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Black Balled #1
Black Balled
Bleeding Heart Blog's READER'S CHOICE for BEST M/M Book of 2015
PBC: Voted BEST READ of 2015!
Babu's Book Talk: Quite the scandal on Greatreads! Babu's Grade: 5+ Stars! The Gospel According to BABU: The whole time I observed the s**t storm going on, those old song lyrics played in my head! What lyrics you ask? "You're so lame . . . you probably think this book is about you . . ."
Two dominant males, two worthy adversaries, in a business that takes no prisoners, will soon learn that fate refuses to be ignored . . .
My name is Troy Babilonia, but I'm best known as Babu, a renowned literary critic with my own online column. I'm followed by thousands! I'm a living god in the literary world. I have no filter, and for that, my flock of humble followers are forever grateful. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't know what to read. I have zero tolerance for the weak-minded attention seekers, nor do I have respect for the self-proclaimed geniuses of the Indie world. My advice to all Indie authors is to never break the cardinal rule in this cut-throat business. Ever.
My name is L. Blackburn and I'm an Indie author. My extraordinary genius was loved and worshiped throughout the literary world, until one egocentric critic tried to obliterate my career. It seems I broke some "cardinal rule," and now I'm paying the price for it. But I don't plan on going down without a fight.
Sexual Content. M/M - Graphic Sexual Situations
PBC: Voted BEST READ of 2015!
Babu's Book Talk: Quite the scandal on Greatreads! Babu's Grade: 5+ Stars! The Gospel According to BABU: The whole time I observed the s**t storm going on, those old song lyrics played in my head! What lyrics you ask? "You're so lame . . . you probably think this book is about you . . ."
Two dominant males, two worthy adversaries, in a business that takes no prisoners, will soon learn that fate refuses to be ignored . . .
My name is Troy Babilonia, but I'm best known as Babu, a renowned literary critic with my own online column. I'm followed by thousands! I'm a living god in the literary world. I have no filter, and for that, my flock of humble followers are forever grateful. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't know what to read. I have zero tolerance for the weak-minded attention seekers, nor do I have respect for the self-proclaimed geniuses of the Indie world. My advice to all Indie authors is to never break the cardinal rule in this cut-throat business. Ever.
My name is L. Blackburn and I'm an Indie author. My extraordinary genius was loved and worshiped throughout the literary world, until one egocentric critic tried to obliterate my career. It seems I broke some "cardinal rule," and now I'm paying the price for it. But I don't plan on going down without a fight.
Sexual Content. M/M - Graphic Sexual Situations
313 pages, Nook
First published April 27, 2015
146 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Smith
71 books1,966 followersAs a reader of my books, I hope you'll stop by my web site and sign up for
the monthly newsletter that will keep you updated on upcoming releases,
teasers, event schedule and even some giveaways. I will also have a
mechanism for ordering paperbacks.
You can also find me on my FB author page, and readers and bloggers are
welcome to come by and chat anytime. If you're a blogger, please make
sure to friend me on FB if you haven't already. I'm always happy to support
blogs by donating to special events they host, or give-aways. Just ask!
LINKS:
http://www.andreasmithauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AndreaSmithA...
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE - Don't forget to "Follow" for latest releases!
http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Smith/e/...
the monthly newsletter that will keep you updated on upcoming releases,
teasers, event schedule and even some giveaways. I will also have a
mechanism for ordering paperbacks.
You can also find me on my FB author page, and readers and bloggers are
welcome to come by and chat anytime. If you're a blogger, please make
sure to friend me on FB if you haven't already. I'm always happy to support
blogs by donating to special events they host, or give-aways. Just ask!
LINKS:
http://www.andreasmithauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AndreaSmithA...
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE - Don't forget to "Follow" for latest releases!
http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Smith/e/...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
May 20, 2015
Original book blurb...
May 8, 2015
4.25 Sade/Cyrano Stars
So with all the controversy surrounding this book and reviewers – authors – editors – publishers – Goodreads….need I go on? Look, I try to sit back and let it all just unfold in front of me without putting my two cents in but it gets to a point where I just can’t hold it in any longer.
In my opinion, who the fuck cares? This isn’t a popularity contest – this isn’t about cliques. Are we all lemmings? Ready to jump off the cliff like the reviewer/author before us? Who’s beat of the drum do you follow?
I’ve read Andrea’s books and they were OK….and yes, I follow Baba and read her reviews. Some I get a kick out of and some make me cringe, feeling bad for the author. Would I review like Baba? Hell no – I HATE confrontation and just want love and peace. Yeah, I’m a rainbows and unicorn type of gal. I give both Andrea and Baba kudos for what they do – I know it takes a strong heart to be an Indie Author and guts to review what comes from the soul.
OK….enough of that now – I’ll give you a bit of back story with this book.
Was I gonna read it?
FUCK NO…I was too scared to get involved in the drama and I normally don’t do M/M books. But…Jahy mentioned that she wanted to read and I asked her to let me know if she was enjoying it and maybe (just maybe) I would read it also. I kept seeing her updates and knew I had to go for it and let my woman balls drop to get my honest opinion out there.
So, now I am….*ahem
First off…I have to tip my hat to these authors for doing the perfect marketing strategy… cause I know when there is controversy surrounding something…I WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS…we are human – we are curious and that’s what fucking sells.
The book was GREAT….NOT spectacular because I did find some of it getting slow and there were a few parts where the story needed a bit more – like for example Also,
Another problem I had was how far the two guys went with proving a point at the end with Noelle…I think that could have been avoided or done a different way.
Other than those minor problems…I loved it – the sex was hot. I loved the Alpha personalities they both had and fought each other on. I loved the banter in the beginning and how it all unfolded around them.
Now that being said. I’m honest with my opinion and if anyone wants to black-ball me ---- go ahead. I think we all are a little guilty of having problems when it comes to communicating our own opinions of books. What we don’t realize is that our ‘likes and dislikes’ might not be our neighbor’s. Each review is based on our INDIVIDUAL opinion in which readers and authors should respect.
I’m stepping down off my soap box and I hope I haven’t offended anyone. If you have a chance, please read this book just for THE BOOK and the story.
So with all the controversy surrounding this book and reviewers – authors – editors – publishers – Goodreads….need I go on? Look, I try to sit back and let it all just unfold in front of me without putting my two cents in but it gets to a point where I just can’t hold it in any longer.
In my opinion, who the fuck cares? This isn’t a popularity contest – this isn’t about cliques. Are we all lemmings? Ready to jump off the cliff like the reviewer/author before us? Who’s beat of the drum do you follow?
I’ve read Andrea’s books and they were OK….and yes, I follow Baba and read her reviews. Some I get a kick out of and some make me cringe, feeling bad for the author. Would I review like Baba? Hell no – I HATE confrontation and just want love and peace. Yeah, I’m a rainbows and unicorn type of gal. I give both Andrea and Baba kudos for what they do – I know it takes a strong heart to be an Indie Author and guts to review what comes from the soul.
OK….enough of that now – I’ll give you a bit of back story with this book.
Was I gonna read it?
FUCK NO…I was too scared to get involved in the drama and I normally don’t do M/M books. But…Jahy mentioned that she wanted to read and I asked her to let me know if she was enjoying it and maybe (just maybe) I would read it also. I kept seeing her updates and knew I had to go for it and let my woman balls drop to get my honest opinion out there.
So, now I am….*ahem
First off…I have to tip my hat to these authors for doing the perfect marketing strategy… cause I know when there is controversy surrounding something…I WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS…we are human – we are curious and that’s what fucking sells.
The book was GREAT….NOT spectacular because I did find some of it getting slow and there were a few parts where the story needed a bit more – like for example Also,
Another problem I had was how far the two guys went with proving a point at the end with Noelle…I think that could have been avoided or done a different way.
Other than those minor problems…I loved it – the sex was hot. I loved the Alpha personalities they both had and fought each other on. I loved the banter in the beginning and how it all unfolded around them.
Now that being said. I’m honest with my opinion and if anyone wants to black-ball me ---- go ahead. I think we all are a little guilty of having problems when it comes to communicating our own opinions of books. What we don’t realize is that our ‘likes and dislikes’ might not be our neighbor’s. Each review is based on our INDIVIDUAL opinion in which readers and authors should respect.
I’m stepping down off my soap box and I hope I haven’t offended anyone. If you have a chance, please read this book just for THE BOOK and the story.
May 12, 2015
Here is the thing ... I am well aware of the controversy surrounding this book but I also like to be able to make up my own mind. So when I was asked to review an ARC of this title, I was happy to say YES.
For the record, I am not a BFF of either author nor am I particularly familiar with their previous work.
I went into this with ZERO expectations and ...
I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by 'Black Balled'! Everything about this book was FLAWLESS! The story line is pretty unique which already sets this book apart from so many others. The 'hate to lust to love' relationship between two main characters is superbly executed. The online banter is priceless! I laughed out loud on several occasions. The erotic factor .... OFF THE CHARTS! The writing ... I already used the word FLAWLESS but that's what the writing IS! The story just flows. This is only the second author collaboration I am reading (Christina Lauren's books being another) and I am really impressed at how seamless the transition is from one author to another.
Bottom line is, I'm really glad I agreed to give this a go. In fact, I enjoyed this so much that I even ended up buying a copy once the book went LIVE. If you are into a well written M/M erotica, I think you'll really enjoy 'Black Balled'.
Cheers!
For the record, I am not a BFF of either author nor am I particularly familiar with their previous work.
I went into this with ZERO expectations and ...
I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by 'Black Balled'! Everything about this book was FLAWLESS! The story line is pretty unique which already sets this book apart from so many others. The 'hate to lust to love' relationship between two main characters is superbly executed. The online banter is priceless! I laughed out loud on several occasions. The erotic factor .... OFF THE CHARTS! The writing ... I already used the word FLAWLESS but that's what the writing IS! The story just flows. This is only the second author collaboration I am reading (Christina Lauren's books being another) and I am really impressed at how seamless the transition is from one author to another.
Bottom line is, I'm really glad I agreed to give this a go. In fact, I enjoyed this so much that I even ended up buying a copy once the book went LIVE. If you are into a well written M/M erotica, I think you'll really enjoy 'Black Balled'.
Cheers!
not-gonna-happen-nope
April 15, 2016
May 19, 2015
Yes, i have read it, and it may come as a shock to some people but i didn't like it, regardless the hype. Yesterday morning i had no clue who the author was, or any idea that there was controversy surrounding this novel. I simply picked it up and started reading. By chapter six I was pissed off and i came to GR to check this book out because i simply couldn't believe what i was seeing. I wholeheartedly believe that this novel was a stab at your generic reviewer. I also believe that the MC was inspired by a real life person. I believe all of that because I have read it.
My review will stand, for as long as it will be allowed before i get escorted to the gallows.
Opinions are important, they make us who we are. But to expect the entire world to abide by our opinions, makes us morons. Andrea Smith - if the shoe fits, please feel free to lace that bitch up and wear it... I didn't get very far with this book. From page one something didn't quite fit. It was too close to real life in some points, and so full of rage to be simply disregarded. Goodreads became Greatreads in this novel and there are numerous examples of conversations, very similar to a GR thread.
Take bestsellers for an example - Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Those are epic novels, made legends by the entertainment industry. They've made so much money, the authors descendants will have tiny dollar signs embedded in their DNA for generations to come. So please, take a look at their reviews. Yes, they have one star reviews with the rest of them. See, tastes differ.
It's becoming increasingly common practice to label a person intellectually inferior because they don't agree with what we say. I don't mean only on the internet, either. Sad, since quite the opposite is true. Now here is something that is so readily available to people, in fact i think everyone has shared it from time to time. To bad it's become an cliche witch people parrot without truly thinking about it.
*cliche, yes i know - but couldn't be more fitting*
Andrea Smith may think her writing is amazing, Graysen Blue may think her stories topple the mountains and boil the seas with their originality. Other people may disagree, and they are allowed to. Black Balled says so much about the author, and yet so little about the reviewer she tried to belittle. Once you get a few chapters in, it's abundantly clear that L. Blackburn is an emotional mirror. “He” addresses problems of Indie publishing, saying how it's so very hard to get an audience since there is so many self-pubs out there, and half of then not nearly as good as him. His talent gets lost with all the riffraff. At one point even refers to himself as, “I know I’m good, and it sure as hell doesn't take a genius to realize that!” ….really? Hear that people? You don't like this, you're a retard.
In the original book blurb, you know the erased one, we see the indie author going head to head with someone who tired to 'destroy their career'. Over one single review.... Wow. The author can't have very good opinion of their work if it's success can be measured in the like or dislike of one single person. So that tells me the story is weak.
In the book, however “Babu” the reviewer is described as a sanctimonious, arrogant prick who treats his following and his job like shit. More or less, he says that people who read his column would believe anything he says. Because they are simply that stupid. Smith described him tormenting the author by sending him a film in witch he had a whore spit his cum on the cover of the author's book (my... don't we have a flair for the melodramatic?), then proceed to mail it to him from his sock puppet account. Because that's what every well paid (six figures I believe) professional does. You know – puts his reputation on the line like that from a sock account, that he naturally has. - That is her view of people who dared to trash hers, no wait, Blackburn's work....sorry I got confused for a moment. Oh, and all this buhaha about this completely fictional, and having nothing to do with real events. Judge the book, they've said...Wow, did the book write itself? I'm amazed....well maybe it's the book's fault. I mean there must be a defense, any defense. It simply CANNOT BE THAT THIS NOVEL IS BAD. It must be someone else's fault if it all went south. Not the author's - cuz she speshul n stuff....
The paper trail Smith left made me cringe. To use a pen name - leave a fabulous review as yourself, to go and announce on Amazon - It's one and the same person - without thinking people will connect the dots. Especially those who have been affected by the product. I will be honest and say I was amazed by that. It's so simple, transparent, unimaginative, uncreative, and downright stupid. So that part tells me not to expect any 'Didn't see that one coming' moments in her work.
Lastly - i will address this bullshit like cardinal rules and whatnot. THERE ARE NO RULES! There are preferences dictated by common sense and courtesy to your fellow reviewer, as another member of the human race. I personally was on the receiving end of hate mail many times. Mostly by reviewers, and once by an author. Why? Because I didn't like the same things they did, or I didn't conduct myself well enough to fit their standards. I was slapped in the face with imagined snobbery where I was told that if i want to consider myself a serious reviewer, I shouldn't say things like shit and review a book I didn't finish. And we have come to the core of the problem - CONSIDER MYSELF.
People like that, who CONSIDER THEMSELVES to be an authority in our little reviewing world grate on my nerves, and honestly make me want to punch their lights out. Even if you are working for the world's leading magazines, or publishers, your opinion is still the one of a single individual. 90% of people here just like to read. Simple as that. They should be viewed as potential customers and fans. Not like this. To write, or to read for enjoyment is a sign of passion, a sign of creation and discovery. So many different stories, so many different genres and tastes. How the hell are people SURPRISED that somebody might think differently? Or not like the things you do.
For an author to step out and spit on somebody who had a taste of their work is degrading to the author. Furthermore to launch a revenge on the person for having their own taste is pitiful. Andrea Smith considered herself a better author than she was, she considered herself righteous, and attacked her reader from an imagined moral high ground when really she should have taken in her own actions. If she simply left her private animosity out of it, i can guarantee her work would have found an audience. Even a small one, because it always does. Like this, she gave her would be readers insight in how narrow and limited her imagination truly is.
Yes, her career is in the shitter, but it's not the reviewer's fault. In the end it was proven that one voice didn't have nearly as much impact as her ugly actions. Who would want to read one of her books to be called names if they didn't like what they saw? Seriously, there are so many books out there, so many authors that would be grateful for your time, and take any criticism as a constructive tool, rather than throwing a tantrum like a spoiled brat. Fuck this.
No, not the reviewer, the fault is her own. Poetic justice for a prosaic crime.... she deal't herself the hangman.
My review will stand, for as long as it will be allowed before i get escorted to the gallows.
Opinions are important, they make us who we are. But to expect the entire world to abide by our opinions, makes us morons. Andrea Smith - if the shoe fits, please feel free to lace that bitch up and wear it... I didn't get very far with this book. From page one something didn't quite fit. It was too close to real life in some points, and so full of rage to be simply disregarded. Goodreads became Greatreads in this novel and there are numerous examples of conversations, very similar to a GR thread.
Take bestsellers for an example - Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Those are epic novels, made legends by the entertainment industry. They've made so much money, the authors descendants will have tiny dollar signs embedded in their DNA for generations to come. So please, take a look at their reviews. Yes, they have one star reviews with the rest of them. See, tastes differ.
It's becoming increasingly common practice to label a person intellectually inferior because they don't agree with what we say. I don't mean only on the internet, either. Sad, since quite the opposite is true. Now here is something that is so readily available to people, in fact i think everyone has shared it from time to time. To bad it's become an cliche witch people parrot without truly thinking about it.
*cliche, yes i know - but couldn't be more fitting*
Andrea Smith may think her writing is amazing, Graysen Blue may think her stories topple the mountains and boil the seas with their originality. Other people may disagree, and they are allowed to. Black Balled says so much about the author, and yet so little about the reviewer she tried to belittle. Once you get a few chapters in, it's abundantly clear that L. Blackburn is an emotional mirror. “He” addresses problems of Indie publishing, saying how it's so very hard to get an audience since there is so many self-pubs out there, and half of then not nearly as good as him. His talent gets lost with all the riffraff. At one point even refers to himself as, “I know I’m good, and it sure as hell doesn't take a genius to realize that!” ….really? Hear that people? You don't like this, you're a retard.
In the original book blurb, you know the erased one, we see the indie author going head to head with someone who tired to 'destroy their career'. Over one single review.... Wow. The author can't have very good opinion of their work if it's success can be measured in the like or dislike of one single person. So that tells me the story is weak.
In the book, however “Babu” the reviewer is described as a sanctimonious, arrogant prick who treats his following and his job like shit. More or less, he says that people who read his column would believe anything he says. Because they are simply that stupid. Smith described him tormenting the author by sending him a film in witch he had a whore spit his cum on the cover of the author's book (my... don't we have a flair for the melodramatic?), then proceed to mail it to him from his sock puppet account. Because that's what every well paid (six figures I believe) professional does. You know – puts his reputation on the line like that from a sock account, that he naturally has. - That is her view of people who dared to trash hers, no wait, Blackburn's work....sorry I got confused for a moment. Oh, and all this buhaha about this completely fictional, and having nothing to do with real events. Judge the book, they've said...Wow, did the book write itself? I'm amazed....well maybe it's the book's fault. I mean there must be a defense, any defense. It simply CANNOT BE THAT THIS NOVEL IS BAD. It must be someone else's fault if it all went south. Not the author's - cuz she speshul n stuff....
The paper trail Smith left made me cringe. To use a pen name - leave a fabulous review as yourself, to go and announce on Amazon - It's one and the same person - without thinking people will connect the dots. Especially those who have been affected by the product. I will be honest and say I was amazed by that. It's so simple, transparent, unimaginative, uncreative, and downright stupid. So that part tells me not to expect any 'Didn't see that one coming' moments in her work.
Lastly - i will address this bullshit like cardinal rules and whatnot. THERE ARE NO RULES! There are preferences dictated by common sense and courtesy to your fellow reviewer, as another member of the human race. I personally was on the receiving end of hate mail many times. Mostly by reviewers, and once by an author. Why? Because I didn't like the same things they did, or I didn't conduct myself well enough to fit their standards. I was slapped in the face with imagined snobbery where I was told that if i want to consider myself a serious reviewer, I shouldn't say things like shit and review a book I didn't finish. And we have come to the core of the problem - CONSIDER MYSELF.
People like that, who CONSIDER THEMSELVES to be an authority in our little reviewing world grate on my nerves, and honestly make me want to punch their lights out. Even if you are working for the world's leading magazines, or publishers, your opinion is still the one of a single individual. 90% of people here just like to read. Simple as that. They should be viewed as potential customers and fans. Not like this. To write, or to read for enjoyment is a sign of passion, a sign of creation and discovery. So many different stories, so many different genres and tastes. How the hell are people SURPRISED that somebody might think differently? Or not like the things you do.
For an author to step out and spit on somebody who had a taste of their work is degrading to the author. Furthermore to launch a revenge on the person for having their own taste is pitiful. Andrea Smith considered herself a better author than she was, she considered herself righteous, and attacked her reader from an imagined moral high ground when really she should have taken in her own actions. If she simply left her private animosity out of it, i can guarantee her work would have found an audience. Even a small one, because it always does. Like this, she gave her would be readers insight in how narrow and limited her imagination truly is.
Yes, her career is in the shitter, but it's not the reviewer's fault. In the end it was proven that one voice didn't have nearly as much impact as her ugly actions. Who would want to read one of her books to be called names if they didn't like what they saw? Seriously, there are so many books out there, so many authors that would be grateful for your time, and take any criticism as a constructive tool, rather than throwing a tantrum like a spoiled brat. Fuck this.
No, not the reviewer, the fault is her own. Poetic justice for a prosaic crime.... she deal't herself the hangman.
May 12, 2015
****4 " Holy Blue Balls" Stars****
Black Balled is a entertaining tale of two Alpa Males whom unexpectedly become more than adversaries . . . a lot more!
Larson Blackburn is an arrogant Indie Author, who wholeheartedly believes he's just as good, if not better than his fellow writers. One morning while scanning his "GREATREADS" page, he stumbles upon a less than glowing review of his latest novel, which was written by a hugely popular blogger. Their "opinion'" infuriates Larson, so against his better judgement, he post a comment similar to this--->
. . . Which the reviewer eagerly responds w/ ...
Said reviewer is none other than, Troy "Babu" Babilonia. Troy is an abrasive, unapologetic, literary critic as well as the creator of "Babu's Book Talk" Blog. With 400,000+ followers, his review can make or break an author's career. . .but that's not Babu's problem, now is it ? :-)
To suggest these two stubborn men don't like each other is a huge understatement.... But, boy is the banter between them hysterical. Once the "Gotham Greatness Author Masquerade Ball" comes into play. . . Well, lets just say I hope you're not afraid of elevators.
. . . .
. . . or a little of this
. . . . or this
. . . or
. . . get my drift?
So, do I think Black Balled is for everyone? Nope.
For those whom never read M/M before, I suggest you start with something tamer. The book does poke fun of the goodreads community, which may rub some readers the wrong way. I for one found the puns amusing, in fact one of the fictional members ended their comment w/ a *MWAH !* <---Hmm,was that a shout out to me? Nah, so get over yourself," which made me grin from ear to ear.
This smut feast (not a typo) also features what I consider insta-love, but for some reason it doesn't bother me nearly as much in m/m novels, "All hail the persuasive power of cock!" This story is a dual collaboration, which doesn't always work for me. I would like to compliment both authors for seamlessly combining your hard work, into one amusing tale. JOB.WELL.DONE. . . . btw ladies, the phrase is " it sucks donkey balls" not donkey dick... Just Sayin' ;-P,
My review only scratches the surface of the story, but my ass is lazy. Peace out !
" They say there is a thin line between love and hate. Well, I just realized that line gets even thinner when it comes to lust."
Black Balled is a entertaining tale of two Alpa Males whom unexpectedly become more than adversaries . . . a lot more!
Larson Blackburn is an arrogant Indie Author, who wholeheartedly believes he's just as good, if not better than his fellow writers. One morning while scanning his "GREATREADS" page, he stumbles upon a less than glowing review of his latest novel, which was written by a hugely popular blogger. Their "opinion'" infuriates Larson, so against his better judgement, he post a comment similar to this--->
. . . Which the reviewer eagerly responds w/ ...
Said reviewer is none other than, Troy "Babu" Babilonia. Troy is an abrasive, unapologetic, literary critic as well as the creator of "Babu's Book Talk" Blog. With 400,000+ followers, his review can make or break an author's career. . .but that's not Babu's problem, now is it ? :-)
To suggest these two stubborn men don't like each other is a huge understatement.... But, boy is the banter between them hysterical. Once the "Gotham Greatness Author Masquerade Ball" comes into play. . . Well, lets just say I hope you're not afraid of elevators.
. . . .
. . . or a little of this
. . . . or this
. . . or
. . . get my drift?
So, do I think Black Balled is for everyone? Nope.
For those whom never read M/M before, I suggest you start with something tamer. The book does poke fun of the goodreads community, which may rub some readers the wrong way. I for one found the puns amusing, in fact one of the fictional members ended their comment w/ a *MWAH !* <---Hmm,was that a shout out to me? Nah, so get over yourself," which made me grin from ear to ear.
This smut feast (not a typo) also features what I consider insta-love, but for some reason it doesn't bother me nearly as much in m/m novels, "All hail the persuasive power of cock!" This story is a dual collaboration, which doesn't always work for me. I would like to compliment both authors for seamlessly combining your hard work, into one amusing tale. JOB.WELL.DONE. . . . btw ladies, the phrase is " it sucks donkey balls" not donkey dick... Just Sayin' ;-P,
My review only scratches the surface of the story, but my ass is lazy. Peace out !
June 1, 2015
In Black Balled we see two industry adversaries face off: the author and the critic.
L. Blackburn is trying to make a name for himself and an indie author when he finds his latest review slammed by review Babu. And as much as he knows he should not engage, he just can’t help himself. With one quick hit of the ‘post’ button, the drama ensues as these two face off in a battle of wills that ends up in the most unlikely of places... the bedroom.
What I enjoyed about BB was the humor and bits of sarcasm that we were treated two as these two battled it out, but coupled with an actual story line that gave both characters some emotional depth as the story progressed. I had read books from Andrea before, but this was my first initiation into Eva’s writing.... I have to say that it won’t be my last.
Tossed in with the humor and intriguing coupling of the writer/reviewer was the sexy times these two shared. I am still fairly new to the M/M genre of romance although I have a few titles under my belt, it is a genre that I do find myself overly picky when it comes to one-clicking a book. But these two deliver the heat perfectly! I loved seeing two very alpha men struggle to stay on top but be oh-so-willing to bottom when it came time.
Now, I know this story has more than its share of publicity and quite a few readers that were content with blacklisting Black Balled without further thought. And yeah I can see that there can be some lines of comparison drawn, but in reality even if the suspicions had any truth behind them... I say put on your big girl panties and suck it up.
I feel my own little rant brewing...
L. Blackburn is trying to make a name for himself and an indie author when he finds his latest review slammed by review Babu. And as much as he knows he should not engage, he just can’t help himself. With one quick hit of the ‘post’ button, the drama ensues as these two face off in a battle of wills that ends up in the most unlikely of places... the bedroom.
What I enjoyed about BB was the humor and bits of sarcasm that we were treated two as these two battled it out, but coupled with an actual story line that gave both characters some emotional depth as the story progressed. I had read books from Andrea before, but this was my first initiation into Eva’s writing.... I have to say that it won’t be my last.
Tossed in with the humor and intriguing coupling of the writer/reviewer was the sexy times these two shared. I am still fairly new to the M/M genre of romance although I have a few titles under my belt, it is a genre that I do find myself overly picky when it comes to one-clicking a book. But these two deliver the heat perfectly! I loved seeing two very alpha men struggle to stay on top but be oh-so-willing to bottom when it came time.
Now, I know this story has more than its share of publicity and quite a few readers that were content with blacklisting Black Balled without further thought. And yeah I can see that there can be some lines of comparison drawn, but in reality even if the suspicions had any truth behind them... I say put on your big girl panties and suck it up.
I feel my own little rant brewing...
May 20, 2015
Edit: The synopsis changed. This is the original one:
(I took that picture from Baba's review)
They reacted fast.
...
No, seriously. Can I leave Earth and go to a place where there are no human beings? I have no faith in our race.
Now, this one writes a book with the purpose of humiliating a reviewer? As if harassing them was not enough...
Why can people no longer express their opinions without fear of being scolded? Why can't people accept that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and respect those opinions?
Something is seriously wrong with people.
(I took that picture from Baba's review)
They reacted fast.
...
No, seriously. Can I leave Earth and go to a place where there are no human beings? I have no faith in our race.
Now, this one writes a book with the purpose of humiliating a reviewer? As if harassing them was not enough...
Why can people no longer express their opinions without fear of being scolded? Why can't people accept that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and respect those opinions?
Something is seriously wrong with people.
Read
November 1, 2021I'm really excited about sharing this book with everyone! I had a great time writing it, even laughed out loud at some of the banter. These two characters have grown on me and now I just miss them terribly.
Writing with Andrea was so easy and fun that it never felt like work. Andrea is an amazing author with ideas that flow easily and a sense of humour that gave our characters what I believe to be a deeper dimension. I have never co-authored a book like this but I can honestly say that Andrea's talent set the bar pretty high so it was either I up my game or go home.
I hope you enjoy and love Larson and Troy as much as I do! The release date is set for May 11th but if everything falls into place, it may very well be released earlier! Fingers crossed!
Writing with Andrea was so easy and fun that it never felt like work. Andrea is an amazing author with ideas that flow easily and a sense of humour that gave our characters what I believe to be a deeper dimension. I have never co-authored a book like this but I can honestly say that Andrea's talent set the bar pretty high so it was either I up my game or go home.
I hope you enjoy and love Larson and Troy as much as I do! The release date is set for May 11th but if everything falls into place, it may very well be released earlier! Fingers crossed!
October 24, 2015
WOW! This book has gotten some major heat with all the drama around it. I don't know much about the drama and I will continue to be naïve about it. I am not on this reading site for drama I am here to find books that I want to read and enjoy the reviews from all my GR peeps. I've seen a lot of reviews with the one star but the majority of those were from people who haven't read it and more power to them for whatever their reasons may be. But then I've also seen four to five stars from those who have actually read the book. It seems like everyone who has read the book has stated why they are reading it which I find ridiculous. If you wanna read a book then read the damn book. People shouldn't feel like there gonna get 'Black Balled' for reading this. I saw my girl JaHy enjoyed it so that's enough for me to want to read it, especially since it's an MM book and I am all about the man on man lovin'. ;]
Update: 10/2/15
It wasn't a bad book. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit and found it hard to put down. It totally sucked me in. But what turned me off of the book was the characters. They were hard to like. They are both considered Alpha's but really their just two guys who are completely full of themselves and who treat most of their peers like shit. They were egotistic and kind of focused on the size of their dicks there for awhile which only makes them seem like a couple of douche's.
Some parts were funny and some parts were sad. The banter between the two was mostly funny. They were just so immature it was hard to take their jibes at each other serious. Some of it was kind of childish to be honest. What happened to Troy when he was younger with his step-father was awful. I felt for the guy. And then there was the mystery of what happened to Larson's sister. That turned out to be sad as well.
All in all a good read. =]
Update: 10/2/15
It wasn't a bad book. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit and found it hard to put down. It totally sucked me in. But what turned me off of the book was the characters. They were hard to like. They are both considered Alpha's but really their just two guys who are completely full of themselves and who treat most of their peers like shit. They were egotistic and kind of focused on the size of their dicks there for awhile which only makes them seem like a couple of douche's.
Some parts were funny and some parts were sad. The banter between the two was mostly funny. They were just so immature it was hard to take their jibes at each other serious. Some of it was kind of childish to be honest. What happened to Troy when he was younger with his step-father was awful. I felt for the guy. And then there was the mystery of what happened to Larson's sister. That turned out to be sad as well.
All in all a good read. =]
pigs-fly-and-crayfish-whistle
January 23, 2016
July 3, 2015
5 Black Balls in an Elevator Stars
So I have had this book on my Kindle for a while. It was not gifted to me, I purchased it. With all the swirling controversy…why? Because I like to read. I have found M/M to be extremely fascinating, and I have a crazy curious mind when it comes to the taboo! I know many have made the decision to NOT read this. For me, I chose to do what I do best…I simply read a book.
Completely intrigued, I went into this read a bit blind as I did not want to read the full blurb. I knew that it was a taboo romance, and that it was a pretty steamy M/M story, and that alone sold me. I was completely unprepared for how much I truly loved this story! Black Balled is really out of the box as it is both fun and incredibly hot. It has a bit of cheeky tone with underlying emotions that completely kept me engaged.
Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir delivered one hell of a witty and quite ingenious romance that should have NEVER have been. Such a fine line between love and hate. Such a touchy subject to have two characters from conflicting worlds find everything they ever wanted with one another!
Troy “Babu” Babilonia and Larson Blackburn were both fabulous in their own rights. One as a world renowned reviewer/blogger whose book reviews are often written with no filter and with a harsh criticism. The other man, a hard working author whose recent publication was reviewed by the one and only Babu! OH, can you not see the complications? From page one there was outrageous LOL moments and some of the best witty dialogue I have ever read. The word abrasive is mild when it comes to describing the overall tone of the tale. I also found this connection of enemies to be a perfect progression from pure rage to lust to flat out love! Let me say that neither Troy nor Larson was a submissive being therefore brace yourself for some of the BEST hard talking, body taking intimacy…WHEW!
I would love to give a detailed recap, to get into the heart of the tale, but honestly I feel as if that would diminish the read! I will just say that I am so glad I read this book! The writing-beyond good, the story -insanely clever, the heat-scorching and the romance – fabulously erotic! If you are a fan of the M/M genre then enjoy…I know I did!
So I have had this book on my Kindle for a while. It was not gifted to me, I purchased it. With all the swirling controversy…why? Because I like to read. I have found M/M to be extremely fascinating, and I have a crazy curious mind when it comes to the taboo! I know many have made the decision to NOT read this. For me, I chose to do what I do best…I simply read a book.
Completely intrigued, I went into this read a bit blind as I did not want to read the full blurb. I knew that it was a taboo romance, and that it was a pretty steamy M/M story, and that alone sold me. I was completely unprepared for how much I truly loved this story! Black Balled is really out of the box as it is both fun and incredibly hot. It has a bit of cheeky tone with underlying emotions that completely kept me engaged.
Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir delivered one hell of a witty and quite ingenious romance that should have NEVER have been. Such a fine line between love and hate. Such a touchy subject to have two characters from conflicting worlds find everything they ever wanted with one another!
Troy “Babu” Babilonia and Larson Blackburn were both fabulous in their own rights. One as a world renowned reviewer/blogger whose book reviews are often written with no filter and with a harsh criticism. The other man, a hard working author whose recent publication was reviewed by the one and only Babu! OH, can you not see the complications? From page one there was outrageous LOL moments and some of the best witty dialogue I have ever read. The word abrasive is mild when it comes to describing the overall tone of the tale. I also found this connection of enemies to be a perfect progression from pure rage to lust to flat out love! Let me say that neither Troy nor Larson was a submissive being therefore brace yourself for some of the BEST hard talking, body taking intimacy…WHEW!
I would love to give a detailed recap, to get into the heart of the tale, but honestly I feel as if that would diminish the read! I will just say that I am so glad I read this book! The writing-beyond good, the story -insanely clever, the heat-scorching and the romance – fabulously erotic! If you are a fan of the M/M genre then enjoy…I know I did!
May 18, 2022
Ok before I start my review I would like to say Hi to all those who I know are reading this and are getting ready to criticise MY point of view.It still amazes me that people are so sensitive at each others opinions. We are all individuals, and we all have a different way to understand, assimilate and comprehend different things. We all admire art, or appreciate art in a different way. For some Picasso is an incomparable genius, for some he doesn't make sense. For some people A Clockwork orange is a cinematographic masterpiece, for others is a nonsensical pipe dream. Well people, for some Black Balled might be brilliant and for some it might NOT. That is ok, that is the whole point, speak up, give your opinion, tell it how you see it. BUT do not dare criticise those good or bad reviews. Learn to accept others and move on. You don't like the book, you thought it was a waste of your money, put it in writing. If that is what this book made you feel, GREAT, spell it out in SHOUTY CAPITALS.
I F*****G LOVED IT!!!!
And that is my opinion, nobody paid me, no body bribed me, nobody begged me to read this. I received this book as I have received many others in exchange of an honest review and that as a reviewer is what I intend to do.
Can I first say KUDOS to both writers. This book was a complete breath of fresh air. I loved every minute of this story, and I just could NOT put it down. This plot was so precise, so well put together it developed and flowed flawlessly.
When I first received the ARC, I was a bit taken by the title, I hadn't read the synopsis I only knew it was M/M (my review manager knows I have a soft spot for these books), anyway, as I began to read, I was taken aback by the storyline.
In a nutshell the book evolves around two MC's, Babu and L.Blackburn. One in turn a prominent reviewer, the other an Indie Author, (yes you already know where this is going). What happens when an upcoming Author is suddenly terribly criticised claiming he had broken a big "cardinal rule" within the writing world. When someone has such a strong influence with readers, do readers tend to believe everything its said forgetting to make their own minds? Sadly yes, this is what happens. The actual word is "schadenfreude", a bit of morose delectation. It is "the feeling of joy or pleasure when one sees another fail or suffer misfortune". That is how this story begins. Are you enthralled? Well that is just how these two authors began what I can only describe as a brilliantly crafted story. “That’s how stories happen — with a turning point, an unexpected twist. There’s only one kind of happiness, but misfortune comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s like Tolstoy said. Happiness is an allegory, unhappiness a story.”
We are gifted with not one but TWO alpha leads, each so different in personality and physique, but both so similar in character. Both are fighting for supremacy, and it was such a turn on to read and learn about each of their past. In one chapter you veer for one of them, in the next you are rooting for the other, its comical but before you realise you are totally engrossed and in love with both of them. You see, there is a reason for their own behaviour and once you start scratching the surface, you can see that there is more that meets the eye.
The mother of all plans is set in motion, and as the authors described it, in its own Machiavellian way, one goes for revenge with an intent to get back at the other. But you know this is a book, and as with all books you know things don't ever go to plan, and what we get is a clusterfuk of the most comical and steamiest of ways.
Oh I could go on and on but I rather leave it to you to decide what you think of this story. I loved the humour, the wittiness and sarcasm, the tender and often heartfelt moments and the love that often has the power to change people's hearts.
Thank you to both authors for entrusting me with your "cub". I would love to read your next project.
5 BIG BALLSY STARS ***** ISALOVESBOOKS
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
I F*****G LOVED IT!!!!
And that is my opinion, nobody paid me, no body bribed me, nobody begged me to read this. I received this book as I have received many others in exchange of an honest review and that as a reviewer is what I intend to do.
Can I first say KUDOS to both writers. This book was a complete breath of fresh air. I loved every minute of this story, and I just could NOT put it down. This plot was so precise, so well put together it developed and flowed flawlessly.
When I first received the ARC, I was a bit taken by the title, I hadn't read the synopsis I only knew it was M/M (my review manager knows I have a soft spot for these books), anyway, as I began to read, I was taken aback by the storyline.
In a nutshell the book evolves around two MC's, Babu and L.Blackburn. One in turn a prominent reviewer, the other an Indie Author, (yes you already know where this is going). What happens when an upcoming Author is suddenly terribly criticised claiming he had broken a big "cardinal rule" within the writing world. When someone has such a strong influence with readers, do readers tend to believe everything its said forgetting to make their own minds? Sadly yes, this is what happens. The actual word is "schadenfreude", a bit of morose delectation. It is "the feeling of joy or pleasure when one sees another fail or suffer misfortune". That is how this story begins. Are you enthralled? Well that is just how these two authors began what I can only describe as a brilliantly crafted story. “That’s how stories happen — with a turning point, an unexpected twist. There’s only one kind of happiness, but misfortune comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s like Tolstoy said. Happiness is an allegory, unhappiness a story.”
We are gifted with not one but TWO alpha leads, each so different in personality and physique, but both so similar in character. Both are fighting for supremacy, and it was such a turn on to read and learn about each of their past. In one chapter you veer for one of them, in the next you are rooting for the other, its comical but before you realise you are totally engrossed and in love with both of them. You see, there is a reason for their own behaviour and once you start scratching the surface, you can see that there is more that meets the eye.
The mother of all plans is set in motion, and as the authors described it, in its own Machiavellian way, one goes for revenge with an intent to get back at the other. But you know this is a book, and as with all books you know things don't ever go to plan, and what we get is a clusterfuk of the most comical and steamiest of ways.
Oh I could go on and on but I rather leave it to you to decide what you think of this story. I loved the humour, the wittiness and sarcasm, the tender and often heartfelt moments and the love that often has the power to change people's hearts.
Thank you to both authors for entrusting me with your "cub". I would love to read your next project.
5 BIG BALLSY STARS ***** ISALOVESBOOKS
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
August 14, 2015
I have as a principle to rate only with stars the books I read. I do not write reviews because sometimes I can’t find the right words. So this is my second (and probably the last) review.
When I found this book, I saw all the comments and I thought WTF? You rate a book without reading it??? What is wrong with you people??
Ok, I can understand that you have a problem with the author. OK.
DON’T BUY HER BOOKS!!!!!!
Easy!!! It’s not right to judge her book, her work. If you are so good yourselves, you can write a better book!
Let me tell you two little secrets…
1. Writers are people too. They have nerves, bad days, whatever. They can take only too much.
2. Not all people like reviewers!!! And guess what!! They make mistakes too. They are not gods.
I do not know the past war between the reviewer and the author and I don’t want to know it. I don’t care. What I DO know is that the book is really good, the heroes are great, they both have their weaknesses and they get what they deserve in the end. BOTH OF THEM.
So please, read the book and then judge it.
to the rest of you:
GROW UP.
PS: Negative exposure is still exposure.
PS2: I have many greek words for you but I don’t want to get banned from GoodReads.
xxx
When I found this book, I saw all the comments and I thought WTF? You rate a book without reading it??? What is wrong with you people??
Ok, I can understand that you have a problem with the author. OK.
DON’T BUY HER BOOKS!!!!!!
Easy!!! It’s not right to judge her book, her work. If you are so good yourselves, you can write a better book!
Let me tell you two little secrets…
1. Writers are people too. They have nerves, bad days, whatever. They can take only too much.
2. Not all people like reviewers!!! And guess what!! They make mistakes too. They are not gods.
I do not know the past war between the reviewer and the author and I don’t want to know it. I don’t care. What I DO know is that the book is really good, the heroes are great, they both have their weaknesses and they get what they deserve in the end. BOTH OF THEM.
So please, read the book and then judge it.
to the rest of you:
GROW UP.
PS: Negative exposure is still exposure.
PS2: I have many greek words for you but I don’t want to get banned from GoodReads.
xxx
May 19, 2015
4.5 Stars
Meet alpha opinionated Troy Babilonia alias Babu... Father of Literary Critics , well that’s how he see’s himself.
So Babu (Troy) is a book critic, reviewer for a online blog and also for GREATREADS. Yes... a spoof of our Goodreads. He has a huge following and his followers love his outspoken reviews.
But Troy’s reviews could make or break an author...does he care ... no
Well one of those outspoken reviews just happens to be about Indie author alpha dominate Larson Blackburn alias L.Blackburn latest book.
When Larson reads the review all hell breaks out...
Now what happens next? and what does Larson have in mind .. well!!!
My thoughts....
I've never read anything from these authors before but I love these types of stories if they are done well. I thought that both authors did a wonderful job bringing their own parts of the story together and you really wouldn't have known that there were two writers it blended so well together.
If you are a fan of male/male erotica then I can recommend this. Funny, with its witty one liners....the banter between the two...
Yes there is a small part in the book that does poke fun at Goodreads but I thought it was hilarious and I thought it was spot on!!!
There were two parts that actually quite moved me but most of all the hotness between these two is so fantastic because Troy and Larson are made for each other... they just don’t know it yet..
This is a story of self discovery, of understanding and in the end love.
Now the controversial subject surrounding this book..As much as I want to bypass it I feel I can't.....so...
For me I love Goodreads, its fun, I love the thrill of finding a fantastic book and chatting to all you lovely fellow book readers. I also have huge respect for authors and the work they put into writing...
I have no problems with negative reviews or readers not liking a book, that's part of becoming an author and a reviewer. But some reviews are now becoming more and more personal about the author than actually reviewing the book. So I understand how crushing that can be for an author and that makes me feel uncomfortable.
I'm not interested in this particular case, who did this or who said that. And I do agree everyone is entitled to their opinion.
What I don’t like is the drama that follows... It's horrible so on that note.... as my dear old mum would say...
Meet alpha opinionated Troy Babilonia alias Babu... Father of Literary Critics , well that’s how he see’s himself.
So Babu (Troy) is a book critic, reviewer for a online blog and also for GREATREADS. Yes... a spoof of our Goodreads. He has a huge following and his followers love his outspoken reviews.
But Troy’s reviews could make or break an author...does he care ... no
Well one of those outspoken reviews just happens to be about Indie author alpha dominate Larson Blackburn alias L.Blackburn latest book.
When Larson reads the review all hell breaks out...
Now what happens next? and what does Larson have in mind .. well!!!
My thoughts....
I've never read anything from these authors before but I love these types of stories if they are done well. I thought that both authors did a wonderful job bringing their own parts of the story together and you really wouldn't have known that there were two writers it blended so well together.
If you are a fan of male/male erotica then I can recommend this. Funny, with its witty one liners....the banter between the two...
Yes there is a small part in the book that does poke fun at Goodreads but I thought it was hilarious and I thought it was spot on!!!
There were two parts that actually quite moved me but most of all the hotness between these two is so fantastic because Troy and Larson are made for each other... they just don’t know it yet..
This is a story of self discovery, of understanding and in the end love.
Now the controversial subject surrounding this book..As much as I want to bypass it I feel I can't.....so...
For me I love Goodreads, its fun, I love the thrill of finding a fantastic book and chatting to all you lovely fellow book readers. I also have huge respect for authors and the work they put into writing...
I have no problems with negative reviews or readers not liking a book, that's part of becoming an author and a reviewer. But some reviews are now becoming more and more personal about the author than actually reviewing the book. So I understand how crushing that can be for an author and that makes me feel uncomfortable.
I'm not interested in this particular case, who did this or who said that. And I do agree everyone is entitled to their opinion.
What I don’t like is the drama that follows... It's horrible so on that note.... as my dear old mum would say...
May 20, 2015
4.5 **I want a sequel!!**Stars
It's nice to read a light hearted comedy every once in a while...
And the authors were also kind enough to provide a little heat..
Trust me ladies...I put it on my **Glow-Worm hall of fame*** shelf for a reason...lol...but seriously...I'm well aware of the talk surrounding this book...and I thought to myself...should I keep it on my shelf...
Or read it...well...I'm glad I chose the latter...because I freakin loved this book!!
Full Review to come.....
It's nice to read a light hearted comedy every once in a while...
And the authors were also kind enough to provide a little heat..
Trust me ladies...I put it on my **Glow-Worm hall of fame*** shelf for a reason...lol...but seriously...I'm well aware of the talk surrounding this book...and I thought to myself...should I keep it on my shelf...
Or read it...well...I'm glad I chose the latter...because I freakin loved this book!!
Full Review to come.....
May 4, 2015
I just finished reading and GOD, what fun I had.
Every page is a blast to read; You can sense the way the two authors inspired each other.
Normally, I wouldn't have read this as m/m is not my thing. I am not bothered by it, it's just not my thing.
Now I am so glad I had to read it because this story about all the intermingling characters finding their way in a context of author/critic relation and the whole world of publishers and Indy writers, is a really fun story. Humor, hotness, intrigue and warmth, it's all here.
An original book.
While putting this very short review up here on Goodreads, I noticed all the turmoil preceding the release of this book. I always welcome a lively discussion but there are things here that worry me.
The great value of a site like Goodreads is the interaction of people interested in books: readers, authors and reviewers. I think that the value of reviews suffers greatly if it becomes standard to give star ratings, be it one or five stars, to books that one hasn't read and doesn't intend to read. The resulting average will become one of political value and not based on the virtues of the book itself.
In this case it will be clear to any reader of this book that the content has nothing to do with the discussions that are held here by 100+ commenters who claim to have an opinion and 1-star rate it while stating clearly that they haven't read and will not read the book.
I think we should value our western idea of freedom of speech and this is not the way to do it.
Every page is a blast to read; You can sense the way the two authors inspired each other.
Normally, I wouldn't have read this as m/m is not my thing. I am not bothered by it, it's just not my thing.
Now I am so glad I had to read it because this story about all the intermingling characters finding their way in a context of author/critic relation and the whole world of publishers and Indy writers, is a really fun story. Humor, hotness, intrigue and warmth, it's all here.
An original book.
While putting this very short review up here on Goodreads, I noticed all the turmoil preceding the release of this book. I always welcome a lively discussion but there are things here that worry me.
The great value of a site like Goodreads is the interaction of people interested in books: readers, authors and reviewers. I think that the value of reviews suffers greatly if it becomes standard to give star ratings, be it one or five stars, to books that one hasn't read and doesn't intend to read. The resulting average will become one of political value and not based on the virtues of the book itself.
In this case it will be clear to any reader of this book that the content has nothing to do with the discussions that are held here by 100+ commenters who claim to have an opinion and 1-star rate it while stating clearly that they haven't read and will not read the book.
I think we should value our western idea of freedom of speech and this is not the way to do it.
May 4, 2015
***5 "Soul Searching" Stars!!!***
***ARC provided by the author for honest review.***
Oh man, this book. I love it so much.
I have to admit I read the first chapter wondering how on God's green earth it was going to turn into a love story. But if there's anything that floats my boat more than a friends-to-lovers romance, it's an enemies-to-lovers romance. Because there's a fine line between love and hate, right?
Be warned: Troy and Larson are not sweet men. There is nothing fluffy and fuzzy about their story. Both are stubborn, set firmly in their ways, and still reeling from their respective pasts. Cocky and sexually potent, they have fights for foreplay and engage in some...well...interesting cat-and-mouse shenanigans. Their story won't be featured on the Hallmark channel any time soon.
Yeah, they're alphas, and that's part of the fun. Watching each try to bend the other to his will is nothing short of delightful. There were times reading this that I laughed out loud at how audacious these two could be! It made it that much sweeter when they stopped dicking around (pun intended) and decided to trade bravado for real bravery of the heart.
If you're a M/M fan and prefer your heroes swaggering and testosterone-driven with just the right amount of hidden tenderness, you don't want to miss this fast-paced, reluctant love story. It's definitely one of my 2015 favorites.
***ARC provided by the author for honest review.***
Oh man, this book. I love it so much.
I have to admit I read the first chapter wondering how on God's green earth it was going to turn into a love story. But if there's anything that floats my boat more than a friends-to-lovers romance, it's an enemies-to-lovers romance. Because there's a fine line between love and hate, right?
Be warned: Troy and Larson are not sweet men. There is nothing fluffy and fuzzy about their story. Both are stubborn, set firmly in their ways, and still reeling from their respective pasts. Cocky and sexually potent, they have fights for foreplay and engage in some...well...interesting cat-and-mouse shenanigans. Their story won't be featured on the Hallmark channel any time soon.
Yeah, they're alphas, and that's part of the fun. Watching each try to bend the other to his will is nothing short of delightful. There were times reading this that I laughed out loud at how audacious these two could be! It made it that much sweeter when they stopped dicking around (pun intended) and decided to trade bravado for real bravery of the heart.
If you're a M/M fan and prefer your heroes swaggering and testosterone-driven with just the right amount of hidden tenderness, you don't want to miss this fast-paced, reluctant love story. It's definitely one of my 2015 favorites.
May 13, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
First and foremost, I am well aware of the controversy surrounding this book when the author forewarned me before she provided me with an ARC. And while I know there are some reviewers who decided to not review this book, I respect your decision. But for me, I read the book's blurb and was intrigued and wanted to read it and make up my mind. Just because a book is controversial, will it deter me from reading it and the answer is NO because there are plenty of books in the literary world that are considered controversial. And I have read some of those controversial books and there are some that I loved and enjoyed. Not everyone is gonna love the same book but for me I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading BLACK BALLED.
Black Balled was a fun, sarcastic, humorous, sexy parody read yet was able to portray a somewhat realistic vibe to the story line. From the prologue, I was instantly hooked and was invested in getting to know Troy and Larson. This book had a story line that I found unique, creative and witty. Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir was able to spin and make a story of two different opposing men, who were able to find a common ground when it came to love. Though the path to finding love was not an easy task since these two had a "love/hate relationship." What I was truly amazed was that the authors did a perfect job in juxtaposing and weaving elements of banter, sex, and raw emotions of Troy and Larson. Black Balled was one of those type of books that will surprise you on how engrossing and fun the story-line is. The writing was brilliantly and wickedly done in showcasing the true personalities of the main characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put this book down. It was sexy, funny, and playful. This book was an easy read since the authors did an amazing job blending their different writing styles. The writing and story line was clean and flawlessly well-done. So if you are looking for a book to get lost in with fun-filled banter then I would recommend this book.
First and foremost, I am well aware of the controversy surrounding this book when the author forewarned me before she provided me with an ARC. And while I know there are some reviewers who decided to not review this book, I respect your decision. But for me, I read the book's blurb and was intrigued and wanted to read it and make up my mind. Just because a book is controversial, will it deter me from reading it and the answer is NO because there are plenty of books in the literary world that are considered controversial. And I have read some of those controversial books and there are some that I loved and enjoyed. Not everyone is gonna love the same book but for me I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading BLACK BALLED.
Black Balled was a fun, sarcastic, humorous, sexy parody read yet was able to portray a somewhat realistic vibe to the story line. From the prologue, I was instantly hooked and was invested in getting to know Troy and Larson. This book had a story line that I found unique, creative and witty. Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir was able to spin and make a story of two different opposing men, who were able to find a common ground when it came to love. Though the path to finding love was not an easy task since these two had a "love/hate relationship." What I was truly amazed was that the authors did a perfect job in juxtaposing and weaving elements of banter, sex, and raw emotions of Troy and Larson. Black Balled was one of those type of books that will surprise you on how engrossing and fun the story-line is. The writing was brilliantly and wickedly done in showcasing the true personalities of the main characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put this book down. It was sexy, funny, and playful. This book was an easy read since the authors did an amazing job blending their different writing styles. The writing and story line was clean and flawlessly well-done. So if you are looking for a book to get lost in with fun-filled banter then I would recommend this book.
April 20, 2015
I have to say this book is delightful, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Larson and Troy's story. They are two beautiful men who find love in the most amazing way! The banter between the two characters was so much fun to read. There were so many laugh out loud moments in this book, my husband thought I had lost my mind with all the laughing!
OH and Larson, sigh, he is my new book boyfriend. His one liners are classic and had me rolling with laughter. I love that he was unapologetically himself. He didn't care what anyone thought, he is who he is and you just have to love him or hate him. He doesn't care, because he is comfortable in his own skin. I really could relate to Larson on many levels, he is my kind of people!
It was so much more than just funny, it was also bittersweet. I think my favorite thing about this book is Troy finally accepting himself as is, it was just a beautiful moment.
And it wasn't just Larson and Troy who made the book enjoyable. The supporting cast of characters really added to the story. Ida is a hoot! And let's not forget Muffy the caviar loving cat!
The loves scenes in this book caught my kindle on fire! I don't know what it is about M/M romance, maybe it's the intensity, IDK but it sure gets my motor running.
Eva and Andrea outdid themselves with this one. It's funny, sexy as hell, a little raunchy and deliciously decadent.
April 30, 2015
ETA 30-Apr-2015 (upon seeing newest blurb):
Troy Babilonia? Troy Babilonia? Srsly?!
Great, thanks. Blurb has now invoked Tai Babilonia & connected her to this sad mess for me. :/
________
Eh, PASS.
I’m all for occasional subgenre/niche switches, especially when the author(s) appear to follow the oft-touted (but sometimes misguided) ‘write what you know’ edict. But the blurb is enough to tell me that the writing won’t be to my liking. FFS, there’s a dangling comma/unfinished sentence! >.< (BTW, proper use of commas and semi-colons is not that fucking difficult. My 10yo niece mastered them just fine.)
And frankly, I’ve been burned too often by m/f authors suddenly putting out m/m content. Think I’ll stick to reliable m/m writers for now.
Troy Babilonia? Troy Babilonia? Srsly?!
Great, thanks. Blurb has now invoked Tai Babilonia & connected her to this sad mess for me. :/
________
Eh, PASS.
I’m all for occasional subgenre/niche switches, especially when the author(s) appear to follow the oft-touted (but sometimes misguided) ‘write what you know’ edict. But the blurb is enough to tell me that the writing won’t be to my liking. FFS, there’s a dangling comma/unfinished sentence! >.< (BTW, proper use of commas and semi-colons is not that fucking difficult. My 10yo niece mastered them just fine.)
And frankly, I’ve been burned too often by m/f authors suddenly putting out m/m content. Think I’ll stick to reliable m/m writers for now.
July 6, 2015
Black Balled by Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir
4 stars!!
Well, firstly I have to say this book was not what I was expecting; I think I may have just experienced my first M/M romantic comedy. Yes, this book made me laugh...a lot! I have been on a bit of an M/M kick recently, I love this genre and to think in the first instance I was extremely reticent to try it! This is also the first time I have encountered too extremely alpha men, so the game has literally been set, this is one battle and what a battle it was.
For those of us that are avid readers and reviewers you may have seen a few reviews that have made you go “ouch.” While I am a reviewer that tries to be constructive and fair, there are some out there that really go for the jugular but personally I am of the opinion if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say it at all. We all believe in freedom of speech and it is within our right to express those feelings and opinions but at the end of the day we have to appreciate that authors pour their blood, sweat and tears into a book, it is their baby and they are extremely protective. Sometimes, just sometimes, there is that one review that tips them over the edge and they break the cardinal rule of commenting and this is where this book starts.
L Blackburn (Larson) is an author, who to be honest was a bit of an arrogant arse in the beginning. He wants to think his books are the bees knees after all he has spent months and months working on them and thinks extremely highly of himself, so you can imagine his disbelief when one the biggest, published reviewers totally pans his book and is entirely derogatory in his review, especially when he hadn’t even finished it. Panicking at how this awful review would affect his book sales, he breaks that rule and comments and therein starts an all-out war of words and pictures. Not the most ideal thing to do, in fact his agent warned him not to, but he couldn’t help himself, he wanted to defend himself.
Babu (Troy) is one harsh critic, seemingly not enjoying any book he reads and he seems to take great delight in destroying author’s books. Not content with “this wasn’t for me” and why, he really goes to town and is downright cruel in his reviews, but this has led to a huge following. Babu believes that he is the King of reviewers, he has his flock that follow his every word and for once he feels accepted. Babu was a recluse, only leaving the house to attend his appointments with his shrink. He had been a victim in the past and this had been life altering for him but still didn’t deter him from his work, he never changed.
When L Blackburn and Babu meet, neither one knows it is the other which only adds to the hilarity of the situation that they find themselves in. I was actually jumping up and down going OMG, OMG, OMG with my hand over my mouth; once you get there I am sure you will be doing the same. This really is a case of never judge a book by its cover, online these two hate each other, yet neither one of them actually know the other. When they meet there is that undeniable click, a connection and it is this that surprises the both of them. Larson is openly bi but Troy is so far in the closet his is in Narnia and it is this aspect of the story that I loved the most.
This book deals with some sensitive subjects and while humour is rife throughout this book when it comes to the nitty gritties they were dealt with sensitively. Troy hadn’t yet “found” himself, he has a journey ahead of him and it is one that he was always afraid and scared to take and admit, yet Larson was the perfect person for him and held his hand throughout. This was going to be an experience for both of them but Larson believed in them and went for who he wanted, even if it was his arch nemesis.
I will say though, I have seen the scandal surrounding this book and I have always been one to make my own opinions. I don’t read reviews until I have read a book and written my own, I like to keep my mind clear so that any opinions I make are exactly that, my opinions. At no point in this book was there “blogger bashing” in fact the authors go to great lengths to bring light to the downfalls of authors as well as bloggers. Both sides are revealed in all their glory but it was done with humour and was tongue in cheek. The exchanges between these two were hilarious and I found myself shedding tears of laughter. Being a blogger I found myself imagining if it was me in their shoes and I just couldn’t, what they did and said made me blush!
But underneath all that was a beautiful story, a voyage of discovery for both of them and this is truly what this book was about. The sexy times were seriously hot and with two alphas who for all intents and purposes were tops we were treated to that dominating power struggle for bottom and who would have guessed that when the time came, those lions would become cubs.
I have read all of Andrea Smith’s work but this was my first taste of Eva LeNoir and it will not be my last. I loved the banter, I loved the premise and I have to say I loved both of these characters, there is something about them that gets tugging at those heart strings and you cannot help but will them to make it work. For me personally, I didn’t get that emotional connection, I think really where this book ends is their beginning so that “love” would come through if their story were to be continued. For me this came across more as lust at this point in their story. I would love for their story to be continued though, as I said, for me this was just their beginning and I would love to read about their end.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!
“...authors do not think their books are great. They think they’re crap. They are their own worst critics, the destroyers of their very own egos. We are fragile souls, Troy and we need validation because the shit that’s printed in those pages is the inked version of our blood, sweat and tears. You don’t have to like it but to trash it? It’s low and it’s completely unnecessary.”
Well, firstly I have to say this book was not what I was expecting; I think I may have just experienced my first M/M romantic comedy. Yes, this book made me laugh...a lot! I have been on a bit of an M/M kick recently, I love this genre and to think in the first instance I was extremely reticent to try it! This is also the first time I have encountered too extremely alpha men, so the game has literally been set, this is one battle and what a battle it was.
For those of us that are avid readers and reviewers you may have seen a few reviews that have made you go “ouch.” While I am a reviewer that tries to be constructive and fair, there are some out there that really go for the jugular but personally I am of the opinion if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say it at all. We all believe in freedom of speech and it is within our right to express those feelings and opinions but at the end of the day we have to appreciate that authors pour their blood, sweat and tears into a book, it is their baby and they are extremely protective. Sometimes, just sometimes, there is that one review that tips them over the edge and they break the cardinal rule of commenting and this is where this book starts.
L Blackburn (Larson) is an author, who to be honest was a bit of an arrogant arse in the beginning. He wants to think his books are the bees knees after all he has spent months and months working on them and thinks extremely highly of himself, so you can imagine his disbelief when one the biggest, published reviewers totally pans his book and is entirely derogatory in his review, especially when he hadn’t even finished it. Panicking at how this awful review would affect his book sales, he breaks that rule and comments and therein starts an all-out war of words and pictures. Not the most ideal thing to do, in fact his agent warned him not to, but he couldn’t help himself, he wanted to defend himself.
Babu (Troy) is one harsh critic, seemingly not enjoying any book he reads and he seems to take great delight in destroying author’s books. Not content with “this wasn’t for me” and why, he really goes to town and is downright cruel in his reviews, but this has led to a huge following. Babu believes that he is the King of reviewers, he has his flock that follow his every word and for once he feels accepted. Babu was a recluse, only leaving the house to attend his appointments with his shrink. He had been a victim in the past and this had been life altering for him but still didn’t deter him from his work, he never changed.
When L Blackburn and Babu meet, neither one knows it is the other which only adds to the hilarity of the situation that they find themselves in. I was actually jumping up and down going OMG, OMG, OMG with my hand over my mouth; once you get there I am sure you will be doing the same. This really is a case of never judge a book by its cover, online these two hate each other, yet neither one of them actually know the other. When they meet there is that undeniable click, a connection and it is this that surprises the both of them. Larson is openly bi but Troy is so far in the closet his is in Narnia and it is this aspect of the story that I loved the most.
“I can’t wait to be his first. His last. His fucking only.”
This book deals with some sensitive subjects and while humour is rife throughout this book when it comes to the nitty gritties they were dealt with sensitively. Troy hadn’t yet “found” himself, he has a journey ahead of him and it is one that he was always afraid and scared to take and admit, yet Larson was the perfect person for him and held his hand throughout. This was going to be an experience for both of them but Larson believed in them and went for who he wanted, even if it was his arch nemesis.
“...this is the only time in my entire life where sex wasn’t just a process, it was a need above all others with a pleasure I have never experienced before in my life. I am gay, and I’m okay with that.”
I will say though, I have seen the scandal surrounding this book and I have always been one to make my own opinions. I don’t read reviews until I have read a book and written my own, I like to keep my mind clear so that any opinions I make are exactly that, my opinions. At no point in this book was there “blogger bashing” in fact the authors go to great lengths to bring light to the downfalls of authors as well as bloggers. Both sides are revealed in all their glory but it was done with humour and was tongue in cheek. The exchanges between these two were hilarious and I found myself shedding tears of laughter. Being a blogger I found myself imagining if it was me in their shoes and I just couldn’t, what they did and said made me blush!
But underneath all that was a beautiful story, a voyage of discovery for both of them and this is truly what this book was about. The sexy times were seriously hot and with two alphas who for all intents and purposes were tops we were treated to that dominating power struggle for bottom and who would have guessed that when the time came, those lions would become cubs.
“We’re fucking beautiful together. Created separately for the sole purpose of coming together.”
I have read all of Andrea Smith’s work but this was my first taste of Eva LeNoir and it will not be my last. I loved the banter, I loved the premise and I have to say I loved both of these characters, there is something about them that gets tugging at those heart strings and you cannot help but will them to make it work. For me personally, I didn’t get that emotional connection, I think really where this book ends is their beginning so that “love” would come through if their story were to be continued. For me this came across more as lust at this point in their story. I would love for their story to be continued though, as I said, for me this was just their beginning and I would love to read about their end.
www.theromancecover.com
June 30, 2016
Never be afraid to be honest about your opinion.
Read
May 18, 2015I think you can flag this review and get it deleted.
Parody is an entertaining, funny comment which can be an homage as well as a critique. Parody is good.
Making a parody of a review on Goodreads can be witty and/or satisfying. Making a parody of Goodreads on another website can be, as well.
The basic misconception is to think that authors and GR reviewers should be under the same scrutiny. As an author, you're writing a public piece that is intended for "everyone." When you write a review on Goodreads, you expect it to be read by your friends, or the GR community at most. There's a difference in scale, and while the comment is accessible to anyone, it is in no way the work of a professional intended for the public.
You can parody public figures. You can parody books. You usually parody something that is accessible to a spectrum broader than your readership, with your readers being people who share your views about the subject at hand. I doubt that this book is intended for the people who read the reviews of the "parodied" reviewer, or that it was written by someone who's been reading said reviews - or talking with said reviewer - for a long time.
If anything, it is an attempt to capitalize on a general feeling of persecution entertained by a circle of indie (or not so indie) writers and their fans. The idea that this is a way to fight back is preposterous.
To declare this a parody would be to assume that the intended audience of the book is lesser than the following of the reviewer. Yes, there have been parodies which have been more successful than the original material, but it was never the original intent when they were conceived.
Is this a parody of a community of reviewers, then? But I know of two ways to parody a community. One is to have insight into it, sometimes by being part of it and sharing some of the flaws you're making fun of. If in one of my texts, I portray a Frenchman who's always complaining, I'm partly parodying myself. If I do a one-man show and make a piece about how Romanian students don't have car (I don't know how I could make that funny), it's because I went to a university in that country and it's less common for a student to have a car there than in France, in my very limited experience.
The second option is to focus on a preconceived idea of the community, one that is usually brought on by people who are not part of it. I could say that all Romanian are thieves, that's a common misconception, in France (while in Romania, the common misconception is that Romani people are thieves). I could make a joke about French people always capitulating, in the US, or having a bad hygiene. It could also focus on a very specific experience, which would be then generalized to a whole community. "I was mugged by a black guy, therefore all black people are criminals."
So, here I am, stuck between two chairs. Is this book intended to have fewer readers than Baba's reviews or is it a distorted portrayal of a community? In the first case, I guess the book knows it's place, forgotten and unsold. In the second, I wonder how someone could be so resentful of reviewers if they'd actual talent to show for.
Parody is an entertaining, funny comment which can be an homage as well as a critique. Parody is good.
Making a parody of a review on Goodreads can be witty and/or satisfying. Making a parody of Goodreads on another website can be, as well.
The basic misconception is to think that authors and GR reviewers should be under the same scrutiny. As an author, you're writing a public piece that is intended for "everyone." When you write a review on Goodreads, you expect it to be read by your friends, or the GR community at most. There's a difference in scale, and while the comment is accessible to anyone, it is in no way the work of a professional intended for the public.
You can parody public figures. You can parody books. You usually parody something that is accessible to a spectrum broader than your readership, with your readers being people who share your views about the subject at hand. I doubt that this book is intended for the people who read the reviews of the "parodied" reviewer, or that it was written by someone who's been reading said reviews - or talking with said reviewer - for a long time.
If anything, it is an attempt to capitalize on a general feeling of persecution entertained by a circle of indie (or not so indie) writers and their fans. The idea that this is a way to fight back is preposterous.
To declare this a parody would be to assume that the intended audience of the book is lesser than the following of the reviewer. Yes, there have been parodies which have been more successful than the original material, but it was never the original intent when they were conceived.
Is this a parody of a community of reviewers, then? But I know of two ways to parody a community. One is to have insight into it, sometimes by being part of it and sharing some of the flaws you're making fun of. If in one of my texts, I portray a Frenchman who's always complaining, I'm partly parodying myself. If I do a one-man show and make a piece about how Romanian students don't have car (I don't know how I could make that funny), it's because I went to a university in that country and it's less common for a student to have a car there than in France, in my very limited experience.
The second option is to focus on a preconceived idea of the community, one that is usually brought on by people who are not part of it. I could say that all Romanian are thieves, that's a common misconception, in France (while in Romania, the common misconception is that Romani people are thieves). I could make a joke about French people always capitulating, in the US, or having a bad hygiene. It could also focus on a very specific experience, which would be then generalized to a whole community. "I was mugged by a black guy, therefore all black people are criminals."
So, here I am, stuck between two chairs. Is this book intended to have fewer readers than Baba's reviews or is it a distorted portrayal of a community? In the first case, I guess the book knows it's place, forgotten and unsold. In the second, I wonder how someone could be so resentful of reviewers if they'd actual talent to show for.
September 3, 2016
Despite the faux reviews plastered all over GR - I was pleased to see that while the characters are indeed narcissistic, they certainly are not the narcissist claiming to be 'Babu' here on GR - I mean what the fuck? C'mon girls, there's plenty of room for ALL narcissists in this world, right? Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the MCs, the plot and the HEA.
What struck me was the extraordinary angsty chemistry between Larson and Babu. It ignites with a hate/hate theme, and then through a chain of events, morphs into a hate/lust, lust/lust, and finally, a love/lust relationship. Though they are polar opposites, when they finally shed their protective facades, the chemistry escalates to damn near explosive!
Each character brings his own baggage to the party, and while the authors peel the layers of their individual psyches off for the readers to witness, it brings each of these men into a human light--the insecurities, the vulnerabilities, guilt and finally the redemption they wallow in throughout the pages of this book bring to life their pleasure...and their pain.
This is an exquisite piece of art. While art is subjective, I for one am appreciative of the message this book sends to me. All is not lost, and things, no matter how interpreted, are never quite what they seem to be. Humanity is imperfect, and he who holds himself to standards of perfection is doomed to be the most miserable of failures.
I need to find a gif that says it all for this book.
I'll be back!
What struck me was the extraordinary angsty chemistry between Larson and Babu. It ignites with a hate/hate theme, and then through a chain of events, morphs into a hate/lust, lust/lust, and finally, a love/lust relationship. Though they are polar opposites, when they finally shed their protective facades, the chemistry escalates to damn near explosive!
Each character brings his own baggage to the party, and while the authors peel the layers of their individual psyches off for the readers to witness, it brings each of these men into a human light--the insecurities, the vulnerabilities, guilt and finally the redemption they wallow in throughout the pages of this book bring to life their pleasure...and their pain.
This is an exquisite piece of art. While art is subjective, I for one am appreciative of the message this book sends to me. All is not lost, and things, no matter how interpreted, are never quite what they seem to be. Humanity is imperfect, and he who holds himself to standards of perfection is doomed to be the most miserable of failures.
I need to find a gif that says it all for this book.
I'll be back!
May 5, 2015
I may be alone in my opinion but I actually enjoyed this novel. We had two macho characters that embraced their flaws and I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope.
This novel actually was very well developed in that it showed both the sides of the writer and the author.
On a side note I couldn't believe the low-rating on this book. Only after reading the comments did I realize what was happening. Everybody is calling the author out on being petty towards Baba, however this is a Authors novel that she worked hard on. Writing being an outlet for their feelings and experiences. Their way of dealing with emotions. I actually think that every reviewer that made inferences on the author mind set should reevaluate.
It's sad that the novel mimicked real life, people have made assumptions based on a similar name. (Btw the name is explained in the novel, unsure if it was added later) However if it is to be believed the copyrights states it is a coincidence. So without concrete facts the bashing started, every reviewer that did not read the book yet gave it a rating was unethical. How do you think this makes you better than what you think the author did?
Even the Note on the original blurb said it was not meant maliciously, can a author never write about reviewers for fear of getting blackballed. For all the indignation the reviewers could just have skipped this novel instead they acted like bullies they claimed the author to be.
This novel actually was very well developed in that it showed both the sides of the writer and the author.
On a side note I couldn't believe the low-rating on this book. Only after reading the comments did I realize what was happening. Everybody is calling the author out on being petty towards Baba, however this is a Authors novel that she worked hard on. Writing being an outlet for their feelings and experiences. Their way of dealing with emotions. I actually think that every reviewer that made inferences on the author mind set should reevaluate.
It's sad that the novel mimicked real life, people have made assumptions based on a similar name. (Btw the name is explained in the novel, unsure if it was added later) However if it is to be believed the copyrights states it is a coincidence. So without concrete facts the bashing started, every reviewer that did not read the book yet gave it a rating was unethical. How do you think this makes you better than what you think the author did?
Even the Note on the original blurb said it was not meant maliciously, can a author never write about reviewers for fear of getting blackballed. For all the indignation the reviewers could just have skipped this novel instead they acted like bullies they claimed the author to be.
August 19, 2015
***************Pre-review*************
IF the assumptions are right:
Are the author's actions OK? - NO!
Am I still intrigued by the blurb? - Yes!
****************Review****************
When I started this book, I wanted to like it. Like I do with every book I read.
I needed some time to get into the story and to get used to the arrogant, stubborn MCs that were both too full of themselfs and acted like immature teenagers.
Yeah, at around 20% I actually wanted to dnf it because of them.
In the end (Which was rather sweet in its own kind of way.) I even liked them. No, they didn't changed but something changed indeed. I can't even say what it was that cought me about the story.
It certainly were not the gold digging, scheming ex-wife. Neither was it the nonexcisting fluff. Or the mentioned immature behavings of the MCs.
Though it was hot, the sex wasn't that capturing all alone. But the writing was really great!
Come to think of it, the story wouldn't have worked if the MCs weren't as douchey as they are.
After all, in the end I felt great entertained and I'm happy I finished it. And that's what counts, isn't it?
Warning: Girl parts are involved!
May 13, 2015
To me, Black Balled is a flawless read. From the amazing character development to the unique storyline, it hit all of my requirements to make it the perfect M/M book in this genre.
Despite the rumors and all of the unnecessary controversy, this book is a modern love story between two strong willed and dominant men who were meant to find one another and, the way in which they did was fantastic, maybe even epic! This is also a book about finding and accepting yourself and learning to accept love when you least expect it and from a person you more than least expect. I went through a lot of different emotions while reading this book. I laughed (a lot), I cried and I seriously swooned for both H’s, Troy and Larson. But, if you think that the H’s are anything alike, you couldn’t be more wrong (well, with the exception of being alpha males). Although this is a love story, it doesn’t start out that way. The complete opposite, in fact. There is no insta love here, but a whole lot of insta lust and crazy hot sex scenes that will leave you wishing it was you in between them. Three words: “That bloody elevator.” Yes, that bloody elevator indeed. Just think of the yummy things that can happen in tight, closed spaces!
Not only are we graced with two delicious H’s, but two incredible authors, Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir, who brought both of their characters together as seamlessly as if it was just one author writing. A truly impressive feat and one that I believe is quite extraordinary.
Black Balled is an absolutely phenomenal and mind-blowingly naughty read. Trust me, you have to experience this book for yourself. I could not possibly give it a higher recommendation.
*I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review
Despite the rumors and all of the unnecessary controversy, this book is a modern love story between two strong willed and dominant men who were meant to find one another and, the way in which they did was fantastic, maybe even epic! This is also a book about finding and accepting yourself and learning to accept love when you least expect it and from a person you more than least expect. I went through a lot of different emotions while reading this book. I laughed (a lot), I cried and I seriously swooned for both H’s, Troy and Larson. But, if you think that the H’s are anything alike, you couldn’t be more wrong (well, with the exception of being alpha males). Although this is a love story, it doesn’t start out that way. The complete opposite, in fact. There is no insta love here, but a whole lot of insta lust and crazy hot sex scenes that will leave you wishing it was you in between them. Three words: “That bloody elevator.” Yes, that bloody elevator indeed. Just think of the yummy things that can happen in tight, closed spaces!
Not only are we graced with two delicious H’s, but two incredible authors, Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir, who brought both of their characters together as seamlessly as if it was just one author writing. A truly impressive feat and one that I believe is quite extraordinary.
Black Balled is an absolutely phenomenal and mind-blowingly naughty read. Trust me, you have to experience this book for yourself. I could not possibly give it a higher recommendation.
*I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review
nope
September 24, 2015I just came upon this prime example of WTF-ery and was horrified anew. Like, who in the world is crazy enough to write a book about a reviewer that they didn't like because they wrote a 1 star review? That's just... I don't even have a word to describe it, besides INSANE.
Btw, anyone who said they've actually read it and liked it? 1. Shame on you and 2. I don't believe you, and I don't believe that all of you would 4 or 5 star it. That is just plain bullshit.
Previous review:
Why won't I be reading this author's work ever, even if it was free and the last book on earth? Here's why:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Why is it that every time this sort of thing happens on GR, it seems like it is the same totally batshit crazy person doing the deed? I swear this "author" (and I use that term loosely, since anyone can slap their crap up on Amazon and call it a "book") sounds like the person that wrote Suicide Ride: The Platinum Man. She seems to do and say the same sort of things as this E. Llewellyn did when she went after Julio. Oh and look, "Black Balled" pops up as one of those "Readers also enjoyed" books on the "Suicide Ride" page.
Hmmmm, I wonder...
Btw, anyone who said they've actually read it and liked it? 1. Shame on you and 2. I don't believe you, and I don't believe that all of you would 4 or 5 star it. That is just plain bullshit.
Previous review:
Why won't I be reading this author's work ever, even if it was free and the last book on earth? Here's why:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Why is it that every time this sort of thing happens on GR, it seems like it is the same totally batshit crazy person doing the deed? I swear this "author" (and I use that term loosely, since anyone can slap their crap up on Amazon and call it a "book") sounds like the person that wrote Suicide Ride: The Platinum Man. She seems to do and say the same sort of things as this E. Llewellyn did when she went after Julio. Oh and look, "Black Balled" pops up as one of those "Readers also enjoyed" books on the "Suicide Ride" page.
Hmmmm, I wonder...
tbr-next-up-2
January 7, 2016Pretty sad when you have to go to Amazon to find actual reviews for a book.
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