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 a General round
All fiction/ non-fiction accepted. This means you may be required to read anything from a book about tax returns to horror/erotica and everything in between.

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. Please note the Review Group will back any reviewer's right to express their opinion about a book, but personal comments about a fellow author are against both Review Group and Goodreads policy.

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:
Chrys Cymri

Member Links
1. Sandra Rector
2. Balroop Singh
3. James W. George
4. William Hart
5. A. Claire Everward (Kate)
6. Zita Harrison
7. Gill Mather
8. Bobbi Faulkner
9. Eunice Nascimento
10. Gene Kendall

Book Links
1. Charlotte Parker Forty Niner
2. Moments We Love
3. The Prophet's Reward: A Novel of Puritan New England My Father's Kingdom - Book Three
4. Roller Rink Starlight: A Memoir
5. A Tangled Web
6. Owl Manor - Abigail: Book 2 of the Owl Manor Trilogy
7. Class of ’97: An absorbing, page-turning read for all lovers of suspense and mystery
8. Candy, Sweet & Sour
9. See Beneath Your Beautiful
10. Love Is Dead ly

I would like to join this group with my historical romance novel, Charlotte Parker Forty-Niner.

Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Park...

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

I would like to join this group with my book Moments We Love:

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

Welcome Sandra and Balroop - please be sure to keep checking back for any review clashes and report them.

Hi. I would like to join with "The Prophet's Reward." Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...

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

I'd like to join with my book "Love is Dead(ly)" . I've reviewed Balroop Singh twice before.

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

I'm new to this but I'd like to join the group with my nonfiction memoir, Roller Rink Starlight.

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

Hi, I would like to join with my Gothic suspense, Owl Manor - Abigail.

Thanks.

My only conflict so far is Gene has reviewed me before, but a different book in the series.

I would love to join this group with Akrad's Children https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Gene has reviewed my books in the past. If have the sequel available - Rasel's Song available for any who has already read Akrad's Children.)

Also, I've reviewed Zita's Owl Manner (but can review one of her other books is needed.)

(Just noticed there were two groups - so prefer to get into this earlier one is possible.)

Jeanette wrote: "(Just noticed there were two groups - so prefer to get into this earlier one is possible.)"

Are you sure you meant to sign up for those General group and not for 283 Out of this World? Happy to add you here (if I can fit you in) but just checking this is the group you meant to join...

Welcome James, Gene and William. Do remember to keep checking back for any clashes so we can avoid problems at the end. Thanks.

Zita - I need the Goodreads link to your book please and information about any clashes you might have with others in the group so far.

E.M. wrote: "Jeanette wrote: "(Just noticed there were two groups - so prefer to get into this earlier one is possible.)"

Are you sure you meant to sign up for those General group and not for 283 Out of this W..."

Argh - yes, I was wondering why my name wasn't in the other Out of the World Group. Third time lucky. Thanks, E.M.

So far no conflicts, with Balroop, James, William or Gene.

Gill MatherClass of ’97: An absorbing, page-turning read for all lovers of suspense and mystery

I'd like to join this round with Class of ‘97.

Hi. I’d like to join with my novel See Beneath Your Beautiful

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

I’ve read Balroop, but it was a different book.

I’ve also read Gene, but a different book.

Welcome Eunice - please keep on checking back to spot any clashes!

Gill - I am very happy to add you, but I am not sure you have completed your review commitment for Round 282.

Hi, I'd love to add A. Claire Everward to this round with her ebook A Tangled Web. She would have done it herself but we're fixing a password issue (I'm her sister). ...

Kate wrote: "Hi, I'd love to add A. Claire Everward to this round with her ebook A Tangled Web. She would have done it herself but we're fixing a password issue (I'm her sister..."

I am reluctant to sign someone up without their direct input and commitment. I can sign you up to review the books and you can offer your sisters book to be reviewed, but I can't sign up your sister herself without her say so here. We have had issues in the past where people have failed to show after such a request has been accepted.

Hopefully the password issue can be swiftly resolved and then there will be no problem :)

E.M. wrote: "Zita - I need the Goodreads link to your book please and information..."

Link to Owl Manor - Abigail
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

From the list, Balroop has reviewed me before, so I can't review her. None of the others are a conflict.

E.M. wrote: "Kate wrote: "Hi, I'd love to add A. Claire Everward to this round with her ebook A Tangled Web. She would have done it herself but we're fixing a password issue (I..."

Hi E.M if it's possible to put me instead I'd love to. That would definitely be easier and I'll absolutely show up. I love books. I just thought you wouldn't like the idea but that would make it easier and I have no problem making it clear wherever you tell me too that the books are my sister's and not mine.

Welcome Kate - I am going to assume you have checked you meet the basic reuqirements for a reviewer in that you are willing/able to commit to reading 4 books in 12 weeks and you are able to post reviews to your local Amazon. Please keep an eye on this thread so you know when we move to the next phase. :)

I have no conflicts with Eunice or Claire (or Kate, for that matter).

Hi
Am I allowed to try to join more than one group? I've put my name forward for the 'clean' review group, but at this point, I might be eligible for this one instead? Gene Kendall has reviewed me, and I have reviewed Balroop's Moments We Love - but have no other clashes at this point. I'm offering Imagine Violet Blooming

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Kate - I am going to assume you have checked you meet the basic reuqirements for a reviewer in that you are willing/able to commit to reading 4 books in 12 weeks and you are able to post re..."

Yes I do and I'll be happy to read 4 books in 12 weeks. I can review on amazon.com and perhaps (I'm not sure) also on Amazon.de

Mary - you have a place in the 'Clean' round at the moment and we only allow someone to sign up for one round at a time. If you wish to withdraw from that round and sign up here instead, please let me know.

Kate - thanks for the info! Please keep checking back so you will see when we move on to the next phase. I will put full instructions on what you need to do on this thread.

Jeanette already did Owl Manor - Abigail.

Thanks for putting all this together. Can only imagine the headache!

Welcome Zita - thanks for the nudge, I had actually missed your message, so sorry about that. Please keep checking back for any further clashes as we fill.

Balroop reviewed Owl Manor book 1. Don't know if that's a problem...

Gill MatherClass of ’97: An absorbing, page-turning read for all lovers of suspense and mystery

I've finished my reviews in Round 282, therefore I'd like to enter this new general round with Class of 97.

The only possible conflict so far is that Balroop reviewed my book As The Clock Struck Ten in an earlier round.

Hi there,
I would like to participate with my epic fantasy book The Broken Heart of Arelium, you can also find it on amazon here :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z9FLZN2

No conflicts as it's the first time I'm doing this!

Thanks!

Hi, I would like to join this group with:

The Mule Spinners' Daughters: The Runaway from the Altar

I have read the books by Balroop and Gene, and Zita's Owl Manor book 1.
Thank you,
G J Griffiths
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Welcome Gill - please keep an eye on the thread ongoing!

Alex - I am very happy to add you to this group as your book does qualify, but you might like to consider joining one of the 'Out of This World' rounds as they are specialist rounds for fantasy and sci-fi. The specialist rounds tend to populated by fans of the genre so you are more likely to read (and have reviewers) who are fans of fantasy books. If you would like to move to one of those rounds, just sign up there. If you would prefer to remain in this general round, please post to say so. Thanks!

G.J. - Very sorry but I can't fit you in on this round.

Sure, I'll do that and leave my place for GJ :)

I have no conflicts with Gill or G.J.

E.M. wrote: "Welcome Kate - I am going to assume you have checked you meet the basic requirements for a reviewer in that you are willing/able to commit to reading 4 books in 12 weeks and you are able to post re..."

Hi E.M, I'm going to ask a greedy question, lol. I saw you had one last spot available. Is it possible to offer another book by the same author and read 8 books instead of 4? I love to read and would love to support the authors in this round. If the answer is no, that's okay too. Juust thought I'd ask.

Kate wrote: "Hi E.M, I'm going to ask a greedy question, lol. I saw you had one last spot available. Is it possible to offer another book by the same author and read 8 books instead of 4? I love to read and would love to support the authors in this round. If the answer is no, that's okay too. Juust thought I'd ask."

I'm really sorry but our rules are one round at a time. It is to protect against defaulters, but as soon as you have finished reading and posted all your reviews to one round you can sign up for another round if one is open.

I would like to join with my book, The Morning Star: A gripping, emotional and heart-warming story about a mother and child.. Both Gene and Balroop have reviewed it. I don't have any clashes with the remaining authors.

I'd like to join the group with my murder mystery Darkness Hides. (I'm currently finishing round 4 in Group 281.) I don't see any clashes with the other books or authors in this group.

J.C. wrote: "I'd like to join the group with my murder mystery Darkness Hides. (I'm currently finishing round 4 in Group 281.) I don't see any clashes with the other books or authors in this group."

Hi JC! I still need one more review from you over in group 281 before you can sign up in this one. After that review is posted, you can sign up in a new group 😊

Hi everyone, I have not been assigned to any group yet, although I offered a book for consideration in groups 283 and 287, Out of This World. I have a book for the general group called To Love And To Fall that is available on Amazon. I am able to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If chosen for this group I will withdraw my consideration to the other groups. I'm new to this so I have no conflict with anyone. Thanks.

Jessica wrote: "Hi everyone, I have not been assigned to any group yet, although I offered a book for consideration in groups 283 and 287, Out of This World. I have a book for the general group called [book:To Lov..."

Hi Jessica. 😊 We're very happy to have you joining us. Please only sign up for one round at a time.

Kat wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Hi everyone, I have not been assigned to any group yet, although I offered a book for consideration in groups 283 and 287, Out of This World. I have a book for the general group cal..."

No problem, Kat! If my book is not selected in the other group I will check back then. Apologies for any faux pas and inconvenience!

I would like to participate with my book, Candy, Sweet & Sour.
Amazon: Candy, Sweet & SourBobbi Faulkner

This is my first time, and I am excited. Also, I am a teacher on summer break, so I will have time to read and review.

Welcome Bobbi.

Everyone - Now we need to do a final check.

So please post to tell me if you have reviewed any of the four people above you 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 and post to tell me if they have not.

You can check if you have reviewed anyone before by going to your reviews through your profile (the link is under your portrait), and searching their name. You can check if someone has reviewed you in the same way through their profile and searching for your name. Please check all those who are the 4 above and below you.

If you have no review clashes - or if you are scheduled to review someone who you have reviewed before but can see they have another book available just post 'Good to go :)' or words to that effect.

When everyone has posted 'Good to go' we will be :)

If you are new to these rounds do not worry, full instructions will be provided at every stage.

No clashes , I’m good to go.

I am good.

Good to go!

I've reviewed Balroop Singh's book, but she has others listed. I reviewed a different book from James W. George in the past, so no conflicts there.