Review Group discussion

The review group is the most successful group for peer reviews on goodreads. It hosts non-reciprocal reading/review rounds of ten authors with a variety of themes and genres, as well as ‘general’ rounds where any book is permitted, from non-fiction, to horror. When a round has ‘now forming’ in the title, there are places available, you can sign up. If it doesn’t, it’s full – look for another round.
The new amazon rules state that authors/publishers are no longer allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on amazon. To comply with this new rule, we no longer insist members review on amazon. However, we are all in the same situation, we want reviews.
When sorting out groups, I prioritise those members who have fully participated in previous groups and don’t have multiple review connections with the other participants.

This is an 18+ round
Fiction books only. May (but don't have to) contain material only suitable for adults including graphic violence and sexual scenes. All participants need to be comfortable with reviewing such material.

If you are only willing to review your own preferred genre, make sure you join a genre round. Allocation is entirely random and there will NOT be any rearranging of the listing to accommodate personal preference. The ONLY circumstance in which you may duck out of giving a review is if YOU provide a stand-in reviewer.
Let’s be honest here – we don’t all like the same things but we all want reviews. The only way this group can function is if we trust each other to behave honourably. And it IS perfectly possible to give a fair-minded review of a text that does not coincide with our normal choice of reading matter. If you need a few hints/tips, please see this thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Now for the boring stuff, but please read it, it saves a lot of time if everyone is on the same wavelength.
Before signing up below with your goodreads author and goodreads book link in the thread below, please ensure that:
1. You have enough time to read and review 4 books within the time allowed.

2. Your book is currently available for sale on amazon (not pre-order) and it complies with the individual round theme, if there is one.

3. Your book is fit to be reviewed. If it is not, due to editing or other issues, you risk poor reviews. This is your problem, not that of the reviewers or the groups. For a small fee, the group admin will look at the first few pages of your book to advise. The number one error new authors make is not having their book beta read and edited, by non-family members.

4. You can submit reviews to goodreads, amazon.com and amazon.uk. Amazon has recently changed their criteria for reviewers to allow only those people who have spent $50 on amazon. If you are unsure about your amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up.

5. You can provide (and accept) at least PDF files. Many authors can also provide mobi and epub files. You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review. Some authors borrow books via KU and others provide smashwords coupons. This is their choice. International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. It is up to individuals what disclaimers they place in a review concerning receiving a book in exchange for a review. Note: reviews that state you received a copy ‘IN RETURN’ for a review will probably be removed/not allowed by amazon.com. ‘I received a free copy from the author without an obligation to review’ would be more acceptable if you feel the need to add a disclaimer.

7. You have completed your reading if you are currently in another review round in this group. You can be involved in the ‘one for one’ list whilst you are in a round.

8. You have an author profile set up before you join.

9. Your goodreads profile allows people to message you, i.e. your profile is not set to private.

10. You declare any relationship you have with another member in the round. Amazon will not allow reviews from the same household on the same book or if you are an editor, relative or close friend of another member.

11. You agree that your reviews will be unbiased and honest, whatever the star rating, and you will try to avoid ‘spoilers’. i.e. giving away the finale of a book.

12. You will not ask a fellow author to change a review of your book because you don’t agree with it. If you think you have a legitimate concern, talk to the mod of your round, NOT the other author. Personal attacks, or pressurising other members WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in you being blacklisted.

13. The new amazon.com review guidelines do not allow for free books to be supplied in return for reviews. Therefore, you are not obliged to review on amazon, just on goodreads. We all want reviews, its why we joined the group. It is bad taste to expect other people to review your book and then not do the same for other people in the group. People that DNF and/or don’t post reviews will find it difficult to get into a subsequent group.

14. Your goodreads details and the rounds you participate in will be recorded by the admin mod on a database. We do not retain details of email addresses etc.

The founding principle of the group is honest, non-reciprocal reviews, so please help maintain the integrity of the group by letting me know as you sign up if you have been reviewed by, or have reviewed another author in the group. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
I will do my best to fit everyone into the group they request, but occasionally, particularly in the case of our more prolific good standing members, I may have to decline a member request to fit the maximum number of people into a particular round. I will always endeavour to start another round as soon as possible with that member in mind.
It is permissible to review an author more than once if a different book is available.
If you need anything clarified please ask, either by goodreads personal message to me or on the thread below, before signing up. It’s a pain to have to keep rearranging the list because people haven’t read the above.

Your group moderator will be:
L.N. Denison


Member Links
1. Jean Wilde
2. J.B. Trepagnier
3. Phil Sageser
4. K.T. McColl
5. Sarah Stuart
6. Kilby Blades
7. Andrew Cairns
8. Jeff Harris
9. Robin Peacock
10. Brin Murray

Book Links
1. A Gentleman's Bidding
2. Flash-A Death Story
3. Do You Want to See the Videos
4. The Last Fembot
5. Sweet Temptation: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Passion
6. Snapdragon
7. The Witch's List
8. Whiskey Soaked Slumber
9. Life, Interrupted by Death
10 Children Of The Furnace

I want to join this round but just have a question about posting reviews. I have an author profile and everything set up to review on goodreads. The only thing is this is my pen name. My account on Amazon where I'd post the Amazon review is under another name (my actual one). Would that cause confusion? Would I be able to review books listed here just under different names?

I'd like to join with Flash-A Death Story

Jean wrote: "I want to join this round but just have a question about posting reviews. I have an author profile and everything set up to review on goodreads. The only thing is this is my pen name. My account on..."

If it's okay, I'd like to join with A Gentleman's Bidding

I'd love to join for my novel, Snapdragon. I'm complete on my previous review groups and can agree to the terms. Here are my Goodreads author and book Links:

Goodreads Author Profile: http://goodreads.com/kilbyblades
Snapdragon by Kilby Blades: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

I've read Snapdragon by Kilby before, but I believe there might be a sequel, so if the chips fall that way, I can read that one if there are too many conflicts with me

J.B. wrote: "I've read Snapdragon by Kilby before, but I believe there might be a sequel, so if the chips fall that way, I can read that one if there are too many conflicts with me"

Ha! Thanks, JB. I'd be fine with that if we run into overlaps :)

I'm on some shit list somewhere for always having conflicts

I would like to join with "Do You Want to See the Videos" by Phil Sageser

I'd like to join with The Last Fembot. Thanks.

Welcome aboard Jean, J.B., Phil, K.T. and Kilby.

Jean - No worries if your Zon reviewer name is different from your author name - mine is too (if you want them to be the same you can easily change the Zone one, but I'd not bother).

Kilby/J.B - I have separated you for now but may need to reunite you if we get more complex issues as the round fills up.

On which point, if anyone spots a misplacement I have made, please post to tell me.

I've reviewed KT before, but not this book. Sorry for the lateness in reply on that one

I would like to participate in this group and I have read the rules.

This is the book I would like reviewing. It is available on KU, or I can provide a PDF or a Mobi.

Sweet Temptation: The Agony and the Ecstasy of Passion

Welcome aboard Sarah! :)

Thank you, E M

Hi,

I've been looking for an appropriate review round to join and would love to be involved in this round, if you'll have me!

This is the novel I'd like to submit for review:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

I'm happy to provide PDF copies.

Hope to hear back!

Regards,

Jeff

Welcome aboard Jeff! :)

Thank you very much E.M., really been looking forward to getting involved in the discussion/reviews.

Can't wait to begin!

Jeff

Hi everyone,
Hope I can join this round with my book, The Witch's List.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
All the best,
Andrew

I've reviewed The Witch's List in another round

Thanks for saying J.B.
I've added you in Andrew - provided no one else here so far has clashes, you should be good

Do you have room for me? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Do you have any clashes here Robin?

I don't recognise any authors, or books, listed to date, Kari.

E.M. wrote: "Do you have any clashes here Robin?" I think I'm OK here. I don't recall any of the titles! I will check the blurbs.

E.M. wrote: "Do you have any clashes here Robin?" No, they are all new for me.

Hi! I'd be interested in joining this round.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

JB Trepagnier has reviewed this book.
I've reviewed Andrew Cairns Witch's List.

So, not sure if that's gonna work :)

I've completed my reviews from Reading Round#158

Welcome aboard Robin.

Sorry Crystal, I can't squeeze you in here. But you could look to see if you fit in the General Round - that may have a spot left as I'm still waiting to hear back from someone who posted an interest.

No worries :) Thanks E. M.

I would like to join in this round if that's okay. It's not really an 18+ but I'm happy to read 18+. It is quite dark.
Children Of The Furnace
Brin Murray
ps I have finished all my other reading commitments and I have no clashes.

Well, fancy seeing you here Brin! ;) Welcome aboard and this ship is good to sail as far as I can tell. If anyone has reviewed the four books 'above' then (wrapping around the list) please post ASAP.

If no one objects I shall post the setup details tomorrow.

No clashes with authors or books, E. M. I'm ready to go.

Here you go - please do check I've not made any boo-boos!

START DATE: 06-Dec-17

END DATE: 28-Feb-18

Round 1 – post your review by 27-Dec-17
Round 2 – post your review by 17-Jan-18
Round 3 – post your review by 07-Feb-18
Round 4 – post your review by 28-Feb-18

As AUTHORS you send your book file to:

167-01__Jean Wilde
Brin Murray for round 1
Robin Peacock for round 2
Jeff Harris for round 3
Andrew Cairns for round 4

167-02__J.B. Trepagnier
Jean Wilde for round 1
Brin Murray for round 2
Robin Peacock for round 3
Jeff Harris for round 4

167-03__Phil Sageser
J.B. Trepagnier for round 1
Jean Wilde for round 2
Brin Murray for round 3
Robin Peacock for round 4

167-04__K.T. McColl
Phil Sageser for round 1
J.B. Trepagnier for round 2
Jean Wilde for round 3
Brin Murray for round 4

167-05__Sarah Stuart
K.T. McColl for round 1
Phil Sageser for round 2
J.B. Trepagnier for round 3
Jean Wilde for round 4

167-06__ Kilby Blades
Sarah Stuart for round 1
K.T. McColl for round 2
Phil Sageser for round 3
J.B. Trepagnier for round 4

167-07__ Andrew Cairns
Kilby Blades for round 1
Sarah Stuart for round 2
K.T. McColl for round 3
Phil Sageser for round 4

167-08__ Jeff Harris
Andrew Cairns for round 1
Kilby Blades for round 2
Sarah Stuart for round 3
K.T. McColl for round 4

167-09__ Robin Peacock
Jeff Harris for round 1
Andrew Cairns for round 2
Kilby Blades for round 3
Sarah Stuart for round 4

167-10__ Brin Murray
Robin Peacock for round 1
Jeff Harris for round 2
Andrew Cairns for round 3
Kilby Blades for round 4

As REVIEWERS you will receive books for review from:

167-01__Jean Wilde
J.B. Trepagnier for round 1
Phil Sageser for round 2
K.T. McColl for round 3
Sarah Stuart for round 4

167-02__J.B. Trepagnier
Phil Sageser for round 1
K.T. McColl for round 2
Sarah Stuart for round 3
Kilby Blades for round 4

167-03__Phil Sageser
K.T. McColl for round 1
Sarah Stuart for round 2
Kilby Blades for round 3
Andrew Cairns for round 4

167-04__K.T. McColl
Sarah Stuart for round 1
Kilby Blades for round 2
Andrew Cairns for round 3
Jeff Harris for round 4

167-05__Sarah Stuart
Kilby Blades for round 1
Andrew Cairns for round 2
Jeff Harris for round 3
Robin Peacock for round 4

167-06__ Kilby Blades
Andrew Cairns for round 1
Jeff Harris for round 2
Robin Peacock for round 3
Brin Murray for round 4

167-07__ Andrew Cairns
Jeff Harris for round 1
Robin Peacock for round 2
Brin Murray for round 3
Jean Wilde for round 4

167-08__ Jeff Harris
Robin Peacock for round 1
Brin Murray for round 2
Jean Wilde for round 3
J.B. Trepagnier for round 4

167-09__ Robin Peacock
Brin Murray for round 1
Jean Wilde for round 2
J.B. Trepagnier for round 3
Phil Sageser for round 4

167-10__ Brin Murray
Jean Wilde for round 1
J.B. Trepagnier for round 2
Phil Sageser for round 3
K.T. McColl for round 4


Please remember the commitment you are making to your fellow group members. If you pull out after the start date for any reason it is the other members who will be faced with the problem of finding a replacement, or missing out on reads/reviews, through no fault of their own. Please don’t ask the moderators to chase after replacements as we just don’t have the time.

It is the responsibility of the author to get their book to their readers in a format the reviewer can manage. Everyone must be able to provide and accept PDF. You may buy or borrow the books you are due to read if you wish, and I’m sure the author will appreciate the verified review, but IT IS NOT COMPULSORY. There are no set dates for the start of each round. You can each work at your own pace, within the limits of the round deadlines.

All reviews must be posted to GR. We also encourage members to post on amazon .com and .uk. When you have posted your reviews, please post the three links to your reviews, not the book page in this thread.
The mod of each round will record whether members have posted reviews on amazon and for the good of all, members who persistently fail to post reviews or DNF reviews to amazon, will find mods less than willing to add them to subsequent groups.

Postings to other sites are by agreement by both author and reviewer.

If I’ve missed something that results in you being asked to review someone who has already reviewed you, please let me know asap.

To exchange book files, my advice is to use PM to give email addresses to each other (save the chance of spammers getting your addies from this open forum). Happy reviewing, everyone :)

Please consider downloading one of my books and/or one of the round mod’s books as a thank you for all the hard work we put in for the group.

Quick 'start-up' summary for any new here who might be scratching their heads - you should PM the four people who will be reviewing you through their Goodreads author pages. Click on the down arrow beside the 'Follow Author' button under their picture and it opens a menu which will allow you to message them.

Ask what kind of file they would like or say you can only offer PDF, though unless a publisher uploaded it for you, you can always download a .mobi of your own book from Amazon.

Don't forget to ask where to send it so they can give you their email.

The four people who you are reviewing should be in touch with you in a similar way.

You can, of course, choose to buy any or all of the books instead, or read the books on KU, if you are a subscriber and the books are available there.

Phew! I think that is everything and now over to L.N! :)

Hello gang, I only have two rules: Be nice, and enjoy the round. If you have any problems, PM me.

My book is on KU and I've got all formats to send if you don't have it. I've picked up all the books I could on KU

My book is on KU and I've got all formats to send if you don't have it. I've picked up all the books I could on KU

I seem to have found myself in reCAPTCHA hell (or I'm a robot). So if Phil, Jean, and Brin can contact me with preferred formats and an email address, I'd appreciate it. The book is available on KU.

I'm getting the exact same reCAPTCHA error attempting to message anyone I haven't messaged before. It's probably the alien tech in my brain. If the people reviewing me are not getting the same error and you don't have KU, can you contact me with your preferred format and email?

Keep GOING with the CAPTCHA. They get easier and easier. I know. They stopped showing me virtually invisible cars and asked me which pictures showed massive apartment buildings. :-)

My CAPTCHA is not giving me the option to choose photos. It just asks me to check a box confirming I'm not a robot, then thinks I'm a robot. I've tried refreshing, relaunching my browser, different users, and I rebooted when I woke up

It can be a nightmare. Try again with it and see what happens.

If I make friends with you all I could pass on email address in private messages. I'll try.

NO. Sorry. I get verified and then the message won't go. It looks like the site has a fault. I contacted the four people I needed to earlier, but this is useless. Try again tomorrow? Contact Goodreads "help"?

Sarah, Kilby, Andrew, Jeff -- I've picked up your books, so I'm good to go.

Hi,

I'm having issues sending messages too via the captcha problems. I'll keep trying, if not, I'm happy to provide my email address in here for people to contact myself.

Jeff

Jeff wrote: "Hi,

I'm having issues sending messages too via the captcha problems. I'll keep trying, if not, I'm happy to provide my email address in here for people to contact myself.

Jeff"
Not such a good Idea, as you might get spammers. Leave it a day and see what happens. It could be a glitch on the site.

No worries, will give it a go tomorrow

I guess we will have to wait until the problem is fixed. Has anyone reported it?

Guys - I have found a way round this. Ask author a question instead of doing a PM.
Jeff and Robin - did you receive my question (with my email) ?