As you all know by now, my latest novel Bullet “went live” on February 18. It was in the top 100 on Amazon’s U.S. Paid for Kindle charts for over five days (and it’s still in the top 200), and over 1100 people have added it to their “to read” lists on Goodreads. I’ll also be doing a blog tour beginning March 25 (huge thanks to the wonderful gals arranging it for me at Shh Mom’s Reading). To date, Bullet has received well over 80 reviews on Amazon (U.S. and U.K. sites combined) and 434 ratings on Goodreads with over 120 text reviews. I always say I’m not going to read my reviews, but who am I kidding? Of course, I read them. Some of them–the ones full of vitriol who act like I personally made it my mission to ruin their entire lives by writing a book they didn’t like–I don’t finish. But I can tell you one thing–most people either love or hate this book, and it’s evoking a lot of emotions in readers. As a writer, I can’t say I want to do much more than that. If you feel something, I’ve done my job. If it also makes you think a little along the way, even better.
So I began this post thinking I would offer some sort of apologies to the haters, but I’m not going to. I just can’t bring myself to do it.
I’m not sorry my book isn’t your standard cookie-cutter romance. There are thousands of books out there like that. Choose one of them if you must. Bullet has been described by multiple readers as “gritty,” “raw,” and “real.” If it hits too close to home (as lots of readers have said it has) and you can’t take the heat, find something fluffy and warm to read. I’m obviously not writing for you.
I’m not sorry I didn’t draw out the end for another five thousand words. I know that’s a complaint a few readers have had (and not just about this book). Let me tell you where I’m coming from. I’m from the school of “get in and get out.” I don’t like to linger, and when the party’s over, I’m out of there. Could I have spent more time with Valerie after she discovers true love? Oh, sure…but you got what you came for. You get the climax; you get a snippet of her realization and conversation with her best friend where she contemplates her next move; and you get the denouement where you realize that Valerie and her guy have a Happy Ever After. What more do you need? I have always felt like more than that is just prolonging it, and so I sincerely apologize to my readers who do want more. I just can’t do it, and when I read books that have five scenes of HEA, it personally drives me up the wall and I think, “Okay, I get it! They’re together now! Curtains, please.”
I’m not sorry I evoked a lot of emotions in you, be they anger, frustration, sadness. I can’t tell you how many reviews (including good ones) had readers saying they wanted to “throw their Kindle (or Nook)” at the wall and how many readers were literally shouting at the device in their hands. When I read that I got that powerful a response from you, it tells me I’ve done my job. I’ve made you feel something, and in this day and age, I think that’s pretty cool, even if you feel like you ultimately hated my book.
To those of you who hated Bullet or any one of my other books, consider this a lesson. I don’t write like other authors, and I obviously don’t plan to any time soon. Please don’t read any more of my books and let’s part as uncomfortable acquaintances.
The rest of you…hang on to your seats, ‘cause I’m not done yet for a long shot. And I’m sorry I offered an insincere apology.
No…I’m really not.
The Book Lovers
Well said Jade!
Jade
Thanks, Zoe! 🙂
Concetta
You should never have to apologize for something your work that you truly believe in. I read the cookie cutter books (as you say) and I like them…but sometimes you need book that reminds you of the gritty raw emotion. Keep up the good work and I plan on reading more of your work…This was my first but not my last.
Jade
Thanks, Concetta. That’s not to say I haven’t written my fair share of “cookie cutters” either and I also like them, but I never want people to expect any particular sort of writing from me! 🙂
Leigh Parrish
I love you Jade!!!! I’ll always be reading your books!!!
Jade
Thanks for always being one of my cheerleaders, Leigh. I appreciate it!
Lisa
Love this, LOVED Bulket, Tangled Web, Everything But, Loving MADversary. …love your writing. That is all!!
Jade
Thanks so much! And I’ll keep writing for you! 🙂
Joanne Field
There cannot possibly be any Bullet haters or any haters of your other books out there surely! If there are, I will willinging ‘bitch slap’ some sense into them!!
Jade
LOL, Joanne! Right? What’s wrong with them? 😉
Sue
Well said Jade. You should never feel you need to apologize for your work. I love everything I have read and will continue to read anything your write. You write from your heart and it comes through in your books. You are awesome!!!!
Jade
Thanks, Sue!!! I appreciate your continuing support. It means so much!
Becky
Well said my friend! I am starting it now and I’m sure like all others I’m gonna love it! I’ve told you before and I’ll tell ya again, you can’t make everybody happy! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books!! Keep on rockin’
Jade
Thanks, Becky. I hope you love this one too!!!!
Emma
Jade never apologise for writing with feeling, like you say if people don’t like the story coz they want cute and fluffy they should stop reading and not criticise. Me personally I loved it, couldn’t put it down just like all your other books I’ve read. Keep up the fantastic work 🙂
Jade
That’s my hope, that they just don’t read my books again!!! I obviously don’t cater to them. Thanks for your support!
Jade
Thank you all! You are my peeps, the ones I am writing for, and I will keep writing for you!!! 🙂
Tasha
You are just too FREAKING AWESOME for words!!!! 🙂
Jade
Thanks! 🙂
Sara Ferguson
Nice Nirvana reference! I think you should just keep doing what you’re doing, I love your books. Fuck them if they don’t.
Jade
Thanks, Sara. (Yeah…I love me some Nirvana and wanted to borrow a title!!! I do that sometimes!)
Rosanna
Bullet is brilliant! Perfect!
I’m so glad you won’t let a bad review deter you from writing how YOU want to. As you said, you did your job.
I read a review where someone said they wished there was more Brad and less Ethan…..Really?
What would have been the point? They just don’t get it.
Your fans get it and want more. Hell yea! You rock!
Jade
Thanks, Rosanna! So glad you’re one of the ones who “get it”!