Kristi Ahlers' Profile

Once again my credibility as a review has been called into question by those zealously and rightly so, wanting to improve the way reviews are done here at Amazon. I'm fully aware (and yes disgusted) by the stalking and harrassing of Amazon reviewer Reba here by a NYC published author.  Said author is also published by a publisher that I'm currently have three novella's with.  I have since moved on and found publication elsewhere. As a result, I'm receiving comments on my reviews...regarding the unfairness of what I've said and how I've led readers down the primrose path as it were...

Let me go on record saying this. During my review career, I took my responsibility as a reviewer seriously. I reviewed for several high profile review sites as well as for Romantic Times Booklovers Magazine. Not once did I ever "give a review away." If I liked the book I said so. If I found issues with the book I said so...if I found the effort middle of the road...well, you get the point. Those that are quick to judge do both me and themselves a disservice.  It also doesn't speak well for the entire disgusting situation that has since blown up all over the web and blog sites. Yes, I've read and posted to some of these blogs, yes, I know the author in question, and yes, I've tangled with her...trust me on this...it upsets and hurts that many readers here that post on the BB here are so darn quick to judge.

Once again, a review is an opinion...you don't like me reviews, you don't want to hear my opinion...'tis simple...don't read my reviews. You don't like me because of a very minor association...well, I guess that's fine with me...I doubt you'd be a person I'd call friend if you're not going to bother getting to know me.

Life is too short people to allow yourself to get swept up in a mess like this, adding your two cents...just so you can be heard. I'm heartbroken that a reviewer would be treated so horribly by a writer. I'm disgusted that a person would go to such extreme's over a three star review...I'm left confounded why so many are being tagged as "bad" because of the reaction of a few people.

I've never been very good at blogging which is strange since when I was younger I faithfully kept a diary. ***Shrugging*** Perhaps my lack of dedication is due to the fact that I don't have much time in any given day to sit down and get my personal thoughts down. After all I spend most days playing puppet master with my own characters. Or it could be due to the fact that I have a family and they seem to have an endless social and academic schedule that would keep anyone busy. What ever the reason, recent events on the message board and other online blogs compel me to blog. 

I am not one for message boards, chat loops and the such. Again this might be due to lack of time or more realistically, my need to avoid drama.  Let's face it, raising teenagers, being an author and wife comes complete with little drama's every day.  Hence the reason why I don't feel it necessary or even very healthy to borrow others troubles. And yet, here I am adding my two cents and blogging about a mess that still leaves me rather shocked when I stop and think about it.

If you're reading this you're either a) looking at a book that I'm a contributing author of or b) looking at reviews that I have written in the past. If you're reader b) you will notice that my reviewing has tapered off to almost non-participation because of the fact I'm writing now.  Be that as it may, I am rather disturbed about the goings on regarding review manipulation and cyber stalking of reviewers. Let me go on record that I abohor any kind of behavior of this nature. For the most part, the reading community has determined (rightfully so it seems) that reviews here at Amazon are worthless, easily manipulated. I would hope that my reviews (keeping in mind they are my opinion of a book and only an opinion, I won't be pleasing everyone here) continue to help. I stand behind my words and although I don't like to give low ratings, I have. For the most part I have only reviewed titles that I truly enjoyed. Do I like every book I pick up...well, no. And when I was an active reviewer I was sent a great many titles that didn't do it for me...but I always managed to try to find something nice to say. After all the author took time to write the words right?

In the end I would hope that not every reader dismiss the reviews located here and other online venues. Not all authors/reviewers are out to lead the reader astry for whatever reason. Please don't let the actions of a few ruin the rest of the reviewing population. And for the love of pete, remember that a review is an opinion and nothing more.

I must apologize for the length of time between posts.  Frankly life got in the way and I allowed this portion of my life to slide by the wayside...well, that and I really didn't have much to say.  Life for me is if anything predictable which can be a good thing.

The month of May is well underway (gee...not much of a poet am I???)  and with it a great many changes.  School will be out before the end of the month, my family and I will be moving into our new house.  Well, new to us anyhow.  The sturcture was built in 1837.  I confess to always wanting to live in an old home.  My creative imagination loves this.

Since my last posting I have sold my first full length Victorian romance to Highland Press.  I don't have a release date as of yet but I promise to keep you informed.  I attended the RT convention in Houston, had a grand time, made new friends, and spent time with old ones.  It was fun but I was ever so tired when I got home.

My writing has taken off, I have already started to shop around a French historical and I have almost finished my Pirate romance.  Next on my slate...maybe a wee break in order to relocate down the street.

I may not have been posting much, but I have been reading.  I will once again end my blog with some suggested reading.  These titles where AWESOME and I think you should consider when you begin that summer reading list.  Until next time...

  All About Evie I loved this title.  Beth is such a wit anyhow...and her personality really shines through in her latest romantic romp!  You'll love Evie I promise.

  The Champion This is her follow-up to "The Warrior" and it totally rocks.  I love the way she crafts her characters.  Seriously...it was a well told historical.

  Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4) AWESOME paranormal.  I love Ward's take on the vampire legend.