Kerry Allen

I may have found a circumstance in which I am willing to purchase an e-book.

Today I finished reading—or rather struggling through—the first book in a series. Hated the writing—skipped right over entire pages. Actively disliked the protagonist—if not too stupid too live, at least too silly to be tolerated. Bored to tears by the endless balls and stilted, formal dialogue that’s probably authentic Regency—”I’m quite fond of you” is not an impassioned declaration, in my opinion. Found page after page of the protag’s mother and her two dippy friends a pointless and annoying interruption in what little action there was.

Thoroughly despised this book, in case I’m not being clear.

But then there’s Sebastian.

It’s pretty sad when a secondary character (so rarely appearing he may even be tertiary, in fact) is the sole compelling component of a novel. He’s sexy. He’s not a neutered “proper gentleman.” His intentions are dubious and mysterious. I perked up every time he put in appearance. I kept reading (or at least skimming) on his behalf long after this book became a wallbanger.

Sweet Author, why could you not make any other character half as interesting as Sebastian?

No way in hell am I spending $6.99 on another one of these duds. But I have to know what happens with Sebastian (and I gather he’s significantly more prominent in Book Two). I thought, I know! I’ll get an e-book, search for his name, and skip all the crap! Damn, I am one clever minx!

Except for one small problem: No e-book is available, as far as I can tell!

At long last, I understand the frustration of those who have transitioned to e-reading. Why the hell isn’t every single book being printed also being released in e-form?

So, Flightless Bird-named Publisher, you have lost what little I was willing to invest in you due to your failure to modernize. Better luck next time.

But Sebastian, one way or another, you shall be mine…