Ep 272: Reviews, Ratings, and Real Talk

October 12, 2025October 12, 2025 Becky

On this Episode of Buzzing about Romance, we’re diving into something that every reader has an opinion about—book reviews!
We’ll be chatting about why reviews matter, how they help both readers and authors, and how to write a thoughtful, honest review without turning it into a spoiler fest. We all know the power of reviews—whether it’s helping someone find their next favorite read, supporting an author you love, or warning readers when something just doesn’t hit right. But writing them? That’s a skill—and we’re breaking down how to do it well.

Intro Discussion:

Why reviews are so important in the romance community
How they impact visibility, algorithms, and author motivation
The difference between rating and reviewing
Why being honest doesn’t mean being harsh
How to share what you didn’t love about a story without dragging it or spoiling it
Tips for writing a balanced review (start with what worked, note what didn’t, and explain why it mattered for you)