Guest Post With Author Grace Elliot

Hi everyone! Please help me welcome Grace Elliot back with us for a wonderful guest post that I know you'll find just as interesting as I do. Happy Reading!

Welcome, Grace!

Does Hype Help or Hinder?

            What was the last book you bought because of the hype?

            For me this would be the Hunger Games and then Fifty Shades of Grey. Neither of these genres (YA and erotic) are my usual first choice and yet there was such a buzz I felt compelled to see what all the fuss was about. I had a very different reaction to the two books.

            I loved the Hunger Games and went on to read the trilogy; they were thought-provoking, challenging and a damn good read. Shades of Grey however, seemed distinctly average - there are other more talented erotic writers out there with much more original stories that have (undeservedly) a fraction of the readers. It seems the 'titillation' factor, "Oh look this book with a boring cover is really saucy inside. Tee hee hee," has given it wider attention than it deserves. As a result,  in my opinion, a lot of readers outside the book's target audience picked it up, and, surprise, surprise, gave it 1 star reviews because they were shocked or disapproved or just didn’t like the repetitive writing style. But has this harmed the phenomenon that is 'Fifty Shades'? I suspect not.

            I read some of the 1 star reviews before purchasing 'Fifty' and so was forewarned what to expect (the best and worst!) -But I still couldn’t resist the curiosity factor - a case of any publicity is good publicity? Later, when I wondered why I had willingly bought something with such mixed reviews, I realised it was because they were genuine views by real people, and I wanted to see what my reaction to the book was compared to theirs.

            So if the hype is real, be it positive or negative, it won't harm the book or author. However, I suspect the same cannot be said of fledgling authors who get family and friends to review their work. If Auntie Jane says her niece's story is the best thing since the electric light bulb and then I buy the novel on that recommendation, it's going to be a big disappointment when I realise it was a 'sock puppet' review…

            How much does hype influence your reading habits? Do leave a comment.  

*****

Hope's Betrayal

Grace Elliot

The Huntley Trilogy, Book 2

Available At:

Amazon US  | Amazon UK | Smashwords | KOBO

Back of the Book: 

One wild, winter's night two worlds collide.

Known for his ruthless efficiency, Captain George Huntley is sent to stamp out smuggling on the south coast of England. On a night raid, the Captain captures a smuggler, but finds his troubles are just beginning when the lad turns out to be a lass, Hope Tyler.

With Hope as bait, the Captain sets a trap to catch the rest of the gang. But in a battle of wills, with his reputation at stake, George Huntley starts to respect feisty, independent Hope. Challenged by her sea-green eyes and stubborn loyalty Huntley now faces a new threat - his growing attraction to a sworn enemy. But a love where either Hope betrays her own kind, or Captain Huntley is court-marshaled, is not an easy destiny to follow.

*****

Author Bio 

            Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace believes intelligent people need to read romance as an antidote to the modern world. As an avid reader of historicals she turned to writing as a release from the emotionally draining side of veterinary work.

            Grace lives near London and is addicted to cats. The Elliot household consists of five cats, two teenage sons, one husband, a guinea pig - and the latest addition - a bearded dragon!

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