was crowdfunding a review for a 750-page romance novel a good idea?

This will probably be the longest book I read all year.
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123194693
content warnings: emilyrathbooks.com/books-2
My videos about BookTok and the Kraken:
www.tiktok.com/@mynameismarines/video/7261259670122138922?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7176791267174286891
www.tiktok.com/@mynameismarines/video/7261755985658793259?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7176791267174286891
www.tiktok.com/@mynameismarines/video/7261782258603019566?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7176791267174286891
www.tiktok.com/@mynameismarines/video/7261817983675190571?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7176791267174286891
www.tiktok.com/@mynameismarines/video/7262082364589853994?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7176791267174286891
www.tiktok.com/@mynameismarines/video/7263154416558099743?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7176791267174286891
And the dreaded Ko-Fi goal:
ko-fi.com/mynameismarines/goal?g=163
Timestamps:
0:00 - 14:11 Why Pucking Around?
14:12 - 19:52 A Disclaimer
19:53 - 29:45 Plot Recap (Spoilers)
29:46 - 53:43 Review (Spoilers)
▶︎▶︎ If this content was valuable to you, here are some additional ways to support me! This helps me continue to produce videos, and I really appreciate it. Plus, supporting things you like is COOL.
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[@mynameismarines]

I think I should start this little comment thread to add in all the stuff I forgot to say. The first is how much the overuse of nicknames got me. Each of her boyfriends have a different nickname for her and they are all terrible??? Seattle Girl? Hurricane??? And it's one of those books where they all just keep using each others' names in dialogue in a very unnatural way, but also it's all of these bad nicknames. Even Rachel's BFF mostly goes "girl!" when she's talking to her. Like 90% of Tess' sentences feature a "girl," and I wanted it to end.

[@mynameismarines]

I also want to emphasize how TERRIBLE it was for her boyfriends to come out to the press with the story of her relationship without consulting her, especially knowing that someone outing her brother to the press was a terrible experience for him and their entire family?????? It was another moment where the consent just went out the window. If you want to laugh about this, though, the reason that Rachel didn't hear anything from her boyfriends while she was in LA is because, in a throwaway line, we learn that Mars mirrored her phone and switched them out before she left to LA. HE MIRRORED HER PHONE? DID SHE NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND DIDN'T NOTICE? WHY WAS THIS NEEDED?

[@alison4dice]

Absolutely agree about coming out & revealing their private lives publicly without Rachel’s knowledge or consent. This goes along with every having to be rushed with no time to get used to the situation or think about the implications. Anything done without the time to think about it is doomed to failure, not to mention that people should be entitled to their privacy and not everything has to be public knowledge for all.

[@mynameismarines]

ALSO, I had a couple physical recoil, genuine cringe moments reading this. One was when Jake used the "c" word to describe Caleb's disability/injury. It came out NOWHERE.

[@marisagettas]

@@mynameismarinesI’m really glad you did this review, because all I’ve heard is “You’ll love it”! I will certainly not love it if my disabled-self were to read that in a book. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ninithenoob900]

English isn’t my first language so genuinely want to know what the C word is in this context as to not unknowingly use it in future

[@anaclaracobra]

NOT ME THINKING "double cancer" meant she had cancer twice and being like "oh that makes sense that she's so emotional and cares about medical issues then!" AND THEN IT BEING AN ASTROLOGY THING

[@mynameismarines]

This comment made me CACKLE. IT WAS AN ASTROLOGY THING. She used her birth chart to get out of UNETHICAL MEDICAL PRACTICES.

[@madisonrose42019]

who knew hippa regulators would have such a soft spot for double cancers 😂

[@fuunosenshi]

I'm a double cancer too, and I'm a psychologist, guess that means I can be as unethical as I want. NOT.

[@stardroplet9499]

😅

[@amychurch]

I’m still baffled that people are offended you got paid by supporters to make reading a SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY PAGE book worth your time 💀

[@mynameismarines]

It's because I suspected I wouldn't like it which is some how really really really evil and bad when it comes to books. I don't know why, but the Internet taught me that.

[@moth.03]

​@@mynameismarinesthere's definitely a defensiveness in the messages you received. reading things you probably won't like gets a lot of backlash on the internet but seriously people can do whatever they want with their free time and reading and other people can do whatever they want with their money and their attention. it's ridiculous the response you got

[@Jamhands9]

As someone who is Ace, I have a huge problem with romance novels just relying on sex and sexual tension to compose a relationship. Sex does not equal romance, and I'm tired of romance novels not having actual romance or an actual building of a relationship.

[@shanicek5188]

So real. It's very exhausting as an aspec to see that sex is like the biggest thing in these relationships that are being written nowadays 😭

[@marianamauricio]

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!! like, that's not a "romance", which is fine, but don't say it's romance when there's no romance to be seen lol

[@mimisaur5000]

fr like most romances are built like " he's a boy, she's a girl, they want to fuck eachother bexause of that, this is peak romance" like that's so BORINGGGGG

[@annelise6720]

Literally this is why I’ve started reading more ya again. Sure it can be more juvenile but it’s nice to see main characters that don’t just want to have sex with each other.

[@tsunaida]

Hello fellow ace friend ☺️

[@arp711]

"Funding for your hate train" CHOO-CHOO ALL ABOARD, BITCHES, I'M HAPPILY RIDING THE HATE TRAIN 🚂

[@tungstensmum1491]

Hate train, toxic gossip train, doesn’t matter either way! I’m ridin’!

[@justthetruth3950]

ALL ABOARD! The toxic gossip train!

[@justwonder1404]

I don't like trains in general, but hate train? Give me my ticket.

[@desireemclaughlin1455]

People get so pressed about creators being compensated for the content they make. As long as people aren’t being scammed, why is it anybody’s business what they do with their money? We need to normalize people being compensated for the work they do.

[@mynameismarines]

Agreed! I know this happens in other communities too, but seeing a bunch of people say they don't think book reviewers and booktokers should get paid at all recently was so wild to me. Especially when no one is MAKING anyone pay anything!

[@Simplyvibing465]

I agree!! People seem to think that all content creators are millionaires when that is just rarely the case. Creators need to pay bills! No one is forcing you to pay for the extra stuff. It’s extra infuriating when people complain about adds in/on videos and streams. Like,, you can sit through 30 seconds to a minute of adds for your FREE CONTENT. Adds alone do not generate enough revenue most of the time. It always makes me so angry when people complain about creators doing their jobs.

[@elliedee123]

Agreed! As long as you're being upfront about it, people shouldn't have a problem. And anyone who actually *watches* Marines's videos would know that her critiques are thoughtful and well-considered reviews that discuss the issues with the text, rather than emote-a-thons.

[@tanninsandtales5682]

The spiel of "content creators should not feel entitled to financial compensation" is very amusing coming from viewers who feel entitled to free online content.

[@madimiss]

Isn’t this what capitalism is all about??? Capitalizing on hobbies and ideas so we can survive this hellscape? I’m sorry, but food isn’t free. I gotta make money somehow.

[@pettyella6607]

someone saying making a negative review of a published book is a "hate train" while they are being part of a group of people directly accusing a creator of bullying for a content that doesn't even exist yet is... something.

[@pettyella6607]

like it was genuinely hard to even construct this phrase bc?? that's all so awkward

[@Ryzard]

People like to call hate of things they like "mindless" and hate of things they don't like "justified and reasonable critique" lol

[@ELoouise323]

The irony of “Puck Bunnies” being so degraded in this book but then a lot of behavior from BookTok folks sexualizing players seems more similar to PBs than Rachel.

[@laraine2409]

As someone who works in mental health, you describing that at least one of her romantic relationships was with her patient (without HRs knowledge) gave me the ick. Those types of relationships are always highly discouraged and considered unethical.

[@Atherness]

Wouldn't you lose your license if it came out? Or at least have some kind of review? I know there's a lot of consequence ignoring here, but that's the thing I can't stop thinking about. Her partners, who are also her patients, out their relationship to the public and she just gets to go back to being their doctor???

[@janetjongebloed6446]

@@Atherness Therapist here, and yes, you'd lose your license.

[@robgst100]

Media criticism is definitely a bit of a dying art, and that’s one of the reasons you are one of my favourite people to watch on KZbin - your analysis of popular lit is such a refreshing alternative to what most creators are doing (not that I don’t love them as well.) Critique is as important as praise (or probably more important tbh). And though I love watching ppl get excited about things they love, it’s not the main reason I engage with reviews. Criticism isn’t negative, it’s a very good thing. I know you understand all of this, and it must be very frustrating to get mislabeled as “negative” all the time, especially as you bring so much humour and joy to even your most scathing deep dives. I love your work on this platform and will watch anything you put out!

[@mynameismarines]

Thank you! I love a good juicy critique also, and honestly, it can sell me on a book just as much as glowing praise. And we can even critique things we love! I appreciate the thoughtful comment and the support. And I agree that I follow people for different reasons-- I love the fans, I love people who do aesthetic videos, but I also super love having my go-tos for media criticism.

[@dekxu6673]

same. I hate when people say they're nitpicking when they point out a valid, yet subtle criticism of a book. Nothing wrong with critiquing the media you consume. It doesn't mean the book itself is horrible, you're just using your brain.

[@Jo-dr3en]

I feel this so hard. For me, critically engaging with media and sharing thoughts with others who take the same approach is a lot of the fun of consuming media. This is true regardless of how I actually feel about the piece. It's tiring to be told things like you can't let yourself have fun because you enjoy critiquing. Other people aren't wrong for reading and watching things through a different lens, but I'm not wrong for wanting the media I consume to hold up to thought and scrutiny, and I think even media that's just meant to be light, fun, and unserious should still be able to do that. I love people who approach reading with the same level of thought that I do and those are the people whose reviews I most often want to watch.

[@orangesegment5674]

When you're a woman who speaks with a period (especially a poc woman), I swear that people will always label you "opinionated," "bitchy," or "negative." Sorry we're not apologetic or compromising with our opinions and experiences with a piece of media?

[@emilykaulius2883]

this plot sounds EXHAUSTING oh my god

[@Artbyhurricanyounot]

I am still BAFFLED that this book is 750 pages. Love your content!

[@equinoxcrow]

The plot of this book goes from weird to Twilight Zone real fast.

[@mynameismarines]

The ending of this was just a non-stop ride on a delulu coaster

[@everylaurenislemons]

It started off as a simple romance, but it quickly turned into a telenovela

[@slhamm77]

I love your content. You’re always thoughtful and constructive. Not liking something doesn’t make you super negative it just makes you a critical reader. If people can’t deal with you not liking the same thing they do that’s not on you. Keep up the great work.

[@mynameismarines]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words. I promise I know I have support out here in these mean streets. Every once in a while, the hate catches me off guard!!

[@bicho6313]

The way that people throw around the word bully to bully people. It's like bully inception. The internet needs to chill, get some perspective, go outside, get a job, etc :). Don't we have bigger stuff to worry about?

[@mynameismarines]

Yes, I was in my own comments like "am I being bullied right now because of some bullying that they think I might do in the future?"

[@bicho6313]

@mynameismarines Except writing reviews is not bullying, especially if you're not tagging the author or sending it to their DMs. But harassing you en mass is.

[@IceRiver1020]

The utter hypocrisy of it.

[@Nothereforit174]

I mean bullying is serious and causes suicides regularly. We’ve seen that for years, especially with cyber bullying. So nah not acting like it’s not a real problem. It’s just people shouldn’t misuse the term or attack others as “correction “ because then they’re bullying/harassing themselves

[@solfell_]

you deserve to be compensated for your time. the people complaining are wild to me. glad to see you're sticking to your guns and continuing to approach things with humor!

[@mynameismarines]

Thank you for the support!

[@money1137]

It’s incredibly ironic that she makes all these declarations about not wanting to be married with a white picket fence, 2.5 kids , and a dog when their next book *SPOILER ALERT* literally includes all of those things lmao

[@mynameismarines]

The plot twist that she was in fact like other girls 😭😭😭

[@maevem316]

RIP, while the not like other girls part of it was obviously bad, I kind of enjoyed that bucking of amatonormative standards... now all we have left is the misogyny

[@fuunosenshi]

OMG, there's a second part? Like 750 pages of repetitive nonsense wasn't enough?

[@money1137]

@@fuunosenshi lol yup there’s an epilogue novella with another on the way haha

[@Nothereforit174]

It kind of pisses me off when romance books do that. Nothing is wrong with wanting that. But why does have to be the way we know a female character has really gotten her happy ending? Like the city girl gives up her nice job to live on the farm all of a sudden because she fell in love but it would never be the other way around. Or in this case she never was interested in all that...but suddenly has it all like the idea is being sold to us as women that we don’t really know what we want, it just takes the right man to make us “settle down” or “tame us” as some books put it. Bleh

[@AGDMD]

Oh my god I’m a young physician and I’m super grossed out at this unethical plot. Day 1 of medical training is like “don’t sleep with your patients!” lol. 😮 Thanks for the review!

[@AGDMD]

Also the math ain’t mathin’ for a 27 year old sports med fellow.

[@melleelizabeth2853]

​@AGDMD who also spent time in rehab?

[@taylorgayhart9497]

I love how critical of a reader you are, because that means you always have so many more thoughts to share, and they’re thoughtful and educated, and just sometimes snarky!! It honestly gives me so much joy to hear your giggle when you’re snarkly tearing into a book I love, it’s so fun for me!! Lol

[@Atherness]

Yes!! That's why I like her and ReadswithRachel. I'm a very surface level reader, when I'm reading a movie is happening in my head and I'm having no thoughts. I'm fine with this! BUT!! It's nice to hear from people who do think more critically and notice the things I don't notice (although I think even I'd have issues with this book)

[@RainE136]

I lost it at "everybody in this freaking book was muttering and murmuring all over the place."😂😂😂

[@tomdelongjohns]

god i wish i could fix employment nonsense by telling them i'm a cancer venus and a saggitarius rising 😔 edit: god the talk about puck bunnies threw me back into high school - i was (and still am) a DIEHARD hockey fan and back then, i was ostracized by the girls in my grade because i was weird for liking hockey, and treated like a puck bunny who didn't know her shit by the guys because girls only like sports because the players are sexy, they don't actually like the sport. i was incredibly defensive of it and apparently still am! i hate the "not like other girls" nonsense, but i also understand the need to fight against it to be seen as someone who knows what she's talking about. what a terrible and weird dichotomy that is. incredibly insightful and wonderful review as always, marines!

[@mynameismarines]

HONESTLY. If people would give me a pass because of my birth chart, I WOULD USE IT TOO. There is definitely a layer to this all about IRL hockey fans use of puck bunny to put down female hockey fans and how that's translated into these hockey romances in their pursuit of setting up the MC as the Not Like Other Girls ideal. It does leave female hockey fans with few places to go. Thank you for watching!

[@bj71000]

Sorry, but I can’t suspend my disbelief at every single player quitting their million dollar job for a doctor.

[@Imhrien]

The idea of a “Bunny” is such a dicey one in general. It’s like a weird three-way of male gaze pandering, “toxic femininity” and prepackaged internalized misogyny. I have yet to see anyone successfully turn the concept around in a romance story, where it is maybe, in fact, a great thing to feel hot, know what your tastes are and not be ashamed of going after them, and reveling in the fact that yes, sex with hot men can be great? Did I not just describe Rachel the female protagonist? 😂 I truly don’t see how her impassioned “not like other girl” speeches aren’t functionally the same as a puck bunny manifesto. Funnily enough there is and artist named Tanner Adell who just released a single called “buckle bunny” that is basically girl-bossifying the term haha

[@uzumaki3755]

Tanner is so much fun to listen to. Her buckle bunny song is a hoot.

[@jessicar2609]

The Score by Elle Kennedy does this a bit with the character Sabrina. Before the book, we know that she sleeps around exclusively with athletes and isn't ashamed of it. There are characters that talk down to her about it, but I don't remember her ever not owning that that was just what she liked to do.

[@rachael4408]

Oh my gosh I'm a huge Felicia Wennberg stan so I am really grateful you made this video

[@CozyReaderKelly]

I do not understand how people can be so angry about someone making money from their hobby. If I was a knitter and made a bunch of hats, scarves, etc and sold them on Etsy or at a craft fair, no one would ever make comments like that. People make money on hobbies all the time, so why should reviewing be a special hobby that shouldn't be monetized?

[@mynameismarines]

There are so many ways that people hold reading as a hobby separately from other hobbies and it is wild. I don't know where those ideas come from but I do know I've been on the receiving end of them!

[@emmal7510]

Sheesh. People need to realize that even a negative review can help sell a book. I have picked up books because of negative reviews. Not to hate read either. They just gave me information that the vague "five stars best book ever" reviews didn't.

[@Monicareads15]

I have never felt that you have ever been rude or mean/ anything else these people are saying! We love you content and the best thing about social media is that they don’t have to listen to it, please don’t let this effect you to much! We hope to see a lot more content from you with all your opinions! ❤

[@mynameismarines]

Thank you so much for the support! I've got a couple more videos I'm already working on, so August is turning out to be a good video month. ❤❤

[@kay_luh]

oh that excerpt of the "not like other girls" speech she did... i'm in tears, that was so embarrassing to read 😭

[@lawliet6910]

Critical analysis is an art. As a writer myself, I value thoughtful critical judgment that investigates how the work could do what it aspires to do better WAY more than praise that feels like empty calories. Keep doing what you do, please!

[@moustik31]

Im so glad, you read and reviewed that book for the rest of us bec. I'm curious but not THAT curious. 750+ of hockey pages is way outside my comfort zone. So, let me settle down and enjoy the ride! 🍿

[@moustik31]

Edit: the "ally" sticker took me out. I'm also side-eyeing the "right side of history" comment bec. wtf?!

[@palamedes4740]

"Nah nah you'll like it, we promise" with the hand movement 😂😂🤣🤣 Honestly how can you disagree after such a strong argument?

[@mynameismarines]

I swear to god that was the basis of their entire argument. I was like MARS. DO YOU NEED HELP BUDDY?

[@palamedes4740]

@@mynameismarines Blink twice 👀👀

[@elizabethnava2802]

as a double cancer imma start saying that anytime i call in to work

[@yapdog]

You're darned straight, no reader/reviewer is unbiased! I always say that no novel is complete until the reader reads it, adding their own parts--personal history, experiences, and opinions--to the story.

[@dardenmcdougal3837]

This is the first critical review I've seen of this book and I have to say thank you because I DNF'd and felt CRAZY because it seemed like everyone else loved it

[@arp711]

OMG this has to be the most inane romance plot I have ever heard. It was bad enough and then the DOUBLE CANCER thing shows up and I'm just like PUT ME IN THE COFFIN PLEASE

[@mynameismarines]

I was genuinely STUNNED during the double cancer speech. Astrology gets brought up a few times before, but always between the characters like ah ah ha you must be moody or whatever. When she tells the general manager she's a double cancer, my soul was sent into orbit.

[@arp711]

@@mynameismarines I'm waiting for the sequel when one of the guys is accused of unaliving someone and tells the cops "But I couldn't have done this, officers, I'm a pisces and I'm very loving!! That's why I have six romantic partners!"

[@ELoouise323]

I can’t believe I’m supposed to believe a whole MD said “maybe they shouldn’t let double Cancers go to medical school” to her BOSS

[@arp711]

@@ELoouise323 You'd think she'd have ended up in oncology. TRIPLE CANCER!!

[@moustik31]

​​@@arp711😂🤣 You guys are so snarky in the comment + answers. Marines and her audience are well-matched. 😁

[@BanjoJill]

This book was so Lifetime-y, I think what sent me was the hockey player finding his long lost doctor dad.

[@moustik31]

Absolutely! 😂

[@melleelizabeth2853]

The peak of lifetime is everyone also secretly being someone else

[@prettylilreader876]

Sidebar, your laugh is so contagious ❤

[@t.a.summers]

I'm planning on reading this myself, but Im all in for hearing what you have to say about it, lol. It's unfortunate that you're getting backlash for giving this a go even with a critical lens. I can't tell you how many books I critiqued over the years and actually had people want to pick up the book anyway. That's an angle many people don't realize because you are still talking about a book and engaging with it, which gives it attention in another way. I appreciate when you do critiques like this one that are invested and thorough.

[@mynameismarines]

I agree!! So many times a critical review will actually sell me on a book because we all have different tastes and thresholds for particular things. When you read it, I hope you find it a better experience than I did! ❤

[@jayyy903]

The way you talked about the repetitiveness of the relationship conversations was the EXACT reason why I DNF’d The Right Move. It was multiple paragraph long monologues of them talking to each other about the same things over and over.

[@mynameismarines]

I haven’t read this but sounds exactly like the kind of romance I should pass on lol 💛

[@fortunamajor7239]

ive been a casual follower of yours for a while and i feel like ppl STAY coming for you over the most benign shit ... good on you for not letting it crush your spirit bc ik all the bad faith actors gotta be exhausting to deal with over and over 😩

[@AzuraBelle]

It takes a strong person to have constructive and well thought out criticism like you provide. You’ve taught me a lot on books I enjoy and why as well as why I didn’t enjoy them without feeling judged for leaning one way or another.

[@WildeBookGarden]

ahaha as soon as you laughed through the word "meanwhile" I was like 🍿🍿🍿

[@rojenn922]

I support you being paid to read Pucking Around. You deserve double. I am glad I read it for free so I could dnf it without guilt. Thanks for all your posts.

[@WildeBookGarden]

I KNEW ABOUT THE ASTROLOGY THING FROM COMMENTS BUT WHEN YOU DESCRIBED IT I STILL LOST IT 😭

[@mynameismarines]

I feel like I will never ever be over the double cancer thing for the rest of my days.

[@yapdog]

You've been on of my top BookTubers since 2015, Mari. I don't always comment, but I'm always here enjoying your great content. Keep being you 🥰

[@mynameismarines]

Thank you! Always happy to see you around the comments.

[@BlueDub42]

As someone who had to spend way too much time searching for well-rounded critical reviews specifically, keep doing you. You are needed out here.

[@NateReadsDiversely]

Booktok reacting to you that way is absolutely wild to me and why I stay very far away from it. XD I've been a fan of yours since your City of Bones review. I have so much respect for you. Keep being great!

[@Bella-pb6uk]

I love that you said "and then I hit the 170-page mark and it all went downhill" about a 750-PAGE BOOK FKDNVJKFD

[@PistachioGold]

Your giggling in the first 15 minutes is so infectious that I laughed each time too. I watched a different video about the kraken hockey stuff, so I'm glad youtube showed me this today 😂 I had such a fun time, and I hope you wont have to deal with negativity in the future.

[@widgeons]

As someone that hasn’t read the book and is only familiar with all the drama surrounding the author, the synopsis had me floored. That is not at ALL what I thought the plot of this book was, like what is going onnnnn 😭

[@bookishcreature8907]

If I could afford things in dollars I would definitely support you girl, you are the best reviewer that I follow, and it’s so clear that you spend sooo much of your time not only reading, but thinking about the things that you read, and looking around to also know how the text is being received by other readers, and on top of that there’s the content production, I know it’s fun to you, but is also work, so thank youuu for blessing us with the excellent content 💙💙 even though you have to also put up with weird people on the internet disrespecting your work

[@immateriaIboy]

i'm so sorry you had to experience that

[@alison4dice]

You are strong, beautiful, & put thought & detail into your content. Never apologize for these qualities. ❤

[@tiredcerulean]

^^

[@Vickynger]

like, those ppl calling you negative ABSOLUTELY also watch take downs of books they themselves hate! they just didnt like you did it to a book they love lmao you can tell that theyre not these perfect zen masters of positivity and peace who just ignore the things they dislike and focus on the things they love instead bc theyre the ones who go and bother creators for having opinions they disagree with! anyway, i do appreciate your content bc whenever i hear you talk about books i feel like you actually know what youre talking about and have interesting things to say about the books in question. to me theres no merit in listening to someone say "yeah it was a good book! really reccommend! next. yeah so this one wasnt really my taste but maybe youll like it. check it out!" ad nauseum. i know that when i click on one of your videos ill hear something i havent personally thought about yet and for that im a grateful subscriber :)

[@themusicsnob]

Joining your patreon to thank you for the public service you have done for romance readers who were curious about this book and not ready to invest 750 pages of time 😅

[@yapdog]

I'm a 3rd of the way though listening to this video, and I find myself grateful. Baring my soul a bit, I used to feel... down about not getting readers _(I've tried, but people aren't even willing to read blurb)._ But the more I've leaned about these social media dramas, the more grateful I have become for my obscurity. I'll keep writing and publishing my series as a personal hobby. Would I like to be read? *_Certainly!_* But I've become too attached to my no-drama lifestyle.

[@TuesdaysArt]

What are your books/fics about?

[@yapdog]

@@TuesdaysArt Here's my novel's logline: _Jesse Davenport, private detective, goes through hell as he tries to solve a copycat case of his daughter's murder. But can this be murder if the victim was an android?_ The title is *_"Loophole of the Gods"_*

[@misskindly4580]

I'm just loving the makeup and the matching outfit today. And thanks for talking my through book a book that I'm not just gonna pick up.

[@dree1801]

During the plot recap, when you started talking about double cancer, I got HELLA confused because I wasn't reading the text on the screen. I thought the protagonist had cancer, I backtracked and read that paragraph in the video (after many puzzled attempts to comprehend what you were saying) AND SOMEHOW THE WRITER MANAGED TO MAKE IT ABOUT ASTROLOGY ALL OF A SUDDEN! AND THE FACT THAT I ONLY REALISED IT WAS ABOUT ASTROLOGY BECAUSE OF THE CAPITALISED 'C' IN CANCER-

[@angryotter9129]

You’re wonderful and amazing and deserve to get paid and those people criticizing you for a ko-fi fund are so out of touch with reality their opinions bear no weight.

[@MsJaytee1975]

Earlier this week I read a book about black British history from Roman times to the 21st century and it was shorter than this book, so was the one I read today about the Trojan War. I remember a twitter thread from a couple of years ago about how they should do a version of Grey’s Anatomy from the perspective of HR, I want this book from the perspective of any mature adult. From your description there were several times I was like, wait, what? How were they all not fired? And as someone who regularly watches another team sport, nothing stays secret, because everybody knows who the players are. I don’t believe for a second that main character was respected by any man she wasn’t sleeping with. She sounds like a silly girl. Some men like it, but no-one respects it. And I don’t believe she was respected by any woman, anywhere ever, although I suspect she’d be fine with that.

[@ELoouise323]

It should be from the perspective of the general manager when the team doctor used the fact that she’s a double Cancer to say maybe she shouldn’t be a doctor!!

[@Hey-ry3re]

Hearing you describe this I think this story would be more successful as a manga, the reverse harem, the slapstick, the ridiculousness of it all (endearing), definitely would work in a visual medium

[@somestuff3912]

Just wanted to say that your laughs are adorable ❤

[@hostofwords]

your incredulous giggle fits at the wildness you read is so fun!

[@maryanne1830]

I had to 2xspeed the plot summary because i cant deal with this. I know romance isnt for me but omg this is wild.

[@emmacozby]

As someone who works in HR for a professional hockey team it felt like an absolute nightmare beginning to end. Separately, I cannot suspend reality for these kinds of hockey lit/hockey romance books. Couldn’t do it for Icebreakers and couldn’t do it for this one. Also, under literally zero circumstances would she keep her job. She’s a DOCTOR, she will find another job. I hate how these books just use very basic/common hockey terminology and beat it to death. Again, I have zero ability to suspend reality with these novels. I am too close to what is and has been my reality for decades. These books often read as people who like the idea of hockey and hockey players without doing any research into how important pieces of the journey work. I’m sure people feel the same way in other types of novels with their interests or professions.

[@idawilcox5275]

This is a very a sticky subject. I am sooo sorry that you went and are going through this. 1. You can't please everybody. 2. Go ahead and make your money. You put in all the work and you are worth it. 3. Block+Delete=Peace. All those negative nancy's in your DMs. No need to continue to deal with negative people. When people do a review of a book I love I completely understand they may not have the same view as mines and thats fine. That's what makes the reading community so much. Hearing the different views on a book. Continue to do you and try PLEASE try not to let the negatives get to you.

[@shelbybryson]

i just found you a week ago when i was desperately searching for someone who DIDNT think fourth wing was heaven sent soo i’m here for any and all hate train content💀

[@reFRESHhe]

Thanks for reviewing, I saw it on goodreads but didn’t know it was 750 pages 💀 also just a note that Rachel isn’t a medical doctor/physician, she’s a physical therapist and most likely has a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree which takes about 3 years!

[@mynameismarines]

She's an MD! It's specified in the book that she's an MD but also a licensed physical therapist.

[@BookChats]

​@@mynameismarineswait... How. That's SEVEN YEARS of professional school. Are we sure she wasn't an MD and a Personal Trainer??? Edit to say I meant Athletic Trainer. Maybe she did her undergrad in athletic trainer and then went to med school

[@joylynn0620]

😆😁🤣 I read an enjoyed Pucking Around. It was a guilty pleasure. I like how you couldn't recap the end of the book without laughing. It was ridiculous. I was rolling my eyes heavily right around that part. I read it randomly in April because I was in the mood for a spicy romance and I was watching the hockey playoffs. I have liked and watched hockey for years. Well before the current fascination with hockey romances. I think I'm more forgiving of contemporary romances than romantasy. I couldn't get through Zodiac Academy. DNF'd after 100 pages or so. But Fantasy/Scifi is my favorite genre so I'm more critical.

[@moustik31]

I get it! It has a lot of good stuff, according to Marines' review: celebrity culture, tragic childhood, polyamory, etc.

[@Flareontoast]

I really enjoy your manner of speaking and critical view, hello new subscription :D (not finished with the actual video yet) as someone who consumes tiktoks through other media, I'm always very interested in the different communities. The kind of booktok videos I get on Instagram are very similar, mostly ideas for books or "imagine a book where...", "The main character*insert plot line here*" and stock images with music. Also , people who talk about books on KZbin - books that are widely loved by tiktokers - these books do really always have a lot in common. Most beloved booktok books are one of a few select genres of novels, written mostly in first person - which is very reminiscent of fanfiction and earlier 2000s YA (Twilight, hunger games come to mind) There's definitely a strong bias towards a type of content. I look forward to listening to the review part of the book after work today!!

[@diamonddestiny704]

Thank you so much for giving me a summary of this story. Goddamn, this should be tagged as fantasy.

[@glitchmon97]

i've been watching your videos for years now and i really appreciate the reviews you put out, i don't think there is nothing wrong about being critical of books and that we should all be open to hear out others opinions and critics - it's such a shame people spread negativity because their feelings get easily hurt

[@julibaro575]

I love your channel and your critical approach to media. I usually don't read the books you talk about, but I watch every video anyways because I want to hear your insights. If I was able to, I would definitely contribute finnancially for you to make more snarky reviews ✨

[@mynameismarines]

I know not everyone can!! Watching, commenting, and your kind words also mean the world ❤️❤️

[@millennialscribbles]

It is so wild to me that you continue to receive those kinds of comments and questions. You do so much of this for the enjoyment of it and you also deserve to receive financial compensation that people want to give!!

[@almadejesus199]

You put so much time into your reviews, they are educational, funny, and entertaining. You definitely deserve to get paid. I’ve seen people get paid for doing the bare minimum. I’ll support because I absolutely adore your content 😊

[@Chelsea2023K]

I’ve not watched the video yet but personally I love the way you review books. Even when I’ve loved a book and you haven’t the way you break it down and explain things is just brilliant to me. Plus I think it is important to point out harmful issues in books. I don’t see a problem with you being paid to read this book. I think reviewers deserve to be paid for their labour. I’m excited to see your review. My personal issue is when creators are paid to read a book to give it a negative review. I don’t mean on Patreon but on KZbin and TikTok when the creator hated the first book but decides to read the sequel or trilogy knowing they will hate it. That just feels kind of icky to me personally even when I hated the book too. That said I would never attack that creator just because I don’t agree with them. I’ve had people insult me for my 1 star Goodreads reviews and had authors comment on them and it’s uncomfortable. Authors and fans of an author need to stay away from reviews/reviewers. Also it should be a crime for a romance book to be this long. That’s the real issue here.

[@exlibrisa]

The amount of times you said "double cancer" in there during your summary had me in STITCHES.

[@shilo6914]

I have audio on mine thankfully! Came at a perfect time, lunch break!

[@Blindfold-Me]

Tbh as someone new to your channel and never got a negative vibe from your channel. If anything you have a classy-college professor with a sense of humor vibe. Frankly I love your channel lol.

[@eva.00101]

You are my favorite reviewer! I love the way you express yourself and talk about books. ❤

[@Winterknits]

I love this commentary, Thank you for all you share!

[@iskraiskra_9007]

the way my face kept falling more and more as you explained the plot lmao

[@MegaChadAnakin]

why do almost all the badly written books always have ride or die fans 🤔

[@thatgirlconnor]

Your content, you well researched and worded reviews inspired me to make videos about book. Appreciate you thoughts and videos and I’m sorry that other people refuse to be kind

[@vicenterosa25]

"""funny""" how you and withcindy get a lot of comments saying you're too harsh/negative on your reviews, and I don't see the for sarawithoutanh, for example. hm, why do you think that is? 🤨 /s seriously, you are so thoughtful and insightful with your reviews, and never trash talk people who don't deserve it. sometimes the hate can absolutely get to us, but know that the majority of your audience loves your videos and supports you ❤❤❤

[@mynameismarines]

😬😬😬 I can say something in the nicest way possible with a big ole smile on my face and people will still talk about “aggressive,” “negative” and all those microaggressions.

[@erica_alexa]

I am so happy to have found you as a reviewer!! So real!!❤❤❤

[@lisajenny9]

The double Cancer part is sooooo funny!!!!

[@taylorgayhart9497]

I’m really fucking sick of people being so dramatic about negative reviews of media. Unless you’re speaking negatively about a human being, then you’re not doing anything wrong. These people just can not watch the content.

[@ultimategleelover1]

I cannot adequately explain the way I screamed when you said they gave her her job back because she's a double cancer. Just great writing.

[@AzuraBelle]

Also I knew this was a hockey romance but the plot is insane 😂

[@MsKnowItAll26]

I appreciate your frank and honest opinions over false positivity any day! You put such thought and attention into what you read and I enjoy listening to what your critiques are. People turn critical thinking into such a negative thing nowadays. But it’s an important part of the literature space and always has been.

[@Merdragoon]

I will say that whole discorse for the coffee situation reminds me how a lot of people of the Commentary community used to absolutely HATE Patreon when it was first being used as they didn't understand the concept of being a patron. It was also a big deal on how people viewed it in the Makeup Guru community. I know you don't have a paywall with yours but reviwers are allowed to have to have "patrons" in a way. Professional Reviwers are also paid to review things in most cases. Also Reviews are for the reader, not the aurthor. And those people telling you that it seems unfair seems odd because again, the author shouldn't care if you give it a 1 star to 5 star. And that point stands as you said, Emily Rath even said that they shouldn't be defending her honor in that way because it's a review. I'm honestly glad that she clarified and made sure you were okay. Reviews will always be subjective to the person reading it. It's not going to be for everyone. So for you to doing the coffee thing was kinda cute and kept your sanity as it gave you reason to speak your mind about it. The chaos though. Some of the comments about the patreon of all things reminded me of those weird early days of the patreon existing and kinda found it funny how it cycled back around just only on TikTok instead of KZbin.

[@cereal4768]

this book sounds absolutely wild. unrelated to the review- I always find watching your videos a pick me up because your smile and laugh are contagious! calling you negative is absolutely false

[@TheNovelSanctuary]

What is this synopsis!!!!! lmaoooo

[@indubitablyzara]

I watched this while washing a baking sheet and making pizza for dinner, and it was highly entertaining. I'm often not that interested in watching reviews of super popular books/booktok books (romance particularly because it's not something I read much), but I always enjoy yours. I think partly because you take the books seriously both in their potential to be better than you expected and in their potential to be much worse 😆

[@tinydragongirl]

Hi, hope you see this, Marines, so many days after the vid was posted. I think you have the honor of my first KZbin comment. I just really felt obligated to say that I am HAPPY to know that others pay you for your content and allow me to benefit as a casual consumer here. You do not have to entertain us for free, which is what anyone griping about paying you is expecting. As for your tone and content, you are so reasonable. I ended up floating around in booktube because I had read a book that I found infuriatingly flawed after hearing glowing reviews, and I felt like I just had to know there were other people who saw what I saw. So I went down a rabbit hole watching people talk about the book(s), and it was hilarious, but I found you during that time and was impressed by your ability to straddle the line where you find the humor in things and also still make serious and very pertinent points. I miss the discourse from my school days in the arts. People who haven't had their art dissected don't necessarily get that it is okay not to like things, okay to discuss where things succeed and fail. It is part of understanding art. I wouldn't approach an artist at a show and tell them I think they screwed up, but I will certainly discuss what I think with a friend who saw it because why wouldn't I? Understanding art is what brings some of us joy. Art is also a way our culture is recorded and understood by us and by those who come after us. There is a whole range where we all can find our favorite place, but mine is near yours. I like to think critically about what I put into my head, even if I know some of it is silly. Thank you for giving us your thoughts and honesty. If you tell me a book is good, I don't think I'd have to worry about whether it will feel like a waste of time to read it. Maybe you'll prevent me from having thrown my money at an author or reviewer who promised me the moon but gave me a big round of cheese instead. Keep it real!

[@halochromatium4485]

I absolutely love your critical reviews. They are always very clear, well articulated and you always back up your opinions. Also, I love your earrings, they are so cool

[@elskabee]

so off topic, but your earrings are SO pretty

[@mynameismarines]

Thank you!! 🌻🌻

[@nooralhayaassif4837]

I really love ur content cause you truly read the book and talk anout. Usually people let things slide in books cause of the romance but u always bring it up. I ususally get fed up of normal romance books and hearing ur review on it makes it better cause its not just me. I love ur recmomendations and i just wanted to say that u should continue with ur content no matter what the haters say