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 or check back another time.

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 don’t insist members review on Amazon, but we do insist that every participant in the round has the capacity to leave a review on their local Amazon store, so we all start with the same options.

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 and do check back as the group fills to report any clashes. Usually places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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.


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 12 weeks of 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.
You are not expected or required to buy the books you are allocated to review, but as this will give a ‘Verified Purchase’ review on Amazon, it is welcomed when you choose to do so. Many authors have books available via KU and others might provide smashwords coupons. Most authors can provide mobi and/or epub files directly by email. Please note: International Copyright laws apply. You cannot sell, or give away material you have received without the author’s express permission.

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

Please note:
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.

It is not necessary to leave any kind of disclaimer in your review, but ultimately, it is up to individuals. 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.

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

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.

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/...

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. Steve Cantwell
2. Kimberlyn Day
3. Kameron A. Williams
4. Elena Leman
5. Kat Kinney
6. J.P. Willson
7. Henry Reign
8. M.G. Nelson
9. Sam Fury
10. Cecily Wolfe

Book Links
1. Bias Beware: How your mind plays tricks on you
2. Let Down Your Hair: (HEA: Book 1)
3. The Time Before the Moon
4. Happy Ever(ywhere) After
5. Dyrwolf
6. Through the Mind's Eye: A Journey of Self-Discovery
7. When Fire Met Rain
8. The Slaughterhouse Secrets
9. Swim Workouts and Water Rescue Skills: Techniques to Swim Faster, Longer, and Safer
10. Reckless Treasure

Please add me to this reading/review round.
I am able to review on Amazon.
Thanks,

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

THE ENGLANDS Book Two: SOPHIE Coming Home
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Hi E.M.

Can you please add me to the list with my first book, Bias Beware?
I am able to review on Amazon.co.uk.

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

I should point out now that unfortunately I cannot review Rebecca Winkler as she kindly reviewed my other book in a previous round.

Thank you.

Please add me to this round.
I'm able to review on Amazon.

Kimberlyn Day: Kimberlyn Day

Let Down Your Hair: Let Down Your Hair: (HEA: Book 1)

Thank you!

Is it okay to join a couple of rounds? I'd like to join this one too, although I have met Steve and Rebecca in previous rounds.
https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Th...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I would like to join with The Eclipse Dancer which will be published in a few days. Literally a few days.

I don't think I know any of the others. So far.

I would like to join this round with my novel Revenge!, which has been reviewed in previous rounds. I'm trying to hit Amazon's magic number of 20 reviews. Rebecca Winkler and Steve Cantwell have already reviewed Revenge! and I have reviewed Adrienne's book The Inheritance Thief.

Welcome aboard Steve and Kimberlyn.

Rebecca, I assume your post on Round 204 about withdrawing from the round was meant to be here so I have not added you in.

Laura and Thomas - I need a Goodreads link for your books before I can include you.

Thomas - Just so you know there is nothing magic about 20 reviews on the Zon or 50 or 100. The big thing more reviews gives you is more reader credibility. As a reader yourself you will know that if a book has more decent reviews you will give it more credence - and maybe be more likely to 'look inside' or hit 'buy' therefore -than if it has none or very few. Either that or the Zon forgot to send me my unicorn when I hit 50 ;)

Here's the link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

I had heard that 'Zon will promote books with 20+ reviews - meaning that when someone searches for a book in the genre, yours may pop up as one the searcher may also be interested in.

Thomas A. wrote: "I had heard that 'Zon will promote books with 20+ reviews - meaning that when someone searches for a book in the genre, yours ..."

I had always heard this was due to authors paying to have their visibility boosted on the site. I believe (and I could be wrong in my understanding of how this works as I've never personally done it) it's like another form of advertising. For example, when I search for books under genre "werewolf" I get lots of listings for books that have 1 and even 0 reviews, interspersed with books with 50 or 100 's of reviews, but I do not see listed for example the Mercy Thompson books, which are arguably one of the biggest werewolf series out there, or the Shiver series, or Anne Bishop's books. I would assume none of the authors of those series need to boost their visibility.

E.M. wrote: "Welcome aboard Steve and Kimberlyn.

Rebecca, I assume your post on Round 204 about withdrawing from the round was meant to be here so I have not added you in.

Laura and Thomas - I need a Goodread..."

Thanks, I actually did withdraw from Group 204-General because of conflicts. I see I need to withdraw from this group because I have at least three conflicts here: Steve, Adrienne, and Thomas A. I hope my voluntary withdraws help move the groups along. BTW, are you familiar with any Romance Review groups? That is my preference although I've loved the stretch this group gives me. :)

I will set up a Romance Group in the next batch, Rebecca and we can see if it proves popular :)

E.M. wrote: "I will set up a Romance Group in the next batch, Rebecca and we can see if it proves popular :)"

Oh, great. I hope it succeeds. I'll be there for sure. Sometimes I feel my book doesn't fit this 18+ group. I certainly pulled out of Group 204 because of conflicts, but also I felt my book didn't fit with young adult and fantasy authors that were jumping into the group. My book may have offended some and I wouldn't want that at all. Thanks for all you do for us. I appreciate you.

I'd join a romance group. The 18+ groups used to be romance and erotica, but it's kind of turned from that and you end up sending an 18+ erotica book to a non erotica reader

J.B. wrote: "I'd join a romance group. The 18+ groups used to be romance and erotica, but it's kind of turned from that and you end up sending an 18+ erotica book to a non erotica reader"

Yes, and that may not be the best way to get reviewed.

**happy dance**

My books have erotic scenes. It's why I'm in the 18+ group. I'd love a group specifically for romance <3 Woot!

Kimberlyn wrote: "**happy dance**

My books have erotic scenes. It's why I'm in the 18+ group. I'd love a group specifically for romance <3 Woot!"

Awesome

https://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Dancer...

Steve Cantwell seems familiar to me but I am not sure why.

Laura wrote: "Steve Cantwell seems familiar to me but I am not sure why."

That is because I reviewed your excellent book, "The Dog Thief and Other Stories".

That explains it! Thank you!

I just went back through my reviews and realized J.B. reviewed my novel "Carol's Luck" (thanks, JB!)

Man, small world.

Yes, I think I had better withdraw from this round as there are too many conflicts and round 204 looking good for me. Interesting to read the conversation re number of reviews on Amazon. I am trying to build up because it is always good to get some reviews but I find it rather disappointing to get three stars. We are all in the same boat and are probably given books to review which I would not normally read, however I always try to be fair and would never give a three star.

Well, I am withdrawing too. My book isn't really "over 18". I am signing up for a different group. Sorry for the confusion.

Just checking - I can't see anyone who has signed up and still wants to be added to the round. Please nudge me if I've missed you.

I'm still here. At this rate I'll be reviewing my own book!

I'm still here too.

Hang in there guys - we will find more people soon :)

Hey folks!

I'd like to join with The Time Before The Moon

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

I'd like to join this 18+ group with my book; https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

I think the reason the 18+ groups were started some years ago was that a lot of 'Romance' writers were posting their novels in groups where erotica and porn were being reviewed. A lot of romance authors disliked the sex stuff and complained, hence the 18+ Groups were formed. The 18+ designation implies graphic and detailed sex and or violence, often both!
As mentioned in the Group header; 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.

Can I join with Reckless Treasure (romance, family drama, just a big mess and definitely not a happy ending)? Thank you!

Welcome Kameron and Cecily. I can't add you Robin as the book you have linked is not associated with your author account.

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Interrupt...
Can I enter this book?
I have a feeling that my account has got confused! I might have two pages here on Goodreads!

Maybe this link is the one you need?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
18+ due to violence, sexual situations and language.
I should point out that the books are written under the name Jefferson Merrick. That's me!

Please add me to this reading/review round.
I am able to review on Amazon.
Thanks,

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

Swim Workouts and Water Rescue Skills
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

*My book is not 18+ and it is non-fiction. But Im happy to read 18+.

Holy, that thread was certainly interesting...
Having said that, I would like to join this round-if possible. I have reviewed both Steve and Cecily before, Steve this book, and Cecily another book, or two even, If memory serves...
Anyway E.M., let me know...
Through the Mind's Eye: A Journey of Self-Discovery
J.P. Willson
Thank you...

I'd be happy to join this reviewing round if it's still open
Tom Behr
E. Thomas Behr

I just noticed that I've read and reviewed Rebecca's book.

Has my book Revenge! been added to the round? I don't see it in the list.

Robin wrote: "I think the reason the 18+ groups were started some years ago was that a lot of 'Romance' writers were posting their novels in groups where erotica and porn were being reviewed. A lot of romance au..."

I started the 18+ category back when the group only had 'general' rounds. The racier titled were getting universally poor scores because certain individuals objected to the content. So we changed from 'general' to General, Clean and 18+.

Then I did a one off 'special' genre collection of rounds and that took off. Now, mods get to choose what rounds they form.

Hope the little history lesson helps!

Before adding any folk here I have just opened a round for Romance so I don't want to add folk only for them to migrate there right away.

If you have already expressed an interest here and want to join the Romance round, please do so and state here you are doing so too.

I shall then be able to see who we have committed to the 18+.

Thanks.

Hi E.M. Please leave me in 18+ rather than Romance
Thanks
Tom

Happy to add you to the round Tom, but I'm seeing two author pages from you and no link to the book you would like to offer. Please provide a GR link to the book you are submitting for the round.

Here you go, E.M.

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

Welcome Thomas!

Thanks!

Hello, it's my first time doing this. I would like to join this group with my travel/literary/inspirational novel Happy Ever(ywhere) After. It's sort of a new Eat, Pray, Love but with more romance. It contains sex but I wouldn't qualify it as 18+... But then, most of the books submitted don't seem to be truly 18+ either. I am actually open to reading any genre, I'm an avid reader. If the admins feel that my book is a fit, I'd love to embark on this reading marathon. :) I can review on Amazon.

Here's me: Elena Leman
And here's my novel: Happy Ever(ywhere) After

Cheers!

Welcome Sam,J.P.and Elena.

Robin - to be able to add you I need you to post the request from your correct author page for the book you wished reviewed, please.

I'd like to join this round if it's not too late. My title is Paid for the Night Susan A. Buchanan