About The Proficient Reviewer

About Me

Hey there, welcome to The Proficient Reviewer! I’m Francine, but honestly, I’ve always wanted to be called Fran (yes, like The Nanny). It never caught on, though.

One thing that has stuck with me is my love of reading. I’ve been a bookworm forever! I have such fond memories of devouring Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, and Sweet Valley books when I was younger.

However, life, as it does, has thrown me some curveballs lately. Sadly, that’s meant I haven’t been able to read as much as I used to. In fact, I only managed twenty-four books in 2024, the fewest since I started tracking them on Goodreads back in 2013. And to make matters worse, eighteen of those were rereads!

Why I Started The Proficient Reviewer

This blog is more than just a creative outlet. It’s my way of breaking the cycle of rereading entire books or series installments just to remember what happened. I’ve missed out on so many exciting new releases, and I want to finally catch up.

To help me (and maybe you!) stay on top of things, I’m summarizing book chapters. That way, when I feel like I need a refresher, I can go over my summaries instead of starting from page one.

If you’re the kind of reader who falls in love with a book but forgets everything about it the next day, or you’re short on time and only want a quick reminder before reading the next book in a series, this blog is for you.

I also started this blog to get back into writing. I’ve spent the last five years as an editor and proofreader, but I actually started my career as a content writer fifteen years ago. The Proficient Reviewer feels like the perfect way to combine my love of reading with my writing and editing skills. It’s like coming full circle!

What You’ll Find in This Blog

So, what kind of books will you find here? Mostly romance! I love everything from paranormal romance and fantasy romance to historical romance and romantic suspense. I also enjoy a good crime or mystery book, though I usually get my true crime fix from documentaries these days.

If any of those genres sound good to you and you’re looking for chapter-by-chapter summaries, you’re definitely in the right place!

My reviews are unapologetically personal—no deep literary analysis here. I’m all about the love, the sass, and the vibes. And when it comes to romance, I want all the swoons, the steam, and the slow burns.

What really makes a book for me? A heroine who’s totally badass, a hero who fits my book boyfriend fantasy, and a story that gives me all the feels.

Let’s Chat!

I’d love to hear from you! Got a book recommendation? Thoughts on a recent read? Interested in collaborating or looking for an editor or proofreader?

Connect with me through my Contact Page or email me at work@theproficientreviewer.com. I can’t wait to hear from you!