About me and my review policies
Welcome to my blog. My name is Laura, I live in the southern US and I love to read books. Ever since I could first read, I’ve never lost my love for the written word and have read thousands of books.
When I’m not reading, I like to watch movies, play with my dog, and laze around the pool. You can often find me at my outdoor office pictured above.
I have to be careful when reading by the pool. I get so into the story I’m reading I end up sunburned with raccoon eyes from my sunglasses. LOL
I’ve been told I have a warped sense of humor and the extraordinary ability to tune everything out when reading a good book or watching a good movie.
I love reviewing books almost as much as reading them. My interest is Horror, PNR, dystopian, thriller/suspense, some romantic suspense, fantasy/YA and science fiction. If a book interests me, I will try most any genre.
I also review children’s books but prefer them as print copies. Especially if they are picture books.
I like print books for review but I do have a kindle that I use so I will sometimes do ebooks. I’m flexible. To contact me about reviews please use this email fuonlyknew@gmail.com
When I do my review I usually write my own synopsis. Very rarely do I use descriptions provided by book flaps, Goodreads, or Amazon. I like to introduce you to the story in my own words.
Contact me at fuonlyknew@gmail.com for review requests.
I use the 5 Star rating, sometimes wish I could give more!
1 STAR: Would not recommend it.
2 STAR: Finished it but needs work.
3 STAR: Liked it and would recommend it.
4 STAR: Really liked it. Would highly recommend it.
5 STAR: Loved it! Couldn’t get enough. Still thinking about it. Want more now!
I work a full time day job so I usually require 6 to 8 weeks to read and review. Sometimes I can get to it sooner.
I’m not a professional and my reviews are free and honest.
You can go HERE to view some of my reviews.
If you would like me to review your book, please submit the following information with your request at fuonlyknew@gmail.com.
Title and genre.
Blurb or synopsis with links.
Whether the review copy is e-book or print.
Let me know about upcoming promotions so I may coincide my review with those dates. If I can’t do my review by that date I may be able to help with the promotional event.
Please specify if you would like to do a giveaway and/or guest post along with the review.
All of this makes it easier for me to decide if your book meets my criteria.
You can view some of my reviews HERE.
Editing and Beta Reading Services
I do some beta reading and editing, mostly for plot holes and grammatical errors. If you need another set of eyes to read your book, please contact me at the email address available above.
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I am an Amazon Affiliate. I receive a small compensation for books purchased from my links.
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Thanks so much,
Laura
Hi, Laura!
Nice looking blog. Welcome to the blogging world.
Thanks Charles. Going to get together with my bro-in-law and really have fun with this. He works in television and can’t wait to get his hands on this and my facebook! Says they will be TOO COOL! He is like a big kid.
Hey you did get it up! Looks Great!
Just changed the look a few minutes ago. Thanks so much for stopping by. Lots to do yet but getting there.
Laura
I’m new at twitter (or maybe slower to do it right!) but I like your blog, and so appreciate your tender post about dear Lassie. I do so understand the loss, and I’m sorry. I’m traveling right now, promoting the latest book, and I miss my Sudsie doodle too much.
Your site looks very smart.and contemporary. Your reviews are kindly. What genres to you prefer to review or are you open.
Thanks,
Thank you for your kind words. I still catch my breath when I think I hear her toenails clicking in the tile floor.
I like the look of my blog now. Want to keep it simple with afew personal blogs but mostly reviews. I like sci-fi, paranormal/romance, comedy, historical, ……to name a few. I like to laugh, cry, cringe, and thrill while reading so I really just love all books.
Hello Laura,
Your site is very nice, clean and simple, I like it…
D.Stilwell
Thank you Donald. That is what I was going for. A few personal blogs but mainly to be used for reviewing.
Your site looks great!
So sorry to hear about Lassie. Don’t know if this will help, but when I sense the presence of a loved one, I tend to honor that feeling.
Yo Laura. Nice blog you have here.
Quick tip: Go Dashboard > Settings > General > Tagline and you can edit that ‘Just another WordPress…’ bit at the top.
You are using tags, which is good, but you should make use of categories as well. It helps with search engines and acts as a kind of filing system for people who read your blog. You can make the categories a clickable list as a widget.
Hi Laura, your blog looks great.
Do you allow authors to propose their work to you for review?
Best wishes,
Pete
Hello Pete. Yes I do. I can not always except, but try to accommodate as much as possible. i am going to be launching a new theme soon and each week will be daily reviews of certain genres, series and childrens books. Doing plenty of reading:)
Hi Laura,
I’m interested in giving you details of my novel, WINGS, which will be released in May. Can you let me know how to do that?
Congrats. Blog looks great. I’d love to see my book featured here. It’s a book about a dysfunctional family with one of the worst mother’s you can imagine. You can get a free read to review copy by signing up at goodreads for it here: Just let me know what file format. http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/764644-17-rose-s-will-by-denise-desio
I’m particularly interested in reviews by male readers, so if any of your followers enjoy intelligent drama, feel free to sign up too.
Much thanks,
Denise
Hello Denise. I left a comment at the Goodreads link. I love a story with a juicy villian, especially a woman!
Thanks for the likes. I would love it if you could read one of my books on Amazon. I can send you a free copy, just email me at Luis_Vera05@yahoo.com
Hi Laura,
Welcome to the chaotic world of blogging! I think I have a little too much fun with mine at times. :0) I’ve always loved reading and I enjoy almost every genre. The only one I really have a hard time getting fully into is sci-fi. Love it on the big screen, but have a hard time getting into the actual written stories.
Tiffany
Thanks for stopping by Tiffany. I have only been at this for a short time but I have found a mentor:) My brother-in-law produces TV shows and he said to bring my computer over to his place and spend a day or so there tweking it and learning all the tricks. Can’t wait to add buttons and pictures and all the important things. Know what you mean about sci-fi. The movies are easier. Just reviewed a long book for a review group and fell in love with it. I think you have to go into it almost unfocused and let the book teach you.
Laura
Great blog! Love your content.
Thanks so much. I am about to post a slew of reviews. Been working long hours and my hands are so sore afterwards that after clearing emails I am just ready to take a break. Hopefully I will soon be caught up and can review some books I have on my TBR list!! Thanks for visiting:)
Hey Laura, aka mysterious patron of FUOnlyKnew:
Twist Literary is reaching out to a select group of YA bloggers to review our debut series, ALIBI. FUOnlyKnew caught our eye because well…we like your blog but can’t figure out exactly who you are (guessing this is by design). If your interest is at all piqued, let me know!
Alex
Twist Literary
http://www.twistliterary.com
I have updated my page, if you would like to check it out. If you are still interested in having me do a review, please feel free to contact me.
Laura
Hey Laura – how do I contact you for a review? Thanks
Hi Laura, I’d love to send you my paranormal suspense novel A HUMAN ELEMENT. It is mystery and murder with a dash of steam and horror. I couldn’t locate how to contact you on your blog (probably my oversight!) but feel free to PM me through GoodReads here with your contact details to mail the paperback to, if interested:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5767306.Donna_Galanti
Thanks so much!
Donna Galanti
http://www.donnagalanti.com
Hi Donna. Left you a message on Goodreads. Would love to read your book. My internet is down until the 30th so my email will be checked periodically while I am sitting outside the library. My address is
Laura Thomas
8990 Co. Rd. 34
Fairhope, Al 36532
Will be watching the mailman for your book. The Human Element sounds great and I am honored to read and review for you:) Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend.
Super cool review site you have here, Laura. Cheers!
As the KING would say, “Thank you very much.”
How would you prefer to be contacted regarding possible interviews? Alsol do you post your reviews anywhere else? (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads)
Hi Bryce. You can contact me at laurathomas61@att.net
I do reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and on my other blog. Trying to start posting more on Shelfari and sometimes on B&N.
If you would like me to do a review or interview you can contact me at laurathomas61@att.net. I am busy with some fun stuff going on right now so it may be a while before I could get to it. If you could provide a cover image, links to your book, I would be happy to take a look.
Hey there I would love for you to review my books but they are Paranormal Romance, adult themed… but NO erotica about vampires, angels, history and humor. I’m a sappy romantic at heart… yeah… no one writes like that anymore, but I like it. However, I like your blog and will look forward to reading you when you post every day! Take care. Sincerely, Emily Guido
Hi Emily. I would love to review your novels. Blood Lust Rising is next up for review and it is really steamy. First one like that I’ve read in a long time. I have been checking out your Light Bearer book. I read and review all genres and I like Paranormal Romance books. If you would like me to review your novel or novels, please contact me at laurathomas61@att.net . I also like to do interviews and giveaways if that interests you.
Thanks so much,
Laura
Love your site. I visited you on the advice of a very good friend of mine, Roberta J. Gordon. I’m very glad I followed her suggestion. I’m now one of your followers and am sure I’m going to love your posts. I’m also now following you on twitter.
If you ever decide you want to review a contemporary romance, let me know.
Hi Janna. Just found this in my email. Don’t know how I missed it. Sorry. I would be interested in reviewing a contemporary romance. I like most genres and always try different ones. I like my blog to have a variety for everyone to enjoy. You can contact me at laurathomas61@att.net to talk more.
Have a great week,
Laura
Just discovered your blog. Nice job! If you would ever like to review some of the things I write, I’d be happy to send them! http://www.ronaldherron.com
Hi Laura, I’ve just come across your cracking blog via Goodreads. I wonder if you would be interested in reviewing a YA Dark Fantasy / Coming of Age novel. It’s called Dreamcatchers – After Darkness Light and is about five schoolfriends embroiled in an apocalyptic feud between two Mayan brothers. Think Super 8 crossed with Apocalypto. It would be great to know what you think….
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Tom Sarega
Hi Tom. I am interested in reviewing your book. The thing is, it would be several weeks before I could do it. Have many reviews, interviews, and giveaways to wrap-up first. If it can wait til then, just let me know if you are still wanting a review.
Thanks so much,
Laura
Laura your site is awesome! It has a magical feel to it- I love it! Happy September! Michele 🙂
I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Follow the link to see the rules for accepting the nomination. http://katherinegivens1.wordpress.com/
Hey there Laura, I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
Please see the link below if you wish to accept!
http://eyesforgaia.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
xxTina
Thanks so much Tina! I’ll be by to check it out. I’ love awards and love giving them too!
There’s an award waiting for you on my blog 🙂
Oh No!! I’ll be over to see you. Thanks so much Ella!
Great looking blog, Laura. (and I love the name) Very comfortable vibe, lots of great posts, my kinda books – I’ll be back!
Cheers,
Christian Schoon
Your site is amazing! I can only gaze in wonder at this pimped out blog! Nice work and look forward to reading more!
Hey Laura
Charmeine the new edition is being offered free on Smashwords on Friday, April 19, 2013!
I’m excited as heck because this is the first time that the new edition will be out and World Literary Cafe is Sponsoring it!!! Yeah!
May I ask for a HUGE favor? I was wondering if I could appear on your blog, or if I can get mentioned on your Facebook page that day or Google Plus me that day!
If you want, I can send you a packet of info about Charmeine along with the Smashwords code that will be usable on April 19, 2013!
Let me know and if you can that’s WONDERFUL if not, I totally understand!
Thanks and lots of love, Emily
I’m so happy for you!! Smash words and World Literary Cafe. I’m a member of both and so excited! Charmeine is shining bright.
I’d love to have you on my blog.
Go ahead and send me the packet and code and I’ll start tweaking my post for the 19th.
Thanks so much for asking Emily. If it’s in my power, I’ll always help in any way I can.
Love ya girl!
Laura
Hi! I nominated you for the Vampire Lover Award!
http://elisabethwheatley.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/vampire-lover-blog-award/
Hi Laura, I’ve nominated you for the Shine On Award:
http://sunmountainreviews.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/nomination-for-the-shine-on-award/
I enjoy following your blog 🙂
Message: Review Request “20 Degrees from Normal”
Dear Laura Thomas61,
I’m writing on behalf of Anissa and Antonio Ferris, authors of the upcoming “20 Degrees from Normal”, which is a humorous picture book.
I saw that you reviewed Kids book: Goodnight Moon, so I thought you’d enjoy a free copy of “20 Degrees”.
It would mean the world to us if you could join our launch team and leave a review on launch day on June 23.
Please download your free review copy now at https://authorremake.com/20_degrees_launch/.
Not only will you get an advanced review copy, you’ll get some unique “extras” too.
In appreciation for your support for humorous storytellers,
Glenda.
Hi Glenda. My internet is down and only have limited access. I downloaded the book but can’t open it. Any way you can send me a file I can load to my Kindle?
By hook or by crook I’ll be the last in this book! lol Well, for a short while anyway! I HAD to comment on that new shark photo! It’s bloody amazing!! That couple don’t even look like they’ve realised!!!??? I wonder if it’s real? Certainly looks it!
The two people are my mom and my sister. They really were para sailing. My sister’s husband made the photo. Of course, he added that shark. LOL He’s really good at the stuff. My sister is also a great photographer.
That last picture with the shark made me laugh out loud!