Recently, I gave a two star review to a book that goes by the name of ‘Fifty Shades Shadier’ by author Phil Torcivia. I was not going to wade into the debate that arose over that review, other than to thank the strangers. Yes, strangers, Phil. I did not know a single one of them. To those authors and readers who jumped to my defence, I am truly thankful 😀 However, some mis-truths have come to light. I would just like the opportunity to correct them.
- “We both removed our reviews.” This quote has been taken from Phil’s blog. I did NOT remove my review. I stand by what I originally said, not only in the review, but afterwards when I vowed I would not pander to the social media army threat and take it down off Amazon. One of two things have happened. Either the author has asked Amazon to take the review down, or Amazon has pulled the review for whatever fanciful reason they liked.
- “Proven: Controversy Sells.” This statement has also come from Phil’s blog. I would like to say that I had NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with his attempt at using controversy to sell his book. I did not know he was going to be looking for a bad review to attack, nor did the author approach me before I posted the review. Phil, if you want to cause a ruckus in the future, please, please, PLEASE contact the person before hand. I certainly wanted no part in your ridiculous attempt at raising sales figures.
The review in question, I hear you ask? I have posted it below, you can make from it what you will:
Rachel Tsoumbakos 
Well said, Rachel.
Thank you Allie 😀
I actually cannot see anything in your review worth attacking. Sadly (as you say) it was a cheap ploy by the author to get his mediocre fan-fiction noticed.
That was a fair and honest review, the kind any grown-up author would appreciate. I seriously doubt that Phil really meant to stir up controversy – that's just his butt-covering excuse after he was called out. He's not getting any sales from his 'social experiment' but if your publisher takes paypal, I can promise you at least one from it 🙂
Thanks Lynette and Batgirl! It's much appreciated 😀 I too had that thought Batgirl, but others have questioned if I were somewhat involved in his ploy to get dollars. I just wanted to clarify my role in this event 😉
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