I have seen it done in reccommendations once in a blue moon, I think, although I can't think of any specific examples. I think of it as something I've seen on a few LJs in posts directed at the writer's friendslist, not at more specifically dedicated recc journals or websites. And, yes, it is generally set out somewhat in the style of that kind of newspaper review, or at least a more informal version of the same. And, as I say, I can't remember any specific examples, so possibly I've only seen it once or twice and am half-consciously broadening the trend in my memory.

I've never seen it done in concrit directed to the author, however.