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 may 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 extreme and explicit material.

Please note it is always possible that the books you are assigned may contain material you find upsetting or offensive. If you can't commit to this, please do not sign up.

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:
We all want reviews, it’s 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:
Kat Kinney


Member Links
1. J.P. Willson
2. Avalon Dane
3. Matt Gianni
4. Dave Saari
5. Andrew D. Gracey
6. Angela Panayotopulos
7.Felix Long
8. Thomas A. Burns Jr.
9. Nico J. Genes
10. Chris Mullen

Book Links
1. How To Become a Successful (Recovering) Alcoholic
2. The Garden of Forgotten Dreams
3. Lever Templar
4. Dog Leg Left
5. The Dust and the Dark Places: Part One
6. The Wake Up
7. Sophrosyne
8. Stripper!
9. Magnetic Reverie
10. Rowdy: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen

Well, since the general group seems close to full and I do have few conflicts there...I would like to be a part of this so far empty page...How To Become a Successful (Recovering) Alcoholic
J.P. Willson
So I guess I have no clashes here, yet. Thanks E.M.

Hi E.M., I'd like to join this group with my debut LEVER TEMPLAR:

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

It's a dual timeline historical fiction / contemporary thriller, available on KU or as a MOBI, EPUB, or PDF file. There is no sex but could be considered "adult" due to the medieval violence in the past timeline and "political thriller" type violence in the present.
Thanks - Matt Gianni

I'd like to join with THE WAKE UP. Matt has reviewed one of my books, and J.P. has reviewed two. :)

Book profile: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
My profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Welcome J.P., Matt and Angela - please keep me informed of any clashes arising as we fill the group. Thanks :)

I'd like to participate in this group with Stripper! I have reviewed Lever Templar, and J.P. before.

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

I've reviewed Thomas' book. :)

Thomas - have you reviewed both J.P.'s books?

Angela - has Thomas got a book you have not reviewed that you could do so?

E.M. wrote: "Thomas - have you reviewed both J.P.'s books?

Angela - has Thomas got a book you have not reviewed that you could do so?"
Hey E.M.- Thomas has reviewed my first book, but not this one...

I’m interested. Haven’t read any of the books here and my debut women’s fiction novel is on amazon. The book has some adult language so that's why I'm selecting this group but the sexual content is very mild.

(Only thing I absolutely cant read is thriller/horror. I’d be a terrible reviewer for it and I’d probably have nightmares for a month-lol)

My book
https://www.amazon.com//Avalon-Dane-e...

I just read the rules again and saw you have to be open to reading anything, so I guess I’m open to horror if it’s a must!

I’m down for joining a group. This would be my first but don’t let that scare you. I love a good story. My book, Rowdy: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen, is a western adventure appropriate for most ages. I haven’t been in a group before so I don’t anticipate any conflicts. I’ll give y’all my best. 🤠

My book is on Amazon and on KU...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086L63463/...

Happy reading all.

E.M. wrote: "Thomas - have you reviewed both J.P.'s books?

Angela - has Thomas got a book you have not reviewed that you could do so?"

Hi E.M., looks like Thomas has six other books listed on his profile; I'll leave it to him to let me know his preference regarding what book to pick up. Perhaps since I read Stripper!, it might make most sense to read Revenge! since it's the second book in his Natalies McMasters Mysteries series.
Thomas, let me know... :)

Angela wrote: "Hi E.M., looks like Thomas has six other books listed on his..."

Thanks for getting back on this Angela - and you are right, great books they are too, IMO!

J.P. wrote: "
Hey E.M.- Thomas has reviewed my first book, but not this one..."

Thanks J.P.

Welcome Thomas, Avalon and Chris.

Avalon and Chris - In future when signing up for rounds please include the GR link to your book when signing up as there can be multiple editions listed and I need to know which one is the one you want. Thanks!

I've reviewed only one of J.P.'s books. I'll trust him to know which one.

Angela can review Revenge!

Angela wrote: "E.M. wrote: "Thomas - have you reviewed both J.P.'s books?

Angela - has Thomas got a book you have not reviewed that you could do so?"

Hi E.M., looks like Thomas has six other books listed on his..."

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Thomas, Avalon and Chris.

Avalon and Chris - In future when signing up for rounds please include the GR link to your book when signing up as there can be multiple editions listed and I nee..."

Will do. Here's mine https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/sho...

E.M. wrote: "J.P. wrote: "
Hey E.M.- Thomas has reviewed my first book, but not this one..."

Thanks J.P."

:)

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Thomas, Avalon and Chris.

Avalon and Chris - In future when signing up for rounds please include the GR link to your book when signing up as there can be multiple editions listed and I nee..."

DOH! Sorry for that. Just learning the ropes. Here it is...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

Hi E.M. I would like to join with this group if you will have me. I have just posted my reviews on the General round (Group 252).

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

I have only read The Wake Up by Angela but there are no other conflicts at the moment.

Welcome Andrew.

I'd like to join with Dog Leg Left:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

I have a clash with Andrew, having reviewed his "Part One" book in Group 246. I could read his "Part Two" book if he wouldn't object.

Welcome Dave.

Hello again Kat,

May I submit Sophrosyne for consideration in this round?

I have already reviewed Stripper and Angela has already reviewed Sophrosyne.

new to this site but prolific reader, a researcher and writer by profession

please let me join the group :)

please send me Fantasy, Sci Fi, historical - will read nearly anything (except biographies) and will reviw

my novels are Epic Fantasy - well received by wide range of beta readers - book 1 - Sands of the Fire God is listed below

https://www.amazon.com/Sands-Fire-God...

Hi Matthew! The first post of the thread has a more detailed explanation of the rules. In that same post, you can also see the other books/authors who have already joined the round and see if it's something you want to sign up for. The way the reading rounds go is that you'll be placed somewhere in the 1-10 order and will be assigned to review the four books below you. The four people above you will review your book. So it's kind of fun if you're an adventurous reader because you may get to try something neat you don't ordinarily read. In my last round, I got to read a western historical fiction, a book of poetry, a general fiction novel set in the 80's, and a self-help book. But definitely check out the rules and the books already signed up and make sure you'd be willing to read anything you might be assigned--there's no way to know where anyone will fall in the order. Hope that helps! Kat :)

Hi, Kat. I would like to join this round. I finished reading and reviewing all the books in round 252, just waiting for all the Amazon reviews. If that is okay, then I would join with Magnetic Reverie or Reverie Girl as a second option for those that read the Magnetic Reverie.
Andrew and Dave have read Magnetic Reverie. Thank you!

I believe Matthew S just requested to review Matt G's book over in a different goodreads group, so if he does decide to join this round, may need to go in his blind spot.

If everyone can check through and make sure they've caught all their clashes, that will help EM get us sorted.

No clashes on my end as is. :)

I have read The Wake Up by Angela and two of Nico's books but will happily read their others. Dave has read one of mine but I can provide him with the second if required.

I'm all good...

Thomas A. Burns, Jr. has read LEVER TEMPLAR (my only book) and, as Kat mentions above, Matthew Silvester is reading it in a different Goodreads review group. I've read THE WAKE UP by Angela Panayotopulos, but could read another of her choosing. - Thanks, Matt

Welcome Felix and Nico.

Matthew - I am sorry but if you are already committed to reviewing Matt elsewhere I can't include you here as he only has the one book and the one 'blind spot' he has in the round is already occupied. Please check back as new rounds will be set up in the next week or two.

Right - looks like we might have a working model here, but let's be sure before we progress.

I need everyone to check they have not reviewed the four people above them on the list ( the list wraps around so 10 is 'above 1). Please also check that if you have already reviewed any of the four people 'below' you on the list they have more books available that you have not yet reviewed.

You can check if you have reviewed anyone before by going to your reviews, clicking the 'Author' heading to get them in alphabetical author order, and then checking through to see. You can check if someone has reviewed you in the same way through their profile.

Any issues with these, please post to say so. If both these things check out please post to say you are good to go.

When enough have said they are good, we can start the reading phase.

Hi, E.M. I'm good. Thank you!Andrew, should this order stay, please go with Reverie Girl. Wish you all another fine round of reading ☺️

Cool! I am still good to go.

I will provide THE WAKE UP to Avalon + Dave, and THE ART OF WAR to Matt + Andrew. I can review the books listed above by Nico + Chris; I can review Felix’s TO CONQUER HEAVEN and Thomas’ REVENGE!

I’m all good to start reading. No conflicts and all 4 books listed below mine are in KU so I'll access them from there. I've already downloaded Lever Templar and plan to start reading tonight.

My book is also on KU. I'm not sure if anyone prefers a PDF, epub, etc but I'm happy to send if you do. Are we meant to friend each other on goodreads in order to share files? (Just wondering how this part goes because this is my first review group.) Thanks!

Hi Avalon 😊! What people usually do once all have confirmed there are no clashes and the round officially starts is send a PM to each of the people who are supposed to read your book and ask them what format they would prefer and what their email is so you can send the file. I would avoid posting email addresses in the thread as you may start receiving spam. You are only required to provide a pdf, but of course if you have epub and mobi as an option, that's awesome. Some people prefer to get their books from KU or purchase a copy, which is fine, too.

Hi E.M., No clashes for me.

I think all my clashes are sorted. I've reviewed JP's 1st book, but not the one he's listed here. Angela and Felix can review Revenge! instead of Stripper! And Matt ius in mu blind spot/

I can review Andrew's Part 2 book, since I've already done Part 1. I've also reviewed Nico's, but she's not currently on my list of four for this round.

I'm good to go :)

No clashes for me. And thank you for the invite.

Thomas wrote: "I think all my clashes are sorted. I've reviewed JP's 1st book, but not the one he's listed here. Angela and Felix can review Revenge! instead of Stripper! And Matt ius in mu blind spot/"
That will work for me.

Felix, I apologize. I did not notice until just now that you had signed up in two different reading rounds. The moderator of that round has also added you, but unfortunately you can only participate in one at a time. Did you want to stay here or move over to the novella round?

Kat wrote: "Felix, I apologize. I did not notice until just now that you had signed up in two different reading rounds. The moderator of that round has also added you, but unfortunately you can only participat..."

No madame, I apologise to you.

I misread a moderator comment on the main chat of 250. I thought Sophrosyne was not eligible in that round from lack of 'blind spot'.

I have withdrawn Sophrosyne from the other round and would like continue with this round please.

No problem, Felix! Glad everything got sorted and we're happy to have you 😊.

Don't really want to drag this out any longer so let's hope those who didn't report are good to go!

START DATE: 04-May-20

END DATE: 27-July-20

Round 1 – post your review by 25-May-20
Round 2 – post your review by 15 -June-20
Round 3– post your review by 06-July-20
Round 4 – post your review by 27-July-20

As AUTHORS you SEND your book file to:

251-01__J.P. Willson
Chris Mullen for round 1
Nico J. Genes for round 2
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 3
Felix Long for round 4

251-02__Avalon Dane
J.P. Willson for round 1
Chris Mullen for round 2
Nico J. Genes for round 3
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 4

251-03__Matt Gianni
Avalon Dane for round 1
J.P. Willson for round 2
Chris Mullen for round 3
Nico J. Genes for round 4

251-04__ Dave Saari
Matt Gianni for round 1
Avalon Dane for round 2
J.P. Willson for round 3
Chris Mullen for round 4

251-05__ Andrew D. Gracey
Dave Saari for round 1
Matt Gianni for round 2
Avalon Dane for round 3
J.P. Willson for round 4

251-06__ Angela Panayotopulos
Andrew D. Gracey for round 1
Dave Saari for round 2
Matt Gianni for round 3
Avalon Dane for round 4

251-07__ Felix Long
Angela Panayotopulos for round 1
Andrew D. Gracey for round 2
Dave Saari for round 3
Matt Gianni for round 4

251-08__ Thomas A. Burns Jr.
Felix Long for round 1
Angela Panayotopulos for round 2
Andrew D. Gracey for round 3
Dave Saari for round 4

251-09__ Nico J. Genes
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 1
Felix Long for round 2
Angela Panayotopulos for round 3
Andrew D. Gracey for round 4

251-10__ Chris Mullen
Nico J. Genes for round 1
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 2
Felix Long for round 3
Angela Panayotopulos for round 4

As REVIEWERS you will receive books for review from:

251-01__J.P. Willson
Avalon Dane for round 1
Matt Gianni for round 2
Dave Saari for round 3
Andrew D. Gracey for round 4

251-02__Avalon Dane
Matt Gianni for round 1
Dave Saari for round 2
Andrew D. Gracey for round 3
Angela Panayotopulos for round 4

251-03__Matt Gianni
Dave Saari for round 1
Andrew D. Gracey for round 2
Angela Panayotopulos for round 3
Felix Long for round 4

251-04__ Dave Saari
Andrew D. Gracey for round 1
Angela Panayotopulos for round 2
Felix Long for round 3
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 4

251-05__ Andrew D. Gracey
Angela Panayotopulos for round 1
Felix Long for round 2
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 3
Nico J. Genes for round 4

251-06__ Angela Panayotopulos
Felix Long for round 1
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 2
Nico J. Genes for round 3
Chris Mullen for round 4

251-07__ Felix Long
Thomas A. Burns Jr. for round 1
Nico J. Genes for round 2
Chris Mullen for round 3
J.P. Willson for round 4

251-08__ Thomas A. Burns Jr.
Nico J. Genes for round 1
Chris Mullen for round 2
J.P. Willson for round 3
Avalon Dane for round 4

251-09__ Nico J. Genes
Chris Mullen for round 1
J.P. Willson for round 2
Avalon Dane for round 3
Matt Gianni for round 4

251-10__ Chris Mullen
J.P. Willson for round 1
Avalon Dane for round 2
Matt Gianni for round 3
Dave Saari 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).

Setting up and modding these rounds is a labour of love, with a lot of emphasis on the ‘labour’. If you want to show appreciation for all the hard work we admins put in for the group, you could download one of our books as a ‘thank you’.

Happy reviewing, everyone :)

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 are reviewing the four books 'below' you on the list.

You can, of course, choose to buy any or all of the books or read the books on KU, if you are a subscriber and the books are available there. If you can buy it adds weight to your review as it gives the 'Verified Purchase' stamp on Amazon.

However, as not everyone can buy, you should PM the four people who will be reviewing you (the four above you on the original list of names) 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.

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.
Don't forget to post the links to your reviews here so you can be signed off for them.

Please post your review to Goodreads, your own Amazon store and any other Amazon stores you might have access to as well.

You are very fortunate to have as your moderator for the round the wonderful Kat Kinney PM her with any issues ongoing please.