the trust policy
or: why no one can buy their way into my library
every book on this site is here for exactly one reason: i read it, and it earned its place. that's the whole model. so before any brand deals, affiliate links, or sponsor spots enter the picture, here's the wall - in writing - between money and my verdicts.
what money can never buy here
- a spot in the library
- a spice rating (the chilis are earned, not sold)
- a review score or a kinder verdict
- a ranking on any "best of" or guide page
- a mention in the weekly obsession
- a place in any future awards or year-end lists
no exceptions. not for publishers, not for authors, not for brands, not for friends. if a verdict can be bought, it's worthless - and then this whole site is worthless. so it can't.
what sponsors can buy
- the clearly-labeled sponsor spot on the homepage
- clearly-labeled sponsorship slots in the newsletter
- clearly-marked sponsored posts (rare, picky, always disclosed)
sponsors get my audience's attention, never my opinion. you'll always know when something is sponsored, because it will say so - plainly, not in tiny gray font at the bottom.
about the affiliate links
some links on this site are affiliate links, which means i may earn a small commission if you buy through them (at no extra cost to you). here's what that does and doesn't mean:
it means: you're helping keep this site running, and i adore you for it.
it doesn't mean: a book got recommended because of the link. i'd recommend the exact same books if every link paid me nothing. commission has never moved a chili and never will.
full details live in the affiliate disclosure.
about free books & ARCs
sometimes publishers or authors send me advance or free copies. when that happens:
- i'll always tell you
- a free copy never guarantees a review
- a free copy definitely never guarantees a good review
i've DNF'd books people sent me for free. i'll do it again.
about authors
i love this community and i'm friendly with authors. friendly does not mean placement. if a book by someone i know lands in the library, it's because the book earned it - and if i can't be impartial about something, i'll either disclose it or sit it out.
if i change my mind
taste is a living thing. if a re-read changes my verdict, i'll update the review and say so. you'll never catch a quietly edited rating here - changes get acknowledged.
the short version
sponsor the space. never the verdict.
questions about any of this? send me a note - i reply within 1-2 business days, usually mid-chapter.