the sexier, the better.

Do you like long series? Or do you think more than six books is too much?

I love long series. I don’t like having to wait a year for a book but if the author is a good author, yes, I am so there for the whole ride.

How many chances will you give a new-to-you author before you stop reading his/her books?

Depends on the story. If it grabs me, more than one. If it has me going WTF is the pub thinking in even putting their name on this POS, one.

What is your opinion on capture fantasy?

Good if it is done right.

Do you have a favorite type of M/M pairing? (two alphas, Dominant/submissive, alpha male with a smaller mate, etc.)

Nope. Just gimme a great story. LOL

What is your favorite sex toy?

My waterproof g-spot vibe and my nipple clamps.

Is there anything you feel is being overdone right now?

“Daddy” stories, The book-that-shall-be-named effect, and the word “mommy porn”

Is there anything you wish more authors wrote?

More sci-fi or fantasy. I like the current worlds that blend vamps, shape shifters, fae, witches with humans.

How long do you like your books?

More than 35,000 words please. Anything less and I feel gypped, even with an author I adore. 

What is the one thing in a sex scene that will always get your motor running?

So hot for each other you can’t wait to get started and ripping off clothes. *sigh*

Does an author’s personal attitude affect if you will read his/her books?

How an author treats those who surround them greatly affects me. I am very empathetic and if I wince in reading one of your tirades against the idiots that surround you or I shudder because you are nasty and  mean all the time in public or online, I won’t be buying your books. There is a clear difference in the ones who are just venting (ask me about my idiot neighbors sometime) or just evil dicks that think they are better than everyone else and that we OWE them for their kindness in writing our books.

Is there anything else you want to say to authors?

Please remember not all readers are evil assholes out to get you. Some adore every word that comes out of your worn-to-the-nub fingers and appreciate all the hard work you do for us. Some may not have the time to let you personally know, but they are there, lurking. LOL