I have another review, and this time, there are multiple stars! In this case, though, they are not gold but pink, and there is not one of them, but four-and-a-half (as well as a TOP Pick).

Ahem. In any event, RT Book Reviews (full text behind a paywall–for now–I’m sorry, but it will be available to all in mid-December when the next issue comes out) has this to say about Proof by Seduction:

Here is a dazzling debut by a multitalented author who thrills readers with a twist on a traditional plot and truly unforgettable characters. Milan steams up the pages while drawing readers into an emotionally powerful relationship centering on the true meaning of love. Completely satisfying, this is a book meant for all time.

I had to read that several times–first, to read it; then, in growing disbelief, and finally, a third time, to make sure they were really talking about my book.

RT also has an author spotlight on me in the current issue; you can read it here (and again, I’m so sorry this is hidden behind a paywall), or you can pick up a copy of the magazine in stores. There’s a story in there about how I found my heroine’s name, and an exclusive excerpt that isn’t available anywhere else (except, er, my book).

But speaking of exclusive content–I recently received word that Proof by Seduction would be available from Rhapsody Book Club. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Rhapsody, they hand-pick romances and produce them in beautiful format–hardback books, more durable than paperbacks. Victoria Dahl and I interviewed each other for Rhapsody–and that is content you won’t want to miss, as it covers such vital and important territory as the use of feather boas in writing, and the Ultimate Writer’s Food. I think the whole interview should be going on the web; I’ll be sure to link it here.

I have my first review of Proof by Seduction–and it’s from Publisher’s Weekly! They say: “Historical romance fans will celebrate Milan’s powerhouse debut, which comes with a full complement of humor, characterization, plot and sheer gutsiness.”

It’s one of only four January Mass Market titles reviewed (there will be several more weeks of January mass markets reviewed, but four to six is the usual number reviewed–and there are a lot more than 24 mass market titles released in a month.  A lot.)

And it is a starred review. A starred review.  A starred review.  I can repeat that a few times, with different emphasis to see if it makes you say “oooh!” more.

Now, up until this moment, I have always looked at the stars attached to the review, and assumed they were bestowing some special status. As a society we are culturally conditioned to think that stars are good.  You get stars in Kindergarten when you’re generally obedient and intelligent; you get stars in your eyes when you’re happy. But looking at the list of Publisher’s Weekly Best Books, I notice that not all of their Best Books have stars, and not all of their starred reviews are named Best Books. Hmmm.

I also note that the PW review of my book contains a tiny criticism (“If too much psychoanalysis sometimes gets read into a single heated gaze, such freshman flaws barely distract from the joy of watching the characters develop amid delightful plot twists.”) and non-starred reviews sometimes have no criticism at all; whereas other starred reviews sometimes also contain criticism.  I also also note that there have been books I could criticize that I adored and other books that I couldn’t point out one flaw of that I just didn’t like at all. “Flawless” and “enjoyable” are not the same thing.

A side note: Mr. Milan tells me I am constitutionally incapable of recognizing a good review unless it contains the words “immortal genius” (which none of them have yet, alas), and so maybe I should not probe too deeply. I also have a tendency to overanalyze… oh, just about everything.

Still.  It makes me wonder: What the heck do those stars mean?  They’re not the best books.  They’re not the most flawless books. Are starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly just indicative of… reviews that get stars?  Non-starred reviews, presumably, are then books which have no stars upon thars. I’m suspicious. Is this really just some sort of Dr. Seussian-star-bellied-sneetch scheme?

Why, yes, readers. I think it is. But I’m still taking my star and hugging it close. Nice, pretty star!