About The Proficient Reviewer

About Me

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

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. 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 putting together chapter-by-chapter summaries. That way, when I need a refresher, I can go back to those instead of starting the whole book from page one.

If you’re the kind of reader who falls in love with a book but forgets the details the next day, or you’re short on time and just want a recap before the next installment, this blog is for you.

I also started this blog to get back into writing. I’ve spent several years working as a copyeditor and proofreader, but my career actually began as a content writer. The Proficient Reviewer feels like the perfect way to bring together my love of reading with my writing and editing skills. In a way, it feels like coming full circle.

What You’ll Find in This Blog

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

If any of those genres sound like your thing and you’re looking for book summaries, you’re definitely in the right place!

As for my book reviews, they’re unapologetically personal—sorry, no deep literary analysis here. I’m all about the love, the sass, and the vibes. And when it comes to romance, give me the swoons, the steam, and the slow burns.

What really makes a book for me? A heroine who’s totally badass, a hero who nails the book boyfriend fantasy, and a story that hits me right in the feels.

Let’s Chat!

I’d love to hear from you. Got a book recommendation? Want to share your thoughts on a recent read? Need a specific book summarized? Or maybe you’re interested in collaborating or looking for a copyeditor or proofreader.

You can reach me anytime through my Contact Page or by email at info@theproficientreviewer.com.