Reviews matter. How did we ever consume without them? If you’re anything like me, you put faith in those tempting yellow stars to guide you to a wise purchase. These days, whether I’m hunting for a new book or a fish filter, my add-to-cart click hinges on customer feedback.
“MUST HAVE FOUR STARS,” I say, in my Cookie Monster voice.
So, I’m delighted to report that after only 10 days on the review site, NetGalley, Yes No Maybe, has been requested by 643 people and has earned 41 Ratings & 38 Reviews on Goodreads with an average of 4.27 stars! With only 25 days until release day, that’s an amazing start (and a great relief—whew)!
BTW, if you need a good laugh today (Who doesn’t?), read these reviews (after you finish reading the newsletter, of course). Warning: You’ll never eat gummy bears again!
All reviews matter to me—yes, I read and consider each one, especially in this pre-publication phase when I’m still editing. I’ve gotten some great constructive feedback from readers. And also, great praise! Here are some definite highlights over the last week:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First of all I loved the cover of the book. Jack is the perfect man, he never saw Rowan scars as something ugly but something as part of her. They both suffered when they were teenagers but that made them stronger. (Evangelina)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rowan’s definitely a woman who’s insecure about her physical appearance (her burns, namely), and is settling for a person who she thinks is her best option (despite, imo, some very red flags). In many ways, she was very relatable and I understood her insecurities. I’m really happy she was able to find someone who makes her feel confident about herself and properly loved… A touching romance for the bookworms out there. (Emily)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I will love you forever, Rowan.” His words come slowly, in a whisper. “And it won’t be long enough,” I finish with a kiss. A beautiful, emotional, love story… The scars from their past, visible or not, are the reason they get each other. The side characters bring life and joy to their story. Family, friendship, trust and self confidence are key point in this epic love story. (Nati)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read this over two days – and loved it. Initially I wanted to read this because my arms, hands, and legs are covered in scars from being hit by a car as a pedestrian when I was a teenager and the dozen-plus subsequent surgeries I had after. When I was younger, I was highly insecure about my appearance and it made me feel lesser then. (Michelle)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I loved Rowan as a character! She’s sweet, down to earth, and a touch spicy when needed! … It was so good, and it got me through a rough day. (Sarah Reads)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing! … I could not put it down. I did not want the story to end I was absorbed in their world and now I long to live in a street like this and be surrounded by its people. (Rachel)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 This beautifully thought-out, well-written book evokes incredible emotions and has a genuine authenticity, and I never expected to love it as much as I did… It means a lot to me, and I’m honoured to have been able to read this masterpiece before publication.(✤ seher ✤)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rowan’s journey of learning how to accept herself and allowing herself to believe others could like her, scars and all was inspiring and beautifully written. It made me laugh and want to cry, and I couldn’t put it down (read it almost in one sitting!!) Jack was the perfect MMC (don’t even get me started on the tattoos and being a cat person) and the small loving group of neighbors were just a sweet cherry on top to this read. (Kayla)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WOW! I have so many words for this story. It pulled on my heart strings, made me laugh, made me cry, made me mad, and made me so happy. It was beautiful. (Patti)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Oh my gosh folks, I freaking loved Rowan & Jack. Their rapport was so natural & believable. I loved their slow burn & how involved their nosy, yet lovable, neighbors were. The book has a lot of ❤️ & a lil 🔥, but isn’t a straight up romance. Rowan & Jack both have some legit trauma from their teens & it plays a major role in their lives. (JanEyre9)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3 Eep! I read this story in one sitting and it was absolutely adorable! (Rhyann)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I needed this book! From the start I knew all plans for my day off were going to be put on hold… I laughed, I cried, I had moments of pure joy. That’s when it’s a good read for me…This book truly made my day. Keep on writing, girl! (R Mmm)
I WILL keep writing, R Mmm! 😉 I’m also stealing Eep, Rhyann! A HUGE THANKS to all my ARC reviewers who are keeping it real & keeping me writing! Love to all of you! 💚🩷🐈⬛
If you’re not on NetGalley but would like to ARC review Yes No Maybe, please email me. Otherwise, preorder now at its special pre-pub-day price of $3.99!
Here’s some other great news to start your weekend!
📚 Despite the ease of online retailers and reading on devices, bookstores are making a comeback! Don’t you love a great bookstore? If there’s a local Indie shop you adore, maybe mention an Indie author you’d love to see on their shelves. 😉
💅🏻 How would you like a female-owned and operated auto shop? Yes, please! Girls Auto Clinic in PA features a nail salon and hundreds of books to enjoy the wait. This amazing story reminds me of Dot, my tell-it-like-it-is home improvement specialist & a character readers loved in One Thing Better. In Every Good Thing, the standalone sequel releasing later this year, she’ll have a similar business (I’m writing this book now, and it’s SOOOOO GOOOOOD!)
🚍 Speaking of girl power, a bus driver named Kia rescued the kids in her care before the front end of her bus exploded! (She should really take that bus into the Girls Auto Clinic!)
🌈 Ah, it’s spring, so our new rain barrel is FULL! Isn’t it pretty?
And since we’re celebrating 25 days until Yes No Maybe comes out, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Jack in Yes No Maybe …
“But be proud of your scars, Rowan. Inside and out. They tell stories—stories worth sharing. You survived something difficult. You’re still surviving it. Your worldview is forever altered and unique. That doesn’t make you less than. It makes you badass. A beautiful badass.”
To all of you beautiful badasses out there, have an awesome weekend, and keep reading!
Bookishly Yours,
Jessica
