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 Amazon rules state that authors/publishers are not allowed to specifically supply published books in return for reviews on Amazon. To comply with this 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
Books that contain explicit material. Including but by no means limited to horror and erotica. Books in other genres may be submitted. All authors MUST be comfortable with reading explicit 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 and Amazon. Amazon allows only those people who have spent $50 in the last year to leave reviews in each of their stores. If you are unsure about your Amazon reviewer status, try posting a ‘test’ review before signing up. If you are unable to post reviews on Amazon, please do not sign 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, but it is not necessary to give one.

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 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. Rajeev Singh
2. Allen Lamb
3. George Verongos
4. Jennifer Arntson
5. Camille Marino
6. E.M. Swift-Hook
7. Joel D. Hirst
8. A.R. Kingston
9. Rebecca Winkler
10. Thomas A. Burns Jr.

Book Links
1. The Erotic Muse
2. The Wrylin
3. An Act of Self Defense
4. Scavenger Girl: Season of Atchem
5. #uncensored: inside the animal liberation movement
6. Trust a Few
7. I, Charles, from the Camps: A Novel
8. Toska
9. Sophie Lost and Found
10. Revenge!: A Natalie McMasters Mystery

Hello,
I am a new member. My book will be released on Amazon on 8/8 and is free in KU, I also have ARC's available on Booksprout and files that can be sent individually. My book The Ghostkeeper is recommended 18+. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I'm also a new member and would love to participate in this round. My book is called The Wrylin and is Fantasy-ish with a little 18+ content.

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I have added you both Jennifer and Allen.

Allen - In order to participate in these rounds you need to claim your author page on Goodreads. You can find out how to do so HERE. The process takes a few days but you should have time to complete it before the round fills up. Please post your author page link as soon as you have it.

Jennifer - Normally we have strict rules that a book must be available on Amazon so people can post their reviews there. But as your book will be released within the timescale of the first round of reviews, I am willing to accept it - unless someone in the group raises an objection (which I sincerely doubt anyone will).

Please do both keep checking back to ensure you spot any clashes and now is a good time to check (and confirm) that you can post reviews to Amazon, which is a requirement for participation in these rounds :)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Thank you so much Allen! :)

What is the time limit for the first round of reviews? I have a new book coming out on Amazon on 8/15.

I would be reluctant, Thomas as I can't guarantee the dates. That said, there will definitely be more rounds being set up around that date or very soon after :)

Hi E.M.

Is it ok if I can post my review of a book on amazon.in (India) only? Amazon.com is not allowing me to post.

Rajeev

Hello all

Thank you for having me as part of your group!

My name is Rosa Fedele, Australian author and artist, and I’m thrilled to announce that my new illustrated suspense novel, THE LEGACY OF BEAUREGARDE, is ready for the world. The book was released 10th July and I’d love to offer a digital copy to read and review.

This novel is a decadent and eccentric tableau of theatre and treachery, old secrets and betrayals; exploring friendship, guilt and obsession, and slipping between characters to gradually reveal a century-old mystery. Here’s a taste:


“The Beauregarde women have lived in the shadow of The Seminary for four generations. And there is nothing conventional about Marcela, or her family.

When the decadent and obsessive Gordana acquires the iconic Sydney property and invites a television crew to film the building’s transformation into a magnificent showpiece, strangers suddenly penetrate Marcela’s world, each with a dark secret of their own.

But Marcela conceals a sinister bond which inextricably ties her to the derelict estate, holding the power to not only unravel Gordana’s grand designs, but expose bloodstained treachery, long-buried betrayals and lies.”


I can offer copies in .mobi, PDF or .epub. Love to hear from any interested reviewers/bloggers and if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Kindest,

Rosa Fedele
rosafedeleartist@gmail.com
www.rosafedele.com


Genre: Suspense/Noir - This is a contemporary character-driven story with a fresh voice and will appeal to lovers of mystery, suspense and noir.
Pages: 400
Strong female protagonist
Some sexual content

Hi E.M. and L.N.
This would be my first go at the review group.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

I can provide vouchers for Kindle versions, it is on KU, or I can provide a Mobi or Epub.
Thank you!
George

Welcome aboard George, please do confirm you can post reviews to Amazon.

Rajeev - You are welcome to join the group. We all have this problem nowadays, only being able to post to our local Zon. The upside for it is that authors can get reviews on sites around the world, which maybe will spark interest in their books for a whole new audience. Please post links to your Goodreads author page and the Goodreads page for the book you would like to enter.

Rosa - Please post Goodreads links to both your author page and the book you would like to offer for the round.

Thanks! Yes, I can post to Amazon.

Thanks, E.M.

My Goodreads author profile: Rajeev Singh

My book: The Erotic Muse

I can post reviews on amazon.in. My erotic horror/dark fantasy book has some explicit and rather disturbing imagery, so I'm offering it here in the 18+ group. The kindle version is available for 0.72$ on amazon.com.

I can provide review copies in mobi, epub and pdf formats.

Thanks

Jennifer wrote: "Hello,
I am a new member. My book will be released on Amazon on 8/8 and is free in KU, I also have ARC's available on Booksprout and files that can be sent individually. My book The Ghostkeeper is ..."

E.M. wrote: "I have added you both Jennifer and Allen.

Allen - In order to participate in these rounds you need to claim your author page on Goodreads. You can find out how to do so HERE. The process takes a f..."

I can also provide an ARC Epub or mobi to anyone before the 8/8 release. Just let me know. Thank you.

Good evening!

I'd like to join. I participated in a round at the end of 2017, and have the opportunity to go for another spin.

Here's my book: Scavenger Girl: Season of Atchem
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Here's my author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

SOA is available on KU, or I can provide Epub, or mobi for anyone who needs one.

So far, I have no previous relationships / reviews with any of the listed authors. (1-3)

Hi there - I'm in. My novel is I, charles, from the camps. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

I hope I'm not too late for this review round.

My author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

The memoir I'd like reviewed: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Welcome Rajeev, Jennifer, Joel and Camille.

I've thrown my hat in this ring too and Camille has reviewed me before.

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Rajeev, Jennifer, Joel and Camille.

I've thrown my hat in this ring too and Camille has reviewed me before."

Thanks EM -- I'll delete my comment from another review group thread. Thank you :)

I'd like to join as well if I can.
Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Book (Toska) An Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I have to admit I'm so excited to read "I Charles"! I ready "A long way home" awhile back and am hoping this one lands on my list!

Welcome A.R. - please do confirm you are able to post to Amazon.

And could everyone double check if they have any clashes so far and please post of any have developed as the group has filled up.

Thanks E.M. I can post on Amazon :)

Hello all, I'm new to this group and would love to get in on this round.

Here is my author profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Here is my book link for THE ENGLANDS Book 1: SOPHIE Lost and Found https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Welcome Rebecca - please do confirm you can post reviews to Amazon. Thanks :)

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Rebecca - please do confirm you can post reviews to Amazon. Thanks :)"

Yes, I can post reviews to Amazon.

E.M. wrote: "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’ r..."

Hello E.M., this is my first review round. We have 1 more slot to fill. How will we know the 4 books to review? Are we assigned them by our moderator after the 10th person/book is filled in?

I'm still interested in getting reviews for my new Natalie McMasters story Revenge!, which is going live on Amazon on August 15. I have a pre-publication copy that I'd be glad to send out for review. I'm sure Round 1 won't end until after the 15th, so posting reviews to Amazon will be no problem. Here's the Amazon link if you want to check it out https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Natali... .

As it is now only next week your book is released, I am happy to welcome you aboard, Thomas.

The next phase is very important. Before I can start the review phase, I need everyone to double check they have no negative clashes - that they have not reviewed the four people 'above' them on the list (it wraps around so 1o is 'above' 1) or been reviewed by the four below.

When enough people have posted that they don't have such clashes, I can start the round :)

I have no clashes

#1. I have no clashes.

No clashes

#9 I have no clashes.

No clashes for me.

#3 Clash-free

No clashes for me (#4)

E.M. wrote: "As it is now only next week your book is released, I am happy to welcome you aboard, Thomas.

The next phase is very important. Before I can start the review phase, I need everyone to double check ..."

Apologies for delayed response. I have not reviewed the four authors preceding me on the list.

I think we are good to go so...

START DATE: 09-Aug-18

END DATE: 01-Nov-18

Round 1 – post your review by 30-Aug-18
Round 2 – post your review by 20-Sept-18
Round 3 – post your review by 11-Oct-18
Round 4 – post your review by 01-Nov-18

As AUTHORS you SEND your book file to:

196-01__Rajeev Singh
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 1
Rebecca Winkler for round 2
A.R. Kingston for round 3
Joel D. Hirst for round 4

196-02__Allen Lamb
Rajeev Singh for round 1
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 2
Rebecca Winkler for round 3
A.R. Kingston for round 4

196-03__George Verongos
Allen Lamb for round 1
Rajeev Singh for round 2
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 3
Rebecca Winkler for round 4

196-04__ Jennifer Arntson
George Verongos for round 1
Allen Lamb for round 2
Rajeev Singh for round 3
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 4

196-05__Camille Marino
Jennifer Arntson for round 1
George Verongos for round 2
Allen Lamb for round 3
Rajeev Singh for round 4

196-06__ E.M. Swift-Hook
Camille Marino for round 1
Jennifer Arntson for round 2
George Verongos for round 3
Allen Lamb for round 4

196-07__ Joel D. Hirst
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
Camille Marino for round 2
Jennifer Arntson for round 3
George Verongos for round 4

196-08__ A.R. Kingston
Joel D. Hirst for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
Camille Marino for round 3
Jennifer Arntson for round 4

196-09__ Rebecca Winkler
A.R. Kingston for round 1
Joel D. Hirst for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
Camille Marino for round 4

196-10__ Thomas A. Burns Jr.
Rebecca Winkler for round 1
A.R. Kingston for round 2
Joel D. Hirst for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

As REVIEWERS you will receive books for review from:

196-01__Rajeev Singh
Allen Lamb for round 1
George Verongos for round 2
Jennifer Arntson for round 3
Camille Marino for round 4

196-02__Allen Lamb
George Verongos for round 1
Jennifer Arntson for round 2
Camille Marino for round 3
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 4

196-03__George Verongos
Jennifer Arntson for round 1
Camille Marino for round 2
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 3
Joel D. Hirst for round 4

196-04__ Jennifer Arntson
Camille Marino for round 1
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 2
Joel D. Hirst for round 3
A.R. Kingston for round 4

196-05__Camille Marino
E.M. Swift-Hook for round 1
Joel D. Hirst for round 2
A.R. Kingston for round 3
Rebecca Winkler for round 4

196-06__ E.M. Swift-Hook
Joel D. Hirst for round 1
A.R. Kingston for round 2
Rebecca Winkler for round 3
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 4

196-07__ Joel D. Hirst
A.R. Kingston for round 1
Rebecca Winkler for round 2
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 3
Rajeev Singh for round 4

196-08__ A.R. Kingston
Rebecca Winkler for round 1
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 2
Rajeev Singh for round 3
Allen Lamb for round 4

196-09__ Rebecca Winkler
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 1
Rajeev Singh for round 2
Allen Lamb for round 3
George Verongos for round 4

196-10__ Thomas A. Burns Jr.
Rajeev Singh for round 1
Allen Lamb for round 2
George Verongos for round 3
Jennifer Arntson 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. When you have posted your reviews, please post the links to each of 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.

Please read this especially if you are new to these review rounds.

Quick 'start-up' summary for anyone new 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.

Please make sure you have exchanged ALL FOUR books - or have been assured by your reviewers they will buy your book or read it through KU - as soon as possible. Some people read fast and it can be very frustrating to have to wait a long time to get hold of a book you are committed to review.

Finally, recent changes on Amazon mean that we are now asking you to post your review to your own Amazon store and any others you might have access to as well. Please still attempt to post on .com and .uk, but if you can only post on your local Zon you will not be penalised.

I shall now hand over to the mod for this round, L.N. Denison so please contact her or post on this thread if you have any problems. :)

Hello all...and thanks E.M for setting us up. I only have two rules:

1) If you have to give a critical review, please be constructive, not destructive.

2) If you have any problems I am a message away. Please don't air grievances in this thread.

Go get those books people.

Just to let those I am reading know, I have bought 3 of the 4 and the 4th is on preorder for next week :)

I have purchased all the books on my review list so I can leave a verified review.

All books on my review list have been purchased, including the one pre-order - available next week. Happy reading everyone!!

I have bought all four of my books too.

Got all of my books from Amazon. Thanks to all who are on Kindle Unlimited.

I also have all of mine via Amazilla.
Now be quiet, I'm reading over here. :)

George wrote: "I also have all of mine via Amazilla.
Now be quiet, I'm reading over here. :)"

stomp, stomp, crash, pow, whack!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I have mobi files of all of my books to read, but will be purchasing them from another account over the weekend so i can post verified reviews as well.

E.M. wrote: " Please read this especially if you are new to these review rounds.

Quick 'start-up' summary for anyone new who might be scratching their heads. You should PM the four people who will be reviewing..."

Question. What's the earliest to clam a spot on a board (18+) I thought I had enough time but looks as if you're filled.